Welcome! My name is April Lacey and I am a licensed counselor in Illinois. Taking the first step to seek a happier and fulfilling life takes courage. I am here to support you through that process. My vision for therapy is to create a safe and encouraging space for clients to share their experiences while recognizing their strengths to cope with life's challenges. I have worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings such as psychiatric units, crisis lines, and community mental health with youth and families impacted by the juvenile justice system. My experience has consisted of helping clients cope with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, anger management, and self-esteem concerns. My approach focuses on fostering a strong collaborative relationship with clients to reach their goals. I value genuineness and believe in meeting clients where they are while treating everyone with respect and compassion.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I focus on helping clients learn new skills to cope with life stress and I strive to assist clients with helping them view obstacles in a different light. We'll address your thoughts and beliefs about yourself and your life circumstances. We will explore your relationship patterns and/or communication styles and how they could impact anxiety and other stress-related responses. My goal is to assist you with gaining further insight into yourself to increase your resiliency.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I use an integrative approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered, Trauma- Focused, Mindfulness, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, Strength-based Interventions, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to help my clients.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I believe that clients are truly the experts of their own lives and talking with a therapist can assist clients with rediscovering their strengths, and the tools they have within themselves to cope with life's challenges. We are not what happened to us. I believe that owning this and working through it can help us heal from those experiences and become more connected with our authentic selves.