Dorian Ortega , LCPC

Dorian A. Ortega, LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor), is a licensed mental health therapist working in private practice who centers BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ experiences in her work. As a person of color, she approaches therapy as a tool to begin with self-love, guiding people to build compassion for themselves while addressing layered stressors related to identity, relationships, and life transitions.

Her clinical style is client-centered and informed by liberation, feminist, and multicultural psychology, with an emphasis on community wellness and restorative care. She encourages clients to identify and strengthen existing resources, pursue holistic paths to healing, and honor communication with themselves and others to create healthier futures for themselves and their loved ones.

Dorian is also a community advocate who co-founded healing poetry circles to expand access to mental health support. For the past 2 years she has organized free poetry healing circles and related events in Humboldt Park that use art as a culturally relevant, accessible, and inclusive means of expression, education, resistance, and community healing.

In addition to traditional therapeutic work, she integrates poetry, writing, and social media outreach to build intersectional and restorative connections that uplift and liberate marginalized communities. She provides services in English and Spanish and brings 12 years of clinical experience to her practice.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the client leads the pace and goals of treatment. It helps people who want to explore identity, relationships, and self-worth while building on their own strengths and insights.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provides practical tools to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is useful for managing anxiety, depression, stress, and patterns that interfere with daily functioning.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. It is often helpful for intense emotions, relationship challenges, and improving coping in moments of crisis.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process; the licensed professional will work collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. This collaborative exploration allows adjustments over time as progress and priorities evolve.

Online therapy with Dorian Ortega is available through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, fit sessions into busy lives, and access support from a distance while working with a licensed therapist.