(he/him)
My name is Rene Stockton (pronounced Reni). I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of Illinois. I serve my community as a counselor, therapist and change agent. I have had the privilege to work with individuals and families from primarily underserved populations and communities over the course of a 30 year social work practice in two great American cities. I have encountered child, adolescent and adult challenges ranging from trauma to writer’s block and wellness. I will partner with you to create the soft and more concrete changes you are looking to achieve in your life. My style is open, supportive and person centered, we will choose the approach for your situation using a variety of theories and concepts including art, movement, and EMDR.
New clients can expect to find a safe open space where they are seen and heard.
I work with a variety of methods. Top three would be CBT, strengths-perspective, and EMDR. It is my goal to allow the methods used to emerge from the client, clinician relationship. I promote the development of rich personal routines that contains space for all the elements necessary for a healthy engaged journey. I work with a lot of creatives and partner with them to reengage with whatever form of expression they bring and use it to help us through their presenting challenge. I find that most people, creative or not have a passion for something and being connected, and active in or with that passion is important our mental health.
My biggest strength is my ability to connect with my clients to organically open pathways together to help propel them towards their stated therapeutic and life goals. The primary reason that I can connect so well with so many people is my journey. It has been arduous and personally revealing which I am not afraid or ashamed to share with my clients when appropriate. My journey has included, addiction and homelessness, depression, and recovery. My entire professional career has been in social work primarily as director of programs servicing people in need.
I am positioned to service my entire community with a focus on creatives and people of color.
19 ratings with written reviews
April 17, 2026
In my first two sessions with Rene he has helped me align my decision making with my inner compass and integrity. He is empowering, kind and warm but direct and solution oriented. He asks great questions and provides insights that help move me along and getting me out of a negative cyclical thought spirals.
April 7, 2026
Mr. Stockton is the answer to my prayers for therapy. I appreciate his transparency and him being relatable. I am grateful that I chose him because I feel like I'm going to make some wonderful progress in where I want to be in my life. Mr. Stockton is easy to talk to and I like that he has the experience to help me navigate through the therapy sessions.
March 30, 2026
Rene was very open about the process and direct about what he wanted to happen within our sessions. I felt comfortable talking to him and can’t wait till our next session!