Hello, my name is Somer, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois. I am also licensed in Indiana as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). I received my Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Ball State University. My clinical training included both a low income university clinic treating children and adults, and a community mental health facility where I treated children, adolescents, families, and foster families. I have volunteer experience with the National Suicide Hotline, working with adult female victims of domestic violence, and working with people experiencing poverty. Since graduating, I’ve worked at a private practice focusing on treating children, adolescents, families, and young adults. I’ve seen a wide range of clients from age six through twenties with various presenting problems. I’ve also worked as a clinical supervisor, overseeing both counseling graduate interns and pre licensed counselors.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
At our first session, we will work to get to know one another and build rapport. We will discuss what brought you to therapy and what you are hoping to get out of treatment. This will then help me formulate and collaborate on a treatment plan with you in subsequent sessions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My empathic and non judgmental approach to therapy helps clients feel safe and secure as they explore what is challenging them. I think this also helps clients feel comfortable as we work on maladaptive thought and behavior patterns that are impacting how they feel. Sometimes that means we have hard sessions and talk through hard topics, but the goal is always to help clients become healthier and more insightful versions of themselves! I also have specific training in anxiety and related disorders (social anxiety, GAD, panic, etc) and have a wide variety of tools and resources to help clients cope with their anxiety struggles.