Ramona Zarate , LCPC

Ramona Zarate is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, and relationship concerns. She often supports those wrestling with grief, low self-esteem, panic attacks, and issues tied to guilt, shame, and self-love. Ramona brings 11 years of clinical experience to sessions and focuses on practical steps people can use right away.

She trained in community counseling and began her career working in community mental health and hospitals. That work involved connecting people to the right resources and coordinating care with medical providers when needed. Her background includes time as a substance use case manager and collaborating with family service agencies to link clients with services.

In sessions Ramona uses a strength-based, client-centered approach. She listens to each person’s story and helps them set realistic goals. She includes mindfulness techniques and motivational interviewing to boost readiness for change and to build day-to-day skills.

Ramona aims to integrate mental health with other aspects of well-being. She helps people clarify life purpose, improve communication, and practice self-forgiveness. Her style is straightforward and supportive, with attention to practical tools for coping.

Many people seeking help with women’s issues find her background relevant, particularly when concerns involve stress, identity, or relationships. She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.

Approaches that guide online sessions

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and responding to each person's experience with empathy and respect. It helps people clarify goals, feel heard, and take steps that fit their own values and rhythm.

Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention skills such as breathing and grounding to reduce reactivity and manage symptoms like anxiety or panic. These practices are used in short exercises and daily routines to help people feel more steady in stressful moments.

Motivational interviewing is a conversational method that helps people find their own reasons for change. It is often helpful when someone feels stuck around habits, addictions, or making difficult life decisions.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods match their needs, goals, and preferences. Adjustments are made over time based on what helps most.

Online therapy offers practical benefits for this practice. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction when visual cues matter. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when a shorter check-in suits a busy day. Live chat and text-based messaging let people send updates, try short exercises between sessions, or check in without scheduling a full call. These options increase flexibility and make it easier to fit therapy into a regular routine.