Hello, My name is Tracy McKenney, I am a licensed clinical counselor in IL, IN, WI, and NV as well as a board certified drug and alcohol counselor with about 7 years of experience in the mental health field, mostly in a community agency setting. My training in neuroscience and psychobiology has also allowed me to assist clients with a wide variety of mental health concerns. I am trauma informed, Internal Family Systems informed, DBT informed, and I believe in treating everyone with compassionate attention to their unique individual needs. Taking the first step to enter therapy is courageous, be proud that you are getting started!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I like to break the ice with getting to know a little about each other; developing a connection is crucial to the therapeutic relationship. I will ask a variety of questions to better understand the full range and severity of symptoms that are encountered, as well as the context in which they are experienced, and how they interfere with daily life. There may be eagerness to talk about past trauma, but it's necessary to develop trust as well as learning skills to self-regulate before delving into sensitive topics; best practice is to approach trauma in the safest way possible. Typically after the first session, there will be something, however small to implement right away, between sessions, to get the healing process underway.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
The culmination of education and training I have experienced over the past three decades, including neuroscience, psychobiology, addiction, and trauma, have equipped me to support a variety of client concerns. My ability to think critically as well as cultivate a therapeutic environment of empathy, understanding, and validation has supported many clients in achieving deep healing, personal growth, and spiritual connection.
About Tracy McKenney
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Trauma Informed Care
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.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
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.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
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.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
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.
Faith based therapy
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.
