I have a Master's degree in clinical psychology and am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. I have worked in the field in one capacity or another since 1988, mostly in the community mental health arena which provided me the opportunity to develop skills in a variety of areas, even though I began my career as an addictions counselor. I am currently part of a private practice group as well as providing clinical supervision to our local problem solving court clients including participants in drug court, mental health court and veterans court.
I believe that in order to help people make positive changes, one must first acknowledge and accept where they are without judgement or shame. I think people need to have their feelings validated and it must be understood that there is a logic and motivation behind every human behavior. A client centered approach is vital to building a trusting relationship to help people move from where they are to where they want to be. I use a variety of approaches along the way as people grow and change. I typically start off with a client centered approach and motivational interviewing. From there, I like to tailor the counseling to best fit the client's goals and what they want to achieve. The strategies I most commonly draw on are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and other skills building approaches. My counseling style is casual and inviting. I want for clients to feel comfortable and safe to discuss whatever they need to and to leave each session feeling like they at least received compassionate care and hopefully a new tool for their tool box of coping skills.
I would be honored to embark on your healing journey with you and look forward to working with you to help you reach your goals!
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Blended family issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Drug and alcohol addiction, Eating and food-related issues, Family of origin issues, Family problems, First responder issues, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Infidelity, Midlife crisis, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy
IL LCPC 180.003506
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Patti Hampsten. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Patti is an excellent therapist. She really listens and has always given wise counsel. Patti is very flexible and generous with her time and has always made herself available during emergencies.
Written on Nov 01, 2023 after therapy with Patti for 3 years and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Patti. She is exceptional. She listens attentively, gives fantastic advice, brings forth new ideas and ways of thinking, and I can tell she genuinely cares and wants to help. She also gives wonderful resources and worksheets when needed. She is truly a ray of sunshine!
Written on Jun 09, 2021 after therapy with Patti for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, and adhd
Patti is thoughtful, caring, and knowledgable. She gives me timely feedback and makes me feel like she has time for me. Knowing she reads my written thought in my journal entries is immeasurably uplifting especially during this time of isolation.
Written on Feb 25, 2021 after therapy with Patti for 2 weeks
Pattie is an outstanding counselor. She always responds in a timely manner, and also provides valuable worksheets and exercises that deal with the specific issues I myself am dealing with. Furthermore, Patti is compassionate and I have never felt as thigh she had judged me in a negative way which has allowed me to be open and honest without the fear of being judged. There is no doubt that I would highly recommend Patti as a counselor for anybody dealing with substance abuse issues, or any other type of issues that require some type of unbiased opinion.
Written on Nov 10, 2020 after therapy with Patti for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, and career difficulties
Patti is warm and engaging, a friendly and comforting presence when I had extreme panic and anxiety. Her expertise in this area helped me quickly stop the panic cycle and find healthy ways to de-stress. She listens actively and genuinely cares. I would highly recommend Patti Hampsten.
Written on Sep 09, 2020 after therapy with Patti for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, and self esteem
Phenomenally helpful and caring
Written on Aug 06, 2020 after therapy with Patti for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, and parenting issues