Meet the team

About

Dr. Shakhman is a licensed clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director of Grand Oaks Behavioral Health, LLC. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Minor in Biology from Loyola University and her Master’s and subsequent Doctoral degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois. She is a consulting Psychologist to Lake Forest Hospital, and works with primary care physicians in the community to coordinate behavioral health services for patients. Dr. Shakhman has extensive experience working with adults, adolescents, children, families, and couples in various settings (private practice, hospital, school, community mental health). Dr. Shakhman uses a biopsychosocial approach when working with adults, adolescents, and children to overcome social, emotional, behavioral, developmental, and/or academic challenges. She has specialized training to work with families and couples and is an experienced group therapist and student supervisor. Her primary areas of interest include marital/family/interpersonal relationship issues, mood disorders, trauma, problematic personality characteristics, child/adolescent psychology, and the role of neuroplasticity in behavioral health treatment. She values the psychologist-patient relationship and is interactive, collaborative, and educational in the way she works with patients. She believes psychotherapy should focus on health, well-being, growth, and healing, rather than on a “mental illness” or “pathology” orientation. Her clinical orientation combines psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, family systems, interpersonal, and solution-focused techniques to empower individuals to have more of the life they envision for themselves.

About

Dr. Wolff received her doctoral and master’s degrees from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. She strives to establish a connection with each patient based on empathy and an understanding of each individual’s unique perspective and life history. She is interactive and believes effective psychotherapy requires a strong collaboration between patient and therapist. Dr. Wolff helps individuals gain insight into the motivations behind their actions, thoughts and emotions, assists them in understanding how they may be replaying ineffective patterns in their lives, and works with them to discover ways to alter these patterns. One of Dr. Wolff’s primary interests is treating individuals with anxiety disorders (such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and phobias). She utilizes very targeted, research-based cognitive-behavioral treatments including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to gradually help patients face their fears either in or outside the office. Some fears are difficult to replicate in the office and working with patients in out-of-office, real-world settings can be the most effective treatment.

About

Dr. Kunz is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has extensive experience working with individuals of all ages in various settings, such as community mental health centers, public and private schools, therapeutic day schools, outpatient clinics, and private practice. Her experience extends to helping individuals deal with various disorders, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, executive functioning, stress management, life transitions and adjustment, and interpersonal relationship difficulties.

Dr. Kunz’s therapeutic style integrates techniques grounded in Cognitive-Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral therapies, interpersonal work, and Family Systems. Her approach is supportive, collaborative, and tailored to each individual’s needs. Together, there is an emphasis on identifying patterns, developing effective coping skills and strategies, and building skills that support long-term emotional well-being, change, and empowerment.

Therapeutic goals are anchored in building resilience, gaining insight, and developing practical tools. Dr. Kunz emphasizes a collaborative and interactive approach to therapy and believes that through solid communication, questioning, and self-exploration individuals have the capacity to live healthy and productive lives.

About

Dr. Petersen is a licensed clinical Psychologist. She received her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Petersen has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families dealing with a wide array of issues that interfere with their ability to function to their full potential. These issues include depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, divorce/separation, parenting issues, relationship issues, and emotional stress due to life transitions. She also has considerable experience working in the areas of abuse, neglect, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Dr. Petersen believes that therapy can help bring about change, personal growth, and healing. She utilizes an integrative approach to treatment and tailors therapy to fit the unique needs of each client. She views therapy as a collaborative process in which she guides the client in identifying and exploring current symptoms and issues that are causing distress or impacting their quality of life. This is done while recognizing how earlier life experiences shape the course of the individual’s life from childhood to adulthood. Through therapy, Dr. Petersen helps clients improve their self-expression, develop a better understanding of their self-defeating thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and find more positive and productive ways to cope with life stressors and navigate personal relationships.

About

Dr. Eads received her Doctorate and Master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology from Rosalind Franklin University, and her Bachelor of Science from the University of Iowa. She completed an internship in Rural Psychology at the University of Florida and a post-doctoral fellowship in Health Psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is licensed to practise clinical psychology in Illinois and Iowa.

Dr. Eads sees adolescents and adults. Her professional training and work experience includes being embedded in several primary care offices as a team Psychologist, working on general medicine floors at large teaching hospitals, and working in a large psychology group practice. She has conducted research and published in the fields of choice and control as well as adjustment to cardiac disease. Dr. Eads has taught undergraduate classes at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and was a guest lecturer for medical residents at Loyola Medical Center.

Her primary clinical specialty is in the area of behavioral medicine, which includes adjusting to medical illness and trauma, initiating healthy habits (such as weight loss, exercise regimens, and smoking cessation), pain control, and preparing for bariatric surgery. Dr. Eads has a particular interest in working with people dealing with cardiac disease. She also treats a variety of mood disorders including depression, anxiety, anger, and bereavement. Dr. Eads can assist with substance abuse problems, as well as adjustment issues that high school and college students face.

Her approach to treatment utilizes a Scientist-Practitioner model of psychology, which applies research-tested methods in therapy. Her primary theoretical background is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which emphasizes how specific actions and thinking patterns can contribute to difficulties as well as to emotional health. Dr. Eads provides a warm and accepting therapeutic environment where Psychologist and patient truly collaborate to address mutually agreed upon treatment goals. She will work with you to learn more about the factors that influence your motivation to change and the development of long-standing coping skills.

About

Dr. Pacheco received her doctoral degree from Forest Institute of Professional Psychology. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology as a major and Fine Arts minor from Barat College. Dr. Pacheco is a consulting Psychologist for Advocate Condell Medical Center. She works with numerous primary care physicians and insurance companies.

She has extensive experience in private practice, hospitals, and schools, providing psychotherapy for children, adults, families, and couples. Dr. Pacheco provides individual, couples and family therapy, working with communication issues, parenting, stress management, anxiety, and depression.

Dr. Pacheco is a provider of forensic services to the Lake County Illinois Court, conducting court-ordered custody evaluations, divorce mediation and facilitates a therapeutic reunification program for children and their parent. Dr. Pacheco’s specialty clinical caseload has consisted of issues surrounding marital conflict, assisting and consulting with couples contemplating separation and divorce and working with children of divorce, as well as providing divorce mediation. She has also provided therapy for the courts pertaining to other issues when ordered.

She has also been an adjunct professor for The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Barat College and Columbia of Missouri College. She has worked extensively with local graduate schools training doctoral and masters level therapists.

Dr. Pacheco uses a Family Systems and Cognitive Behavioral approach to therapy to better facilitate her patient’s understanding of themselves, their families and their environment, in order to make personal positive changes in behavior, thoughts, and feelings. She is adept at changing her approaches to therapy as the needs of the patient may warrant, presenting a more eclectic, open view to the therapy process.

About

Dr. Kelly received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Biology from Western Illinois University. She went on to obtain her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology and her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Forest Institute of Professional Psychology. Dr. Kelly is recognized by the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.

While working on her Doctoral degree Dr. Kelly completed her APA-Approved Internship at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (Akron, Ohio). Her first inpatient rotation was at Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation Hospital in Akron, Ohio where she provided treatment for patients suffering from head and spinal cord injuries. Her second inpatient rotation was at Massillon Psychiatric Center, a state facility. There she worked with patients found not guilty by reason of insanity and those found unfit to stand trial. Dr. Kelly then worked in private practice for over ten years in Chicago. She has had privileges at a number of Chicago hospitals and provided both inpatient and outpatient services. She later worked at the Veterans Administration specializing in treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and has extensive experience and training in treating trauma of all types.

Dr. Kelly has experience working in a variety of settings and has provided individual, marital and family therapy. She has also lead a variety of groups. Her primary theoretical background is in Cognitive-behavioral therapy. Past clients have described her as compassionate and genuine.

About

Dr. Michaels is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. He received his Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts and his Master’s and Doctorate from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois. His clinical experience includes both therapy and psychological testing. He has provided clinical care to adolescents, adults, and couples in a variety of settings (private practice, school, community mental health).

Dr. Michaels has experience working with a variety of presenting issues such as mood/anxiety issues, substance abuse, interpersonal distress, domestic violence, trauma, ADHD, life transitions, and developmental disabilities. He has additional training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, which he utilizes with couples, and extensive experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Dr. Michaels approaches clinical care from a collaborative, client-centered perspective and provides a safe, warm, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment. He recognizes the value of a strong therapeutic relationship and works to develop and maintain a positive therapeutic relationship with each person. Dr. Michaels helps clients develop greater personal insight and to identify healthy strategies to manage distress or improve their quality of life.

About

Carol Dreyer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois. She received her undergraduate education from Avila University in Kansas City and her Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from National University in La Jolla, Ca. Carol also has a two-year post-graduate certification from The Family Institute at Northwestern University specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Carol’s experience includes counseling in a College environment, agencies, a major cancer treatment hospital, and 15+ years in Private Practice. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she specializes in couples and families in all stages of distress and conflict including, divorce, re-marital, pre-marital, infidelity, sexuality concerns, family problems, parenting, blended families, empty nesters, and dealing with aging parents. Using a visionary approach, she will work with you to find solutions that fit your goals and help you identify your strengths and weaknesses while keeping your main goals and objectives at the forefront of your work together.

Carol also works with clients encountering disabling anxiety, panic disorder, depression, bipolar disorders, anger, job/life stressors, and life transitions, grief, and loss. From her hospital experience of 19 years, Carol has a special interest in working with chronic and terminal illness, whether it’s yourself, family member, or a friend.

Carol uses various treatment approaches which include Family Systems Therapy, Internal Family systems therapy (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral therapy (DBT), Solution-focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBT). Carol has completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples therapy and uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work. Carol uses a non-judgmental consultative approach and has a warm and welcoming demeanor.

Carol is an active clinical member of the following professional organizations:

American Association of Marriage and Family TherapistsIllinois Association of Marriage and Family TherapistsIllinois Mental Health Counselors AssociationIllinois Counselor AssociationAlumni of the Family Institute at Northwestern University

About

Andrew is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. He received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Parkside and his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University. He is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC).

Andrew’s prior experience includes hospital and residential settings, foster care, and community mental health centers. He initially began working with individuals involved in the foster care system, which afforded him the opportunity to engage with foster children and parents, as well as parents working to regain custody of their children. During this time, Andrew provided individual, family, and group counseling. He later transitioned to a community mental health center before moving into private practice, and offers individual, group, and family sessions with no limitation on age.

Andrew has worked with individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, mania, low self-esteem, organizational difficulties, and behavioral challenges. He has also supported clients with marital and family concerns, personality disorders, and challenges related to difficult life transitions.

Andrew primarily relies on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as the foundation of his integrative approach, while also incorporating elements of Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Strength-Based Therapy. He believes that rapport is essential to the therapeutic process and places strong emphasis on providing unconditional positive regard. Andrew believes that therapy should be a space where individuals feel comfortable being themselves and can openly discuss their concerns.

Andrew deeply enjoys sports, specifically baseball, and is a lifelong Cubs fan. His other hobbies include the chaos that comes with having young identical twin boys, two dogs with big personalities, and a wife of many years. His favourite quote is from Jackie Robinson: “Life is not a spectator sport. If you’re going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion you’re wasting your life.”

About

Ellen Rodman is a licensed clinical professional counselor. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from Iowa State University and her Masters of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Rehabilitation Counseling Psychology. Given her rehabilitation background, Ellen initially worked with individuals with severe and traumatic injuries as well as chronic & persistent illnesses. This gave her a unique perspective on life and greater appreciation for what we have versus what we do not have. This taught her to work with individuals utilizing a strength-based model. Ellen also utilizes a cognitive behavioral approach as well as solution focused and mindfulness approach in her practice. Ellen does not believe that any one approach works for all, as each and every person is unique and different.

Ellen has over 25 years of experience working in hospitals, clinics, community mental health centers, colleges and private practices. She has worked with individuals, families, and couples with a wide range of issues: anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, marital issues, divorce & separation, relationships/families, adjustment, substance abuse, parenting, grief and loss, gender identity, LGBTQ,and trauma. She has extensive experience working in crisis situations in particular crisis intervention. In addition, she has experience providing clinical supervision for clinicians both on an individual level and organizational level. Ellen believes counseling is a journey and that journey begins with the therapeutic relationship. That being said, Ellen believes a therapeutic relationship is one that has compassion, caring and empathy, all of which, will empower one to make the changes necessary to become a more happy and fulfilled individual.

About

Bella Sisarica is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois in Chicago, and her Master’s degree in Community Counseling from Loyola University. Bella has extensive experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She is also an experienced group therapist and student supervisor. Bella’s areas of expertise include working with individuals struggling with anxiety, adjustment issues/life transitions, borderline personality disorder, emotion regulation, divorce/separation, interpersonal relationship difficulties, mood disorders, and schizophrenia.

On the most fundamental level, Bella believes that meaningful change happens within the context of a trusting relationship. Therefore, she provides a compassionate, collaborative and nonjudgmental space for individuals to explore their challenges as they navigate forward. Through this process of growth and healing, individuals learn new skills, behaviors and insights. Bella operates from a strengths-based perspective and utilizes an integrative therapeutic approach which combines Client-Centered, Family Systems, Solution- Focused, and Mindfulness with evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She also recognizes the value of humor as a therapeutic tool and understands that individuals need more than clinical jargon to overcome life’s struggles. Bella believes that treatment interventions should be designed to meet the unique needs of the individual, with her role being to support and to empower each individual in creating and defining their most meaningful life, while strengthening their capabilities.

About

Daisy is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her Master’s Degree from Loyola University Chicago. Daisy has worked with children, teens, young adults, adults, and their families in a variety of settings, including private practice, therapeutic day schools and community mental health centers.

Daisy has experience working with individuals that have experienced complex and generational trauma, sexual abuse, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship conflict, and other behavioral concerns. Her goal is to promote a safe and nurturing setting for clients while fostering a collaborative approach to identify individualized needs to improve their quality of life.

Daisy utilizes an eclectic approach, drawing from various evidence-based therapies, including Narrative Therapy, inner child work, Solution-Focused, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Person-Centered.

About

Rebecca Rice is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a registered dance/movement therapist. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from Cornell University and later attended the University of Michigan, where she performed, taught dance, and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree. She then completed her M.S.W. at the University of Maryland while simultaneously earning a master’s degree in dance/movement therapy at Goucher College.

Rebecca has extensive experience supporting individuals, couples, families, and parents of children with special needs. Earlier in her career, she helped parents identify developmental delays in young children and develop strategies to address developmental challenges. She later worked as the social worker at the Early Childhood Autism Academy within the Jewish Child and Family Services, supporting children and their families including parents, siblings, and grandparents. She was also part of the clinical team at the Virginia Frank Child Development Center in Chicago.

Rebecca works with teens and adults of all ages. She specialises in relationship concerns, life transitions, work/life balance, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief and loss, anger, body image, and chronic illness. She has advanced training in couples therapy through the Gottman Method (Level 2) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

Her clinical approach integrates client-centered therapy, mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and dance/movement therapy. Rebecca believes that empathy, insight, and a strong therapeutic relationship can help clients deepen self-awareness, strengthen coping skills, and create more meaningful and joyful lives.

Outside of her clinical work, Rebecca enjoys yoga — taking and teaching — indoor rock climbing, and birding. She credits her son, who is pursuing a PhD in ornithology, with inspiring her love of birds, and her daughter with introducing her to the world of rock climbing.

About

Abby Merel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and holds an endorsement in School Social Work. Abby specializes in anxiety, depression, stress management and adjustment disorder. After receiving her undergraduate degree at Bradley University she continued her education at The University of Illinois at Chicago where she earned her master’s degree in social work. Having worked in various settings, including elementary schools with children and dialysis clinics with adults, Abby has helped individuals through challenges, changes, and hurdles, by using mindfulness, play therapy, motivational interviewing and systems theory. She values the importance of educating others about self-care and coping mechanisms and believes that every individual is unique and should be met at their individual level and ability. She helps individuals focus on their positive traits and skills, acknowledging small achievements while working on current struggles and goals. Abby’s goal is to help others enjoy life to the fullest, by being able to cope and work through challenges that come with everyday life.

About

Kelsey is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Specialized Studies with a focus on Anthropology, Media Arts, and Gender Studies from Ohio University. She obtained her Master’s Degree in mental health Counseling from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. Kelsey has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages in various clinical settings, including private practice, college counseling, community mental health centers, and youth homeless and rehabilitation shelters. She has helped individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, postpartum concerns, relationship conflicts, complex family dynamics, academic concerns, complex trauma, and other mood and behavioral difficulties. Kelsey believes that sometimes, being human is hard. We all deserve and benefit from having a space to explore, unburden, and heal from past wounds. Kelsey creates a supportive and empowering environment where she works collaboratively with clients to identify individual needs to improve their quality of life. She utilizes an integrative approach, drawing on various evidence-based practices, Person-Centered, Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused, Family Systems, and other clinical models to best assist clients on their healing journey.

About

Gabby is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree from Concordia University Chicago. Gabby believes in a collaborative and compassionate client-centered approach in her therapeutic practice to help individuals build confidence and resilience.

She believes in working alongside clients to explore their unique challenges and strengths. Her goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can feel empowered to navigate life’s obstacles and discover their true potential. Gabby has worked with student age children as well as adolescents and young adults, and is open to working with clients of all ages. Gabby has worked with people experiencing anxiety, ADHD, emotional stress due to life transitions, self esteem issues, relationship conflict, and other behavioral concerns.

Gabby’s approach integrates several evidence-based therapies including, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness techniques, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused techniques, self-care, and acknowledges the value of humor when collaborating with clients.

About

Olivia completed her clinical internship at Ascension Center for Mental Health in Arlington Heights, where she worked with diverse populations across outpatient and transitional living settings. She has experience supporting individuals with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, trauma and stressor-related disorders, dissociative disorders, mood disorders, grief, low self-esteem, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Olivia takes an integrative approach to therapy, tailoring treatment to each client’s unique needs. Her work is grounded in a holistic and humanistic perspective while incorporating evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, psychodynamic therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), positive psychology, and behavioral and skills-based interventions.

Olivia believes that meaningful change is driven by an individual’s willingness to learn, openness to vulnerability, and commitment to self-exploration. She strives to create a space where clients feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported, while also feeling empowered to challenge themselves and grow. Her approach is both compassionate and collaborative: she meets clients where they are while helping them build insight, develop practical coping strategies, and move toward a more fulfilling and balanced life. Olivia values authenticity in the therapeutic relationship and believes that healing happens when clients feel safe enough to be fully themselves.

Outside of her clinical work, Olivia enjoys staying active and prioritising her own wellness. She has a creative side and enjoys painting, candle-making, baking, cooking, and reading and writing, which allow her to unwind and express herself outside of work.

About

Nicole Medina received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Olivet Nazarene University and went on to complete her Master’s in Social Work at Loyola University Chicago. She is a dedicated and compassionate therapist who provides individualized care for children, adolescents, and adults.

Nicole has helped individuals who experience challenges such as anxiety, depression, OCD, stress management, and trauma. She brings a deep commitment to supporting clients through their journey of healing by utilizing a trauma-informed lens to help identify and support clients where needed. Nicole believes in the importance of connection, trust, and collaboration in the therapeutic relationship, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of those she serves. Drawing from an eclectic approach, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and person-centered, Nicole creates a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard, empowered, and understood. She works from a strength-based perspective, helping individuals build resilience and develop tools for lasting emotional well-being.

About

Claire Manley, LCPC, is a compassionate and trauma-informed Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor serving individuals and families in Illinois. She works with children, adolescents, adults, and families who may be navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, family conflict, divorce, and major life transitions.

Claire views therapy as a collaborative journey of self-discovery, healing, and meaningful personal growth. Her approach emphasizes understanding the whole person rather than focusing solely on symptoms. She works to create a warm, supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, recognize their strengths, develop practical coping skills, and move toward positive and lasting change.

Her clinical approach draws from several evidence-informed therapeutic frameworks, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Relational Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She incorporates these approaches according to each client's individual needs, goals, developmental stage, relationships, and life circumstances.

Claire has particular professional interests in trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief and loss, divorce and family conflict, and relationship stress. Her trauma-informed perspective also emphasizes the importance of safe relationships, emotional wellbeing, personal strengths, and the broader social and relational systems affecting a person's life.

A distinctive aspect of Claire's professional background is her interest in the human-animal bond and equine-assisted mental health. Her professional training includes Equine Assisted Mental Health through the University of Denver, as well as certification as a Fear Free Professional. Her work and professional interests reflect an appreciation for the ways connection, animals, relationships, and experiential approaches can contribute to emotional wellbeing.

Claire's philosophy is grounded in empathy, curiosity, and respect for each person's individual journey. Rather than presenting herself as someone who has all the answers, she describes her role more as a guide who helps clients navigate difficult terrain, discover their own strengths, understand patterns that may be holding them back, and develop new ways of responding to life's challenges.

With more than seven years of professional experience, Claire brings experience working with diverse populations and a broad range of emotional and relational concerns. Her goal is to help clients feel understood and supported while developing the insight, resilience, and practical tools needed to create healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life.

Claire's work centers on the belief that people are capable of growth and change when they have a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship in which they can explore their experiences without judgment. She seeks to combine clinical knowledge with compassion, curiosity, and individualized treatment so that therapy becomes a collaborative process of healing and self-discovery.

About

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist with a passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of their emotional well-being. I hold a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Illinois Springfield and have over four years of experience working with diverse populations across a variety of settings, including community mental health, private practice, and inpatient care.

Throughout my experience, I have worked with individuals across the lifespan, ranging from 5 to 90 years old, and have supported clients with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs. My experience includes working with depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, grief, and autism spectrum disorders.

My therapeutic approach is person-centered and trauma-informed, with an emphasis on creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I believe therapy is a collaborative process and strive to help each client develop greater self-awareness, build emotional resilience, and work toward meaningful personal growth. I am passionate about working with diverse populations, including LGBTQIA+ individuals. I value cultural sensitivity and strive to create an inclusive, affirming, and welcoming environment where every client feels seen, heard, respected, and supported.