Rev. Sergio Ayala, LCPC, LMHC
Support for change with counseling and pastoral perspective
- Stress and anxiety support
- Addiction and recovery help
- Grief and caregiver strain
About Rev. Sergio Ayala
Rev. Sergio Ayala is a licensed counselor in Iowa and Illinois with 9 years of professional clinical experience supporting individuals through life’s most challenging seasons. He holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, along with a Master of Divinity and four units of Clinical Pastoral Education, a structured, supervised training in providing emotional and spiritual care in clinical settings. He also brings over 15 years of ministerial and pastoral practice, offering an additional layer of perspective for clients who value integrating meaning, purpose, and personal values into therapy.
His work includes helping clients manage stress and anxiety, navigate addiction-related concerns, process trauma and abuse, and cope with grief and loss. He also has experience supporting dementia caregivers who are carrying ongoing stress, complex emotions, and the daily demands of caregiving.
Rev. Ayala approaches therapy with the belief that each person is the expert of their own story, with existing strengths that can be developed and applied toward change. He recognizes that reaching out for support can take courage, especially when someone is seeking a more fulfilling and satisfying life. His role is to offer steady support and empowerment as clients take meaningful steps forward.
His work includes helping clients manage stress and anxiety, navigate addiction-related concerns, process trauma and abuse, and cope with grief and loss. He also has experience supporting dementia caregivers who are carrying ongoing stress, complex emotions, and the daily demands of caregiving.
Rev. Ayala approaches therapy with the belief that each person is the expert of their own story, with existing strengths that can be developed and applied toward change. He recognizes that reaching out for support can take courage, especially when someone is seeking a more fulfilling and satisfying life. His role is to offer steady support and empowerment as clients take meaningful steps forward.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Rev. Sergio Ayala have?
Rev. Sergio Ayala has 10 years of experience.
Is Rev. Sergio Ayala a licensed therapist?
Yes. Rev. Sergio Ayala is licensed as an LCPC and an LMHC. License numbers are IL LCPC 180016866 and IA LMHC 094835.
In which languages does Rev. Sergio Ayala provide therapy?
He provides therapy in English and Spanish.
Where is Rev. Sergio Ayala located?
Rev. Sergio Ayala is located in Illinois.
How can I work with Rev. Sergio Ayala as my therapist?
You can work with Rev. Sergio Ayala through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Rev. Sergio Ayala work with international clients?
Yes, Rev. Sergio Ayala works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Rev. Sergio Ayala cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches That Translate Well to Online Care
Rev. Sergio Ayala draws from approaches that can be especially practical in online therapy. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a supportive space where the client’s perspective leads the work. It can be helpful for people navigating stress, grief, or major life transitions who want to feel understood while clarifying what matters most.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, skills-based approach that explores how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact. It often supports clients who want tools for anxiety, low mood, or coping with cravings and day-to-day pressures by practicing new ways of responding to triggers and stressors.
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) looks at patterns in emotions and connection. It can be useful for relationship strain, communication challenges, and rebuilding closeness by helping clients recognize underlying needs and respond more effectively.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. Rev. Ayala collaborates with clients to choose strategies that fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the pace and focus as therapy unfolds.
Online therapy adds flexibility and access, making it easier to get support in the ways that work best for each person. Sessions may take place through video calls or phone sessions, with live chat or text-based messaging available for ongoing connection between appointments.