Therapists in Willow Springs, IL
Hello, my name is Sierra! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who graduated with my Master’s Degree from Aurora University. I have experience working with both teen and adult clients with struggles ranging from anxiety and relationship conflict, to depression, grief and trauma. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with disordered eating and body image concerns. I am also a certified yoga instructor who aims to help clients reconnect to their body through mindful and somatic experiences such as yoga and breath work.
Hello, my name is Sierra! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who graduated with my Master’s Degree from Aurora University. I have experience working with both teen and adult clients with struggles ranging from anxiety and relationship conflict, to depression, grief and trauma. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with disordered eating and body image concerns. I am also a certified yoga instructor who aims to help clients reconnect to their body through mindful and somatic experiences such as yoga and breath work.
Valerie Hardy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LPC, NCC
Willow Springs, IL 60480
Waitlist for new clients
Sometimes our life journey takes us a little off course. This detour might be due to anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship or identity issues, career or school issues, or other life circumstances that leave us feeling stressed or stuck. If you are experiencing emotional pain or feeling overwhelmed, you probably know how these emotional states can drain your energy and interfere with your ability to feel fulfilled in your life. Whether your symptoms are situational or long-term, therapy can help. I provide affordable, caring, collaborative, client-specific treatment to tweens, teens, and adults seeking growth and healing.
Sometimes our life journey takes us a little off course. This detour might be due to anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship or identity issues, career or school issues, or other life circumstances that leave us feeling stressed or stuck. If you are experiencing emotional pain or feeling overwhelmed, you probably know how these emotional states can drain your energy and interfere with your ability to feel fulfilled in your life. Whether your symptoms are situational or long-term, therapy can help. I provide affordable, caring, collaborative, client-specific treatment to tweens, teens, and adults seeking growth and healing.
I’m Shelly Gessler, owner of Willow Therapeutic. My path to becoming a counselor was unconventional, rooted in a deep connection to nature. Whether hiking, camping, or kayaking, I found a sense of balance and meaning in the outdoors that I felt moved to bring into everyday life. This journey led me to study mindfulness, yoga, and eventually clinical mental health counseling, focusing on how we can live more fully when our mind and body are truly aligned.
I’m Shelly Gessler, owner of Willow Therapeutic. My path to becoming a counselor was unconventional, rooted in a deep connection to nature. Whether hiking, camping, or kayaking, I found a sense of balance and meaning in the outdoors that I felt moved to bring into everyday life. This journey led me to study mindfulness, yoga, and eventually clinical mental health counseling, focusing on how we can live more fully when our mind and body are truly aligned.
Life gives us challenges. These challenges can include anxiety, depression, difficulties in relationships, or just feeling stuck in life. However, we do not have to face these challenges alone. It is our job to help you identify and eliminate stresses, embrace your strengths, and work towards empowerment. Through collaboration, we together can create an individualized and comprehensive plan to help you create an identity of your own, integrate positive practices into your daily interactions, and grow to live a happy and healthy life.
Life gives us challenges. These challenges can include anxiety, depression, difficulties in relationships, or just feeling stuck in life. However, we do not have to face these challenges alone. It is our job to help you identify and eliminate stresses, embrace your strengths, and work towards empowerment. Through collaboration, we together can create an individualized and comprehensive plan to help you create an identity of your own, integrate positive practices into your daily interactions, and grow to live a happy and healthy life.
The journey to healing can be overwhelming. By meeting my clients where they're at and taking time to build a strong therapeutic alliance, we can work toward you become the best version of yourself. I am an EMDR Certified clinician/Approved Consultant through the EMDR International Association, and registered yoga instructor specializing in trauma and CPTSD. I firmly believe in our body and mind's innate ability to heal and am honored to guide my clients through this process.
The journey to healing can be overwhelming. By meeting my clients where they're at and taking time to build a strong therapeutic alliance, we can work toward you become the best version of yourself. I am an EMDR Certified clinician/Approved Consultant through the EMDR International Association, and registered yoga instructor specializing in trauma and CPTSD. I firmly believe in our body and mind's innate ability to heal and am honored to guide my clients through this process.
My ideal client is someone navigating trauma, grief, betrayal, or major life transitions, including those from diverse or marginalized backgrounds. They may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unseen, and are seeking a path toward healing, balance, and renewal. Their goals often include processing painful experiences, reclaiming peace, and reconnecting with a sense of purpose. Above all, they want a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space to be truly heard, to explore emotions openly, and to rediscover their inner strength and resilience.
My ideal client is someone navigating trauma, grief, betrayal, or major life transitions, including those from diverse or marginalized backgrounds. They may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unseen, and are seeking a path toward healing, balance, and renewal. Their goals often include processing painful experiences, reclaiming peace, and reconnecting with a sense of purpose. Above all, they want a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space to be truly heard, to explore emotions openly, and to rediscover their inner strength and resilience.
I am a transmasculine counselor that clients explore their past and present, finding insight into how they've shaped their movements through the world. Some weeks we may talk about what is bothering you right now, finding coping mechanisms to get you through the present moment. Other weeks we may dig deeper, processing traumas, looking at patterns in relationships, or untangling complicated feelings of grief and shame. We will use this knowledge as a foundation for exploring who you are beneath the pressure to perform, please, or freeze.
I am a transmasculine counselor that clients explore their past and present, finding insight into how they've shaped their movements through the world. Some weeks we may talk about what is bothering you right now, finding coping mechanisms to get you through the present moment. Other weeks we may dig deeper, processing traumas, looking at patterns in relationships, or untangling complicated feelings of grief and shame. We will use this knowledge as a foundation for exploring who you are beneath the pressure to perform, please, or freeze.
Doing the work it takes to find the right therapist when your mind and heart are struggling and in need of that help takes an enormous amount of strength and hope. As a highly experienced clinical social worker, my goal is to bring my wide-range of experience with therapeutic modalities and diverse populations to capitalize on your strengths and hope. I work from a humanistic, trauma-informed and strengths-based perspective. While I have experience ranging from counseling people living with varying degrees of mental illness, to refugees from conflict zones, and survivors of Queer hate motivated violence.
Doing the work it takes to find the right therapist when your mind and heart are struggling and in need of that help takes an enormous amount of strength and hope. As a highly experienced clinical social worker, my goal is to bring my wide-range of experience with therapeutic modalities and diverse populations to capitalize on your strengths and hope. I work from a humanistic, trauma-informed and strengths-based perspective. While I have experience ranging from counseling people living with varying degrees of mental illness, to refugees from conflict zones, and survivors of Queer hate motivated violence.
If you’re struggling with depression or low self-esteem, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. I use evidence-based approaches to help you better understand what’s weighing on you and why it feels so heavy. In our work together, you’ll find a safe, supportive space where you can be honest about what you’re going through—without judgment. We’ll gently explore the roots of your pain, identify patterns that may be holding you back, and work toward rebuilding your sense of confidence and self-worth.
If you’re struggling with depression or low self-esteem, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. I use evidence-based approaches to help you better understand what’s weighing on you and why it feels so heavy. In our work together, you’ll find a safe, supportive space where you can be honest about what you’re going through—without judgment. We’ll gently explore the roots of your pain, identify patterns that may be holding you back, and work toward rebuilding your sense of confidence and self-worth.
Feeling anxious, angry, depressed, isolated from friends and family? Dealing with a difficult life situation or trying to break bad habits, you just can't seem to shake? You're not alone. I believe that everybody has the ability to heal from the pain of the past, face the challenges of today, and go beyond the hurdles of tomorrow. Sometimes we just need a little help along the way.
Feeling anxious, angry, depressed, isolated from friends and family? Dealing with a difficult life situation or trying to break bad habits, you just can't seem to shake? You're not alone. I believe that everybody has the ability to heal from the pain of the past, face the challenges of today, and go beyond the hurdles of tomorrow. Sometimes we just need a little help along the way.
“A healthy outside starts from the inside”-Robert Urich I view therapy as a collaborative process among individuals, couples, or families to enhance their strengths and overcome their limitations. My approach to counseling is to provide a safe, warm, and positive space to allow my clients to live healthy, happy, and productive lives. I utilize individual, person centered, mindfulness and cognitive therapy to achieve the goals we establish together. I counsel a diverse group of adolescents, teens, and adults.
“A healthy outside starts from the inside”-Robert Urich I view therapy as a collaborative process among individuals, couples, or families to enhance their strengths and overcome their limitations. My approach to counseling is to provide a safe, warm, and positive space to allow my clients to live healthy, happy, and productive lives. I utilize individual, person centered, mindfulness and cognitive therapy to achieve the goals we establish together. I counsel a diverse group of adolescents, teens, and adults.
More Therapists Nearby
Hola, I am a bilingual licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), Certified Case Manager (CCM), AND Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) with a wide range of clinician experience including working with Spanish-speaking adults, children, and adolescents. My expertise includes working with individuals, children, and families struggling with depression, trauma, anxiety, life stress, bipolar disorder, ADHD, behavioral difficulties, PTSD, acculturation difficulties, parenting support, and other personal conflicts.
Hola, I am a bilingual licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), Certified Case Manager (CCM), AND Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) with a wide range of clinician experience including working with Spanish-speaking adults, children, and adolescents. My expertise includes working with individuals, children, and families struggling with depression, trauma, anxiety, life stress, bipolar disorder, ADHD, behavioral difficulties, PTSD, acculturation difficulties, parenting support, and other personal conflicts.
I work with college students, adults, and couples who are looking to enrich their relationships and their lives. I often work with clients who identify as queer, chronically ill, and/ or neurodivergent, as well as those who find themselves in over-functioning roles. I enjoy working with clients who are looking to go beyond symptom management and are interested in exploratory work to help deepen their relationships to themselves. This often includes work around self-identity and relationships- and how experiences such as trauma or chronic illness can change clients' relationship to themselves and others.
I work with college students, adults, and couples who are looking to enrich their relationships and their lives. I often work with clients who identify as queer, chronically ill, and/ or neurodivergent, as well as those who find themselves in over-functioning roles. I enjoy working with clients who are looking to go beyond symptom management and are interested in exploratory work to help deepen their relationships to themselves. This often includes work around self-identity and relationships- and how experiences such as trauma or chronic illness can change clients' relationship to themselves and others.
I take a holistic approach to clients. I work with clients using an integrated approach focusing on symptom management and working towards goals to help clients reach their full potential. I provide neuropsychological assessment and provide neuropsychological services when needed. Please contact me by email for more information regarding my approach to clients and how I can help you.
I take a holistic approach to clients. I work with clients using an integrated approach focusing on symptom management and working towards goals to help clients reach their full potential. I provide neuropsychological assessment and provide neuropsychological services when needed. Please contact me by email for more information regarding my approach to clients and how I can help you.
Starting on a course of healing takes courage, but it is one of the most rewarding things we can do for ourselves. We have all been hurt at different times, and those hurt parts of ourselves are very grateful when we give them some loving attention and start the healing process. We unconsciously create blocks to our own health, but we can also learn to gently release those blocks. We are actually hard-wired for loving ourselves, believe it or not, even those parts we don't like, are afraid of, or are embarrassed about, and that self-love is healing. Therapy is not an instant process, but is very worthwhile.
Starting on a course of healing takes courage, but it is one of the most rewarding things we can do for ourselves. We have all been hurt at different times, and those hurt parts of ourselves are very grateful when we give them some loving attention and start the healing process. We unconsciously create blocks to our own health, but we can also learn to gently release those blocks. We are actually hard-wired for loving ourselves, believe it or not, even those parts we don't like, are afraid of, or are embarrassed about, and that self-love is healing. Therapy is not an instant process, but is very worthwhile.
Steve Schreiner is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2008. He has a BS in Education from De Paul University and an MA in Counselor Education from Northeastern Illinois University. Steve helps his clients by assisting them in identifying goals, as well as potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil. Steve seeks to improve communication and teaches practical coping mechanisms which can help the client immediately to deal with their specific symptoms. Steve promotes behavioral change and optimal mental health.
Steve Schreiner is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2008. He has a BS in Education from De Paul University and an MA in Counselor Education from Northeastern Illinois University. Steve helps his clients by assisting them in identifying goals, as well as potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil. Steve seeks to improve communication and teaches practical coping mechanisms which can help the client immediately to deal with their specific symptoms. Steve promotes behavioral change and optimal mental health.
I specialize in helping people get unstuck from thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that don't serve them. I work with adults and teens, specializing in highly effective treatments for OCD, alcohol and other substance use problems (e.g., nicotine, cocaine, cannabis), anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
Therapy with me is client-centered, meaning your goals and values guide our work together. I can help you identify personal values to achieve your “life worth living.” I believe that you and I are a team in your treatment: you are the expert on your own experiences, and I offer space for self-discovery and tools to help you thrive.
I specialize in helping people get unstuck from thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that don't serve them. I work with adults and teens, specializing in highly effective treatments for OCD, alcohol and other substance use problems (e.g., nicotine, cocaine, cannabis), anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
Therapy with me is client-centered, meaning your goals and values guide our work together. I can help you identify personal values to achieve your “life worth living.” I believe that you and I are a team in your treatment: you are the expert on your own experiences, and I offer space for self-discovery and tools to help you thrive.
“What does it feel like to take up space?" Space can show up in the way you walk into a room, but what about emotional space in relationships, at work, and within yourself? How much of yourself do you allow to exist? You might be tired of carrying responsibility, not seen for who you are, or performing in relationships just to feel safe or accepted. Softness and belonging are not things you should have to earn. You might have learned to stay vigilant and hide parts of yourself to get through spaces or have been misunderstood. Complexity is welcome here.
“What does it feel like to take up space?" Space can show up in the way you walk into a room, but what about emotional space in relationships, at work, and within yourself? How much of yourself do you allow to exist? You might be tired of carrying responsibility, not seen for who you are, or performing in relationships just to feel safe or accepted. Softness and belonging are not things you should have to earn. You might have learned to stay vigilant and hide parts of yourself to get through spaces or have been misunderstood. Complexity is welcome here.
Hello! I'm glad you're here. I believe in taking a holistic approach to therapy, treating the whole person and not just their symptoms. I am a systemic thinker, always keeping relationships in mind, and I work collaboratively with individuals and couples on a variety of relationship dynamics throughout different life stages. I enjoy helping clients improve communication and conflict resolution skills, practice healthy emotion regulation, address family of origin patterns, make authentic relationship decisions, set healthy boundaries, build emotional and physical intimacy, explore spirituality, and integrate values into daily life.
Hello! I'm glad you're here. I believe in taking a holistic approach to therapy, treating the whole person and not just their symptoms. I am a systemic thinker, always keeping relationships in mind, and I work collaboratively with individuals and couples on a variety of relationship dynamics throughout different life stages. I enjoy helping clients improve communication and conflict resolution skills, practice healthy emotion regulation, address family of origin patterns, make authentic relationship decisions, set healthy boundaries, build emotional and physical intimacy, explore spirituality, and integrate values into daily life.
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or on edge can be exhausting, but you don’t have to face it alone. Many of the people I work with arrive feeling anxious, drained, or unsure of their next steps. Some are carrying the weight of past experiences or navigating major life changes. Therapy offers a space to pause, make sense of what’s happening, and start creating a path forward that feels realistic and true to you.
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or on edge can be exhausting, but you don’t have to face it alone. Many of the people I work with arrive feeling anxious, drained, or unsure of their next steps. Some are carrying the weight of past experiences or navigating major life changes. Therapy offers a space to pause, make sense of what’s happening, and start creating a path forward that feels realistic and true to you.
See more therapy options for Willow Springs
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Willow Springs, IL
10+
Average cost per session
$150
Therapists in Willow Springs, IL who prioritize treating:
| 91% | Depression |
| 91% | Anxiety |
| 91% | Social Anxiety |
| 91% | Health Anxiety |
| 91% | Driving Anxiety |
| 82% | Self Esteem |
| 73% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
| 90% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 80% | Aetna |
How Therapists in Willow Springs, IL see their clients
| 82% | In Person and Online | |
| 18% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 82% | Female | |
| 9% | Male | |
| 9% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Willow Springs?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.

