Sandplay Therapists in Itasca, IL

We all start somewhere. And we all have progress to make. Our past and present experiences inform our future. Understanding our past helps us create a coherent narrative of who we are today. It sets us up for better success, both now and in the future. I enjoy working with clients who are looking to explore past and present relational dynamics, work through past traumas, find inner peace, or strengthen their connection with others. I value the opportunity to guide clients on their path toward self-exploration and I use evidence-based practices to tailor my approach to individual needs.

Are you looking for something different in your therapy experience? You've been to therapy and gained your self-awareness skills. Yet, you feel deep in your bones that something is missing. You’re looking for a genuine connection to help you transform. You feel stuck and know you want more but can't pinpoint what's wrong. You’ve been doing the 'supposed' right thing and are back at square one. You want to find a way to express yourself, but you’re thinking: “I'm too much, or I can't say what I feel; they might leave” You want to let go of the worry that keeps you from being your real self. You're ready for long-lasting change.

I know how difficult it can be to take those first steps in seeking out a new therapist. Life can be challenging in many ways and can be difficult navigating alone. I take great care in providing a safe and collaborative environment for my clients to explore their lives and various obstacles in a nonjudgmental and compassionate way. Some of the modalities I use include CBT, DBT, ART, IFS, Psychoanalytic, and Holistic. Building a trusting relationship and witnessing each client's journey is what I find most fulfilling about my work as a therapist.

Welcome! I provide in person and telehealth therapy services to children, adolescents, young adults, and families that experience deep pain. I have experience working with a number of issues including: anxiety, depression, anger management, stress, life transitions, trauma, family conflict, self-esteem, identity, and more. I help my clients grow to be able to live a healthy life and be the best version of themselves! Although I work with all racial and ethnic backgrounds, I am particularly passionate about educating and removing the stigma of mental health and therapy in communities of color.

I am passionate about helping others become the best version of themselves. As a social worker, I have a client-centered, strengths-based approach. I understand that diving into your past and sorting through your feelings and thoughts can be challenging. I want to help you better understand your experiences and find a path forward.

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.

Celia is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a certification in Trauma-Informed Counseling. Celia supports her clients through life transitions and personal growth using her skill set based in ACT, DBT, and strengths-based therapy. Celia has experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults, in treating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders, trauma, grief and loss, and ADHD. She also has experience supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those exploring their gender identity.

Hi there! Have you been struggling to ask for help? If so, I am proud of you for taking this first step! I haven’t heard your story yet, but I imagine it’s one full of strength and courage. No matter how worried, scared, hopeless, or confused you may be feeling, I am confident we can work together to bring back the joy you’ve been missing in your life.

If your search for peace has brought you this far, give yourself kudos for taking the first and most important step in your healing journey. My name is Alana and I have been a licensed counselor for 13 years. I have experience working with all ages, types of problems and diagnoses, both in individual and group settings. Whether you're struggling with life stress, relationship problems, work-life balance, or past trauma, I am here to walk alongside you on your path to healing. I go at my client's pace and pull from a variety of practices and interventions to help you start to feel back to your old self, or a brand new version!

I graduated from Benedictine University in 2018 with a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. Specializing in children and adolescent therapy, I have experience working with individuals experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, stress, grief, and trauma. I have recently developed an interest in working with couples and find that to be very meaningful. Whether it is topics of identity or communication, I am here to help!

Currently accepting new clients. There are many issues that impact and pull at us in life. It can come in the form of pressures from the outside world, the inner criticisms we feel, or trauma and stress we have experienced. Some may have felt they’ve lost connections within themselves because of the chaos and devastation that life sometimes brings. All these factors can play a role in making someone feel unbalanced.

I enjoy helping those on a journey toward better self-awareness around their emotional life, satisfaction in relationships, and getting through what seems stuck. Counseling is a place to feel safe to explore difficult relationships or past or current trauma. I want my clients to feel advocated for, and to find a deeper understanding of self and gain insight into how our past affects present relationships and struggles. Finding your true-self is so important. Skill building and assertiveness training are also a part of the therapy I do. My experience for the last 22 years has been in individual therapy with kids, teens, and adults.

Donna aligns closely with Adlerian, Cognitive behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral therapy. Adlerian theory has been shown in research for treating multiple mental health conditions: anxiety, depression, grief, eating disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenic, and substance abuse disorders. Adlerian theory suggests that people are driven by a need to feel that they matter, and they belong. How do you want to grow as a person, what are your dreams and goals? Donna is passionate about offering a non-judgmental, supportive environment to men, women, couples and children; ages four and up.

Matthew specializes in working with clients with ADHD, autism, depression, and anxiety. Before becoming a counselor, Matthew worked in special education. This combination of experience in makes him a great fit for clients struggling with school stressors and families having difficulty with school-aged kids. He also understands that relationships and parenting can be challenging and is adept at working with husbands and dads. Matthew continues his work in education as a professor in the psychology department at COD. He works extremely well with clients interested in learning skills to flourish with ADHD or autism.

We are welcoming new clients, especially during daytime hours when we have more availability. Our goal is to create a welcoming, safe, supportive, and empowering space. Our staff consists of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, NCC) with over 20 years of combined experience working with a variety of clients.

Although there are times when we feel broken, hopeless, and unsure of the future, there is hope. Stone Catchers Counseling will help you take the first step to finding meaningful change. We are not defined by our worst moment, or even by a series of hard times. Regardless of how long you have been struggling, Stone Catchers Counseling can help. Your recovery can mean atonement and redemption; but, mostly freedom. Freedom to feel joy again, to live the life you want. We tailor an exclusive approach for every client based on individual needs. We honor and respect the uniqueness of each person we treat.

A Warm Welcome! In life, we face relationship difficulties, seasons of adjustments, anxiety, and stress. We can struggle with the devastation of trauma, grief and loss, sexual problems, low self-esteem, depression, and addictions which impact every aspect of our lives. I believe that you don't have to be alone in your journey and that counseling can move individuals toward hope and healing while promoting growth, insights, tools, and purpose. I view counseling as a privilege, an honor, and a partnership between the individual and the therapist.

Feeling down, disconnected in your relationships and burdened by work? Ever wonder if there's more to life? You're not alone. Many successful men like you struggle with depression, stress, and the pace of modern life. But there is a way forward - Therapy is how you'll rediscover yourself and renew your excitement for life.

We are all faced with challenges in our lives and we need help managing life’s stressors. These stressors often lead us to behave in a way that may cause even more difficulty. If you are having trouble with depression, anxiety,or relationship issues then you are not alone.