Optum Therapists in Saint Charles, IL

Danielle is here to empower families and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma reactions, ADHD, behavioral issues, and many other struggles. Danielle supports individuals with whom need support surrounding gender and sexual orientation (LGBTQ+ community). She also has experience working with individuals whom are in foster care or have been adopted.

I received my Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Throughout my years of experience in the field I have learned the importance of trusting the therapeutic process. One of my main goals as a Licensed Professional Counselor is to make therapy a safe place where you feel seen and heard. I value an integrative approach to therapy to best meet your individual unique needs wherever you are in your personal healing journey. Healing is not a linear process. Asking for help can be difficult, however this could be the start of the best chapter of your journey.

I am licensed professional counselor and a certified clinical trauma professional. I am experienced in working with children and adults from diverse backgrounds. My specialties include empowering survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and working with children that have been directly or indirectly abused by domestic violence. I work to address toxic parenting and intergenerational trauma. My research aims to reduce anxiety in children and adolescents post COVID-19. In therapy, I apply an eclecticism perspective drawn from several evidenced-based models, such as CBT, ACT, and DBT.

Valerie Taylor, LCPC, takes an honest, supportive approach to help clients learn the skills to better cope with their struggles. She approaches each client as an individual and will tailor goals and treatments based on their needs. Valerie supports adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflict, and is especially skilled at treating: Self-Exploration: Knowing exactly who you are can be difficult to discover on your own. Valerie opens her office and teaches skills that develop that confidence and self-love.

I am a Licensed Social Worker with 5 years of clinical and private Practice experience, Most recently as a substance abuse and mental health counselor.

Nicole Kothe, LPC, helps clients overcome challenges by finding their strengths. She works with teens and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, motivation issues, stress, and more. Nicole received an undergraduate degree from Hope College and an MSED from Northern Illinois University. Her career includes over two decades of experience as a middle and high school counselor where she served students with various social, emotional, and academic issues. In therapy, Nicole uses a client-centered approach and also incorporates mindfulness. Her goal is for each client to feel heard and gain the skills they need to move forward.

I can help you save your marriage! Change a behavior and you change your life.

Dr. Michelle Hansen, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, is guided by compassion for the human experience in assisting her clients. She specializes in providing psychological testing services for her clients as the underlying cause for difficulties in cognitive, learning, emotional, or interpersonal difficulties is not always clear. Dr. Hansen's goals in assessment services are helping her clients discover their strengths and utilizing their challenges as opportunities to promote personal and interpersonal growth.

Shawn earned his Master's Degree in Counseling from National Louis University and received his Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy from Lake Forest College. I began my career working in Mchenry County SASS which was the child and adolescent crisis response team. During that time I developed and honed skills that resonate with children and adolescents in order to help determine core issues and work towards action plans on how to progress on those issues. Anxiety, depression, and other symptoms can decrease your quality of life and make you feel not like yourself.

Let's be real. Therapy can be scary! Sitting in front of a total stranger and sharing your deepest and possibly even darkest thoughts can sound terrifying. Well, I can definitely reassure you that, yes, while therapy can be scary, if your therapist is able to create a warm environment, making you feel seen and heard, it can very quickly become an appointment we look forward to! My goal is to make sure my therapy room is a judgement- free, safe space for my clients. I love using an eclectic, scientific- based and holistic approach to therapy.

Stop waiting for Friday, for summer, for someone to fall in love with you for life. Happiness is achieved when you stop waiting for it and make the most of the moment you are in now. "“ Lucy Sutcliffe The thought of going to therapy generally leaves people feeling that they are weak or unable to solve problems on their own. When in reality, the majority of people that are seeking therapy are ordinary people that are dealing with ordinary, everyday issues that life throws at us.

Change can be difficult, particularly when you are struggling with the stressors of life. Therapy can seem daunting when you already have so much going on. However, it does not have to be. Psychotherapy can help you clarify thinking, gain insight into past experiences that may be adversely impacting current circumstances, develop a plan, and increase your ability to handle and cope with the challenges of life. I have helped many people make the changes they needed to improve their mood, relationships, and overall functioning.

Katrina Muenster is a Licensed Professional Counselor who graduated Summa Cum Laude from Roosevelt University with a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology (Counseling Practice). Katrina has garnered many culturally diverse experiences from working with individuals in community mental health settings, working with students in school settings, and working as a first responder for mental health crisis at hospitals in DuPage County. Katrina understands that the decision to seek a therapist is often a vulnerable and at times difficult decision to make.

Veris Hawkins-Smith, LPC, treats each client relationship as unique and constantly evolving. She believes life is a journey full of obstacles that impact one's well-being, but any challenge can be overcome with the correct tools.Veris supports adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger management, and more. She is an expert at helping clients identify and understand unhealthy behaviors and create a plan for change.

Are you experiencing changes in thinking abilities, personality, or behavior? Do you feel as though you are a prisoner of your emotions that are intense and difficult to manage? Do you think you or a loved one might have a learning disability? Are you struggling to effectively cope with your life circumstances? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone and you came to the right place. Whether you are seeking a neuropsychological evaluation or psychotherapy, you deserve the high-quality and personalized care that I offer. Together, we can achieve your goals so you can live a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

It is a privilege to provide a safe space where the innermost thoughts, emotions, and fears of the human experience can be shared in an unfiltered way. This is a journey that has many twists and turns and if you are looking for compassionate, consistent support with a focus on growth and healing, you've made it to the right place. I specialize in the individualized care of those seeking to collaborate on changing their relationship with their anxiety, depression, and substance use.

We are a team of experienced therapists who have special training in various areas of Behavioral Health & other life issues.

Allison Grendzinski, LCSW, is flexible, supportive, and engages meaningfully with clients. She takes the time to understand each client's journey and meets them where they are to overcome challenges. Allison serves clients of all ages struggling with depression, ADHD, life transitions, stress, and more. She is also especially skilled at treating mood, psychotic, and anxiety disorders. In addition, Allison has extensive experience working with people who at high-risk or in crisis situations. In therapy, Allison tailors her treatment to meet individual needs.

You have taken the first step towards creating the new story of your life, and living the life you truly want to live. I’m here to help you experience the change, relief, and lightness you’re looking for that makes a real difference in the lives of individuals and couples.