Therapists in Elburn, IL

As a clinical psychologist, my approach is collaborative, intentional, and custom fit to meet the needs of clients searching for support/guidance in improving their overall emotional well-being. I view each client as the expert of their own experiences and work with them to find a life and way of living that is congruent with their values and current goals.

Every person is inherently worthy and valuable simply through their existence, and that includes you! As true as that statement is, it can be next to impossible to recognize your own worth when living within a system that marginalizes, exploits, or just doesn't value you the way you deserve. I aim to work with LGBTQ+ community members and individuals with disabilities, replacing harmful imposed narratives with ones of strength and power. While we can't do much about systemic oppression while in the therapy office, we can do our best to resist its impacts on our self-worth and mental health!

My core belief that people are resilient and are capable of growth. The first step to making change in your life or to get “unstuck” can be difficult. With warmth, encouragement, acceptance and a little laughter, we will work together to find new ways of coping, identify patterns that no longer suit your needs, build and repair relationships, and create a positive therapeutic relationship while you explore your desires, goals, and motivations. My approach to therapy is trauma-informed, affirming, and client-centered. Through a social justice lens, I recognize the multiple systems that affect your experiences and relationships.

In the words of James Hillman: “If the oak is in the acorn - what’s in you?” Are you struggling with self-esteem, self-worth, or self-compassion? Are you feeling as if the pain and challenges you experience are hindering you from feeling whole and reaching your true potential? If so, I am here for you on your journey toward wellness. I believe each individual is a whole and multidimensional being, and I strive to provide services that help individuals realize and unlock the wisdom and healing potential that already lies dormant within them. I am here to help you grow and change in ways that are adaptable for you.

If you are someone who seeks to connect with your authentic yes and no, to feel at home in your skin, to trust your internal metric, and to get to the root of what is hurting, somatic therapy may be a good fit for you. I love working with folks who are interested in the deep work, getting out of their minds and into their bodies to reconnect with the innate healing capacity we all carry within us. Our body holds the story of everything that has ever happened to us, and together you and I can work to develop internal safety and connection so that you can own your story and write a new one for your future.

I work with a range of individuals including adults, teens, and children. I have worked with clients with challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, low self-esteem, and gender dysphoria. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community, folks with diagnosed or self-identified Autism/ADHD, and those navigating pregnancy/postpartum. Therapy with me is an affirming space for those in the kink and poly communities. I enjoy working with individuals who wish to deepen their understanding of their identity, are undergoing a life transition, or who want to understand how their past informs their present.

I provide therapy from the perspective that an understanding, trusting, and genuine relationship between myself and my clients is the necessary foundation for helping them to create change in their lives. I think everyone, myself included, can relate to hiding parts of ourselves out of fear of being judged– whether it’s our feelings, desires, or the qualities that make us unique. Those fears and self-judgments can then add another difficult dimension to our experience.

Existential dread? Lacking motivation? Struggling to find purpose? ADHD? Autism? C-PTSD? Self harm? Suicidal ideations? Complicated childhood? People pleaser? Avoidant of conflict? Co-dependency? Do you have someone with Narcissistic traits in your life? Low self esteem or self worth? History of hospitalizations? If some of these resonate with you, then we may be a fit.

Hi, I'm K and I'm glad you're here! Therapy is an evidence-based practice that is shown to increase well being in clients of all backgrounds. You deserve a safe and accepting space to explore and process what is on your mind with a multiculturally competent counselor. I emphasize dynamic mental health practices, open communication and kindness in the therapy room. Finding a therapist can be stressful and we know that. I invite you to shoot me an email, text, or phone call with any questions you may have! Your messages are very welcome.

I work with folks who are seeking a stronger sense of self-trust, ease, and ability to be connected and present in their life, hobbies, and relationships. Whether you are seeking to understand yourself, develop tools for managing stress, or align decisions with your values, you don't have to do it alone. Maybe you understand some of your patterns and past hurts, but still feel frustrated with what to do about them. Maybe life is changing and you need stability and a listening ear. I believe that self-compassion and acceptance paired with supportive relationships creates a more fulfilling life (with a little humor along the way)!

Whether you have specific goals in therapy, or are simply struggling to keep your head above water, therapy can be a space to slow down and allow yourself the opportunity to sit with your experiences and feelings. I love working with queer and trans folks, people exploring their gender and sexuality for the first time, as well as people with Autism and ADHD, and people who are exploring the possibility that they may be neurodivergent. I also enjoy working with people with complex trauma histories, religious trauma, complicated family dynamics, as well as people struggling with anxiety and mood disorders.

In therapy, my ideal client seeks a safe haven for authentic, nonjudgmental, open dialogue. Together, we co-create an an environment of trust, warmth, and compassion where you can freely share your struggles, experiences, and personality. I believe that a counselor's greatest contribution is to see you as the expert of your own life and to companion you as you navigate it. My aim is to empower you on that journey, offering guidance to overcome obstacles hindering your path to fulfillment, uncovering the tools necessary to achieve your goals. and navigating life's challenges as they arise.

Do you struggle with intrusive thoughts or memories? Have you been told to mask yourself for other people’s comfort? Do you hold yourself to a higher standard than the one to which you hold others? Have you had difficulty finding a therapist with an intersectional understanding of systemic oppression and all the harm it brings? I work with adults of all ages who want to expand their skills for communication, emotional self-regulation, and radical self-love. I use anti-oppressive practices to help empower my clients to live authentically, joyfully, and with as much safety as possible in a marginalizing society.

I enjoy working with diverse individuals from all walks of life as my experience has been eclectic. Working with folks who need to temporarily borrow some hope as they build themselves up is a welcome experience. I am energized by clients who know what they are looking for and equally interested in clients who are therapy first timers. I am fulfilled by working with LGBTQ+ clients, adults, trauma, OCD, complex anxiety, and clients with past incarcerations. I am passionate about holistic and integrative treatment! I am here to help you build up your skill set to handle life transitions, live a better quality of life and find meaning!

Picture our sessions as friendly conversations on the journey to personal growth and self-compassion. Whether you're a kid discovering the world, a teen navigating the complexities of adolescence, or a young adult facing life's twists and turns, I'm here to support you. My approach is about fostering a relaxed atmosphere, ensuring that our time together feels comfortable and tailored to your unique needs. While I'm here to help with a variety of challenges, my main focus is assisting clients with their anxiety, depression, and trauma. We'll explore strategies to navigate life's hurdles with resiliency and a realistic mindset.

I currently see clients who are wanting to work through sexual trauma, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, ADHD/executive functioning challenges, Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), and gender/sexual identity topics. I also work with clients in ethically non-monogamous relationship structures. I have experience working with folks in the kink community and am a sex-worker friendly clinician. I am a good fit for clients that appreciate structure, evidence-based approaches, and collaborative treatment plans that include homework/work outside of sessions.

You are good. Rarely do folks act in ways that don't make sense to them. Maybe you are experiencing frustration in relationships. Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed by sadness, fears, or exhaustion. You are human. In this space you will be heard and validated as you discover more about yourself and develop compassion for the parts of you that may seem most dark. And sometimes the path to wellness is to allow ourselves to be discovered more deeply.

To say that change is difficult is an understatement. Sudden changes in life can leave us reeling with losses, or struggling to cope. It can feel painful to approach change due to barriers such as shame, guilt, resentment, and fear. In the counseling relationship, I strive to create an environment of compassion and trust, in which clients can work through these difficult emotions while knowing they are supported and heard. My role is to walk alongside the client, centering their unique journey, while helping empower them to achieve their goals. Please go to our website to fill out our Google Form if you want to schedule an appt!

My ideal client is someone who has a foundation of wellness and is looking to bridge the chasm between where they are and where they would like to be. They have self-awareness, motivation, and a support system to aid them in their journey. They are looking to learn and implement sustainable tools, practices, and habits that will embody their authentic truth and enhance their lives as a whole. They are curious and open about alternative and holistic methods of healing. They are willing to lean into fear of walking the unknown path of internal alchemy and evolution, knowing they are the ultimately the one that can heal themselves.