Welcome to Grow Therapy. My name is Anthony Kesner, though I prefer “Tony” when connecting with others. I’m a seasoned therapist with over 30 years of experience providing care across diverse settings and working with individuals from all walks of life. My extensive background includes being a provider of therapy services in Employee Assistance Programs, private practice for couples and family therapy, as well as forensics. I also have extensive training in multiple evidence‑based therapeutic approaches, which I use flexibly and effectively so you can reach your goals in a timely and meaningful way. Whether you are faced with family, career, relationship, or concerns regarding your own behaviors it is important to know that help is available here and now. If this is your first time seeking therapy, you may be surprised by how quickly problems can lose their power once we begin identifying solutions that restore a sense of control and contentment. If you’ve had therapy before, you’ll find my style casual, on‑point, and collaborative, creating a relaxed atmosphere where we identify strategies that truly work for you. My approach is warm, friendly, non‑judgmental, and at times light‑hearted—because we’re all human, finding our way through life, and everyone deserves support along the journey. My areas of specialty include the following for both adults and adolescents: Anxiety Disorders Depressive Disorders Sexual Disorders Stress & Trauma-related Disorders Adjustment Disorders Behavior and Impulse Control Disorders M.S. Psychology California Coast University B.A. Psychology, DePaul University Addictions Certificate, College of DuPage
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we’ll focus on helping you feel comfortable with the virtual therapy process. We’ll talk about the outcomes you want to achieve and begin shaping a plan to get you there. I’ll share the therapeutic approaches I use and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your goals. I may suggest between‑session activities—such as a brief reading, writing exercise, or an activity we agree will move you toward achievement of your goals. If these doesn’t fit your lifestyle, that’s completely okay; we’ll move at a pace that works for you.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
In session you will find that I am nurturing, warm, and fully present with you as we partner together to explore your concerns. Together we develop individualized effective therapeutic strategies that result in alleviating the concerns that had motivated you to seek therapy.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
In today’s fast‑paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stretched thin, or unsure of your direction in career, relationships, care of self.... If that resonates with you, I encourage you to take the next step. Many clients begin to feel renewed clarity, confidence, and peace within just a few weeks with once per week sessions. Of course, if necessary multiple sessions per week are available.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
My practice aligns with ACT’s fundamental premise that stress, pain, grief, disappointment, illness, and anxiety are inevitable features of human life. The therapeutic goal of ACT and myself is to help an individual productively adapt to these types of challenges by developing greater psychological flexibility. This is achieved through the development of Mindfulness skills that allow one to choose a constructive response rather than to react in a self-defeating manner. ACT guides one to identify and align one’s decisions and behaviors with one’s strongest values. Your mind will therefore have a clear destination in mind that leads to living in accordance with what most matters to you. Mindfulness helps one to mentally step back and defuse thoughts and feelings that interfere with feeling content, relaxed, and living purposefully. I would be honored to be your guide in this process toward a more fulfilling and contented life.