Profile image of Lara Alkurdi
Vetted

Lara Alkurdi, LSW, MSW(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Social Worker, LSWMaster of Social Work, MSW
Illinois
Anxiety - Depression- Eating disorders & disordered eating- Existential crisis & challenges- Relationship issues- Stress management-
AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

On the outside, you keep it together. On the inside, you feel like you’re unraveling. You spend your energy managing others’ needs, smoothing over conflict, and trying not to fall apart in the process. But lately, the anxiety is louder. The stress hits harder. Your relationships feel strained, and you’re tired of pretending you’re okay. You want to feel steady again—maybe for the first time in a long time. You may be considered the “strong one” in your family or social circles. You’re high-functioning, but emotionally depleted. Does this sound familiar?

I offer a grounded, supportive space where you can take off the mask. I use a trauma- informed, integrative approach that blends CBT, attachment work, somatic awareness, and mindfulness practices. We’ll work together to unpack old patterns, reduce overwhelm, and help you connect with yourself and others more authentically.

You don’t have to keep holding it all together alone. Let’s create a space where you can breathe, feel, and heal at your own pace. If you’re ready to feel more like yourself again, I offer a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit. Your healing doesn’t have to be dramatic. Just honest, steady, and real.


Message to clients

In our work together, you’ll learn how to create psychological flexibility—the ability to be present with your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, even when they’re uncomfortable, while also taking committed action toward what truly matters to you. If you’ve found yourself stuck in cycles of overthinking, avoiding decisions, or feeling like you’re not “good enough,” I can help you break free from these patterns and make more empowered choices.

When we meet for an initial intake session, we will focus on your current concerns and what is bringing you to therapy. My goal is to get a sense of what you are hoping to work on, what the barriers are to achieving your goals, and then to create a collaborative plan of action so that you can see change. In our follow-up session, I will want to hear more about your background so that I have a comprehensive lens of your life. After that, I have a style that incorporates helping you uncover blocks and gain new insight as well as give you tangible tools to better cope with your life now.


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 4 years

Elevated Life Counseling, Therapist, 2022 - Present

Loyola University of Chicago, MSW, 2022

Licensure

Illinois: 150109282

Languages

English

Specialties

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

Depression - Providing support and promoting healing of hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest and pleasure in life

Eating disorders & disordered eating - Reducing unhealthy eating patterns, beliefs, and behaviors, such as restricting, purging, and binging; healing the emotional pain surrounding disordered eating

Existential crisis & challenges - Supportive exploration of meaning and purpose in one’s life; finding one’s path in the face of existential anxiety, dread, and feelings of meaninglessness

Relationship issues - Understanding one’s wants and needs in relationships; exploring patterns of interaction, addressing concerns, and strengthening satisfaction in relationships and dating

Stress management - Strengthening effective ways of coping with the stress of life and change; managing expectations of self and others




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours


Insurance

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO
  • Cigna

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$150 (50min)

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:

  • Direct billing
Payment options
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • Weekly

Begin Your Therapy Journey

Schedule an appointment that feels right for you

Free Consultation

A short introductory call where you can meet the therapist before beginning. Use the time to ask questions, understand their approach, and feel more confident about your next step.

Soonest Available Consultation Times

This provider has no upcoming appointment times available.