Ana Sikula

Compassionate therapist for life transitions

LCSW Illinois

Experience: 10 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English, Spanish

About Ana

Ana Sikula is an Illinois licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, and a wide range of life transitions.

Background and approach

She draws on a decade of clinical experience to support clients coping with depression, trauma, grief, parenting and career pressures, as well as issues like ADHD, intimacy struggles, and compassion fatigue. Fluent in English and Spanish, she works with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and brings sensitivity to immigration, blended family, and caregiver stress situations.

Her practice emphasizes a compassionate, client-centered stance that balances practical skill-building with emotional exploration. She uses evidence-informed approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside acceptance-based and attachment-focused methods to help people improve communication, manage difficult emotions, and regain a sense of stability.

Ana also integrates concerns related to work and leadership, healthcare settings, and family business dynamics when relevant. Outside of clinical work she is a partner and mother, and she brings interests in holistic wellbeing, lifelong learning, and community engagement into her perspective.

Ana collaborates with each client to tailor a treatment plan that aligns with their goals and day-to-day realities, supporting resilience and meaningful change.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and learning practical strategies to change them; it is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, and stress management. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) combines acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based action to help people live with difficult emotions while moving toward meaningful goals. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationships shape current patterns and helps people develop more supported ways of connecting and communicating in close relationships.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Ana works collaboratively with clients to choose methods that fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors interventions over time, mixing skill-based strategies and deeper emotional work as appropriate so clients can practice what feels most useful for their situation.

Online therapy offers flexible access through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, which can make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules or manage care from different locations within Illinois. These options support continuity of care and allow clients to engage in therapy in a way that matches their communication style and daily life.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Ana address in therapy?

She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting challenges, and career-related stress.

How would you describe the therapeutic style and approach?

Her style is compassionate and client-centered, blending practical skill-building with emotional exploration using approaches such as CBT, ACT, attachment-based work, and emotionally focused techniques.

What experience does she bring to sessions?

Ana has 10 years of clinical experience working with individuals across diverse personal and cultural backgrounds, and she applies that experience to tailor care to each client.

What are her credentials and where is she licensed?

She is an LCSW licensed in Illinois with license number IL LCSW 149014407 and practices from that jurisdiction.

Can I work with her if I speak Spanish?

Yes, she conducts therapy in both English and Spanish but is not accepting international clients at this time.

What session formats are available for online work?

Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

How are costs and payment handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What is the process to begin therapy?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression

Also works with

LGBTTrauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsControl issuesDissociationDivorce and separationEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPostpartum depressionPregnancy and childbirthSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualityTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

10+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English, Spanish