Therapists for Seniors in Willow Springs, IL
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.
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.
At Willow Therapeutic PLLC, we believe healing happens through connection—to ourselves, our community, and the world around us. Our mission is to provide a supportive and inclusive space where individuals can build resilience, deepen self-awareness, and live with greater intention.
At Willow Therapeutic PLLC, we believe healing happens through connection—to ourselves, our community, and the world around us. Our mission is to provide a supportive and inclusive space where individuals can build resilience, deepen self-awareness, and live with greater intention.
I help 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 help 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.
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.
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.
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.
More Therapists Nearby
I am dedicated to the overall health and well-being of the individual as we build a therapeutic relationship in a safe environment. I believe that working with you in a collaborative relationship is critical to reaching your goals. I value the genuine and empathetic relationship that develops as a result of transparent therapeutic work. In other words, we will work together to establish goals and develop a treatment plan that makes sense to you. As your therapist, I will work to be supportive, to provide you with relevant knowledge, and to create an atmosphere that feels comfortable and safe.
I am dedicated to the overall health and well-being of the individual as we build a therapeutic relationship in a safe environment. I believe that working with you in a collaborative relationship is critical to reaching your goals. I value the genuine and empathetic relationship that develops as a result of transparent therapeutic work. In other words, we will work together to establish goals and develop a treatment plan that makes sense to you. As your therapist, I will work to be supportive, to provide you with relevant knowledge, and to create an atmosphere that feels comfortable and safe.
I have been in the human services field for the past three decades, helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges. During this time, I have maintained a private practice and/or provided EAP services in addition to a full time career. My approach to therapy services is based on nurturing a trusted partnership with my clients and outlining strategies together to achieve goals the client has set for themselves.
I have been in the human services field for the past three decades, helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges. During this time, I have maintained a private practice and/or provided EAP services in addition to a full time career. My approach to therapy services is based on nurturing a trusted partnership with my clients and outlining strategies together to achieve goals the client has set for themselves.
Are you tired of feeling stressed and anxious? Feeling stuck or overwhelmed by it all? At times, it can feel as though anxiety controls all aspect of your life. Your anxiety decides what you do or don’t say, it impacts the choices you make, and holds you back from doing the things you want to do. Some days, before you even open your eyes, you may already feel anxious. You have done everything you can imagine to find relief on your own. A part of you worries that you are plagued with this anxiety for life, while another part of you knows things can get better.
Are you tired of feeling stressed and anxious? Feeling stuck or overwhelmed by it all? At times, it can feel as though anxiety controls all aspect of your life. Your anxiety decides what you do or don’t say, it impacts the choices you make, and holds you back from doing the things you want to do. Some days, before you even open your eyes, you may already feel anxious. You have done everything you can imagine to find relief on your own. A part of you worries that you are plagued with this anxiety for life, while another part of you knows things can get better.
What happens when our well-intentioned—but sometimes uncooperative—brains try to protect us from harm? Stress, also known as anxiety, shows up, often with its friends depression and trauma. I invite you to join me on a journey of self-discovery to understand how your brain and body have helped you survive life’s challenges. Together, we’ll tap into grace, self-compassion, and the many strengths and resources you already have. I look forward to meeting you!
What happens when our well-intentioned—but sometimes uncooperative—brains try to protect us from harm? Stress, also known as anxiety, shows up, often with its friends depression and trauma. I invite you to join me on a journey of self-discovery to understand how your brain and body have helped you survive life’s challenges. Together, we’ll tap into grace, self-compassion, and the many strengths and resources you already have. I look forward to meeting you!
It is often said that one of the only constants in life is change. As a therapist, I consider it a great honor to walk alongside my clients as they navigate the many changing seasons of life. I aim to collaborate with my clients as holistic, dynamic individuals and I bring a relational, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive lens to my practice. During sessions, you can expect elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness, and body-based awareness to emerge as we use both the past and the present to move toward deeper understanding, growth, and change.
It is often said that one of the only constants in life is change. As a therapist, I consider it a great honor to walk alongside my clients as they navigate the many changing seasons of life. I aim to collaborate with my clients as holistic, dynamic individuals and I bring a relational, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive lens to my practice. During sessions, you can expect elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness, and body-based awareness to emerge as we use both the past and the present to move toward deeper understanding, growth, and change.
I support individuals navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and major life transitions. I have a special interest in working with women coping with infertility, maternal/fetal complications, and postpartum challenges. My approach is client-centered and draws from cognitive-behavioral and strengths-based techniques. I believe in the power of change and growth, and I’m here to guide you on your path of discovery.
I support individuals navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and major life transitions. I have a special interest in working with women coping with infertility, maternal/fetal complications, and postpartum challenges. My approach is client-centered and draws from cognitive-behavioral and strengths-based techniques. I believe in the power of change and growth, and I’m here to guide you on your path of discovery.
I work with adults who are ready to move beyond surface-level coping and break patterns that no longer serve them. Many of my clients seem high-functioning but privately struggle with grief, shame, relational pain, or a lost sense of self. My approach is grounded, relational, and honest. Therapy isn’t about fixing you—it’s about understanding how your nervous system, identity, and relationships were shaped and learning to change them from the inside out. Sessions are active and collaborative, using direct questions and real-time awareness to create meaningful change.
I work with adults who are ready to move beyond surface-level coping and break patterns that no longer serve them. Many of my clients seem high-functioning but privately struggle with grief, shame, relational pain, or a lost sense of self. My approach is grounded, relational, and honest. Therapy isn’t about fixing you—it’s about understanding how your nervous system, identity, and relationships were shaped and learning to change them from the inside out. Sessions are active and collaborative, using direct questions and real-time awareness to create meaningful change.
Hi there! My name is John. I have previous experience working with people of all ages and backgrounds and I have previously worked in a variety of different settings. In my therapeutic work, I focus on acceptance and compassion. My approach to therapy revolves around supporting you as you build a healthier image of yourself as well as helping you to establish and maintain more positive relationships in your life. I believe in a strength-based approach, and I want to help you to identify your best qualities and use them to their fullest advantage so you can live a more full and fulfilling life.
Hi there! My name is John. I have previous experience working with people of all ages and backgrounds and I have previously worked in a variety of different settings. In my therapeutic work, I focus on acceptance and compassion. My approach to therapy revolves around supporting you as you build a healthier image of yourself as well as helping you to establish and maintain more positive relationships in your life. I believe in a strength-based approach, and I want to help you to identify your best qualities and use them to their fullest advantage so you can live a more full and fulfilling life.
Are you struggling with pornography or sexual compulsivity? Is secrecy, broken trust or loss of intimacy hurting your relationship? Or maybe you’re not in crisis, but you know your marriage could be stronger, more connected, more alive? You’re not alone–we have been through these issues personally and know what it’s like. I’m a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), and Hunter is a Certified Mentor Coach in long-term recovery. Together, we help men break free (porn, sexting, affairs, prostitution, etc) and we help couples rebuild trust and real intimacy.
Are you struggling with pornography or sexual compulsivity? Is secrecy, broken trust or loss of intimacy hurting your relationship? Or maybe you’re not in crisis, but you know your marriage could be stronger, more connected, more alive? You’re not alone–we have been through these issues personally and know what it’s like. I’m a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), and Hunter is a Certified Mentor Coach in long-term recovery. Together, we help men break free (porn, sexting, affairs, prostitution, etc) and we help couples rebuild trust and real intimacy.
I work with individuals and couples that are ready to prioritize the work of therapy so they can be more self-aware, move through their days with more ease, and have more functional relationships. Maybe you’ve seen therapists in the past, and now find yourself seeking more from therapy than someone who listens and validates. I strive to offer concrete takeaways from our sessions.
I work with individuals and couples that are ready to prioritize the work of therapy so they can be more self-aware, move through their days with more ease, and have more functional relationships. Maybe you’ve seen therapists in the past, and now find yourself seeking more from therapy than someone who listens and validates. I strive to offer concrete takeaways from our sessions.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by thoughts, stuck in past experiences, or constantly on edge? I specialize in teen/adult trauma-focused care, with an emphasis on sexual trauma, relationship conflict, perfectionism, and anxiety. Together, we can work on unlearning harmful thought patterns, building self-esteem, and identifying what safety, strength, and autonomy look like for you. I create a warm, inclusive environment, encouraging each person to feel comfortable and safe with vulnerability. I utilize humor, challenge unhelpful thinking & provide useful tools along the way to promote a deeper understanding of thoughts and behaviors.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by thoughts, stuck in past experiences, or constantly on edge? I specialize in teen/adult trauma-focused care, with an emphasis on sexual trauma, relationship conflict, perfectionism, and anxiety. Together, we can work on unlearning harmful thought patterns, building self-esteem, and identifying what safety, strength, and autonomy look like for you. I create a warm, inclusive environment, encouraging each person to feel comfortable and safe with vulnerability. I utilize humor, challenge unhelpful thinking & provide useful tools along the way to promote a deeper understanding of thoughts and behaviors.
Mental health is deeply connected to real-life pressures - like work, relationships, money, and stability - and that changing how we approach and manage these stressors is possible.
I create a space that is both compassionate and practical, where we can process what you’re going through and build tools to help you move forward.
Mental health is deeply connected to real-life pressures - like work, relationships, money, and stability - and that changing how we approach and manage these stressors is possible.
I create a space that is both compassionate and practical, where we can process what you’re going through and build tools to help you move forward.
See more therapy options for Willow Springs
Nearby Seniors Therapists Searches for Willow Springs
- Bridgeview
- Burr Ridge
- Clarendon Hills
- Darien
- Hickory Hills
- Justice
- La Grange
- Palos Hills
- Summit
- Summit Argo
- Western Springs
- Willowbrook
FAQ - About Therapy for Seniors
Is one ever too old for mental health therapy?
Individuals of all ages can benefit from mental health therapy. Indeed, older adults in particular may benefit from the social and psychological support a therapist can provide; the topics that older adults address in therapy may simply differ from those of younger clients. Seniors should seek out a therapist who has experience working with older individuals and who is well-versed in addressing common concerns among elderly individuals, such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, and physical mobility challenges.
How is counseling for seniors and the elderly different from counseling for other age groups?
In general, counseling offers an opportunity for clients to process difficult life events and develop coping skills they can use outside of the therapy session. Therapists who specialize in working with elderly clients generally have the same framework but may place a special emphasis on specific topics, such as caregiver relationships and reducing loneliness. They may be specially equipped to deal with certain physical conditions or facilitate discussion surrounding end-of-life topics. Counseling for the elderly may also place a greater emphasis on social work-type topics to ensure that geriatric clients have access to necessary resources, such as food, a safe home environment, and healthcare.
How can therapy improve the quality of life of aging individuals?
Therapy for aging adults can greatly improve quality of life by providing an opportunity for them to process difficult emotions related to end-of-life, navigate relational or caregiver challenges, and develop coping skills for common mental health conditions, like anxiety or depression. Subsequent reductions in negative emotions and mental health disorder symptoms can make day-to-day living much more manageable for aging adults and those that care for them. The ongoing relationship with a trusted therapist can also help seniors combat loneliness and provide a sense of structure for their routine.
What are the qualities to look for in therapists who see seniors?
Seniors counselors, like mental health counselors in general, should be kind, empathetic, skilled at listening, and knowledgeable about their particular area of expertise. Counselors specializing in working with the senior population should be very familiar with the aging process in general and the common conditions that the elderly can face, such as dementia, depression, loneliness, and/or physical illness. Many senior counselors are also well-equipped to help caregivers and families navigate the aging process of their loved ones, and they may draw on Interpersonal Therapy to help facilitate improved interactions between seniors and those that care for them.