Lori Cheek Gilroy , LCSW

Lori Cheek Gilroy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois with 26 years of experience as a counselor and life coach. As an LCSW she is trained to provide clinical therapy and support for a wide range of emotional and relational concerns. Over her career she has worked in diverse settings including a child welfare program, a family counseling clinic, a family birthing center, a crisis intervention agency, and a community mental health clinic.

She helps people facing depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, parenting challenges, career transitions, trauma, and caregiver stress, among other concerns. Her approach is client-centered and holistic, addressing mind, body, and spirit, and she integrates solution-focused and systemic perspectives to develop goals that fit each person s unique circumstances. She also describes her practice as informed by a Christ-centered philosophy, and she aims to communicate with respect, sensitivity, and compassion regardless of a person s background or beliefs.

Lori emphasizes the client s own expertise in their life and positions her role as a guide who supports clients in discovering answers already within them. She works collaboratively to set practical treatment objectives and offers encouragement as clients take steps toward change and healing.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Lori Cheek Gilroy draws on client-centered therapy to create a supportive and respectful environment where the client s perspective guides the work. This approach focuses on active listening, empathy, and collaboration, and it is useful for people navigating life transitions, relationship concerns, or questions about purpose and identity.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical coping skills. CBT is often applied to anxiety, depression, stress, and mood concerns where changing thoughts and behaviors can reduce distress.

Solution-Focused Therapy is another tool she employs to help clients identify strengths and build small, concrete steps toward change. This approach concentrates on goals, resources, and immediate strategies that support progress in areas like parenting, career challenges, and problem-solving.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Lori works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy offers flexibility to connect by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules and to receive care from home or other convenient locations. These options allow licensed professionals to provide consistent support and practical strategies while accommodating varied lifestyles and commitments.