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Dr. Akamin Nkengaka

LCSW

Dr. Akamin Nkengaka, LCSW

Practical CBT-focused support for stress and trauma

Licensed in Illinois · Accepting new clients
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About Akamin

Dr. Akamin Nkengaka helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and low self-esteem. He introduces simple tools and steady support so someone feeling overwhelmed can take manageable steps forward. His first goal is to make things feel more doable and less chaotic.

He uses a cognitive behavioral approach to spot unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and then tries practical changes that fit daily life. He also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to clarify values and on Attachment-Based Therapy to look at relationship patterns. Sessions are collaborative and focused on what the person wants to change.

Dr. Nkengaka works in a straightforward, conversational style. He listens for strengths and builds on what is already working. He also offers concrete strategies for coping with strong feelings, cravings, or painful memories.

With 15 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, he brings steady clinical experience to each session. He explains ideas in plain language and checks in about what helps and what does not. Progress is paced to the person’s needs and life demands.

People seeking help for complex or overlapping issues - for example chronic illness plus depression, caregiving stress, or attachment concerns - will find a clinician who combines practical skill work with attention to relationships and meaning. Sessions aim to leave someone with clearer next steps and tools they can use between meetings.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Dr. Nkengaka uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT sessions often include simple exercises, homework, and practical coping skills useful for anxiety, depression, and stress. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is also part of his toolkit and focuses on clarifying personal values and learning ways to act toward them even when feelings are difficult. That approach helps when avoidance or unhelpful coping gets in the way of living the life someone wants.

Choosing the right approach is a shared process. He works with each person to see which methods fit their goals and daily life. Together they test strategies, track what works, and adjust the plan as needed so therapy stays relevant and useful.

Online formats offered include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls are close to in-person meetings and work well for in-depth skill practice. Phone sessions can be easier when screen time is limited or bandwidth is low. Live chat and text-based messaging let someone check in between sessions or get shorter, focused support when a brief touchpoint helps. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy routine and to keep momentum between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?

He supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and self-esteem struggles, plus related issues such as caregiving stress, chronic illness, attachment concerns, and body image.

What is his therapeutic style and approach?

He works in a conversational, collaborative way and focuses on practical tools. The work often combines cognitive behavioral methods with acceptance and attachment-informed techniques.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He has 15 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and brings that background to sessions with a focus on practical change.

What are his credentials and where is he based?

He holds an IL LCSW credential and practices with a base in Illinois.

Which languages and international options are available?

Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.

What session formats are used for therapy?

He meets by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.

How does cost and payment work?

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

How do I begin working with this therapist?

Choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Gottman MethodHypnotherapyImago Relationship TherapyJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

15+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English

License and registration

LCSW, Illinois
149028885
NPI (National Provider Identifier)
1083193114

As listed on the therapist's professional profile. You can check a license with the state licensing board and an NPI in the national registry.

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