Abani Dhewajoo, LCSW

Abani Dhewajoo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois who helps people manage stress, anxiety, trauma, anger, and self-esteem struggles. She focuses on practical tools and a respectful, compassionate approach that treats each person as an individual. Her style is warm and interactive, aimed at helping people make concrete changes in day-to-day life.

She brings six years of therapy experience and a longer history as a social worker. Abani prefers a strengths-based perspective that avoids stigmatizing labels. Sessions are collaborative and shaped around what the person already does well and where they want to grow.

Abani uses a mix of approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior techniques, attachment-focused ideas, client-centered care, and mindfulness skills. She tailors conversations and plans to match each person’s needs rather than applying one fixed method.

Typical work may include clarifying goals, learning coping skills, identifying unhelpful thinking patterns, and practicing emotion regulation strategies. She also supports people dealing with major life transitions, issues around adoption and foster care, domestic violence effects, communication problems, and multicultural concerns.

Abani emphasizes partnership in therapy. She helps people recognize strengths, reduce self-blame, and build steps toward a more balanced life. Taking the first step can feel hard, and she offers steady, practical support along the way.

How therapy approaches translate to online sessions

Abani uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people spot and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT often involves practical exercises, homework, and skill-building that transfer well to online formats. Attachment-based ideas focus on relationships and patterns that began early in life, helping people understand how those patterns affect current connections and emotional reactions.

She also practices client-centered methods that prioritize listening and responding to what each person needs. Choosing an approach is collaborative - the therapist will work with the client to try methods, check what helps, and adjust the plan based on goals and preferences.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging suit people who prefer written reflection, need flexible scheduling, or want frequent brief check-ins. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life while using the same therapeutic tools and skill practice as in-person work.