Denise Gulotta, LCSW

I am a licensed clinical social worker who provides therapy to children, teens and adults. I also work with parents to help them learn how to support their child and facilitate change at home by implementing strategies worked on during sessions. I am passionate about working with clients to gain a better understanding of themselves, learn new skills and grow. I believe that everyone has the capacity for change, growth and development. 

“The lotus flower is a reminder of the beauty that comes from change, the magic that a new beginning brings, and the seed of potential that’s buried in the most unlikely places.”

Jennifer Williamson

About

I graduated from University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Psychology in May 2000. I then earned my Master’s of Social Work from Loyola University in Chicago in 2002. I was a school social worker for 15 years before starting in group practice in 2017. For two years I oversaw eight clinicians as a supervisor. In 2022 I decided to continue my professional growth and started InnerBloom!  

Prior to starting InnerBloom, I worked with children in various places including child care settings, as a nanny, after school care, and then as a social worker in schools.  

One of my favorite things to do is spending quality time with my family and friends. The connections I have with them are so important and meaningful to me. I enjoy walking along the lakefront, exploring different neighborhoods around Chicago and attending concerts. At home, I like watching back-to-back episodes of the newest series I’m obsessed with or reading books. I also love planning trips to explore new states and countries. When traveling I love experiencing and learning about different cultures, traditions and trying different foods. My creative outlets include participating in art classes and doing makeup. One fun fact is that I previously did makeup for weddings. My newest passion is taking care of my growing collection of plants. Watching my clients and plants bloom brings joy to my life.

Services & Specialities

  • Individual Therapy for Children (ages 8-12)

    Individual Therapy for Teens (ages 13-17)

    Individual Therapy for Young Adults

    Individual Therapy for Adults

    Family Therapy for Parents

  • ADHD

    Anxiety

    Anger Management

    Conflict Resolution

    Depression

    Emotional Regulation

    Grief/Loss

    Impulse Control

    LGBTQ+

    Life Goals

    Life Transitions

    Mood Disorder

    Personal Growth

    Self Reflection

    Parenting

    Relationship Issues

    Self Regulation

    School Anxiety

    School Issues

    School Refusal

    Social Skills

    Supportive Parenting

    Stress Management

    Trauma Informed

  • My goal is for each client to feel as comfortable as possible during sessions. I provide a safe and relaxed space where I can support clients during challenges and celebrate accomplishments. Being a trauma informed therapist helps me understand the unique support that each client needs in order to feel safe during therapy.

    Through conversation, activities, games and psycho education, I help clients gain a self awareness of the connection between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I use polyvagal theory and techniques to support clients with their mind-body connection. I also help clients develop meaningful relationships through exploring relationship patterns, as well as learning and practicing social skills.

    Using an integrative approach, I help clients develop personal goals and identify their strengths that will help them make changes in their life. I take the therapeutic process very seriously and also believe that we can laugh together and enjoy the journey. I believe that it is possible for people to grow from experienced challenges.

    I am a trauma informed therapist who utilizes evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Psychotherapy, Positive Psychology, Mindfulness and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I have been trained in EMDR and SPACE Treatment.

  • Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) focuses on working with parents who have children and adolescents with anxious behaviors. In this parent-based treatment parents learn how to increase support while decreasing accommodations. I was trained in SPACE Treatment in March 2024.

  • I was trained through EMDR Consulting during the summer of 2024. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective modality that can help clients with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD and distressing life experiences. It is a structured therapy that uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, buzzers) that activates the brains natural ability to heal while focusing on a snapshot of the distressing experience/trauma.

  • I would love to share what I learned during the process of starting up my private practice. The tasks can be overwhelming but with direction and support it is possible!

    Consulting Fees:

    $125 for 30 minutes (includes task list)

    $200 for 1 hour (includes task list)

    $200 for each additional hour

  • My 15 years of experience as a school social worker have provided me with an understanding of the daily stressors and mental health needs of children and teens. I am able to integrate my knowledge of special education, Individualized Education Plans and Section 504 Plans to collaborate with school staff and help advocate for my clients. I believe in working as a collaborative team to facilitate change. I love supporting clients and parents with school issues, school refusal and school anxiety. Please inquire about fees to consult with school staff.

  • InnerBloom Therapy Practice provides the option of telemental health services. Telemental health is the practice of delivering clinical health care services via technology assisted media or other electronic means between a practitioner and a client who are located in two different locations.

Insurances & Fees

Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash

In-Network Insurances

Aetna

Blue Cross Blue Shield Preferred Network

Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Choice

Cigna

United Behavioral Health/Optum

Fees

  • Private pay/non-insured clients are charged at a rate of $185 for the initial 60-minute session.

  • Private pay/non-insured clients are charged at a rate of $120-$160 for subsequent 45-55 minute sessions.

  • Clients with insurance: pay the negotiated rate with each insurance company.

  • Out of network clients will be provided a superbill to submit to their insurance.

Free Consultation

To schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation prior to making your first appointment, please contact Denise at InnerBloom.