Therapists in Dekalb, IL

Clients can meet with me in person or connect online for telehealth services. Please reach out to us for more information. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression and the integration of spirituality into psychotherapy. I also providing consultation and clinical supervision, including preparation toward social work licensure.

Since becoming a therapist, I have been pursuing my passion of providing high quality therapeutic care to those who have experienced chronic, complex trauma and are now wanting to break the cycle and heal. I am a firm believer that trauma impacts our whole beings. And left untreated, trauma takes an emotional and physical toll that wreaks havoc on our mind, bodies, and spirits. I take pride in working with my clients to build a collaboration and empowering my clients to be the expert in their own lives and be the drivers in their own treatment process. I also offer clinical supervision to those working towards licensure.

I believe the journey of life presents many challenges and each of these, no matter how overwhelming, provides an opportunity for personal growth and meaningful change. I feel deeply honored when a client asks me to walk with them on their journey. My intent for each client is to give them the support, understanding, skills, insight, motivation and inspiration they may need to meet their current challenge and to grow as an ever maturing, more loving and happier person.

Dr. Stear offers 30 years experience compassionately serving children, adolescents, adults and families. Receive expert assistance solving anxiety, depression, relationship issues, medical concerns, as well as the full range of treatment needs. Hypnosis, play therapy, executive coaching, psychological testing, and life style wellness coaching are available in addition to individualized therapy. Additionally, she has built a play therapy, art therapy and yoga space at the office. Meditation practice, yoga classes, pet therapy, & support groups are all available. It is Dr. Stear's highest honor to serve you and your loved ones.

"Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways." I enjoy working who are struggling to cope, adjust or heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, personality and/or family issues. I use a broad range of theory in practice to address client concerns and moving them into wellness.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have specialized training working with individuals, couples and families. I use evidence-based approaches to help my client's reach their goals. My practice is welcoming and inclusive of all identities. I have 17 years of experience providing therapy and training to individuals, couples, and families. My specialty areas are pre-marital and couples counseling, sexual dysfunction, spiritual trauma, and college student mental health.

"Your most vital strengths are not visible to the naked eye. They are sometimes stumbled upon in your darkest moments."- Angela Jones, LCPC

We provide the support needed in a safe and confidential environment that promotes understanding and better well-being through individualized treatment plans.

Welcome! We provide traditional and holistic healing for mind, body & spirit health. We work with individuals, couples, families & groups age 5 and up. The facility is located on a main street with free parking. This is a private practice with a private waiting room in a very comfortable & soothing setting. Look for the yellow house with raspberry trim. Hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and from 2:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. When you call, we will do a brief intake, verify your insurance benefits & schedule your first appointment. We do not have a waiting list and can schedule your first appointment within the same week.

Are you having difficulty navigating through life's challenges, changes, and choices? Seeking therapy can be a difficult step for most people. For the last 10 years I have worked with and helped those struggling with depression, anxiety, life transitions, ADHD, grief/loss, women's issues, relationship difficulties, and PTSD/trauma. I am a trauma informed/client-centered therapist. I understand the importance of the therapeutic relationship, striving to meet clients where they are at, developing goals for their individual needs and building connection and partnership in a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment.

With over 19 years experience in behavioral health, my hope is to help you. I have experience with teens, adults and geriatric populations with a wide variety of diagnoses of depression, anxiety, stress, personality disorders, other chronic mental health struggles. I look forward to helping you be the best you can be.

I have worked with many clients dealing with life issues involving depression, anxiety, transitions, loss, grief, and conflicts in relationships. I try to assist individuals to identify their personal strengths to best resolve and understand that life consists of various challenges and to come to terms with issues that are beyond their control without being a victim. I utilize a systemic theoretical approach based in positive thinking, acting, and living. I start wherever my client is and allow them to direct their growth by providing them with options and encouragements.

When we experience difficult times in our lives, it is not uncommon for us to feel like our lives are unraveling. My passion is bringing a helping hand to individuals during this time who experience depression, anxiety, trauma, & relationship problems. Each of us thrive to reach our highest potential, but we all face barriers that can limit us from achieving this. Together we will overcome those barriers and help you create a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Taking the first step reaching out to a counselor can be difficult, however, Ashley loves meeting new people and quickly is able to put people at ease. She finds great enjoyment hearing other people’s stories. Her approach with children and teens includes a lot of humor and is lighthearted with lots of play and silliness. Her approach with adults is unconditional positive regard seeing them through the lens of grace. She always offers encouragement and hope with a side of gentle challenging of unhealthy patterns.

My philosophy towards therapy and, being a therapist,can be put this way.You can create positive change in your life. You can overcome difficult and even seemingly overwhelming obstacles. The first step is to believe that you are worthy of a better life no matter what the present situation tells you. The next step is to accept that, 'Life is a Journey'. I think there is incredible wisdom and hope in those words; a journey is on-going, and, life gives you opportunities to change as you choose! Sometimes we just need a little help figuring out how to start.