Sometimes the experiences we carry from our past can affect how we think, feel, communicate, and connect with others. You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges. Whatever brings you to therapy, I believe you deserve a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported without fear of judgment.
As a therapist intern, I strive to create a welcoming and collaborative environment where you can openly explore your experiences, better understand yourself, and develop the confidence and skills needed to move forward. I work with teens, adults, and families, recognizing that each person's experiences, strengths, and goals are unique.
My approach incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and strengths-based interventions to help clients recognize patterns, strengthen coping and communication skills, and work toward meaningful change. You do not need to have everything figured out before beginning therapy. Together, we can start wherever you are and work toward where you would like to be.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Group, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Hispanic / Latino clients.
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- 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.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
Approach Description: I believe therapy should be a collaborative and individualized process that recognizes each person's unique experiences, strengths, and goals. My primary therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on understanding the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through CBT, I help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns, explore how these patterns influence their emotional well-being, and develop practical coping strategies to navigate life's challenges.
I also incorporate strengths-based interventions that encourage clients to recognize their existing abilities, build confidence, and develop healthier ways of responding to difficult situations.
As part of my continued clinical training, I am expanding my knowledge of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Narrative Therapy. ACT emphasizes psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and taking meaningful actions that align with personal values. Narrative Therapy focuses on exploring the stories individuals develop about themselves and their experiences while recognizing that their challenges do not define who they are.
My goal is to create a supportive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their experiences at their own pace. Together, we can identify meaningful treatment goals, strengthen emotional regulation and communication skills, and work toward positive changes that support their overall well-being.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee 30
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- I believe that financial circumstances should not prevent individuals from accessing meaningful mental health support. To help make therapy more accessible, I offer affordable sessions with sliding-scale fees based on individual financial circumstances and needs. My standard session fee is $30, with reduced rates available as low as $15 per session for those who qualify. Sliding-scale eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration financial hardship and other personal circumstances. I encourage prospective clients to reach out to discuss available options so we can explore a fee that is manageable for their situation.
- Accepts Insurance
- Aetna PPO; BlueCross and BlueShield PPO; Humana PPO; Cigna PPO; United Healthcare PPO
Education & Credentials
Kathleen Lopez
- Female
- License # 166.001824
- Licensed in Illinois
- Practicing Since 2026
Education: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix in 2020 and am currently pursuing my Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Capella University. I am completing supervised clinical training at Ember Psychotherapy, focusing on CBT, trauma-informed care, individualized therapy
Kathleen Lopez Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin
- Online Therapy Details: I offer virtual therapy sessions through SimplePractice, a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. Sessions are conducted through private video appointments, allowing clients to receive support from the comfort of their home or another private location. A secure video link will be provided before each scheduled appointment.
At Ember Psychotherapy, I provide virtual counseling services for teens, adults, and families experiencing a variety of emotional, behavioral, and relationship concerns. My clinical interests include trauma and PTSD, childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, emotional regulation, life transitions, and OCD-related symptoms.
I recognize that seeking therapy can feel intimidating, especially when discussing personal experiences or challenges that may be difficult to put into words. My goal is to provide a supportive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves and exploring their concerns at their own pace.
**My Therapeutic Approach**
I believe therapy should be collaborative, individualized, and centered on each client's unique experiences and goals. My primary approach incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps clients explore the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through this process, we can identify patterns that may contribute to emotional distress and develop practical strategies to support healthier responses to life's challenges.
I also incorporate strengths-based interventions that encourage clients to recognize their existing abilities, resilience, and personal resources. As part of my continued clinical training, I am expanding my knowledge of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Narrative Therapy to further support individualized treatment.
**What You Can Expect**
During our sessions, we will work together to better understand your concerns, identify meaningful goals, and explore strategies that support your emotional well-being. Whether you are navigating difficult relationships, processing past experiences, managing anxiety or depression, or adjusting to significant life changes, our work will focus on your individual needs.
As a graduate-level therapist intern, I provide services under clinical supervision and remain committed to continued professional growth and ethical client care.
**Online Therapy**
Sessions are offered virtually through SimplePractice, allowing clients to access counseling from a private and comfortable location. I offer evening and weekend availability to help accommodate individuals balancing work, school, family, and other responsibilities.
I believe meaningful change begins with feeling understood and supported. My hope is to create a therapeutic relationship where you feel empowered to explore your experiences, recognize your strengths, and take steps toward the life and relationships you want.