Christina Steele-Lietz, LMSW, LCSW - Therapist in Illinois

Nonjudgmental listener
Practical coping skills
Focus on values

About Christina

Christina Steele-Lietz is a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on practical, compassionate support. She offers a calm presence and straightforward help for people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity questions. Christina uses a friendly, nonjudgmental style so people can talk about difficult feelings and begin to plan next steps.

She brings 20 years of professional experience and licensure as an LMSW and LCSW. That background gives her a broad view of common struggles like grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, parenting strain, and work-related stress. Christina also works with issues related to adoption and foster care as part of her broader practice.

In sessions she listens first, helps identify facts and patterns, and collaborates on solutions that fit each person’s life. She emphasizes learning ways to respond to what can’t be controlled and building self-comfort during hard times. The result is practical guidance rather than one-size-fits-all advice.

People can expect a respectful setting where thoughts and feelings are welcomed without judgment. Christina aims to help clients clarify who they are and who they want to be while managing everyday challenges. She is licensed in Illinois and draws on two decades of work across varied settings.

If you want someone to talk things through and set manageable goals, Christina offers steady support and straightforward skills to help move forward.

How her approaches fit into online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people name what matters and practice small actions that match their values. It focuses less on eliminating feelings and more on living a meaningful life despite them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thinking and behavior patterns and teaches practical skills to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and change unhelpful habits. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy used to process distressing memories and reduce their hold on day-to-day life; it is commonly used for trauma and related symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Christina will discuss different methods and help clients decide what fits best based on their goals, needs, and preferences. That collaborative process can include mixing elements from approaches when that makes sense.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm the specific session options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into workdays, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It can also help people meet regularly during busy life periods. Ask about the available formats when you schedule to find what will work for you.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Grief Depression Coping with life changes

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCompassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

Adoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesBlended family issues Caregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityDissociationDivorce and separationEating and food-related issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / loneliness Life purpose Multicultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSelf-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

20+ years

Credentials

Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she commonly address?

She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, and a range of life transitions listed in her specialties.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her approach is collaborative and nonjudgmental. She listens, identifies facts, and works with clients to find practical ways to manage feelings and make choices.

What background and experience does she have?

She has 20 years of professional experience and has worked across diverse settings to support people with emotional and life challenges.

Which credentials and region apply to this therapist?

She holds LMSW and LCSW credentials and practices in Illinois.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are sessions priced and billed?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin working with her?

Use the Start Therapy button, fill out a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule based on the therapist's availability.

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