Therapists in Illinois

Navigating through the paths of life can be challenging. You don't have to journey them alone. My name is Leslie Scott aka the Esteem Counselor. I am here to support you along your journey with a clinical road map and conversation to make your journey easier to endure. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 25 plus years of experience specializing in Culturally Based Therapy, Christian Counseling, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Loss, Life Transitions, Relationships, Family, Couples, Trauma, Veterans, Diversity, Inclusion, and Narcissistic Abuse. I work with a diversity of clients and would welcome the opportunity to support you as you navigate through this phase of your life's journey.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with seven years of experience focusing on wellness and mental health as a whole body practice. My experience also includes working with many demographics, including ages five through the end of life. In my sessions, I focus on using evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and a few others in order to help clients improve. I often work with clients to address trauma as well as understand behaviors caused by trauma. My counseling style is eclectic and I also work closely with my patients to view them as a whole, not just mental health issues. Many of my clients have said ” I love that you consider my culture and societal issues.” I take the time to understand that there are also environmental factors that affect our mental health.

Hello! At the beginning, my focus will be on getting to know you. Everyone has a story to tell and as you tell yours, I will be looking for your personal character strengths (we all have them). Your character strengths will help you achieve the positive change(s) you are seeking. Once I get a grasp on your strengths, we will combine your natural strengths with new strategies and supports from a variety of research-based resources. It is my goal that each and every counseling session be preventative, proactive, and/or empowering. Often, you will be given homework so the therapy continues even when we are not meeting. My specialty areas include: depression, anxiety, grief, couple/marriage counseling, Christian counseling, identity issues , recovery after a separation or divorce, infidelity, new transitions, career/college counseling, general stress, work environment issues, impostor syndrome, teacher/administration/education work-related stress, the stress that comes with being a parent, infertility, and being overwhelmed with responsibilities. My career started in education. My career in education spanned 18 years and included being: an elementary teacher, a middle school guidance counselor, a high school guidance counselor, and a college adjunct psychology professor. In my current position as a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), I have been in practice since 2016. I absolutely love what I do and I take the job very seriously.

Hello and welcome! My name is Carlton Hemphill, a 33-year-old Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois who is also board certified (NCC). I received my Masters from Roosevelt University in Clinical Psychology-Counseling Practice with a concentration on child and families. I have been working in the field since 2015, and practicing as an independent clinician in my own private practice since June 2023

Hi, I'm Emily. I have been a psychotherapist for 10 years working exclusively with adults. I work with female identifying individuals who are dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, postpartum, prenatal, as well as other concerns. As a mother myself I have a understanding how obstacles can affect balance. If you are looking for a safe space to explore your needs and how to work towards healing contact me for a consult. If you are contemplating the decision to start or re-start therapy here are some ways it can benefit you including improving insight/ self awareness, improve coping skills / healthy habits as well as having a safe space to talk about struggles. I utilize multiple approaches to best fit your needs and utilize practical everyday approaches for busy lifestyles. **I do not fill out FMLA/ disability/ custody/work accommodation paperwork.**

Welcome! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW). I'm based in Georgia. However, I'm licensed in Tennessee, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Kansas. I received my Masters from the University of Tennessee and have been practicing for 4 years. I enjoyed working with young and older adults. I am passionate about assisting clients break cycles, manage their mood, set boundaries, and improve their overall mental well-being.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been in the Social Services field for over 17 years. I have had the pleasure of working with various populations and clients of various backgrounds. I truly enjoy the growth that takes place through the therapeutic process. It takes a lot of courage to take this step and I applaud you ahead of time.

Hi! I'm Kristina Vaughan, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Texas. I've been a therapist for four years, and an exceptional social worker for seven years. I received my Master's Degree from the University of Houston. I help adults of all ages to heal from emotion dysregulation and self-sabotage patterns rooted in childhood trauma. I specialize in Bipolar Disorder and Impulse Control Disorders. If you feel like you've been living in a state of being an audience member, rather than the storyteller of your own life, then look no further. I'm the right therapist for you.

I'm Daph, a bilingual psychotherapist (I speak English and Spanish) who was born and raised in Chicago. I work with adults ages 25 and up. I incorporate CBT (cognitive based therapy) into my sessions as I help clients to process and reflect upon their life journey. My goal is always to provide each client with coping mechanisms to navigate life's challenges.

My name is Brittany Wright and I am a licensed LCPC, LMHCA, and CADC. I have worked with individuals with mental health and substance use disorders since 2018. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology at Georgia State University, and my Master's degree in Forensic Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I service the adult population (18+) with several concerns including, but not limited to, substance use, parent education, domestic violence victims, domestic violence offenders, anxiety, and depression.

Hello. My name is Janet Rodriguez. I am Hispanic and bilingual. I have been a licensed clinical professional counselor since 2004, but I have been working as a counselor since 1996. As a clinical professional counselor, I am a dedicated and compassionate person committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore challenges and to encourage personal growth. I serve a diverse range of individuals and use a flexible, client-centered approach by selectively drawing from various therapeutic theories and techniques to create a personalized treatment plan. The impact of my work is helping clients build resilience, develop coping strategies, and achieve greater well-being by promoting trust and empowering them to understand and overcome personal obstacles.

I would love to work with teenager, young adults, adults and older generations to help them navigate through difficult life transitions, anxiety, depression and grief and loss. My ideal client understands that therapy is a journey and is willing to show up for themselves wanting something different and better for themselves. My ideal client is committed to the work and confident they can show up for themselves and be able to see things in a different perspective and try new things that are outside of their comfort zone.

I provide a collaborative and supportive space for individuals and couples navigating relationship challenges, interpersonal difficulties, marriage conflicts, stress, depression, and anxiety. My goal is to ensure that every client feels heard, validated, and—when appropriate—gently challenged in a safe and respectful environment. Together, we’ll explore your strengths and uncover the internal resources that can help you find peace amid life’s challenges. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, therapy can be a powerful tool for rediscovering joy and regaining control. Couples Therapy My work with couples focuses on: Increasing relationship satisfaction Identifying personal needs and learning to express them effectively Enhancing communication and emotional connection By fostering positive interactions and shared goals, couples often find renewed commonality and deeper intimacy. Individual Therapy I support individuals facing: Relationship issues Life transitions and stressors Caregiving challenges Grief and end-of-life concerns I have extensive experience working with the geriatric population and understand the unique pressures faced by adults caring for aging parents. My Training I am a Certified Family Trauma Professional and an EMDR-trained clinician, with specialized training in marriage, family, and trauma therapy. I bring a trauma-informed lens to all my work, ensuring that clients feel safe and empowered throughout the therapeutic process.

My name is Jennifer Duque and I have over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. I love helping clients who are struggling with issues related to anxiety, depression, and stress management, as well as couples and individuals struggling with relationship issues. I meet each client where they are at; providing a laid back, comfortable environment for clients. I believe this approach gives them the opportunity to share and grow. I feel like therapy is a collaborative effort between client and therapist. Let's work together to get you to where YOU want to be.

Hello, my name Patrick and I served in three combat tours: serving our country for nine years as a United States Marine. I decided to serve those that are mentally ill in 2013 after my tour of service. After 5 years of study and schooling I got my start in 2017 in a dual-disorder treatment center conducting Intensive inpatient/outpatient groups and utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy as an approach to treating mental health disorders. Today, I specialize in taking an eclectic approach to using interventions looking at the holistic approaches to the human dynamic. This means looking at a person’s relationships and/or lack, cognitive schemas, their behaviors and habits, their priorities, and then determining how interventions and treatment plans will be formulated. I look at a person’s self-concept and determine holistically how their behaviors, thoughts, and patterns are contributing to their problems and functioning. The skills and tools of a therapist are the personal characteristics they bring into therapy: empathy, active listening these aren’t just attributes that look good on paper but are verbal and non-verbal forms of communication; and its these skills I believe what enables successful outcomes in therapy.

Hello! My name is Elisa Holtman. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois. I received my Masters from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I have been primarily providing therapy in schools for the past 15 years and have been a Social Worker for 23 years. I have worked with children as young as 3 and adults in their nineties. The majority of my practice has been with 11-14 year old children/teens. Due to my experience in the school system, I have a unique perspective on what children/teens experience today in the school setting and can help guide a student and/or parents in navigating this world.

My name is Vince. I’m a licensed clinical social worker. I’ve worked in inpatient rehab as well as outpatient mental health facilities. I help people manage their anxiety and depression by learning coping skills. I help people process their past experiences and help people identify problem areas to improve. I help people develop their identity and their self-esteem to help become the person they need to be for themselves in their family.

"Hello! I'm a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, an expert on trauma resolution, attachment, parts work, and nervous system regulation. I believe in a holistic approach to therapy so I integrate traditional talk therapy with experiential therapies that aid in better nervous system regulation, healing, and overall relief of symptoms. Experiential, brain-based healing & somatic therapies can help accelerate change and often reduce time in counseling. I specialize in biologically based healing, which assists in resolving trauma symptoms that are frozen or stuck in the body. I have training in EMDR (eye movement desensitization & reprocessing) and am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). I interweave these therapies and attachment-based support and repair into all my work with clients, which allows for a rich, gentle, connection-based healing approach. I have been in private practice for over 20 years, and prior to that time I worked in a variety of mental health settings. I am licensed in Illinois (LCPC), and live on the big island of Hawaii 🌺 I see clients via telehealth (self pay & insurance). Education & Certifications: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) Master of Psychology, The Adler School of Professional Psychology Bachelor of Psychology, Illinois State University Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) Transforming the Experience-Based Brain (TEB) Touch Practitioner SSP (Safe & Sound Protocol) provider

Hi there, I'm Allyson! I am so proud that you have made this step. I’m glad you are here. There is a reason you are here, and I understand how vulnerable this can be. It is so brave that you have started this process and are ready to start your healing journey. My name is Allyson Stephens and I specialize in trauma-informed care. I have personally healed from generational trauma and done my work in order to better understand myself and how trauma impacts the body and mind.

I believe that everyone has inherent strength. While I can be direct and to the point, I understand that this conversation is about your life, not mine. I also believe in the power of laughter and that everyone is capable of leading their best life. I live in a multi dog/cat/parrot household and odds are good you will not just hear them but may occasionally see them. No worries they don’t judge and have been sworn to HIPAA secrecy.

I am open about my legal blindness. I am an adaptable and direct clinician who is passionate about collaboratively assisting teens, adults, and families to achieve their unique goals in a healthy manner. I combine counseling techniques with practical, problem solving approaches to strengthen behavioral, emotional, and mind-body functioning to manage stress and empower clients. I highly value a client-centered approach to therapy and behavioral therapies to meet clients where they are and with acceptance.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois. I received my MA in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Illinois University and have practiced for over 25 years. I enjoy helping people find hope again when struggling with depression, trauma, and self-injury. Life is hard, and sometimes we need to know that someone out there believes in us and knows that we can heal.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois, and I am a virtual practice. I received my Masters from the Loyola University Chicago and have been in this industry for almost 20 years. I help young adults and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and childhood-trauma become the best versions of themselves. I very much like a positive and strength-based approach to therapy. I think it is important to find balance in your life and it starts with improving self-esteem.

Hello there ! I am Ana Do you find your self stuck in life? , do you find difficult to relate to other people in social settings? Lack confidence ? Do you feel misunderstood by those around you ? Hablas Español? I am here to help you overcome any barriers that can come your way; to feel free from unpleasant emotions, together we will explore new ways to cope and to bring up your better self , spiritually, mentally and emotionally. This is your time and space to feel completely safe and understood . I am looking forward to meet you !

Aloha, I'm Gerald Are you at a point in life where your ready to make some much needed changes, but need support? I'm here for you, and together we can come up with a realistic plan to start doing things differently in order to live a more satisfying, meaningful life. I have lived in a number of places and have had many positive experiences working with diverse clients. I enjoy helping people help themselves and look forward to meeting you.

I am passionate about helping people navigate the challenges of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and addiction. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside clients in community mental health centers, academic medical settings, and private practice, supporting them as they heal, grow, and discover what’s possible for their lives. I am also deeply passionate about teaching and sharing knowledge—I’ve taught college courses on addiction treatment and have led trainings for other therapists on how to provide effective, compassionate care. I earned my graduate degree from the University of Chicago. When I’m not in session, you’ll often find me enjoying a good book, trying out a new recipe, or enjoying quiet moments with my spouse and our two cats.

My main focus in therapy is to support clients not just manage but understand their symptoms and their root causes, and improve their relationship with themselves and the community around them. I focus on providing a non-judgmental environment where clients can freely share their story with mental health issues, understand patterns, notice ways they have been coping that have been positive and change unhealthy coping mechanisms. I also work on supporting clients recognize how they relate to themselves and others, increase their sense of control in relationships, and slowly develop ability to have more empathy and compassion for themselves and others.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois. I received my Masters in Counseling from Loyola University, Chicago, IL. I also have a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Warsaw University, Poland. I have been practicing for over 20 years helping a variety of clients, including families with children age 2 to 18, young adults, and women in life transitions. I also worked with clients of different ages throughout their grieving process.

Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker located in Northwest Indiana. I am licensed in both Indiana and Illinois and services population in the Chicagoland area as well. I have worked in social services since 2010. I specialize in trauma focused treatment and I work with both adults and children.

Hi! I'm Dena (she/her). I have 15 years experience and truly love my vocation! I enjoy empowering individuals to achieve their goals and live their best lives. I believe everyone has the ability to heal, sometimes we all need a little help. I am passionate about the power of therapy to aid people in living their best, most authentic lives. I live on the tristate border and provide remote therapy for persons in Illinois and Iowa. An Iowa native, I spent about a decade living and working in SoCal and Phoenix before returning to the Midwest to be with my (now) husband and step kids. Yes, I left sunny San Diego, in December, for the snowy Midwest! The things we’ll do for love! I have personally benefitted greatly from therapy. I am Bi/queer, have ADHD, and several physical disabilities, all of which were diagnosed after college. Therapy helped me develop much needed coping skills so I could be successful in grad school and beyond. Therapy also helped me with the intense stressors related to being a young professional during the Great Recession. I continue to utilize therapy as part of my self care routine. If you are coping with symptoms of anxiety, depression, low self worth, or concerns related to ADHD or chronic health conditions, I would love the opportunity to work with you. I would love to help you to achieve a present no longer overshadowed by past traumas, negative self talk, or uncontrolled anxiety.

Leslie is a clinical licensed professional counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois. She received her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University. She has worked with children, youth and families for 10 years in non-profit organizations. She draws from multiple clinical orientations to meet her client's needs and help them achieve their personal goals. Leslie is excited to work with youth (13+), young adults, and adults via telehealth. Leslie es una terapeuta licenciada en el estado de Illinois. Ella recibio su maestría en psicología en la universidad de Northwestern. Ella a trabajado con niños, jóvenes, y familias durante 10 años en organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Ella se basa en múltiples orientaciones clínicas para satisfacer las necesidades de sus clientes y ayudarlos a alcanzar sus objetivos personales. Leslie está entusiasmada de trabajar con jóvenes (mayores de 13+), adultos jóvenes, y adultos a través de telesalud.

Hi! I am an LCSW in Florida, licensed in Florida, Texas, Alabama. and Illinois. I obtained my Masters from the University of South Florida in 2000. I live in the Orlando area and have been doing telehealth since 2020. I practice a variety of approaches because not one size fits all. I believe in resiliency and have a strengths based perspective. I have worked in variety of settings including private practice, community mental health, inpatient, home health, hospice, and telehealth with wide variety of clients from children to elderly, family, couples, and group therapy as well.

I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology/Argosy University in Chicago. I believe the most essential element of therapy is developing a trusting, therapeutic alliance in order to facilitate change. I specialize in integrated treatments for addressing co-occurring disorders, offering genuine compassion, honesty, and humor, along with a trauma informed care approach to treatment. I work independently running a private practice and my experiences include working as an outpatient mental health therapist at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, serving those struggling with mental health issues as well as psychiatric disorders in the community. I have also provided psychotherapy at Family Guidance Centers, assisting those with substance use and psychiatric disorders after completing my internship with Rosecrance Treatment Center working as a substance abuse counselor.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in the Chicagoland area. I received my Bachelor's Degree from Northwestern University and my Master's Degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I have been working in the school system for the past several years and I also have my certification in perinatal mental health. I am looking forward to beginning my practice with Grow! *** I have additional short-term availability throughout the summer. Please see my schedule for these openings!***

My name is Adriana Cintrón and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I am a bilingual and bicultural therapist, working with English speaking individuals in Illinois. I work mainly with adults who have expressed a need for support and would either like to define goals or have them and would like help to achieve them. I primarily specialize in depression, anxiety, stress and domestic violence counseling.

Welcome to Tribe Works Behavioral Services (www.tribeworksbehavioralservices.com) where real talk is impactful and intentional. This space was cultivated to provide quality and working care to all that grace my path. I am committed to your mental health and overall wellness by taking the time to get to know you and understand your unique needs. My therapy sessions are tailored to provide a safe and supportive environment for you to explore, heal, and grow. With a focus on empathy and understanding, I will guide you towards positive change and personal growth. My Promise To You: To provide sessions that are tailored to your unique needs, while addressing issues such as end-of-life, depression, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. While using therapeutic interventions that aim to foster self-awareness, emotional healing, and personal transformation.

Seasoned, compassionate, and dedicated professional equipped with broad based experience in counseling, case management, and psychotherapy. Offer exemplary case management skills along with expertise in diagnosis and treatment of emotional disturbances and mental health disorders. Demonstrate effectiveness in working with multidisciplinary teams and other health professionals, including social workers, psychologists, therapists, and student interns. Possess articulate communication skills in English. It is my experience that my clients know themselves better than anyone. They are their own (and my) best resource when it comes to treatment. I see therapy as a joint venture where our knowledge and skills are combined to create solutions. A good therapeutic relationship includes trust, authenticity, freedom and positive outcomes.

Are you tired of dealing with your inner thoughts alone? Do you feel as if no one understands you, and you are alone in this world? Well, I am here to tell you, you are not! I provide a supportive and nurturing environment where individuals can develop coping skills, enhance their self-awareness, and build resilience. I have assisted both adolescents and adults with overcoming trauma, suicidal ideations, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and complex relationships. I enjoy the collaboration process that takes place when assisting clients to achieve their best selves. I believe hopefulness and intentionality are the primary components of a fruitful therapeutic relationship. Collaboration is important - together we can work on establishing concrete goals and steps for you to help reduce some of your mental health challenges, too. I know firsthand that getting help can be a challenge. I look forward to speaking with you to see if we are a good fit to partner in your journey!

I’m not the kind of therapist who just listens quietly—I believe therapy should give you practical tools you can use in your daily life. My hope is that, over time, you’ll feel confident and resilient enough that you no longer need therapy at all. When you’re caught in cycles of overthinking, it can feel like you’re solving problems—but often it’s just your mind’s way of keeping you stuck. The way out isn’t more thinking, it’s movement—whether that’s physical, emotional, or spiritual. And it doesn’t have to be big. Even the smallest step forward can start to shift the pattern and open the door to change. If your mind is racing, or you feel trapped in panic, anxiety, or self-doubt—you don’t have to stay in that place alone. I help people slow down, calm their nervous system, and find clarity again, even when life feels overwhelming. We don’t have to fix everything in one conversation. Gentle, steady support can help your body shift out of fight-or-flight and back into balance. You don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I’ll sit with you through it, and together we’ll build the steps that help you feel grounded, stronger, and more at ease. I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. I specialize in helping people navigate anxiety, OCD, life transitions, burnout, low self-esteem, and tough emotions like anger. My approach is practical, brain-based, and rooted in compassion.

Hi! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Illinois. I received my Masters from the University of St. Francis and have been practicing over 13 years. I offer personalized psychotherapy services tailored to meet your unique needs. Together we’ll work towards uncovering insights, developing coping strategies, and fostering positive change. Let’s embark on this journey of self discovery and transformation together.

Hi there, I'm Ashley. Have you been feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed? Are you struggling to manage a physical condition and accept the impacts these struggles have on you and your relationships? I help support individuals with emotional challenges as well as those dealing with acute and chronic physical pain/illness/injuries. Together, we can work towards accepting these difficulties and identifying effective coping skills, which will help in healing and regaining a sense of hope. Evidence-based therapies I utilize include CBT, DBT, ACT, and MBSR depending on your unique needs and goals. If you're dealing with anxiety, stress, sadness, loneliness, and the many difficulties that accompany physical pain/illness, I'm here to help. Seeking therapy can feel scary and overwhelming; yet is also a courageous step. I offer a safe, compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to heal and grow. I look forward to working with you and helping you to achieve your goals.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 12 years of experience as a practicing social worker. My primary focus has been working in school settings, predominantly with elementary school-aged children. I also have experience working with high school students. I specialize in working with children between the ages of 6 and 11, having spent the past 10 years in an elementary school setting. With extensive knowledge of the developmental needs of this age group, I tailor my practice to meet each child's unique needs. I bring a blend of compassion, empathy, and play to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients. I am passionate about my work and excited to further my experience through Growtherapy!

I have a unique and creative way of utilizing different therapeutic tools to match my client’s needs and individual issues. My focus is to create a trusting and safe environment to enable my clients to explore their deepest feelings and thoughts. I rely on an empathetic and motivational approach, as well as on the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and utilizing EMDR treatment.

As a therapist who values mental, emotional, and behavioral health my goal in working with clients is to help them identify the best strategies, perspectives and mindsets to enjoy the life they lead. My approach to therapy is solution focused, non judgmental and collaborative. Together we will work towards the life you truly deserve. I plan to assist you with grief, identity issues, life transitions, family issues, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges and much more.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri and Illinois. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of settings. Life comes with many challenges and we often find ourselves overwhelmed by what has come our way. Together we can identify concerns and find ways to move through life challenges. Through exploring and learning ways to manage emotions, I feel there are opportunities for growth. I believe it is important to identify individual strengths and will guide you towards positive self worth. Whether you are looking for short-term or long-term counseling, I will work with you to achieve a greater self-fulfillment.

I want to make therapy as comfortable as possible. Coming to therapy can be an intimidating process. The last thing people want is some stuffy, uptight professional that makes people feel like they need to censor themselves. I pride myself in being warm, friendly, and relatable. I view therapy as a collaboration between the therapist and client. I will do my best to make your therapy experience positive. My role is to listen, teach, support, and collaborate with my clients. I have worked in a variety of settings since embarking on my journey as a mental health clinician including hospice care, domestic violence, community mental health, intensive outpatient, and urgent mental healthcare. My preference is to work with mature adolescents and adults of all ages both in person and virtually.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional with over 20 years of experience providing clinical services in one capacity or another. My experience includes working with children, teens, and adults and my areas of practice have included substance use, serious mental illness, and a variety of anxiety issues. I believe that you are the expert on your own thoughts and feelings, but unhelpful behavior patterns are not always as obvious to the person engaging in them. My role with you will be to help you discover those patterns and their root cause so that we can give them a tune-up to get you going on a more functional path. Why we do what we do has always been a strong focus of my clinical work. I believe that we can always find the reasons for our dysfunctional behaviors if we are open and willing to look for them. I will work well with you if you are open and curious about your own mind and/or are motivated to dig deep into your inner world to affect change. Dream analysis has also highly interested me, and I welcome discussing your dreams and what they could represent about your current life problems.

What happens when our well-intentioned - yet sometimes uncooperative - brains try to protect us from experiencing harm? Yup, you got it! It's called Stress, also known as Anxiety, and at times it can be quite the nuisance. You are welcome to join me on a journey of knowledge and self-discovery to recognize and appreciate how our brain and bodies have helped us survive the personal challenges and struggles life presents. And then, let's help our brain recognize that, when we are actually safe, we don't need to go into stress mode, and we can learn how to direct Anxiety to take a seat until it is next needed. Often times, Anxiety's friends, Depression and Trauma, love to join the party (uninvited). Together, we can learn to appreciate them as well, while sending them on their way. Along the way, let's tap into a bit of Grace and Self-Compassion. Let's also identify the multitude of Strengths and Resources in place, and use them to move from a Fear-Based response, to one of Courage.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Illinois and Maine. I have experience working with clients in crisis with severe mental illness to adults experiencing depression and anxiety with chronic complex medical conditions. Coping with life challenges is not something you have to go through alone. Many people seek therapy for support, information, and new ideas on how to better handle the curve balls that life can throw sometimes. I believe that human beings are incredibly resilient and sometimes need assistance in recognizing their own inner strength to create positive changes in their lives. The therapeutic relationship should be collaborative, built upon both mutual respect and independence, and I hope to empower my clients to find opportunities for personal growth so that they can move forward with their goals. I have been a great support to those experiencing significant changes in their lives such as new medical diagnosis or crisis events. Be proud of making this step forward toward your best self. I look forward to working together!

Dawn Ernsberger is a licensed clinical social worker dedicated to supporting adolescents and adults in various specialized areas, such as trauma, life transitions, relationships, parenting, forgiveness, stress management, and addressing anxiety and depression. With a master's degree from Indiana University, she brings over two decades of experience counseling hundreds of clients. Ms. Ernsberger possesses a rich background in assisting individuals recovering from emotional abuse and trauma, guiding them towards emotional well-being and completeness. Additionally, she is fluent in both English and Pennsylvania Dutch.