I founded my private practice on the principle of helping others create the life that they want. Often times that means resolving past trauma or issues that stand in our way. Change can be a difficult process, but with someone who understands how change occurs and the pitfalls that can hinder change it is possible. Every one deserves to be the person they want and I am here to help you on your journey of change and healing.

The past few months have many feeling down, depressed, or hopeless. Maybe you're noticing an increase in anxiety, and don't know where to start. I know what that feels like, and I'm here for you. You CAN face these life challenges; whatever the cause-with the help of someone who can guide and support you through the process of finding your healthy balance. As a professional counselor, I provide a judgement free environment where we can work together to achieve this.

Are you feeling on edge, numb, or “spaced out"? Are you easily startled, irritable, angry or full of rage? Do you have nightmares or intrusive thoughts that disrupt your life? Do you have tense muscles, digestion issues, or chronic pain? Have you been hurt by someone you love, or even a stranger, and feel unable to move on? These are all symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder and can go away with proper treatment.

Are you looking for a therapist that you can easily relate to and is easy to talk with? I am that therapist. Having overcome much adversity in my own life, I have the capacity to truly understand clients. I offer individual, child, couples,family, pastoral, and group counseling. The techniques I use in therapy are evidence-based. These include: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Existential Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.

*Weekday afternoon appts. available* I believe people want to be healthy and live a fulfilling life. At times the ways we attempt to pursue our ideal lives keep us stuck in anxiety, depression, conflict or other issues. This year has been particularly challenging, we have encountered many unforeseen obstacles. In therapy I support individuals, families and romantic partners to identify ways to pursue the lives they want and deserve to live. I generally see clients over 10 years old, however will consider younger clients on a case by case basis. I am particularly passionate about working with LGBTQ+ individuals and their loved ones.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with many years of experience which include counseling for individuals, couples, families, and adolescent in the Rockford and surrounding areas. I received my Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois ten years after being widowed with five children at home. I am certified in gereatric counseling and EMDR. I specialize in bereavement both for couples, families, and individuals.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing in the Rockford, IL and Beloit, WI areas for 20 years. My approach with providing services to adolescents, adults, couples and families is relaxed, compassionate and non-judgmental. I have many years of experience assisting individuals feeling troubled with anxiety, depression, grief & loss, anger & irritability, relationship problems, problems faced within a blended family and traumatic experiences. For several years I have provided group therapy for individuals struggling with social anxiety and for women struggling with anger.

Oftentimes, life can get the better of us. Finding out how to handle stressful situations and learning how to redefine oneself is a journey of self-exploration. My mission is to help you; I do this by meeting you where you are at physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Together, we will explore where you are and where you want to be. We will make a plan and work toward your goals at your pace.

I love my work: helping individuals and couples solve problems, grow and flourish. We grow by learning mastery; to me this means being competent in dealing with yourself and the outside world. I help clients do this by gaining self-knowledge and learning the skills necessary to be empowered to reach their goals and improve their most important relationships. Since starting my practice in 1983 I have been dedicated to helping clients achieve mastery. I take a very active role, and do "what works" for each client, using a variety of treatment approaches.

As parents, we've all had those "WTF" moments. Maybe your child is acting out or their mood seems to have more ups and downs than a rollercoaster. Sure, it comes with the territory of raising kids, but when they start to happen more often, we might feel confused, frustrated, or worried. That's where therapy for your child or teen can help! You want a therapist that can connect with your child and help them function and feel better. You want a therapist that will listen and see you for who you are: a caring and loving parent that is trying their best. You want a therapist that can help your family feel less stressed and overwhelmed.

Dana believes that empathy, trust, and compassion are the key components to creating a safe environment for you to share your life's stories. Through these components counselor and client can build a space where work on self can begin.

I have had the privilege of working with many different populations in many different settings. I have worked with toddlers, adolescents, teens, adults, and the elderly. I have worked in school settings, case management, the foster care system, and substance/mental health.

My clients typically struggle with addictions, anger, and experience difficulties in relating to loved ones. I focus on the child-parent relationship with both children and adults who have had adverse life experiences.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois. I have completed trainings pertaining to Theraplay, play therapy, anxiety, depression, trauma, Brainspotting, ADHD, and suicide prevention. I am a mom of three children and was a foster parent for several years. My training as well as my life experiences help me to better relate to my clients and what they may be going through. I really enjoy working with people of all ages, and have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have been described as genuine, empathetic, caring, and very easy to talk to. I look forward to meeting you!

Needing to make changes? Psychotherapy is an opportunity to look at your deepest fears and face them with the support of an experienced and trusted therapist. I am committed to work with you and support you through a style that is relational, compassionate and challenging.

Life is not always a smooth path. At time, life presents personal challenges and uncertainty that can make it difficult to see clearly through the storm. Seeking assistance is an effective strategy for conquering adverse circumstances and overcoming obstacles that make life difficult. Everyone deserves to enjoy their life to its fullest and realize their dreams can become reality. My goal is improve my client's lives, develop better coping skills, reduce symptoms of mental illness, and cope with various challenges.

Sometimes in our lives we have experiences that lead us to feel unsettled, overwhelmed, disconnected or maybe just stuck. During those times, I help my clients by offering acceptance, validation and a safe space, where clients feel they have a voice. I offer a calm and warm presence, and use a person-centered and strengths-based approach to help clients find their inner resiliency. So often in life we move too fast and forget to prioritize self care and it is my goal to create a space that is inclusive and intersectional, allowing all clients to put themselves first, feel safe and to be their authentic self.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 24 years experience in working with individuals, youth, and couples. Through various intervention strategies, I help individuals work through unresolved issues, poor communication, or broken trust of others, toward conflict resolution. I assist in helping people to understand that there is always a positive to every negative, and that everyone has a capacity for growth.

**I'm not accepting clients at this time.** I value working with individuals from many different backgrounds, including folx from the queer and trans community, POC, and both college students and working adults. I’m a strong advocate for trans* health and have experience in supporting clients as they navigate gender affirming changes in their lives. A significant focus of my work involves helping my clients to deepen their understanding of themselves and their relationships.