- Stress and anxiety
- Family of origin issues
- English and Cantonese
About Phyllis
Dr. Phyllis Tolley is an Illinois psychologist with 20 years of experience working with stress, anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, depression, and life changes. She sees adults who are dealing with motivation, confidence, coping with loss, and issues that come from the family they grew up in. Sessions are conducted in English and Cantonese and she accepts international clients.
Dr. Tolley focuses on practical conversation and problem solving. She listens to a person’s account, helps identify patterns that continue from earlier life, and suggests ways to try different choices. The aim is to reduce symptoms such as sleeplessness, low mood, and chronic worry while strengthening everyday coping skills.
Her background includes long-term clinical experience supporting people facing addiction concerns, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and cancer-related challenges. She also works with attachment and commitment issues, communication problems, and the fallout from divorce or separation. Family of origin issues and forgiveness are listed among her areas of focus.
Sessions often address how past family roles affect current relationships and work life. Conversations may include setting boundaries, improving communication, and rebuilding confidence after major changes. Practical steps and check-ins are commonly used to track progress between visits.
Dr. Tolley’s practice uses a matching and subscription process for scheduling. Prospective clients complete a short questionnaire and then schedule a first session. Fees vary by location and the subscription can be canceled at any time.
Therapeutic techniques and online sessions
Dr. Tolley uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques aimed at practical change. One common approach focuses on identifying and changing everyday thoughts and behaviors that feed anxiety and low mood. This helps with worries, sleep problems, and getting back into daily routines. Another often-used approach looks at attachment and family patterns. It examines how roles from childhood continue to shape relationships and decision making, and then practices different ways of relating and communicating. Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options, try methods that fit the client's goals, and adjust plans based on what helps. Clients and therapist collaborate on goals and on what to try between sessions. Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. These practical benefits can help sustain regular meetings while balancing work, caregiving, or health demands.Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English, Cantonese
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. Additional areas include addictions, sleeping problems, and compassion fatigue.
How does she approach therapy?
She uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques focused on practical conversation and problem solving. Sessions aim to identify unhelpful patterns and try concrete changes to daily habits and interactions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 20 years of professional experience working with adults on a wide range of concerns including chronic illness, caregiver stress, and relationship issues.
What are her credentials and location?
She is an Illinois psychologist, credential listed as IL Psychologist 071007067, and practices from Illinois.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Cantonese.
Can people outside the U.S. work with her?
International clients are accepted. Confirm any cross-border details when completing the intake questionnaire.
How are sessions scheduled and paid?
Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time, and fees vary with location. Exact costs are provided during the sign-up process.
What should I do to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session after the match is made.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.