Grief Therapists in Crystal Lake, IL

Hello!! The right match between therapist and client can be one of the largest factors to therapeutic success. My view of the therapeutic relationship is that of a shared journey between client and therapist. I have been in private practice for eight years and I continue to be a "client" as well, which I believe gives me sensitivity and insights resulting in a non judging collaborative approach. I see therapy as an opportunity to use symptoms as a gateway to self discovery and growth, as a self actualizing process as we heal wounds, work through issues, and discover self potential.

Hi… My name is Lisa Schultz and I am a Therapist. I hold a Licensed Professional Counselor designation. Utilizing evidence-based approaches I’ve worked with clients contending with anxiety, depression, PTSD, intimacy difficulties, sexuality, identity development, grief , loss , ACEs, lifespan transitions, personality disorders, obsessive compulsive behaviors amongst others. Working with clients to help them understand their life story and unique gifting, offers freedom, congruency and movement in clients that so exciting to see.

We believe in compassionate care and authentic connections dedicated towards your wellness. Our staff have over 20 years of experience in the mental heath field working with individuals, couples and families. We believe the key to your revival lies deeply within you. That you possess the wisdom, insight and strength to navigate life’s challenges. Our role is to be on the journey with you, helping guide you and tap into those unrealized or forgotten strengths. We assist you from turning your journey into a personal revival.

I enjoy working with clients who are having difficulty dealing with anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress as well as clients who feel lost and are questioning the purpose of life. I like to help clients learn what their true values are and how to live in line with them. Clients who have expressed grief over their childhood but are struggling with validation of their feelings may say things like "but I was never hit". Emotional abuse and neglect have a profound effect on human development. I enjoy helping educate on what Complex PTSD is and how it has affected the nervous system and what clients can do to heal.

Hello! Choosing a therapist is not easy and involves finding someone with whom you are comfortable. I offer a supportive approach that is sustained by years of experience, knowledge and training through private psychotherapy and consulting services. My clinical services provide a comprehensive and holistic approach toward personal growth and healing. Together, we can uncover your inner strengths and gifts to make emotional and behavioral treatment a fulfilling journey. I have received DIPLOMATE professional certification with the American Psychotherapy Association and have professional certifications in Play Therapy, Domestic Violence, Sexual Addictions,and Trauma-Based Treatments.

Life is a journey, and sometimes that journey can be extremely painful. I believe that you have what it takes to find your way through. Whether your journey has taken you through childhood abuse, sexual trauma, grief , depression, anxiety, or you are just trying to get through a rough time, I believe in you. I take a strength-based approach to successfully navigating challenging circumstances as an individual or family. I will support you and your family with empathy and perspective. I am extremely objective and work well with families in crisis.

Currently Accepting New Clients! Seeking emotional help can be a confusing and intimidating process for anyone, not to mention adding managing a pandemic. It is my mission to help you feel comfortable with the therapist-client relationship, focus on your needs, assist you in discovering your personal strengths, and helping to overcome/heal from what you struggle with. I will meet you where you are at, and work with you to accomplish your goals and achieve success!

My experience in social services consists of 19 years of growth, first as a case manager and Social Svc. Director prior to licensure, then clinical experience as a child and family therapist in community mental health, an LCSW in an small group practice, and now my own practice since February 2016. I have extensive knowledge working with people living with grief / loss , Childhood trauma, Depression, Anxiety/Panic disorders, PTSD, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and Personality disorders. I am experienced and passionate about working with First Responders, Military, Medical Professional, and anyone that has had traumatic experiences.

Life isn't always in our control (and no, I'm not a fan of that either). In therapy, we can learn to manage the things within our control - so that we are better equipped to contend with life’s inevitable ups and downs. Whether you're experiencing a big transition, stress from everyday life, a personal loss , or a severe mental illness - we can work together to make things easier. I have experience treating individuals with a variety of concerns or mental health diagnoses. I strive to make everyone - of any body shape/size, sexuality, gender, race, religion, or disability - comfortable in the therapy room (and in their own skins).

My ideal clients are not perfect. My ideal clients are humans with challenges and strengths of all kinds. My ideal clients are those in need of softness and compassion as well as tough love and confrontation. I can best support adolescent and adult clients that live with depression, anxiety, PTSD, postpartum issues, identity/purpose challenges, and grief . My clients want to feel freedom from suffering. My clients want to learn how to navigate communication and relationships. My clients want to feel joy, to have hope, and to appreciate and love themselves.

I enjoy working with people who want to create positive and lasting changes in their lives. Sometimes this is accomplished by simply talking through a confusing and stressful experience with a caring person in a safe place. Sometimes positive change is made by learning and using a new skill. There are times when you might want and/or need a deeper journey to get to know yourself better, your natural strengths and limitations, the source of your suffering, your desires and values, and perhaps your direction in life. I am comfortable working with people in any of these ways.

I believe therapy is an opportunity to create a new path toward living a meaningful life. Often struggles or hardships we experience push us into following old patterns that may not fit our values or how we want to effectively live our lives. It can also be space to understand how we can be more fulfilled or effective in our many roles. I specialize in treating trauma and whether the event happened a month ago, or 20 years ago, there are effective, evidence-based strategies we can use to grow beyond that harm. I also enjoy working with people in the areas of self-esteem, anxiety, attachment, relationships, & LGBTQIA+ issues.

I believe that most people go through something difficult in their lives and need help moving through the resulting pain that they feel. My goal is to make you feel safe, comfortable, and connected to me while we do our work together. I am a trauma informed therapist who works with a variety of clients and client issues. My work includes anxiety, depression, complex trauma, substance use, parenting, and life transitions in adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I am person-centered and believe that sessions should be focused on the needs of the client.

“Investing in yourself is the best investment you will ever make. It will not only improve your life, it will improve the lives of all those around you”- Robin Sharma. Robin Sharma's words echo in many ways what occurs within the therapeutic relationship. When we invest in ourselves through the work we do in therapy, we are more likely to make decisions that impact us for the better. This not only improves our quality of life, but it enriches our interactions with others. The ideal client would be an individual who is aware they need change, but are not sure as to how to go about creating it for themselves.

Jessica Connell, LPC, received her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grace College in 2020. She has expertise in trauma focused therapy and has completed post graduate work and training in EMDR trauma informed therapy. Jessica has experience working in private practice and in mental health/addiction residential treatment settings. Jessica is a graduate of Grace College with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has additional specialized training in EMDR therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.

Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness..more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. However, through therapy our associates have our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a family systems based approach using behavior methods.

Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward and Integrative approach and have our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems-based approach using behavior methods.

Life tosses us curve balls, from job stress, to relationship changes, to dealing with difficult memories. It is helpful to work on these things with someone who can listen, lend perspective, help you understand why and what is happening, and help you plan and make changes. I can help you put your life on track, with over 30 years of experience, working with a variety of everyday issues, self-reflection, relationships as well as issues arising from trauma, abuse and experiences in combat. We will work together toward your goals.

Connection. Healing. Joy. Meaning. Hope. This is what we long to experience. But sometimes the weight of our heartache, loneliness and confusion descends like a fog. We need a safe place to connect, to find clarity, to heal and create new ways of being and experiencing ourselves and others. We often seek therapy due to the pain and struggle experienced in both early and present relationships. And our greatest work in therapy is achieved through relationship. I will journey alongside you to bring healing and strength to broken places, discover your glory, and pursue a life of wholeness and freedom.

I, along with my wife, own and operate The Art of Living Counseling Center. We are focused on creating therapeutic environments where clients are invited deeper into their personal story for purposes of healing and empowerment. We use the dynamic metaphor of Story to help guide and organize the therapeutic process. Using this narrative approach, clients come to understand that they were given powerful stories that shaped and guided their development as a person. These stories impact one’s sense of self, relationships and family life. Therapy progresses as clients gain greater awareness of these inner storylines and their impact.