Therapists in Whiteside County, IL

Passion for Living Counseling Services was founded in 2018 by Lorre Hunter, LCSW, whose dream was to save the world one person at a time. Now with the help of five other social workers, we work side by side our clients to help them achieve the goals they desire in therapy. We believe in a person-centered approach and meet the client where they are in life. You are the expert of your life and we would love to be part of your journey.

I believe healing is possible through an invitation to connect with your body, emotions, and thoughts. To build understanding about how your experiences, relationships, and culture have impacted your life. I seek to be a companion in the process of sharing your personal story as you sift through the well of your entire lived experience to discover your authentic voice. Together, we will use body based interventions, emotionally focused work, and brain-based approaches like EMDR to reclaim the chapters of your life where difficult experiences stole your sense of who you are, and nurture growth, healing, and overcome loneliness.

I am a Therapist and have been providing mental health services for 4 years in outpatient and in home settings. I see Individuals, Couples, Groups, Families and I address ADHD, Anger management, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I aspire to support, educate, advocate, and provide interventions and knowledge to those who request my services.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and an EMDR Certified therapist and use a strengths-based approach to therapy. I believe that the healing power of an empathic relationship provides a safe space for an individual to safely explore their values and the ways in which they make meaning out of their experiences and interact with the world. It is within this exploration that individuals can begin to dislodge from stuck patterns and make choices that are in line with their values so they can live out their life in an intentional way.

Clarus Center is a vibrant community of independent mental health and wellness professionals dedicated to helping individuals and families find greater health and well-being. Clients often arrive seeking relief from depression or anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, stress, or health concerns. They desire care that is holistic, integrative, solution-focused and cutting edge. The seasoned professionals at Clarus Center have many years of experience in a variety of psychological and health disciplines and are able to create unique treatment approaches that target the mind, body and spirit. Individuals and families seeking services at Clarus Center report experiencing positive symptom relief and a strong sense of well-being and peace.

Everyone deserves a caring, non-judgmental space to process, reflect, and find healing. As a therapist, I have a warm, compassionate, and honest relational style. I take pride in my ability to connect easily with clients to help them feel comfortable quickly. My specialty is in assisting my clients with uncovering the root of unhelpful patterns, addressing the symptoms of these patterns, and creating meaningful changes in their lives. Through my knowledge, experience, and passion, I can assist you in finding greater confidence, healing, and insight.

While a person can feel better after a good talk with a friend or relative, for moderate or severe emotional distress, this relief is only temporary. Talking with a trained listener helps alleviate emotional distress for good. The doctors in our practice are trained to listen and interact in a way that helps you get to the very root of your emotional concerns.

"Grow where you are planted." Let's work together to ease life's challenges. We will be exploring your roots, working to find balance, all while supporting your growth. My career spans 25 years in various community and psychiatric settings. I use CBT, DBT skills and mindfulness to my work. I am trained in EMDR and I am DBT informed. I believe in meeting clients where they are in their process and helping them find the tools to achieve their goals. Utilizing warmth, a sense of humor, and providing an emotionally safe environment for my clients, I am able to help and support their process.

If you are here, you are already demonstrating the strength and willingness to improve your life and well-being. I will empower you to take the next step towards healing past wounds, let go of patterns that no longer serve you and address and improve upon relationship issues. I will support and empower you through your journey in finding growth and healing through both challenges that have been ongoing for years or more recent struggles or traumatic experiences.

As human beings we learn, develop meaning, and create a sense of purpose through each other and the relationships we form. In the same spirit I believe the therapeutic process is driven by the relationship formed between the client and the therapist. This is why my approach in therapy is guided by the question - "How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for their personal growth?" I strive to create an empathic, nonjudgmental atmosphere where you feel safe and empowered to work toward personal growth and creating lasting change; forming trust and leaning toward vulnerability.

"Making that first appointment, and asking for help, truly takes courage and is the first step to new beginnings." I believe that providing a safe and supportive space, combined with therapeutic collaboration, facilitates change. I utilize an eclectic approach and believe in using evidence based treatments, tailored for each unique individual, their specific needs, and desired goals. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families who are ready and motivated toward change, however, just aren't sure how to get there. Once given the proper tools and skills, options appear and the ability to choose a better path presents itself.

BCBS ppo/self-pay. Licensed in IL and FL. Telehealth only. You're a motivated adult or couple dealing with issues of trauma-related anxiety/depression. Maybe things have happened to you; maybe you do things even you don't understand. But there are reasons why. Let's figure it out together, looking at your patterns and attachment styles and resolve it with EMDR and newer techniques, including fast, simple polyvagal exercises that reduce anxiety and depression. You deserve empathy and the innovative techniques, so you can create your own feelings of self-esteem, security and wellness.

“Emotional wellbeing is just as important to us as Breathing is!” We all need to know that we deserve happiness even if we aren’t used to it. I have been a Social Worker for 28 years. In that time, I have worked in Community Mental Health, Rehab to home and long-term care, and hospice. I believe creating an environment of trust and safety is the most important part of the therapeutic relationship. I have experience with grief, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and trauma.

I am aware that beginning your search for a therapist, can be quite overwhelming. If you are ready for real change in your life and are tired of being stuck in the same routine, same fears, or same unhelpful thought patterns, then we will work very well together. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and life transitions. I use EMDR to help people who have experienced a trauma. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). My style is direct, down to earth and focuses on a collaborative approach.

Utilizing evidence-based practices, I strive to support, encourage, educate, and empower my clients. Together we'll work side by side to help strengthen awareness, communication, increase personal growth and healing within yourself and your relationship. We will also identify strengths, patterns, coping skills. My specialties include Acute, Chronic and Complex Traumas, Suicidality, Post Traumatic Stress Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions. I use many counseling modalities that are specific to individual needs and preferences, such as Systemic Theory, CBT, Person Centered and Trauma Informed Approaches.

Everyone deserves a non-judgmental and compassionate space to heal! I am passionate about building healthy relationships with my clients. I believe in creating a safe, stable space that will allow you to express yourself and explore your concerns fully and authentically. I specialize in working with clients dealing with mood disorders, neurodiversity, and complex trauma. I regularly work with individuals who have felt let down, misunderstood, or unheard by the traditional healthcare system. I am passionate about and deeply committed to providing neurodivergent-affirming and diversity-affirming care for all of my clients.

I embrace William James’ insight: ‘The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.’ As a dedicated mental health partner, my role is to walk alongside clients, guiding them in making choices that lead to emotional well-being. Many individuals grapple with thoughts that contribute to distressing emotions and problematic behaviors. I focus on helping individuals transform their relationship with these thoughts to cultivate a more fulfilling life. I use treatment methods, including ACT, DBT, and EMDR, to accomplish this.