Annette Popernik (She/Her)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
Online in Illinois
(Online Only)
I am a Latina therapist who believes that people need to be seen and heard, not "fixed." We are all human and all of us need support. This is a safe space for you to be validated and welcomed. I serve adults of all ages in the state of Illinois via telehealth. If you find you like my therapeutic style, that's wonderful. We can have recurring sessions. You may come to sessions with lots to talk about and other times you may find it hard to just show up. That's okay. I can create as much or little structure as you would like. I'll shine a flashlight and support you through this.
Client Focus
Session Format: Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Christian, Hispanic / Latino, Jewish, LDS/Mormon, LGBTQ+, Persons with Disabilities, Women clients.
Languages: English, Spanish, Italian
Treatment Approach
- Christian Counseling Blends psychological practices with Christian values and scripture. It provides faith-based support for life challenges and spiritual growth.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) A collaborative, client-centered approach that strengthens motivation for change. It is especially effective for addictions and health behaviors.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
Approach Description: I am passionate about culturally sensitive therapy. If I ever make an inaccurate observation or reflection about your experience, please correct me. We also will practice using self-compassion and we will talk about what that means and how you can apply it in your daily life. If you struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, or phobias, we can use what is called exposure and response prevention therapy. This is where you choose to take brave steps to sit with discomfort by doing things that feel uncomfortable in a safe environment. That way, you can tolerate discomfort better over time. It is always your choice how, if, and when you participate in exposures. I will also support you in identifying and unpacking your self-talk. The way we talk to ourselves can become a negative feedback loop. We can examine that loop and figure out how to challenge negative self-talk and reframe what we call self-defeating thoughts.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $160
- Accepts Insurance
- Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cigna
Education & Credentials
Annette Popernik Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
- Female
- License # 149021281
- Licensed in Illinois
- Practicing Since 2017
Education: I attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and received my Master of Social Work, Mental Health specialization.
Annette Popernik Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of Illinois
- Online Therapy Details: Video sessions or phone sessions
My areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, relationship issues, grief and loss, family dynamics, multicultural concerns, racial injustice, disabilities, and chronic illness and pain. I am fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, and we can speak any of those languages in our sessions. If you're bilingual, we can mix it up. This is your time and space and you get to decide how it goes. I believe in using our strengths to work through challenges so we will identify your unique strengths. I am here to validate your feelings and goals. We can incorporate your identity if you would like whether that be your culture, gender, faith, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or simply your values as a person.