Diana Samano, LCSW — Child & Family Therapist in Illinois

Biography

I enjoy working with children and adolescents, and creating a welcoming space where they can feel comfortable being themselves. I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, so I use an individualized, integrative style that meets each person where they are. By focusing on strengths, collaboration, and evidence-based practices, I aim to support emotional development, resilience and meaningful progress.

Specializes in

ADHD

Anger

Anxiety

Bullying

Coping Skills

Fears

Life Transitions

LGBTQIA+

Depression

Grief & Loss

PTSD

Self-Esteem

School & Social Issues

Stress

Trauma & Life Events

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)

Art Therapy

Attachment-Based Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)

Motivational Interviewing

Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

Psychoanalytic

Play Therapy

Style

Authentic

Empowering

Supportive

Education

MSW, Social Work

Dominican University · 2015

Frequently asked questions

How long does therapy typically take?

The length of therapy varies for each individual and depends on goals, needs, and progress. Some clients attend therapy for a few months, while others choose longer-term support. Sessions are typically 30 to 60 minutes and may be scheduled weekly, biweekly, or monthly based on your needs.

What does our first session look like?

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and discuss concerns, goals and areas you would like to address in therapy. Creating a safe, supportive and judgement-free space is my priority. For clients under the age of 18, I ask a parent or guardian to attend the initial session. If family involvement is recommended in future sessions, we will discuss options together while respecting the child's comfort level and therapeutic needs.

Do you give homework or practice between sessions?

Sometimes I may suggest exercises, coping skills, or reflection activities between sessions to support your growth. However, I believe therapy should fit into your life, not add unnecessary stress. Any between-session practice is collaborative, personalized, and designed to feel manageable rather than overwhelming.

How will I know if therapy is working?

You may notice therapy is working when you begin responding to challenges differently, feeling more confident in your decisions, communicating more effectively, or experiencing less distress in situations that felt overwhelming. Progress can be gradual, and together we will check in on your goals throughout the process to make sure therapy remains helpful and aligned with your needs.