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CD Portrait of Christopher "Chris" Dueker

Christopher "Chris" Dueker

Practical, values-focused therapy for real-life change

LCPC Illinois

Experience
18 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English

About Christopher

Christopher "Chris" Dueker centers his work on cognitive behavioral principles, combining practical skill-building with attention to values and relationships. He draws on 18 years of clinical experience as an LCPC in Illinois to help people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with more effective thoughts and actions.

Background and approach

His style emphasizes concrete tools for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors while also addressing trauma, grief, and relationship strains. Chris applies a mix of evidence-informed approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based strategies, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and client-centered methods to tailor care to each person’s situation.

He focuses on improving communication, resolving conflict, and strengthening emotional regulation so clients can move from avoidance toward purposeful choices. He also works with concerns such as bipolar mood challenges, ADHD, intimacy and parenting issues, and a broad range of personality and attachment-related struggles.

Sessions aim to build replacement thoughts, behaviors, and routines that support healthier coping and increased life meaning. Chris practices in Illinois and offers therapy in English, using a collaborative, goal-oriented approach that helps clients take tangible steps toward change.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Care



Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, and problematic habits. It emphasizes practical exercises and homework that help people practice new ways of thinking and acting between sessions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy encourages clients to clarify their personal values and learn acceptance strategies for difficult emotions while committing to actions that align with what matters most. This approach can be useful for coping with stress, addiction-related impulses, and life transitions. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at relational patterns and early attachment experiences to improve emotional connection and communication; it can be especially helpful for relationship challenges and intimacy-related concerns.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with clients to assess goals, preferences, and needs, then adapt techniques from CBT, ACT, or attachment work to create a tailored plan. Clients are invited to give feedback and to adjust the focus as progress unfolds.

Online sessions via video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging increase flexibility for fitting therapy into busy schedules and for accessing help from a familiar place. These formats support regular skill practice, allow timely check-ins, and make it easier to continue therapy during life changes while maintaining the therapist-client collaboration.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist commonly address?
He works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, relationship and family problems, grief, and intimacy-related concerns.
What is the therapeutic approach and style like?
The approach blends cognitive behavioral techniques with ACT, attachment-informed work, DBT skills, and client-centered care to emphasize practical skills, values, and improved communication.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He brings 18 years of clinical experience to his practice, applying that background to help clients develop new coping strategies and communication skills.
Where is the therapist licensed and based?
He is an LCPC licensed in Illinois, listed as IL LCPC 180.005614, and practices within that state.
Which languages are offered and can international clients join?
Sessions are conducted in English, and he is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Clients can work with him via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference and scheduling.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

18+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English