Iryna Bugay, LPC

Individual, Teen & Couples Therapy | Telehealth Across Illinois | English & Ukrainian

Iryna provides therapy for adults, teens, and couples navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. Many of the individuals she works with feel overwhelmed by chronic worry, overthinking, burnout, or emotional distance in their relationships.

She specializes in couples therapy, helping partners improve communication, rebuild trust after relationship ruptures, and move out of recurring conflict cycles toward healthier, more connected relationships.

Iryna also works with teens experiencing anxiety, school stress, and ADHD-related challenges, as well as educators navigating professional burnout and career transitions. As a first-generation immigrant, she brings a thoughtful understanding of the complexities that can come with balancing multiple cultures, expectations, and life roles.

She offers telehealth therapy across Illinois and provides sessions in both English and Ukrainian, supporting Ukrainian-speaking individuals adjusting to life in a new country.

AREAS OF FOCUS

• Couples & relationship therapy
• Communication challenges and recurring conflict
• Rebuilding trust after betrayal or relationship ruptures
• Anxiety, chronic worry, and emotional overwhelm
• Depression, burnout, and loss of motivation
• Major life transitions and identity shifts
• Teen therapy for anxiety, school stress, and perfectionism
• Teens with ADHD and executive functioning challenges
• Educator and teacher burnout
• Career transitions and professional stress
• Bicultural, immigrant, and first-generation experiences
• Ukrainian-speaking individuals and refugee adjustment

BOOK A CONSULTATION

HOW I WORK

My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I focus on creating a space where clients feel heard, respected, and safe exploring the challenges that bring them to therapy.

In our work together, we slow down and look at the patterns behind anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or relationship conflict. I help clients build greater awareness of their emotions, improve communication, and develop practical tools for navigating life’s challenges with more clarity and confidence.

I draw from attachment-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and strengths-based approaches to support meaningful and lasting change.

My style is supportive and collaborative, while also being direct and thoughtful when gentle challenge can help clients gain insight, break unhelpful patterns, and move forward in healthier ways.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

In addition to my clinical work, I bring a background in education and community-based work. This experience has shaped my understanding of how systems, relationships, and cultural context influence mental health.

I have a particular interest in supporting educators navigating professional stress, burnout, and career transitions.

I offer therapy in both English and Ukrainian, supporting clients who feel most comfortable expressing themselves in their native language.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT

Clients often describe sessions with me as supportive, grounding, and thoughtful. I strive to create a therapeutic space where you feel safe to explore challenges, build insight, and move toward change at a pace that feels right for you.

If you’re unsure whether we’d be a good fit, we can talk it through — you don’t have to have everything figured out before starting.

THINGS THAT MAKE ME, ME

I could spend hours lost in a good book — reading is my favorite way to unwind and explore new perspectives.
I love spending time with my puppy, whether we’re out for a walk or relaxing at home.
I believe small moments of connection and self-compassion can lead to meaningful transformation.
Time with friends and family helps me stay grounded and balanced.

"WE'RE ALL STORIES IN THE END. JUST MAKE IT A GOOD ONE"

- DOCTOR WHO