Margaret Couch, LCSW
Experienced LCSW guiding whole-person change
- Client-centered approach
- CBT and DBT skills
- Flexible online sessions
About Margaret Couch
Margaret Couch is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois who also holds a master's degree in education. She brings over 30 years of experience in the mental health field and views it as a privilege to be invited into people's lives as they work to improve daily functioning and well-being.
Her practice is grounded in meeting each person where they are rather than where they are expected to be. She approaches clients as whole people instead of focusing solely on diagnoses, and she emphasizes an individual’s inherent dignity and right to self-determination. That orientation shapes collaborative work on issues ranging from stress and anxiety to relationship and family challenges.
Margaret aims to support practical, positive change while respecting each client’s goals and pace. She welcomes the opportunity to join clients on their journey toward healthier coping, stronger relationships, and greater resilience.
Her practice is grounded in meeting each person where they are rather than where they are expected to be. She approaches clients as whole people instead of focusing solely on diagnoses, and she emphasizes an individual’s inherent dignity and right to self-determination. That orientation shapes collaborative work on issues ranging from stress and anxiety to relationship and family challenges.
Margaret aims to support practical, positive change while respecting each client’s goals and pace. She welcomes the opportunity to join clients on their journey toward healthier coping, stronger relationships, and greater resilience.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Gottman Method Mindfulness Therapy Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Margaret Couch have?
Margaret Couch has 41 years of experience.
Is Margaret Couch a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the LCSW credential, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details: IL LCSW 149011307.
In which languages does Margaret Couch provide therapy?
Margaret Couch provides therapy in English.
Where is Margaret Couch located?
Margaret Couch is located in Illinois.
How can I work with Margaret Couch as my therapist?
Clients can work with Margaret Couch through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Margaret Couch work with international clients?
Yes, Margaret Couch works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Margaret Couch cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as a client's 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 is quick. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match clients with a therapist. Depending on availability, clients can then schedule their first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Approach-oriented online therapy tailored to needs
Margaret Couch integrates several evidence-informed approaches to guide online work. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening with empathy, honoring each person's goals, and creating a compassionate space that supports self-directed growth. It is especially helpful for those seeking acceptance and a collaborative therapeutic relationship.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is practical and skills-based, often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and patterns that interfere with daily life.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It can benefit clients who struggle with intense emotions, relationship conflicts, or impulsive behaviors.
Finding the right approach is part of the process and is decided collaboratively. Margaret works with clients to assess goals, preferences, and needs, and then tailors techniques or combines methods to best support progress.
Online therapy offers flexible options including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, making it easier to fit care into busy schedules or to connect from different locations. These formats allow licensed professionals to deliver consistent therapeutic support while accommodating each client's lifestyle and access needs.