Ilene Vallance , LMSW

Ilene Vallance, LMSW, brings 32 years of experience delivering mental health services across public and private settings. As a Licensed Master Social Worker in Michigan, she combines extensive clinical training with a calm, validating manner to help adults navigate stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, trauma, and other life challenges. She is also a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), reflecting a long-standing commitment to professional standards and ongoing learning.

Her training includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), along with Solution-Focused Therapy, Positive Psychology, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication skills. Those approaches inform a practical, skills-based practice that emphasizes emotion regulation, clearer thinking patterns, and improved communication in relationships. Ilene prefers a relaxed, nonjudgmental, and validating style that encourages collaboration and steady progress toward personal goals.

She enjoys working with a diverse group of adults and draws on decades of experience to tailor care to each person's situation. Ilene offers flexible scheduling Monday through Thursday with some Saturday availability; prospective clients are invited to review available appointments and select times that work best for them. She looks forward to helping clients get started on steps toward improved well-being.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Support

Ilene integrates evidence-informed approaches to help clients build skills and resilience. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress and improve daily functioning. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, making it useful for intense emotions, relationship difficulties, and coping with crisis moments. Client-Centered Therapy centers the client's experience, using empathy and validation to support self-exploration and personal growth, particularly when people need a supportive space to clarify values and goals.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Ilene works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts strategies over time to support progress. The therapist and client make those decisions together rather than following a fixed plan.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur by video call or phone, and additional contact can take place via live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity when life is hectic, and access care from different locations while working with licensed professionals and therapists who tailor support to each person.