Kaitlin DiSanti

Hi! My name is Kaitlin DiSanti and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselor (CADC) working with clients via telehealth. As a full-time School Social Worker, I love working with children, teens, and young adults who are struggling to find their individual way and learn the importance of asking for help - whether it's experiencing challenges with school, internal/external factors that are impacting your everyday life, or you just need support navigating life and your future, we all need to ask for help and I'd love to help you on your individual journey!

My approach

My goal in providing therapy to my clients is to empower you to become the best version of yourself. My approach to therapy varies based on the individual needs of each client I support, and I encourage you to consider every session to be used as an opportunity to make progress and grow. I most frequently use Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness to work together in noticing how our negative thoughts and feelings often stand in the way of us achieving our goals and our dreams while working to find healthier ways to "calm them down."

My focus

I find that my therapeutic approach is the best fit for children, teens, and young adults who are experiencing challenges with school and other life stressors. Whether it's struggles with anxiety, depression, external/internal factors, life transitions, peer conflicts, school, social pressure, or substance use, my goal is to support you in exploring and navigating these challenges, while also learning healthier ways to deal with them.

My communication style

My hope is to create a "brave space" for my clients to open up by practicing the skill of being vulnerable. I want my clients to know that I will listen compassionately without judgment. My goal is to help my clients become aware of the obstacles that are standing in their way, and find hope in the process towards healing and becoming the best version you were meant to be - There is nothing more empowering than facing your struggles and overcoming the things that once defeated you!

My journey to mental healthcare

Growing up as one of seven siblings, helping others was something I was born to do. Like most of us, life hasn't always gone as planned. I wanted to become what someone once was for me - A lifeline to a floaty when the waves felt too unbearable to overcome. So I started with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Northern Illinois University (2015) and then pursued my Master's in Social Work from Aurora University (2018) where I specialized in School Social Work and Addictions Counseling. There is no shame in being lost and needing to ask for help Being able to advocate for this, along with seeing those "aha" moments and hearing the recognition of them from my clients are the main reasons I love doing the work that I do. Seeing you become the best version of yourself and overcome what once held you back is truly inspiring - YOU are why I do what I do!

My goals for you

Goal setting with clients is not a one-size-fits-all; the goals we set during sessions with be explored using a client-centered approach. Finding healing for yourself is the first step of self-love, and most importantly, is a sign of strength and not weakness. Thriving to be the best version of yourself will be a core foundation of your outlook on life and the relationships you build with others and for yourself. It is important to me that you feel comfortable sharing your life story, your perspectives, your fears, and goals, at the pace you set, with appropriate encouragement and therapeutic challenges when necessary.

My first session with you

It can be a scary and uncomfortable experience doing something new for the very first time. But remember, we grow in the discomfort! During our first session together, the primary goal will focus on your reasoning for seeking therapy and any thoughts or feelings you have in regard to doing so. The first session is to get to know one another by building rapport and finding comfort in the strength it took to begin this journey. I want you to know that I recognize the courage it took to ask for help - My goal is to learn about you and your needs so that I can determine the most appropriate ways in which to provide you with the support you're seeking.