Elise McDonald

Elise McDonald

Virtual sessions — Illinois

Accepts insurance

5/5

(16)

|

LPC

Works with ages 5 to 25+

Authentic

Non-judgmental

Solution-oriented

Biography

With a decade of experience in special education and three years as a licensed professional counselor (LPC), I bring a compassionate and nonjudgmental approach to my practice. My background includes a master's degree in Professional School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health. I have worked with clients of all ages and backgrounds, and I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space for you to explore your challenges and achieve your goals. I am a trauma-informed therapist, and my practice is dedicated to helping you build resilience. I believe in a collaborative, client-centered approach, tailoring each treatment plan to your specific needs. I use a variety of evidence-based therapeutic methods to help you find solutions and build the skills you need to thrive. My goal is to empower you on your journey toward growth and healing.

Specializes in

ADHD

Anger

Anxiety

Autism

Bullying

Coping Skills

Depression

Fears

Life Transitions

OCD

Social Media Addiction

Sleep

Stress

LGBTQIA+

Treatment Method

You can talk to your therapist in your first session about which approach would be the best fit for you.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Attachment-Based Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)

Family Therapy

Play Therapy

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Motivational Interviewing

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Psychodynamic

Psychoanalytic

Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT)

Style

Authentic

Non-judgmental

Solution-oriented

Reviews

Average Rating

5/5 (16)

Total Reviews

16

Parent of an 11 year old

Dec 06, 2025

This is my son’s therapist. She’s really good. He seems to be opening up easily with her. He gets excited when it’s time for therapy.

Parent of an 11 year old

Dec 03, 2025

Very professional and made us feel comfortable

Parent of a 12 year old

Dec 02, 2025

The only challenging part was getting him to his appointment on time. Elise is very patient and works with us.

Parent of a 12 year old

Nov 25, 2025

My son loves Elise. We had to reschedule from our session yesterday because of a basketball game and I was just going to cancel it and he begged me not to cancel it to just try to find another day that we can do it. That says a lot. Thx!

Parent of a 10 year old

Nov 22, 2025

The therapist has been giving helpful exercises, to help my child’s to cope with anxiety and school issues . She’s really been hearing him out.

Parent of a 12 year old

Nov 04, 2025

Nathan said he enjoyed the session today. I think the interactive game helped a lot.

Parent of a 12 year old

Oct 28, 2025

Nathan seemed to enjoy it. I think he likes the extra attention. At 1st he was not loving the idea of therapy but now he asks “will I get the sane person again?” When I said yes he smiled.

Parent of a 6 year old

Oct 23, 2025

Mrs. McDonald is so patient with our daughter and has taught her lifelong lessons at a level she comprehends.

Parent of an 11 year old

Oct 20, 2025

I love how she uses the interests of Nathan.

Parent of a 10 year old

Oct 17, 2025

My daughter said she enjoyed her session and is looking forward to next week

Parent of a 14 year old

Oct 17, 2025

Relationship tips for friendships

Parent of a 10 year old

Oct 11, 2025

Elise really seemed to understand my daughter after just one session. She feels truly heard and is excited to have Elise’s support as she works through her challenges.

Parent of a 10 year old

Sep 11, 2025

Excellent, very productive. Elise is such a breath of fresh air!

Parent of a 7 year old

Sep 06, 2025

He really felt comfortable and enjoyed talking with her

Parent of a 7 year old

Sep 01, 2025

Very productive and age appropriate. Looking forward to seeing the results.

Parent of an 11 year old

Aug 27, 2025

We were both very happy with the session. Very kind and patient with my daughter!

Book session

Select a virtual session

Next available: Dec 29