Rev. Sergio Ayala, LCPC, LMHC

Rev. Sergio Ayala is a licensed counselor with ten years of clinical experience and a background in ministry. He holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Divinity, plus four units of Clinical Pastoral Education. He practises in Illinois and is available to work in English and Spanish.

He helps people facing stress and anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and depression. He also supports those dealing with career pressures, intimacy-related issues, anger, and the upheaval that comes with major life changes. He frames clients as the experts on their own lives and looks for strengths to build from.

His style is straightforward and respectful. Sessions are meant to feel like a guided conversation where practical steps are explored. He aims to empower clients to make changes that fit their values and daily life.

Rev. Ayala draws on several therapeutic approaches to match each person’s needs. He may use Client-Centered listening to follow what matters most to the client. He can introduce Cognitive Behavioral techniques to identify and adjust unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. He also works with emotionally focused and existential ideas when meaning and connection are central concerns.

He has experience supporting caregivers, people coping with chronic illness or dementia-related stress, and those managing grief after loss. He also addresses relationship and communication challenges, abandonment and attachment concerns, and the effects of domestic violence or separation.

To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to availability. The practice accepts international clients and offers services in both English and Spanish.

Therapeutic approaches and online care that fit your life

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following what matters most to the person. The therapist offers empathy and reflection so clients can identify their own goals and strengths, which can help with stress, grief, and relationship concerns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It uses practical exercises and small behavior changes to reduce anxiety, low mood, or unhelpful patterns that keep problems going.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) aims to clarify emotions and improve how people connect and communicate. It can help when relationship strain, attachment wounds, or patterns of disconnection are central issues.

Finding the right approach is usually a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. Together they can try methods and adjust the plan as needed to suit the person's situation.

Confirm the available session formats before booking, as the biography does not list specific options. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when a full-length session is not possible. It also makes it simpler for people living outside Illinois or in other countries to connect with a licensed professional who speaks English or Spanish.