Therapists in Illinois

I began working with children and youth in 1986 and continued until 2003. As indicated on my resume, I returned to working with a client base providing therapy to the children, and adult population in 2013 at an outpatient mental health facility. Presently, I am employed in the prison system where I am working with the adult population, 19 years old to 70 years. As therapist, I use a caring and supportive style with my clients, believing that they are coming because they need assistance in being able to function and cope with various stressors impacting each lives. My treatment approach is one of understanding and not judgmental. I understand that the client's self-determination is most significant in the counseling relationship. I believe that the client is the most important person in the session and hence in order to help, I need to listen to rather than to tell each what to do.

My name is Alanna Goestenkors and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 22 years licensed experience in the medical and mental health field providing services for children, adolescents and adults. I have worked in the fields of medical and community mental health. Some of my experience includes treating issues relating to grief and loss, end of life issues, depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders and stage of life transitions. My counseling style is warm and empathetic with roots based in trust and respect. I utilize a client centered, strength based, and solution focused approach to promote a positive therapeutic climate and build trust. I use an integrative perspective, utilizing cognitive behavioral and psycho-dynamic therapies, tailored to your particular needs and goals of counseling. I believe the goal of therapy is to see your own goals met and therefore I individualize treatment planning to meet your specific needs. Choosing to involve oneself in the counseling process is a step toward growth and reaching your full potential in life and I look forward to assisting you in this important journey.

Nicole Bowker, M.S.Ed, LPC, NCC Nicole is a licensed professional counselor specializing in trauma informed counseling for adolescents and adults. Tailoring her therapy to the unique needs of her client, Nicole can provide a collaborative, holistic approach to help clients achieve their desired goals. Nicole believes in the power of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone; by starting the therapeutic journey, a first step in a new direction has been started. She works with clients suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and other issues interfering with daily life. Nicole is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to provide an alternative treatment modality to her clients. Nicole utilizes CBT, DBT, and trauma informed methods to best serve her clients and their needs.

Julie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who completed her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1995. She is known for being a good listener, having an optimistic outlook, and for her compassion and kindness to others. Along with earning the credentials necessary to be a therapist, Julie also draws on a lifetime of invaluable experience and wisdom that she brings to her work with clients. As a committed life-long learner herself, Julie understands the courage it takes to step into this introspective work. She applauds your bravery in taking this step forward and considers it a privilege to create a safe space to process whatever issues you are facing. Julie has wanted to be a therapist for as long as she can remember and is happy to have this opportunity to do so. She looks forward to the progress you will make while working together. Julie checks messages periodically throughout the weekdays and can typically respond to them within 24-48 hours. She offers weekly sessions that can be conducted via video, phone, or live chat during several weekday afternoons. If this works with your needs and schedule Julie would look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. We all need help, support, and the opportunity to vent at different times in our lives, and it takes courage to begin this process. You took the first step by reviewing this profile. I look forward to working with you! I believe establishing a positive therapeutic relationship/having a good connection with the person I’m working with helps facilitate effective counseling and positive outcomes. You are the expert of your own life, and I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. My counseling style is conversational, approachable, supportive, holistic, and interactive. My approach is eclectic, as I use a variety of treatment modalities to best meet the needs of the individuals I am working with. I believe in the importance of treating others with respect, and for 12 years was the Character Education Coordinator for a school district. I continue to educate myself and attend seminars to learn, grow, and to stay up to date. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in both Illinois and Missouri, and a Licensed School Social Worker. In addition, I’m certified as an evaluator and psychological services provider in the State of Illinois for the Early Intervention program, which works with children (and their families) from birth to three who exhibit developmental delays. For a child’s success, it’s important to work with parents. My more than 20 years of experience includes working with children of all ages, adolescents, adults, and families, in a variety of settings (home, community and school environments). This includes children and adolescents with behavioral problems, ADD/ADHD, as well as individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and adjustment problems. I worked for several years as a School Social Worker (Pre-K - grade 12), and in the child welfare system. I have worked in a short-term in-home placement stabilization program and treatment foster care program, then supervised the in-home Placement Stabilization, Treatment Foster Care program, Reunification, and Specialized Foster Care programs. In addition, I have worked in the field of adoption, in the licensing and adoption process, and with adoptees and adoptive parents doing individual counseling, support groups for adoptees, and support groups for adoptive parents. I am here to support you, and I look forward to working with you. Wendy Phillips, LCSW, C-SSWS, BCD ** Please Note -- I do not provide legal/court documentation, diagnosis, assessment or treatment reports, written documentation, or letters for ANY clinically related and/or other purpose. People who need such things, will need to work with another provider.

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

As a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with a decade of experience, I specialize in: stress management, motivation enhancement, confidence building, and life transition support. My approach focuses on empowering clients by using their inherent skills to navigate current challenges effectively.

I am licensed in Illinois with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with addictions, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with clients who are coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.