About me

Welcome! First I would like to commend you on reaching out for help, as I know this can be the most challenging part. It takes a lot of courage to share your story and struggles.

My name is Lauren and I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois. I have over 12 years of experience working in a wide range of settings. I have worked with families, children and teens, residential substance abuse, private practice, adoption preservation and corrections.

My style can be described as client centered, strength based and solution focused. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma focused therapy, mindfulness and solution - focused therapy.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out by message through Better Help. I look forward to working with you soon.


Specialties

  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Addictions
  • Trauma, Abuse
  • Anger management
  • Depression
Also experienced in:
Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Grief , Intimacy-related issues , Sleeping disorders , Parenting issues , Self esteem , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , Coping with life changes , Compassion fatigue , ADHD

Clinical approaches:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Years of Experience: 14

Services offered


  • Messaging

  • Live Chat

  • Phone

  • Video

Licensing

IL LCSW 149.014605


Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Lauren Oestmann. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with Teen Counseling might be different.

Written on Mar 08, 2024 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Lauren is perfect at exploring my past and traumas, she's excellent at guiding our conversations where I would never think of going; discovering stuff about my past and even myself that I never knew or would think of. She's very understanding and caring, she's never gone anywhere I don't want to and always asks if I want to talk about whatever sensitive topic might arise. Lauren is my first ever therapist, and I couldn't be more pleased.

Written on Feb 20, 2024 after therapy with Lauren for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, compassion fatigue, and adhd

I’ve always been able to reach Lauren in between our sessions. She remembers details and I never have to retell a story. Her knowledge from her previous career experiences has allowed her to provide me with comforting insight. I was worried about disliking virtual but with Lauren it feels the same as in person. She pays great attention and remembers all the crazy pieces of my life. She allows time for us to talk about each topic in a session. She’s validated my feelings while also telling me how to work on parts of myself. I feel like I’m in great hands.

Written on Jan 11, 2024 after therapy with Lauren for 8 months on issues concerning addictions, and anger management

Lauren is a fantastic listener and provides good advice that makes me consider my behavior and actions, but I never feel like she shames or judges me. Overall, a great experience.

Written on Jan 04, 2024 after therapy with Lauren for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and anger management

She’s truly amazing. So happy we found her. The best therapist I’ve worked with.

Written on Dec 06, 2023 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, and self esteem

I’ve only had one session, but Lauren listened to everything I said and can’t wait to have more sessions in the future!

Written on Nov 23, 2023 after therapy with Lauren for 2 years and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, bipolar disorder, and adhd

Soooo understanding. You can spell out all your shortcomings and she’ll show you how to still love yourself despite it all. She’s the best.

Written on Nov 07, 2023 after therapy with Lauren for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem

I’ve been to therapy a few different times now and I’ve never felt so comfortable and heard as I have in my sessions with Lauren. She is so sweet and easy to talk to, but will also point out unhealthy behavior and thoughts when she hears them (and after you’ve settled in). I feel like I’ve grown so much since I’ve started therapy with her.

If you’re looking for someone that’s easy to talk to and someone that you can actually talk with and not talk at, then I highly recommend Lauren!

Written on Sep 15, 2023 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, anger management, and career difficulties

Lauren really listens abd is willing to challenge your thought patterns and behaviors.

Written on Apr 18, 2023 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety

Lauren always made me feel validated and I could always tell she was truly listening to what I was saying. I'm so thankful to have gotten to talk with her.

Written on Apr 12, 2023 after therapy with Lauren for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue

Lauren had been so supportive. Listens to my concerns, never passes judgement but gives me great perspective and encouragements. She’s the best. Love her.

Written on Mar 29, 2023 after therapy with Lauren for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and self esteem

Lauren is very good at what she does! She listens and does give good feedback and support. I want to give her a special thanks for being kind and attentive in every one of my sessions. Thank you!!!

Written on Feb 14, 2023 after therapy with Lauren for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue

Lauren has been nothing short of helpful whenever I need her. My life has drastically changed since we’ve started talking and my only regret about it is not talking to her sooner.

Written on Feb 02, 2023 after therapy with Lauren for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, c

Good listener, very kind. Responsive to messages.

Written on Jan 04, 2023 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem

Lauren listens first, offers advice, and follows up. She is great.

Written on Dec 13, 2022 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, anger management, compassion fatigue, and adhd

She’s amazing as well as very patient & helpful. Very thankful for her time.

Written on Nov 03, 2022 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd

Lauren is absolutely amazing. I was unsure about starting therapy as a male but after my first session with Lauren I was so happy I did. She listens, is attentive, provides great feedback, and has provided me with tools to help with my anxiety. She deserves a raise.

Written on Oct 25, 2022 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks

Lauren is so helpful and kind! Love her!!

Written on Sep 20, 2022 after therapy with Lauren for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, and coping with life changes

I have appreciated her thoughtfulness during this process. She listens to my concerns and helps me problem solve . Her therapeutic approach was much needed for me. I highly recommend her!

Written on May 31, 2022 after therapy with Lauren for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties

She is honestly very good at her job. I don’t know what else to say without making it sound disingenuous

Written on May 27, 2022 after therapy with Lauren for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Lauren is great!

Written on May 16, 2022 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and anger management

Lauren really takes the time to understand how you feel, and makes you feel better after each session.

Written on Apr 04, 2022 after therapy with Lauren for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Lauren is a great therapist! Her way of going about therapy really suites my needs and it’s been helping me through difficult times! It’s like texting a diary friend!

Written on Mar 06, 2022 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks

We started a family counseling with Lauren 2 weeks ago. Our main concern is our teen daughter and the relationship amongst each family member. Lauren is very attentive and understands concerns. She is also very reachable with texts and accommodates our needs with flexible schedule.
We are looking forward to getting her professional perspective and continuing to improve our family dynamic.

Written on Feb 10, 2022 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, and self esteem

Lauren so far is great, I’m comfortable with her which takes a lot for me to get that way. She also works around my schedule to make sure I get my session in. I look forward to my progress with her.

Written on Jan 30, 2022 after therapy with Lauren for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, and self esteem

Have been seeing Lauren for around 6 months and she is has been wonderful and truly has been a breath of fresh air.

This was my first time ever seeking counselling and was very hesitant and nervous, but that quickly faded away the more I spoke with Lauren. She is incredible with what she does, is an amazing listener, and her techniques work in a way that naturally lets you bring topics out without feeling uncomfortable. I feel like I could tell her anything.

She is highly skilled in what she does and truly can’t imagine seeing anybody else. Hope to continue counselling with her as she has already been such a huge help. I highly recommend Lauren to anybody out there who needs help.

Written on Jan 26, 2022 after therapy with Lauren for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and compassion fatigue

Lauren has made my experience with therapy a very positive and enjoyable one. That is not something I thought I would ever say about therapy, but here I am saying it. Lauren is an amazing listener and guide during our sessions and even when I don't have the words to express something or answer a question, she still seems to understand what I try to or want to say, which is a testament of her qualification as a therapist. I would be quick to recommend her to someone struggling mentally. She will not disappoint and help you find your way to where you want to be.

Written on Jan 22, 2022 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety

Lauren the REAL MVP!!!

Written on Jan 19, 2022 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, and self esteem

Lauren is exactly what I have been looking for in a therapist - someone who is available, listens to my struggles, asks thoughtful questions, and challenges me to better understand why I am feeling a certain way. I didn't have great luck with the two previous therapists I was assigned when I first signed up for teencounseling.com but Lauren has been excellent thus far.

Written on Oct 28, 2021 after therapy with Lauren for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, and intimacy-related issues

Lauren has been an exceptional support during an incredibly challenging period over the last few weeks. She was curious to understand my circumstances fully, and then supportive by providing thoughtful responses and perspective to help guide my feelings and thoughts. She was also honest, direct and challenged me appropriately and professionally. I absolutely welcome the opportunity to work with her again when the time is right for me to re-engage.

Written on Oct 21, 2021 after therapy with Lauren for 2 months on issues concerning family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd

Lauren is an exception listener, she is attentive, and patient.

She provides a great balance between being in the moment and providing perspective, while also offering materials and practical tools for dealing with your mental health practice.

Working with her is also so uncomplicated. She is there for every meeting, responsive on chat and generally conveys a sense of professionalism alongside her easy going personality that puts you at ease during your sessions.

Lauren is an exceptional help and comes highly recommended- thank you!

Written on Aug 31, 2021 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks

Amazing confidante

Written on Aug 30, 2021 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd

I’ve only had one session and can already tell she is very good in her field. She doesn’t seem like just another counselor.

Written on Aug 20, 2021 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, grief, eating disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd

Lauren is kind, has a human approach and offers support in the least judgemental way I’ve ever experienced. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs someone to talk to without feeling like they’re being overly analyzed. I’m sure she tailors the approach based on client preferences, but she genuinely makes me feel like I’m being seen and heard and not pathologized which can be hard to find in therapy

Work with me!