Aetna Therapists in Illinois

Hi there, I'm Tom. Are you feeling stuck in your journey of development and improvement? I walk alongside men and women and provide thoughtful insights and an empathetic, non-judgemental ear to help identify and work through roadblocks to growth. I believe in treating, in addition to the symptom, the cause of our pain to help promote healing. Additionally, I have experience working with Internal Family Systems, OCD, couples therapy and faith-based issues, alongside other therapeutic methods. I look forward to hearing your story.

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.

Reaching out to a complete stranger to talk about your personal life can be unsettling. Oftentimes, what makes us uncomfortable helps us to grow. If you are ready to take the next step into therapy, know that I will start where you are and we will go from there. We will work together to come up with what you want out of therapy and work together to accomplish your goals. I aim to provide you with a safe, non-judgmental, reflective space to continue your personal growth. In sessions, you will find my approach to be relational, strength-based, and trauma-informed. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with adults/young adults. I received my Master’s degree from Loyola University specializing in Mental Health and sub-specializing in Migration Studies. I am fluent in Spanish and bicultural in U.S. and Latin American cultures. I grew up in Chicago with my Salvadoran family. Populations that I work with are the following: young adults/adults with unresolved childhood/family trauma, self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, PTSD, autism, ADHD, people who identify with the LGTBQ+ population, interpersonal violence, grief/loss, past poverty trauma, first generation college kids, first generation professionals, and religious trauma. I am hopeful that your next step into therapy will be a positive and healthy experience that will allow you to cultivate your personal growth. When you are ready, the door is open to begin this process. **** Please note that I do not do evaluations or testing for ADHD.****

Welcome. I hope that some information about me, who I typically treat, and how I approach the therapeutic relationship will help you determine if we may be a good fit to work together. I am a therapist holding two masters degrees in both clinical social work and child development and have been working in the field of clinical work for over 15 years. My academic and professional background helps me to have a deeper understanding of development and how it interplays with clinical needs.

Hello! My name is Kamaria Excell and I am a therapist, yoga teacher, and floral designer passionate about supporting you on the journey of living a life that is truly your own. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and focused on creating real lasting change versus temporary bandaid fixes. I support clients in better understanding their inner world and all parts of themselves so that they can divest from old coping skills and lean into a life that is pleasurable, because the most powerful act of creation on this life journey will always be the act of creating ourselves.

My name is Jenelle Hoyt, I am an award winning Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 10+ years of experience in the helping profession. As a therapist, I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, self-esteem and career challenges, as well as emotional and physical trauma to cite a few. I specialize in helping individuals who are not only feeling the stressors of life but also unsure of how to cope with or change these stressors in a positive way. We will work together to create attainable goals that will be reviewed and assessed consistently to ensure that they align with the vision of who you are and want to continue to be.

During our first session, we will focus on getting to know you and understanding your reasons for seeking therapy. I will ask questions about your background, current concerns, mental health history, and what you hope to achieve in therapy. This helps me get a clear picture of your unique situation and begin identifying goals together. We will also review how therapy works, discuss confidentiality and professional boundaries, and answer any questions you have about the process. Together, we will start to explore your strengths, coping strategies, and any immediate concerns so that we can develop a plan tailored to your needs.

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or facing a major life transition? I provide a safe, supportive space where adults can slow down, gain clarity, and develop practical strategies for moving forward. Throughout my extensive career, I've helped people navigate life's challenges both as a licensed clinical therapist and as a healthcare executive leading major hospital systems. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, grief, or a major life transition, I provide a supportive space to gain clarity, build resilience, and move forward with confidence. Raised in Chicago’s Rogers Park and influenced by my father’s resilience as a Holocaust survivor, I bring a strong foundation of empathy and perspective to my work. I hold a master's in clinical social work from Loyola University and am licensed in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, New Mexico and West Virginia. I also earned a master's degree in business administration from North Park University and an executive management certification from University of Southern California. Having lived and worked across the United States and internationally, I bring a broad, culturally informed perspective to my practice. My therapeutic philosophy emphasizes positivity, confidence, and persistence.

Hello! I am a Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience helping multicultural clients explore strategies to manage mental health, relationship issues, and other struggles. You don’t have to face these feelings alone. We can explore your thoughts and emotions in a safe space, helping you take the first step towards a better future.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have 11+ years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in different therapeutic settings who have various diagnoses and come from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. I provide individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. I am also a certified life coach and I find great joy in working collaboratively with my clients and their families.

I’m a trauma-informed therapist whose work is shaped by both lived and professional experience. As an immigrant and former refugee, I understand that healing does not happen outside of context. My work is relational, culturally responsive, and grounded in helping clients make sense of what they have carried, understand repeating patterns, and move with more clarity and self-trust. I bring warmth, honesty, curiosity, and directness into the room while honoring the culture, identity, relationships, and systems that shape each client’s story.

I understand life can be stressful. We all struggle at times and need someone to help us through. In my work with clients and families, I firmly believe in building on the strengths and resilience you already possess to help you get through more difficult moments. My attitude and approach to treatment is that while we all have our struggles, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow as a person.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I obtained both my Bachelor's and Master's degree Social Work at Florida International University. I have over five years of experience helping teens, adults, and families in need of mental health services and/or medical/case management counseling. I am the owner of Forevermore Counseling Services, LLC, licensed in AL, FL, IL, SC, and VA with the pursuit of more states, and utilizes empirical based interventions geared to your needs.

I’m a mental health professional with a deep and varied background in education, counseling, human services, and advocacy. Over the years, I’ve worked alongside adults, youth, and families navigating trauma, identity shifts, life transitions, and the lasting weight of systemic challenges like poverty, incarceration, and intergenerational trauma. I don’t just see symptoms, I see people. Whole people. And I meet them exactly where they are.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) who offers a supportive, compassionate space where clients can feel seen, heard, and understood. I work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief, substance use concerns, and life transitions. My approach is collaborative, culturally responsive, and grounded in evidence-based practices, with a strong emphasis on building trust and emotional safety. Together, we focus on increasing self-awareness, strengthening coping skills, and supporting meaningful, sustainable change so clients can feel more confident, balanced, and empowered in their daily lives.

I am a licensed clinical social worker providing individual and couples therapy for adults navigating relationship challenges, grief and loss, emotional overwhelm and major life transitions. My goal is to help clients identify patterns that keep them stuck, strengthen boundaries and build practical coping strategies that support meaningful, lasting change. My approach is structured, supportive and nonjudgmental, creating space where clients can process challenges and move toward healing and growth. For clients who wish to integrate faith into their counseling journey, I also offer Christian based counseling. In addition to my therapy work, I bring several years of experience as a medical social worker, serving in hospitals, hospices and long-term care settings. This background gives me a deeper understanding of the emotional, relational and practical challenges that often come with illness, caregiving, grief and significant life transitions. I am licensed to practice in IL, NC and OH.

In my clinical work, I gain perspective and understanding of real-life challenges of clients that have experienced personal struggles. My clients are eager to improve, but don't yet have the tools needed to make this goal a reality. They often feel stuck, overwhelmed and anxious about their life issues. The goal is to best support the client to recognize what they need out of therapy.

As a licensed clinical social worker, I provide compassionate counseling that is designed around what each person may be struggling with. My hope for you is to help enhance well-being, build self-awareness, restore emotional balance and foster healing and acceptance. With over 20 years experience in the field, I have seen how depression, anxiety, PTSD, among many other issues can impact our ability to thrive. I specialize in working through bad news, failures or unwanted changes that we all experience and find a way through with hope and direction. I established Fail Safe Counseling for this purpose.

I am a LCPC, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Board-certified art therapist. I take a holistic approach in helping each client heal from trauma, face transitions and challenges, build self-esteem, and learn to love themselves and their lives. Through my work with trauma, I understand how childhood experiences can impact everything from our relationships as adults, our self-esteem, anxiety, parenting, etc. Frequently, it isn't until adulthood that we begin to look at our lives and discover how our childhood influences our choices, relationships, personality, emotions, addictions etc. By healing past trauma, we can find freedom, understanding and compassion for ourselves. In addition to EMDR, I use elements of polyvgal theory, mindfulness, IFS techniques, and body-based bottom up approaches based on the work of current neuroscience. I take a strength-based positive approach, helping clients discover their true and authentic selves.

Hello! My name is Nessa and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I also have a Master of Science in General Psychology. I offer therapy that fits you by understanding your challenges, creating a plan, and celebrating your progress. I offer a safe, inclusive space with in‑person or virtual sessions. We will work together on tough things like boundaries, grief, transitions, and patterns that keep you stuck. I am certified in therapeutic table-top gaming which allows for the therapy experience to happen through table-top role playing games. I also offer EMDR to help you with processing your deepest traumas and triggers. I can also work with you and your partner to build a relationship that is solid and fulfilling for everyone involved. I am a huge nerd and love to incorporate pop culture and gaming into my practice. If you have something that you connect with, let me know and we can absolutely relate that to your healing journey! We can bring in your favorite show, anime, video game, or TTRPG. I believe that therapy is a journey we take together down a river. You are driving the boat, and my job is to prepare you for rough waters and things that might trip you up. I view therapy as a collaboration between us, and a journey that moves at your pace. I look at therapy from a very trauma informed lens, and make sure to adjust my interventions to what you need most.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than thirty years of experience supporting individuals and families across schools, hospitals, substance use programs, homeless shelters, and community mental health settings. I’ve also supervised master’s‑level clinicians as they developed their skills and professional identities. I approach therapy with curiosity, openness, and deep respect for each person’s story. My work is compassionate and individualized, honoring both psychological insight and the spiritual depth many people bring to their healing. Together, we create a space where growth feels grounded, meaningful, and genuinely your own.

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, Illinois. I earned my MSW in 2005 from the University of Minnesota. I have supported many clients experiencing life transitions such as career and relationship changes. Additionally, I have many years of experience supporting people around aging, Alzheimer's disease, caregiving and grief. I am drawn to this work because I believe everyone deserves to feel understood and supported as they face the ups and downs of life.

For the past 20 years, I have worked with families, couples, adults, and adolescents. Using cognitive-behavioral theory with narrative techniques, I help empower clients to explore areas within their lives that present challenges and inhibit change, and assist them with finding solutions that will work for them. However, I also believe that the therapeutic relationship is a vital component within any program, which means that I believe that any work needs to be collaborative between myself and my clients. I am certified to deliver trauma-focused treatments as well as providing services to help manage stress and anxiety.

Right now you are probably scared. You know something needs to change, but you don’t know where to start. You don't know if this works and you're at the point where you are afraid that nothing will work. We have all been there, me included. I understand and I do not judge. I have been a clinical therapist for the past 20 years. In my time I have worked with adolescents, adults, couples, geriatric patients, and LGBTIQQ individuals. What I have discovered in all my years of practice is that people all want the same things. We want to know that we are loved, valued and respected. I can promise you that when you speak to me you will be the only person that matters. You will not find judgement and you will not find blame. We will work together, at your own pace. I will help you find hope, unwavering support and the motivation to change the things in your life that you feel need to be changed. Together, we can improve your life. I'm here whenever you're ready.

Hello, I'm Leteria and I am here for you. Looking for someone who will listen and try to understand? Need help in figuring out what you want or need? Do you want to better understand yourself and some of the decisions you've made or continue to make? Do you want help in communicating better with others? I want to help you understand yourself, your partner and the issues facing you. Let's figure it out together, where it's okay to be vulnerable, to not have to be strong all the time. Let's work on what you need and how you can get as close as possible. I have experience working with teens, adults and couples. I have worked with survivors of abuse and trauma for over 20 years through child welfare; as a result, I extensive knowledge and understanding of the challenges parenting brings and what trauma can do to the individual and the family unit. My 20 specific years of counseling experience has afforded me the opportunity to work with individuals struggling with anxiety, panic episodes, self-esteem, PTSD, pre-marital counseling, infidelity issues and couples seeking to improve their communication..

You deserve an opportunity to feel supported by having your thoughts and feelings be acknowledged. Throughout the course of life, we may experience mental health challenges that arise unexpectedly. Allow yourself to heal from those challenges and grow towards the future with the support that therapy provides. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am invested in my clients whole self by guiding them into controlling their narrative and becoming their own author. I obtained my MSW at Governors State University in 2019 with a specialization in children and families.

Hi, my name is Tishina and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. For the past eight years, I've had the privilege of helping people navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood changes, and the challenges that come with everyday problem solving. I became a therapist because therapy changed my life. It helped me heal, find my voice, and believe in myself and now I'm passionate about offering that same support and hope to the people that I work with.

My name is Tamara S. Lewis, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been working in the Behavioral Health Field for over 15 years and in Private Practice for the last 10 years I work with couples who struggle with communication, conflict management and intimacy issues. I work with individuals who struggle with depression and anxiety I am a transformative therapist. I teach individuals and couples the tools necessary to transform their lives and relationships in a way that is meaningful for them. I teach skills that clients are able to utilize outside of the therapy space to manage day to day life events long after therapy has ended. I take great pride in the progress and success of my clients and look forward to helping you.

Hello! My name is Dana Abbey and I have been a fully licensed psychotherapist established in the mental health field for 13 years. Over the course of my career I have worked in settings such as emergency rooms, residential treatment programs, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, schools, and outpatient clinics. This has afforded me a well rounded understanding of all aspects of mental healthcare. In the recent years I have incorporated telehealth into practice, allowing greater accessibility and convenience to more clients while providing the same results as in person therapy.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. I specialize in working with adults that feel stuck. Life is busy, overwhelming at times, and constantly changing. I will help you develop skills to cope with anxiety, depression, and life stressors. The goal of treatment is validation and re-focusing on individual strengths in order to improve quality of life. “Courage doesn’t happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding your whole life.” ― Shannon L. Alder How can I help?

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe healing is about more than reducing symptoms—it’s about helping you reconnect with the person you were always meant to be. If you’ve been living in survival mode, carrying the weight of trauma, anxiety, chronic stress, relationship challenges, or major life transitions, know that healing is possible. My goal is to provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you feel safe, heard, and supported as you move toward lasting emotional wellness. I provide trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy that honors the connection between the mind, body, emotions, and relationships. My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, nervous system regulation, somatic practices, and Relational Life Therapy (RLT) for couples. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor treatment to your unique experiences, strengths, values, and goals, recognizing that every healing journey is different. Many of the people I work with have spent years putting everyone else’s needs before their own. They may struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, low self-worth, burnout, unresolved trauma, grief, or feeling disconnected from themselves. Others are navigating difficult relationships, divorce, parenting challenges, or significant life changes and want healthier ways to cope. Together, we’ll identify the patterns that are keeping you stuck and begin creating new ways of thinking, feeling, and responding that support the life you want to build. Our work together will focus on understanding how past experiences continue to influence your present. We’ll explore the beliefs, behaviors, and emotional patterns that developed as protective strategies while learning practical skills to regulate your nervous system, manage stress, improve communication, establish healthy boundaries, strengthen self-trust, and cultivate resilience. My goal is not simply to help you feel better in the moment, but to help you create meaningful, sustainable change that lasts long after therapy ends.

I am Wendy Gilchrist, clinical professional counselor. I have 25 + years of experience working with people with severe symptoms or mental illness. If you're experiencing anxiety, stress, changing careers, navigating a difficult relationship, feeling down or lack or motivation, dealing with grief and loss. It is time to dive in and process all those uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. Together, we will be able to process them, put them in a safe place and find some ways to cope with them by learning to accept that you are the only one that can make the first step to change your difficult and unpleasant situation. Even at some point you feel hopeless, you have the potential to make a difference in your life.

I am a sex-positive, LGBTQIA-affirmative, polyamory-friendly, and kink-aware therapist. I work with individuals across a broad spectrum, providing a safe and supportive space to explore life challenges and changes. I offer compassionate, collaborative, and non-judgmental therapy, where we will explore both your struggles and successes, learning together how you want to move through life with greater confidence, clarity, and self-acceptance. .

Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or like you just can't get everything done? Do you often wonder how everyone else seems to do it but you can't? Like you are letting people down or you are not enough? Do you struggle to find joy in everyday life or find it difficult to shut down the racing thoughts and enjoy the moment? If so, you have come to the right place. My name is Lauren and I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois. I have over 13 years of experience working in a wide range of settings. I have worked with families, children and teens, in residential substance abuse, private practice, adoption preservation and correctional settings. I have helped clients conquer anxiety, depression, burn out, mom guilt, process past traumas and find the coping skills necessary to live a balanced life. My style can be described as client centered, strength based and solution focused. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma focused therapy, mindfulness and solution - focused therapy, in combination with genuine conversation. I take a laid back approach as I believe in meeting my clients where they are and working at a pace that is comfortable for them. I know that reaching out for help can be scary but you shouldn't have to struggle alone.

As a licensed clinical social worker with a rich and varied background, I bring extensive experience and expertise to support individuals, couples, and families on their journey toward improved mental well-being. From my private practice in Naperville, Illinois, I offer personalized therapy, drawing upon my diverse clinical experiences spanning over two decades. My commitment to fostering inclusive education and promoting diversity and social justice extends beyond the therapy room, as evidenced by my involvement in community education and advocacy efforts. With a focus on empowerment and resilience, I strive to empower clients with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate life's challenges and thrive.

I am a compassionate, trauma-informed therapist dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. My approach integrates evidence-based practices such as CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-focused interventions to support healing, resilience, and meaningful change. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, empowered, and equipped with practical tools to move forward with confidence and hope.

Hello! So glad you are here! Do you get into relationships hoping that this time things will be different? Do you feel overwhelmed and have a hard time recognizing your dreams and goals? Would you like a more kind and loving relationship with yourself and the ability to extend that to others in your life? I love helping people who are ready to identify patterns that hold them back from happiness and fulfillment in both relationships and other areas of life. My name is Lisa, and I provide therapy for both addictions and mental health issues. While I have treated those with active addiction for many years, I also treat behavior patterns stemming from addictions and family dysfunction. Although these patterns started out helping us survive challenging situations, they can keep us stuck. Many therapy seekers have found that these patterns can impact their ability to recognize their needs, dreams and to create and sustain both platonic and romantic relationships. I have a Master of Education degree in Counselor Education from Southern Illinois University specializing in Substance Abuse. From substance abuse counseling, I have expanded my areas of specialties to include family and relationship dynamics and how to heal "survival skills" that have evolved into self-defeating life patterns.

Hello! I am a licensed therapist (LMHC in Indiana, LCPC in Illinois, and LPC in Michigan). I received my master's in Counseling Psychology from North Park University in Chicago and have been practicing for 8 years. I help adults that are struggling with anxiety, have a history of trauma, or are experiencing perinatal mental health symptoms, to create a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.

BQualls Behavioral Health Services, LLC's managing owner and Chief Clinical Officer is Brandi Qualls, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCPC) and psychotherapist in private practice in Illinois, and has years of experience working with at-risk youth and families. She is also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Indiana, including collaboration with a team of medical doctors, psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, and community health workers in an integrated primary health care and behavioral health care center in a community setting.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 2 decades experience. I have experience working in schools, hospitals, and in private practice. I enjoy working with adults, young adult, and teens who are motivated to learn and grow and be their best version of themself. I am open minded and accepting of all people. My approach is both supportive and firm.

Hello, my name is Dr. Chamberlain and I'm a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Illinois. I earned my doctorate of clinical psychology in 2010 from Pacific University School of Graduate Psychology in Portland, Oregon. Prior to re-entering the field as a therapist and neuropsychological evaluator in 2021, I had a career in international corporate mental health benefits. In that role, I oversaw clinical service delivery at various organizations across the globe. I currently split my time between , conducting neuropsychological assessment and testing, and providing individual therapy to adults.

Do you feel stuck in a pattern that is negatively impacting your overall wellness? Just as important as the "why" is the "what" aspect of the mind. What we think, what we feel and what we believe are all intertwined with our behavior. Exploring the thoughts and beliefs that underpin certain actions can lead to profound self-awareness and personal growth. In my interactions with clients, I have witnessed the transformative power of uncovering and challenging deep-seated beliefs that no longer serve them. While patterns and commonalities may emerge among individuals, it is crucial to remember that each person's mind is a unique landscape. What works for one may not work for another, and it is my duty as a clinician to adapt the plan of care accordingly. As a therapist and health coach, I incorporate a holistic (mind/body) approach.

Hello, I am a seasoned therapist who has worked in the field in different entities for the past 18 years. As a therapist, it is my job and duty to help you feel, think and function better. Although I've worked with many clients who had different experiences, I am specially gifted in working with clients who suffer from anxiety, depression, managing anger, personality conflicts, and building positive relationships. I will use therapeutic models that work for you.

Tricia (she/her) earned her undergraduate degree from Marquette University in Social Welfare & Justice, with minors in Psychology and Peace Studies. Driven by a passion for community and healing, she went on to obtain her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Loyola University Chicago. During her graduate studies, Tricia immersed herself in school settings, gaining advanced, comprehensive training in the unique mental health needs of children and families. Today, Tricia brings her expertise to both educational environments and private practice. In her school-based work, she provides critical crisis and ongoing support, conducts safety assessments, connects families with vital community resources, and helps students navigate school-related challenges such as general trauma and school refusal. In her private practice, Tricia specializes in supporting individuals navigating life transitions, depression, anxiety, and the daily pursuit of life balance. She also has dedicated experience working within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly supporting individuals pursuing gender-affirming care. Her Philosophy: Tricia firmly believes that therapy is never "one-size-fits-all." She collaborates closely with her clients to design highly individualized treatment plans tailored to their unique goals. By blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches, Tricia creates a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients feel truly heard. Depending on your needs, sessions may include a blend of structured exercises, practical skills-building, and open-ended discussion. Tricia is passionate about cultivating long-term therapeutic relationships that foster self-awareness, growth, and lasting healing. Her clients frequently describe her as direct, empathetic, and insightful.

I began training to be a psychotherapist 15 years ago after having worked in publishing for many years. Becoming a Social Worker and helping others has always been a kind of calling for me, but it took a little while for me to arrive at my goal. I hope that that part of my story helps to prove that it is never too late to change or to pursue goals. I continue to integrate the things that I have learned through formal education and through my own experiences of life so that I am best able to help others who are experiencing distress and difficulties with navigating life. We all need additional support from time-to-time, especially given the complicated, fast-changing world we live in. My goal as a psychotherapist is to be a source of support and assistance as you develop insight into the difficulties you face and as you begin to develop strategies for change. Through interactive-therapy sessions, I help you to understand and clarify life’s challenges and I support you as you begin to make the changes that are needed to make progress towards your goals. I help my clients to discover and explore a positive path in therapy that they can then continue to follow as they pursue their goals and their lives independently.

I have 20 years of experience working with adults and adolescents from all walks of life. My expertise is in substance abuse, depression, relationships, family concerns, trauma and PTSD. I know sometimes people go through difficult times. They think something’s wrong with them because they have problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. Having difficulties is part of the human experience. Many people pretend they’re okay when they’re not. They keep all their pain and suffering to themselves. They’re afraid if they tell the truth, they’ll be abandoned and rejected. Therapy can open the door for you to stop pretending you’re “fine.” You can find the freedom to be you. Therapy can help you to come out of isolation and start living again. You'll start to feel better because you're showing the real you and you're connecting with someone. Your therapist can be a “loving witness to your pain.”

Hi! My name is Gilmarie, but you can feel free to call me Gigi. I am a licensed, clinical social worker providing individual therapy and couples counseling for clients in Illinois as well as Florida. I am bilingual in Spanish and English and am of Puerto Rican descent. As a social worker/therapist, I love working with people and I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. It is an honor to walk through life with my clients. Also, I enjoy providing faith-based counseling for those who desire to incorporate their faith in their therapeutic journey.

Feeling stuck, stressed, or overwhelmed? I provide a compassionate, supportive space where clients can navigate anxiety, self-doubt, and life transitions with greater clarity and confidence. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, connected to yourself, and empowered to create the life you want. I work with young and older adults navigating anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, life transitions, PTSD/ trauma, relationship issues, and self-esteem challenges. Together, we’ll build coping skills and create a personalized plan for growth that feels empowering and achievable.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist, I believe mental health gives us the language to name, understand, and care for both our most painful and most meaningful experiences. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and trauma-related challenges, helping them make sense of their inner world and build more grounded, fulfilling lives. My approach is collaborative, culturally responsive, and rooted in helping clients reframe limiting beliefs and develop tools that support lasting change.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has spent over 20 years working in community mental health, crisis intervention, and private practice. That experience has given me a deep understanding of what people actually need to feel better — not just textbook answers, but real, practical support that meets you where you are. You'll work with someone who has seen a lot, judges nothing, and genuinely believes in your capacity to heal.