Welcome! I’m so glad you have found your way here. Often we get swept up in the competing demands around us and forgo what we need. We can lose ourselves without even realizing it or maybe we never even had the chance in the first place. Before we know it, we are stuck thinking, "Why can’t I seem to do what’s most important to me? What is most important to me anyway?" My hope is that together we can find the way through to heal and create a life you want to live. I think of my role as a guide offering a new perspective. A light in the dark. A little background of me, my name is Kel and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Illinois. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and grief. I am also passionate about navigating relationships, spirituality, and late diagnosed Autism. With my client centered approach we will tailor interventions to meet your specific needs. I am a Certified Autism Specialist and have training in IFS, DBT, CBT, MBSR, DIR, trauma informed care and enjoy incorporating art of all kinds. In addition, I am a Reiki Master and Certified Pranic Healer. My previous experience includes 11 years of working in a variety of behavioral health settings, including outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient, inpatient, and residential programs. In 2017 I received my Masters Degree in Social Work from Aurora University. I would love to meet with you, get to know you, and develop a plan together so we can get you where you want to go.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

When we first meet the goal is simply to get to know each other and get an idea of what you’d like to accomplish. For many people the idea of a first session is intimidating. I’d like to ease that as much as possible. I’ll introduce myself and answer your questions. I’ll ask what’s bringing you in, what has been going on, and how it has been effecting you. You can share as much or as little as you are comfortable with. I’ll ask some questions to get an idea of your history and background. Then we will form goals based on what is important to you. We will wrap up by scheduling a follow up session if it feels like a good fit. The second session is where we will start working towards the goals you select.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My greatest strength as a clinician is that I’ve been on the other side of the table long enough to heal. I’ve done my own trauma work, grieved deep losses, faced my fears, and made peace with who I am. This has given me a level of understanding and empathy that can only be reached by walking through the darkest places and coming out the other side. I can guide you through the darkness because I know the landscape well. Also, I’m a nerd who loves learning and enjoys staying up to date on research to best help you.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I love working with people who want to grow and heal. I want to work with people who want to get to the heart of the matter and resolve it instead of slapping on a Band-Aid. I love working with people of all backgrounds and identities. I specialize in working with people experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and grief. I also have a passion for working with late diagnosed Autistic folx or people who suspect that they are Autistic.

About Kelly Burke