- CBT methods
- DBT skills
- Attachment focus
About Elliott
Elliott Lugo is an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 17 years of experience. He has worked in multiple settings with adults and teens on concerns such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse, parenting strain, relationship problems, and finding purpose in life. He also notes a focus on blended family issues and attachment concerns among other areas.
He usually starts by talking about what matters most to the person sitting across from him. Elliott asks about how clients see themselves and others, and what might happen if they try different choices. That helps identify barriers that block change and points to small steps that can make daily life more manageable.
Elliott draws on several approaches in session, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Attachment-Based work, client-centered methods, and mindfulness practices. He breaks larger problems into clearer, more manageable parts and uses straightforward language. Sessions typically run 45 to 50 minutes, and he can shorten them if needed.
He describes himself as sex-positive and notes experience helping people heal from trauma and address substance use. Elliott tries to respond to messages late afternoons, evenings, or by the next morning, and he is not working on Fridays and Saturdays. If a message arrives then, he will usually reply by Sunday morning.
People who are looking to sort out co-parenting tensions, merge routines, or navigate loyalty conflicts in a blended household may find his practical, step-focused style helpful. He is direct and practical in session, and will suggest concrete skills and small actions to try between meetings.
How therapeutic approaches are used in online sessions
Attachment-Based Therapy looks at patterns in close relationships and helps people understand how early bonds affect current connections. It can be useful for addressing attachment issues and loyalty conflicts that often show up in blended households.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on noticing unhelpful thoughts and testing them with practical experiments. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and for building clearer routines during life transitions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches concrete skills for managing intense emotions, improving distress tolerance, and better regulating reactions to stress. These tools can help when emotions around family conflict feel overwhelming.
Figuring out which approach fits best is part of the work. Elliott will talk with each person about goals, daily challenges, and what feels useful. Together they try an approach, check how it is working, and adjust based on what helps most.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current online session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - shorter sessions, evening check-ins, or avoiding travel can all help someone keep therapy consistent. Licensed professionals often use video or phone for different needs, and Elliott notes session length is typically 45 to 50 minutes but can be shortened if preferred.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
17+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, substance use, ADHD, relationship and family problems, grief, parenting strain, and related concerns listed in his profile.
How would he describe his therapy style?
He uses straightforward, talk-based work that breaks problems into manageable parts and focuses on practical skills from CBT, DBT, attachment work, and mindfulness.
How much experience does he have?
He has 17 years of clinical experience working in a range of settings with teens and adults.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) licensed in Illinois and practices from that state.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions scheduled and paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time; specific fees depend on the chosen plan.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session through the site process.
Online talk therapy is for adults and is not emergency care, mediation or legal advice. If you or a child are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.