David Vaccaro, LCSW

David Vaccaro is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Illinois who uses a client-centered approach to help people navigate midlife changes and related stress. He focuses on practical steps and clear conversation to address anxiety, depression, grief, and issues that often come up in midlife. David keeps language simple and meetings straightforward so people can talk about what matters most.

David draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot unhelpful thinking and try different behaviors. He also uses Mindfulness Therapy to teach grounding skills for stress and cravings, and Motivational Interviewing when someone wants support making a change. Sessions tend to focus on concrete goals and small experiments rather than long theory talks.

With ten years of clinical experience, he has worked across a wide range of concerns including addictions, trauma and abuse, relationship difficulties, sleep and eating problems, parenting stress, and career transitions. He also supports people facing caregiver strain, aging issues, and the emotional fallout of divorce or infidelity.

David earned a graduate degree in mental health social work after completing an undergraduate degree in psychology. He calls on that background when shaping treatment plans that fit a person’s daily life. Outside of work he enjoys running, travel, and spending time with his wife and their cat, Molly.

People who reach out can expect straightforward conversation, practical tools, and collaborative planning. He invites anyone dealing with life changes or persistent stress to consider this kind of focused support.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online sessions

David often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) online, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors through small experiments. CBT is useful for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and coping with life changes. He also uses Mindfulness Therapy to teach attention and grounding skills that reduce stress and help manage cravings or overwhelming feelings.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about goals and preferences and try approaches that match those needs. This is a collaborative process and adjustments are made based on what helps most in everyday life.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when life is hectic. Licensed professionals can use video or phone in different ways to focus on skills practice, goal setting, and progress checks without changing the core therapeutic work.