Growth begins when you feel safe enough to be yourself
A little about me…
I’m Alyssa Pearlstein, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois and Wyoming. I know that reaching out for support can take courage, and I’m glad you’re here.
I specialize in working with individuals navigating depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, life transitions, and the challenges that come with growing and finding your way through different stages of life. Whatever brings you to therapy, you deserve a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported.
My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques. I believe therapy isn’t about being “fixed” or becoming someone you’re not. It’s about understanding yourself more deeply, making sense of what you’re carrying, and building the tools and confidence to navigate life’s challenges.
My goal is to help you move toward a life that feels more meaningful and aligned with who you are, at a pace that feels right for you. We’ll work together to explore what’s getting in the way, recognize your strengths, and find strategies that work for you.
And if you’re not quite sure where to begin, that’s okay, too. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. I’d love the opportunity to connect, learn more about what you’re looking for, and explore whether working together feels like the right fit.
You don’t have to navigate everything on your own. I’m glad you’re here.
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Private one-on-one space to talk openly about what’s on your mind, without judgement. Together we will explore the thoughts, feelings and patterns that may be challenging you, and build practical tools to help you cope, heal, and grow.
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Trauma can shape how you feel, think and relate to others long after the event itself has passed. In trauma therapy, we move at a pace that feels manageable for you.
Healing doesn’t mean forgetting. It means reclaiming a sense of steadiness, trust, and choice.
Why I do this work…
I started Guided Growth to create an easily accessible, calm place to get support. I wanted to create a space where people feel truly heard, understood, and support as they navigate life’s challenges. Throughout my work as a therapist, I’ve seen how much people can carry on their own while trying to manage anxiety, relationships, and life transitions.
I believe therapy should be a place where you can show up exactly as you are without fear of judgement or the expectation that you have all the answers. My goal is to provided a supportive and collaborative environment where clients can better understand themselves. Together we can work through difficult experiences and develop the tools you need to move forward with great confidence and self compassion.
I started this practice to offer a more personal approach to therapy- one that combines genuine connection with evidence-based strategies. I want my clients to feel empowered not only to navigate the challenges they’re facing today, but also build a stronger relationship with themselves for the future.
Get In Touch!
Currently I am a fully virtual practice and only accept UHC and BCBS PPO.
I do offer sliding scale on a limited basis
I would love the opportunity to learn more about what you are looking for! Please feel free to reach out and tell me more about yourself.