Ann Matus, LCPC

Ann Matus is an Illinois licensed counselor who helps people facing addictions, career strain, and major life changes. She focuses on practical steps that make daily life feel more manageable. Her approach aims to meet people where they are and build plans that fit their real circumstances.

She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions interact. She also draws on Client-Centered Therapy to keep conversations grounded in what matters to each person. Together these approaches guide short-term problem solving and clearer decision making.

Ann has three years of professional experience working with concerns such as drug and alcohol addiction, process addictions like gambling or excessive exercise, and smoking or vaping cessation. She also helps with mood challenges, money and financial stress, eating and food-related issues, and questions about life purpose.

In sessions she listens without judgment and tailors plans to fit each person's goals. That can mean setting concrete behavior steps, practicing coping skills, or working on clearer communication and control around triggers.

Her practice accommodates different session formats, so people can choose video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Ann supports people in taking steady steps toward change while adjusting the plan as progress is made.

Practical approaches for online recovery and change

Ann uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thought patterns and change behaviors that keep problems going. CBT is often used for mood concerns, addiction-related behaviors, and coping with life changes. Client-Centered Therapy provides a supportive, nonjudgmental space where the person's goals guide the work and the therapist follows the client's lead.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss what is and isn't helping, try small strategies, and adjust the plan based on what fits the client's needs, goals, and preferences. This collaboration helps shape sessions that feel useful and realistic.

Online therapy offers several practical benefits. Video calls let people meet face-to-face when schedules or travel are difficult. Phone sessions can be a simpler option when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat or text-based messaging can make brief check-ins, skill practice, or flexible scheduling easier. These formats give options for working across addictions, mood concerns, and life changes while keeping therapy convenient and adaptable.