Monika Breidenbach - NCC, LCPC, NPT-C

Hi, I'm Monika.

I'm Monika Breidenbach, LCPC, NCC, NPT-C, CIMHP. My work brings together evidence-based psychotherapy, neuroscience, and an understanding of how our everyday lives affect mental well-being.

My approach is warm and practical, but not passive. We'll look at what's keeping you stuck, build insight, and work on meaningful changes beyond the therapy room. There is room for honesty, curiosity—and a little humor.

I earned my master's degree in counseling from National Louis University and have worked in crisis intervention, hospital outpatient settings, and private practice. Throughout my career, I have worked with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, chronic stress, burnout, low self-esteem, OCD, complex trauma (C-PTSD), life transitions, relationship challenges, and cultural adjustment.

As a therapist, I am especially interested in the connection between the brain, emotions, behaviors, and everyday experiences. My approach is integrative and individualized rather than one-size-fits-all. I draw from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), neuropsychotherapy, mindfulness, somatic approach and other therapeutic methods based on each person’s needs and goals.

I also believe mental health is influenced by more than our thoughts. Sleep, nutrition, stress, relationships, routines, movement, and daily habits can all affect how we feel and function. As a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, I help clients better understand these connections and explore realistic changes that support their overall well-being.

My style is practical, compassionate, and collaborative. I provide support while also being direct when it can help you move forward. Many people come to therapy already understanding why they feel the way they do but are unsure what to do next. Others have tried traditional talk therapy and are looking for practical tools, a different perspective, or a deeper understanding of the patterns that keep repeating.

I believe therapy should be more than simply talking about problems. It should help you understand yourself, develop useful skills, challenge patterns that are no longer serving you, and gradually create meaningful change. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can be honest, curious, and comfortable being yourself.

Ultimately, I want you to leave therapy with more than insight. I want you to have practical tools you can use outside the therapy room, greater confidence in your ability to handle difficult moments, and a clearer understanding of yourself and what matters to you.

I provide therapy in both English and Polish and welcome clients from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. I understand that culture, family expectations, identity, and major life transitions can shape how we see ourselves and the challenges we face.

Outside of my work, I value the same balance I encourage my clients to create. I enjoy spending time with my family and animals, watching movies—especially those based on true stories—and appreciating the small routines that help me slow down and recharge. I believe that healing often grows through connection, compassion, self-discovery, and humor.

Life can be difficult, and you do not have to navigate every challenge alone. If you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or simply ready for something to change, therapy can be a place to better understand what is happening and begin moving toward the life you want with greater clarity, strength, and confidence.

I look forward to supporting you on that journey.