Ilene Vallance , LMSW

Ilene Vallance, LMSW, brings more than three decades of mental health experience to her practice in Michigan. She is licensed in the state as an LMSW and holds membership in the National Association of Social Workers as well as the Academy of Certified Social Workers, reflecting a longstanding commitment to professional standards and ongoing learning.

Over a 32-year career serving both public and private sectors, Ilene has developed specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), along with solution-focused approaches, positive psychology techniques, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication skills. She works with a diverse group of adults on concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and family issues, grief, parenting challenges, sleep problems, and career or caregiving stress.

Ilene’s therapeutic style is relaxed, nonjudgmental, and validating, aimed at helping clients feel understood and supported as they work toward personal goals. She places emphasis on practical skills and collaborative problem solving, tailoring strategies to each person’s needs and preferences. With flexible scheduling available Monday through Thursday and some Saturday appointments, she encourages prospective clients to review her availability or request accommodations so they can begin the process of change.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Care

Ilene incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors; this approach is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, and stress management. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is another key approach she employs, offering skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness for people facing intense emotions or relationship challenges. Client-Centered Therapy rounds out her toolkit by creating a supportive, empathetic space where clients are encouraged to explore their goals and draw on their own strengths.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Ilene works with each person to determine which techniques best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts strategies over time as progress and challenges arise.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call or phone, and brief check-ins or conversations can be scheduled via live chat or text-based messaging. This range of options makes it easier to fit therapy into busy lives, maintain continuity during life transitions, and access support from home or work with licensed professionals like Ilene.