"Led by curiosity and compassion, I care deeply about understanding my clients as people, not problems. My practice style is culturally humble, trauma-informed, sex-positive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming and I believe we each live our best lives when we are seen, heard, and supported with compassion and without judgment. I work with clients to support a "safe base" from which to explore vulnerabilities, assess struggles, and process emotions. I believe my clients hold the key to their own self-discovery, wellness, and balance and consider it an honor to walk this path with them."

"Hi, I'm Christine Novak, MA, LCPC, of Changes Counseling, LLC. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, youth and families in Rochelle, Mendota, and Oregon Illinois. Changes Counseling has been serving rural Northern Illinois since 2010 with professional, confidential mental health services. With a team of experienced, licensed counselors we know how to help you and your family improve your situation. Our first priority is for you to feel comfortable, listened to, and respected. We have helped hundreds of people through life's challenges. Call us today for an appointment. We look forward to helping your reach your goals."

"You never have to walk alone. I understand showing your true colors can feel vulnerable, so it is my intention to hold space in which you can feel safe to be yourself without judgement. My practice is defined by a genuine desire to help you feel comfortable in your own skin. Good therapy can act as an anchor, providing the stability and support to explore your identity and expression safely. As your teammate in this journey we call life, I will be there every step of the way to support you in forging new paths and in helping you discover and build the life you have always imagined. "

"Lost? Stuck? Confused? Life can seem overwhelming when we can't figure out how, where, or when to make changes. I am passionate about helping people find their way through whatever they may be facing, and reach the shores of fulfillment. As your counselor, I will act as a lighthouse guiding you to where you want to go, and together we will figure out how to navigate these challenges, while finding the joy and humor in things when we can. I can be this guide for you, whether you be an individual, couple, family, teen, or have a child who is in need of help. Lets get the journey started today. "

"Are you looking for someone to commit to understanding you in a real way? I am an enthusiastic individual, eager to become a part of your support team! I am passionate about working with both individuals, couples, and children to promote positive personal growth. Working together during your tough situations, you will be able to strengthen skills that can be used during your day to day life. I also offer bilingual services for those individuals or families that may prefer therapy in Spanish."

"Are you struggling with your relationships? Is your mental health suffering from the anxiety or depression you carry? Sometimes the first step to finding peace in your life is making that first phone call. Counseling can help immensely with situations that may otherwise feel hopeless. Let’s work together to help you work towards the state of wellness you are searching for. "

""Should I stay or should I go?" If that question gives you pause about your current relationship, we should talk! "Relationship" doesn't mean just romantic love - we have relationships all around us - lover, friend, family, child or employer - AND, If you're struggling to find the right path for you in this relationship - whatever kind it is - I can help. As Community Psychologist, Clinical Therapist, & expert in the science of love, I specialize in helping people rebuild their attachment w/ others, reduce conflict, repair trust, create positive feelings, and take control of emotional & physical symptoms that hold you back."

"Feeling a little down over the winter months. You are the expert of your life and I am here to help you feel better this winter. We all need someone at times. I have experience with many different mental health disorders and substance use disorders. Having worked with many populations, including the homeless population and homeless veterans with substance use disorders, has allowed me the opportunity to develop a deep respect for all individuals. These experiences helped me gain the values I hold most dear, empathy, compassion, respect for all, and above all else, each of us has a story to tell. I would love to hear your story."

"I am a Licensed and Board Certified Physician Assistant that provides psychiatric medical evaluations and medication management for adults and adolescents in all areas of mental health. I have a special interest in working with adolescence. Adolescence is one of the most perplexing periods for teens and parents alike. This is a time of tremendous growth, boundary exploration, budding independence and physical and emotional changes. Learning to understand and navigating the challenges of this developmental stage are crucial for future success. Often this is when Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Depression, ADHD, Bipolar Disorders and substance use can emerge."

"Each client has their own unique story and my job is to adjust to what the client needs utilizing an integrated approach of evidenced based practices. I gravitate toward strength based treatment. For younger clients this tends to include a behavioral plan and parent coaching to transfer skills across environments. Individual therapy, for all ages, may include: behavior modification, social skills training, CBT or DBT pending the individuals level of cognitive functioning and identified goals. The idea is to build upon already existing strengths and promote adaptive behaviors to improve overall functioning. "

"The therapist you NEED is not necessarily the one you WANT. Counseling changed my life. The journey wasn't easy but it was simple... I had to change EVERYTHING about myself. I KNOW that change is possible and INEVITABLE when you have the right people supporting you. ALL people are deserving of love and respect, whether you identify as a racial/ethnic minority, LGBTQI+, or Religious/Spiritual. I am here to help you... FIND YOUR AMAZING life!"

"I truly believe that given the right tools, support and compassion, each individual is capable of navigating life's challenges and living a positive meaningful life. I mostly draw from Reality therapy, mindfulness, and strength-based interventions. I also believe the counseling relationship is built on mutual respect and trust. Some of the areas I have worked with are Latino issues, life changes, anxiety, depression, grief, college/academic, college student mental health, career, stress management, multicultural/diversity issues, and domestic violence."