April Balzhiser , LCPC

April Balzhiser is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with 18 years of experience supporting individuals, children, couples and families. She also holds a certification as a domestic violence professional, reflecting specialized training in working with survivors and those affected by intimate partner harm.

Her background spans social services and mental health settings, including extensive work with domestic violence, sexual assault, child welfare and foster care, alternative schooling, trauma and abuse, and family concerns. April has helped people from a variety of backgrounds navigate challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, intimacy and relationship difficulties, and life transitions.

In session she emphasizes meeting clients where they are and building a therapeutic relationship that allows growth to follow. April blends client-centered principles with evidence-informed techniques to tailor care to each person’s needs and goals. She creates a welcoming space that encourages honest discussion and collaborative problem solving, and she approaches each case with a focus on practical coping skills and long-term resilience.

April is based in Illinois and is accepting new clients who are seeking supportive, experienced therapeutic care.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

April integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to address a wide range of concerns. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathy and partnership, helping clients explore their values and goals while feeling heard and respected. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and developing practical strategies to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. DBT teaches skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be especially useful for relationship challenges, intense emotions, and trauma-related coping.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. April works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods align best with their needs, preferences, and goals, adjusting the plan over time as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with April is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. Remote sessions make it easier to access consistent support from home, coordinate care around work and family obligations, and maintain continuity during life transitions while working with licensed professionals.