Patti Chagolla, MSW, LSW, EMDR

Hello — I’m Patti Chagolla, a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and EMDR-trained therapist providing online/virtual therapy to clients across Arizona, with a focus on individuals living in and around Tucson. I am also licensed in Illinois, where I offer virtual therapy to clients statewide. My work is with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, personality-related concerns, and neurodivergent experiences, offering care that is thoughtful, grounded, and deeply respectful of each person’s lived experience. 

I believe healing happens when therapy honors both the mind and the body — and when clients feel safe enough to explore difficult experiences at their own pace. 

Patti at a Glance 

I work best with adults who are navigating: 

• Trauma and trauma-related symptoms 
• Personality disorders and complex emotional patterns 
• Anxiety and depression 
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• ADHD and neurodivergent concerns 
• Long-standing stress or emotional overwhelm 

I offer: 

• Virtual therapy in Arizona 
• Online counseling for clients in Tucson and surrounding areas 
• Virtual therapy across Illinois 

Specialized training: 

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) 

My Approach to Therapy 

When you begin therapy with me — through online therapy — my priority is creating a space that feels safe, collaborative, and grounded. Many clients come to therapy having already tried to “think their way through” pain, only to find that emotional or physical responses persist. I approach therapy with the understanding that healing often requires working with both cognitive insight and the nervous system. 

My style is compassionate and paced intentionally. I believe therapy should feel supportive, not overwhelming — especially when addressing trauma or long-standing emotional patterns. 

EMDR & Trauma-Informed Care 

A core part of my work involves EMDR, a well-researched and effective approach for processing trauma and distressing experiences. EMDR helps the brain reprocess memories and emotional responses that may be keeping you stuck in patterns of fear, avoidance, or self-criticism. 

EMDR can be helpful for: 

• Single-incident and complex trauma 
• Anxiety and panic responses 
• OCD and intrusive thoughts 
• Emotional reactivity and overwhelm

I integrate EMDR thoughtfully, ensuring that clients feel prepared, supported, and in control throughout the process. 

Clinical Focus & Areas of Support 

My clinical focus includes: 

• Trauma and PTSD 
• Personality disorders 
• Anxiety and depression 
• OCD 
• ADHD and executive functioning challenges 
• Emotional regulation and self-understanding 

I work with clients who often feel misunderstood or exhausted by managing intense internal experiences and are seeking therapy that honors complexity rather than oversimplifying it. 

Therapeutic Modalities I Use 

I integrate evidence-based and body-aware approaches, including: 

• EMDR 
• Internal Family Systems (IFS) 
• Somatic Therapy 
• Trauma-informed and relational approaches 

These modalities allow therapy to address not only thoughts and behaviors, but also the emotional and physical experiences that shape how we respond to the world. 

Who I Work With 

Many of the clients I support come to therapy feeling: 

• Emotionally overwhelmed or stuck 
• Impacted by past trauma or chronic stress
• Frustrated by recurring patterns related to anxiety, OCD, or emotional regulation
• Disconnected from themselves or others 

I strive to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel validated, supported, and empowered to engage in meaningful change. 

Online Therapy for Arizona, Tucson & Illinois 

I provide secure online therapy for clients across Arizona, including those living in Tucson, as well as virtual therapy for clients throughout Illinois. Online therapy allows flexibility while still supporting depth, consistency, and strong therapeutic connection — especially important for trauma-focused work. 

As a virtual therapist, I prioritize presence, attunement, and emotional safety in every session. 

My Philosophy 

I believe therapy is a space where people can reconnect with themselves, build emotional awareness, and heal at a pace that feels right. You deserve care that is compassionate, informed, and responsive to your needs. 

If you’re seeking a virtual therapist in Arizona, particularly in the Tucson area, or a virtual therapist in Illinois who offers trauma-informed care, EMDR, and thoughtful support for complex emotional concerns, I would be honored to work with you. 

Healing is possible — and therapy can be a space where that process feels supported and empowering.