LCPC, 7 years of experience
Hello, My name is Tracy McKenney, I am a licensed clinical counselor in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Nevada, as well as a board-certified drug and alcohol counselor, with over seven years of experience in the mental health field, primarily within community agency settings. My background in neuroscience and psychobiology equips me to address a wide range of mental health concerns with a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection. I am trauma-informed, Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-informed, and I approach every client with compassion and a deep respect for their unique needs and experiences. Beginning therapy is a courageous step toward growth and healing, and you can feel proud of yourself for taking it.
I like to start by getting to know a little about each other because building a genuine connection is such an important part of therapy. In our first sessions, I’ll ask different questions to understand what you’re experiencing, how intense those feelings or symptoms might be, and how they affect your daily life. It’s common to feel eager to talk about past trauma right away, but it’s important to first build trust and learn some tools for self-regulation so that we can approach those deeper topics safely and at your own pace. After our first session, I’ll usually give you something small and practical to try between sessions—something to help you start feeling a sense of progress right from the beginning.
Over the past 30 years, my training and experience in neuroscience, psychobiology, addiction, and trauma have shaped the way I support my clients. What matters most to me is creating a space where you feel safe, understood, and valued. My goal is to combine what I know with genuine compassion, so you feel supported as you work toward healing, personal growth, and, for many, a deeper sense of spiritual connection.
My integrative approach to therapy allows me to effectively support a wide range of clients seeking comprehensive and holistic care. I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma, guiding them through the process of healing and integrating their past experiences. I also work closely with clients navigating internal conflicts or challenges with emotional regulation, helping them build resilience and clarity. For those who wish to incorporate faith and spirituality into their therapeutic journey, I offer tailored, faith-informed interventions that honor and support their spiritual values.
Trauma informed care helps create a safe and supportive environment where you can feel empowered and respected, foster a sense of trust, feel your experiences are validated, and experience collaboration in the therapeutic process. This goal is met through building the therapeutic alliance, active listening, and a sensitivity to potential triggers. A sense of empathy and understanding is crucial to assist with recognizing the impact of trauma. By integrating trauma-informed principles in therapy, individuals can feel heard, validated and supported in their healing journey.
CBT is widely used and very effective for treating a variety of mental health concerns. This is employed in practice when negative thought patterns are present, to help identify and challenge the beliefs that contribute to distressing emotions and behaviors. We will work collaboratively to develop coping strategies and practical skills to manage symptoms via goal-oriented interventions. CBT helps gain insight into the thought-emotion-behavior cycle and empowers individuals to make lasting, positive changes. Homework assignments, tailored to the individual, are often assigned to reinforce learning and practicing skills outside of therapy sessions.
I am informed in DBT, a specialized form of CBT, which is particularly effective in treating individuals experiencing complex emotional and behavioral challenges. In therapy, DBT is used to assist one in developing skills in regulating emotions, tolerating distressing moments, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. With DBT, we will work to balance acceptance and change, acknowledge current strengths while encouraging positive changes in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Traditional DBT involves group skills training, phone coaching, and consultation, however, it can also be implemented in individual therapy. Practical skills and strategies are taught for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, building resilience, increasing self-awareness, and enhancing the quality of life.
I am informed in IFS, and have completed immersion training, as well as ongoing learning through the IFS Institute Inner Circle monthly training. In the therapy session, IFS is used to help individuals explore their inner mental landscape. IFS poses that we are "multiple" rather than subscribing to the mono-mind paradigm typically employed in psychology. We will learn to identify and engage with different parts in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. The goals are to achieve self-awareness, healing, and integrating trauma by developing a harmonic relationship among internal parts. Individuals will cultivate increased self-compassion, resilience, and a deeper understanding of emotions and behaviors.
I have completed training at Elijah House Ministries in faith based therapy. Should individuals desire to incorporate faith, the strategy is to integrate spiritual beliefs and practices into the therapeutic process to help individuals address mental health challenges within the context of their religious or spiritual beliefs. We will work together to explore how faith and spirituality can be a source of support, guidance, and healing. This is done by incorporating prayer, scripture, meditation, and other religious practices into therapy sessions to facilitate emotional and psychological growth. By drawing on an individual's faith, a sense of hope, meaning, and connection to something greater is promoted; a unique and holistic framework for integration of spirituality in the healing journey.
7 ratings with written reviews
June 4, 2025
At this time we are just becoming aware of each others personality. Tracy is relatable and warm.
June 2, 2025
She looked approachable -can't really explain it I was just drawn towards her. I met her and she was kind and easy to talk to she made me feel comfortable and safe.
May 2, 2025
I'm really loving my sessions with Tracy. She is so kind and knowledgeable. She's made me feel comfortable opening up and has given me some great tools that are helping me through a tough time. So grateful I found her!