EMDR Therapists in Illinois

Hi, I’m Kat! I deeply believe in the power of relationship on the journey that is healing. Therapy is a place to create a safe, therapeutic relationship to begin the healing. Many evenings on my drive home after seeing clients, I notice myself feeling immensely honored and humbled to do this work. You deserve to feel seen, heard, and whole again. And I would love to sit with you and guide you through that process.

I specialize in providing relationally focused therapy to individuals, couples, children, and families from diverse backgrounds and identities. As a bilingual clinician with Ecuadorian and Colombian heritage, I am particularly committed to serving BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and migrant communities who may face unique challenges in understanding and accessing mental health resources. By working alongside clients, my goal is to help break down societal beliefs surrounding therapy and identify a better understanding of yourself, and/or your family that is holistically informed by identity, culture, and past experiences.

With a practical nature, I collaborate with you to discover light, healing, and transformation in even the most demanding of life events. Self development and empowerment begin with a trusting, open, therapeutic relationship and I structure my practice around these values. I have extensive experiences providing services to a diverse range of individuals across multiple settings which has equipped me with an integrated approach to therapy. Using a trauma focused lens I work with clients to make past present connections to increase self awareness and change.

It's not easy to make a decision about needing some clarity and support. No one received a playbook on life and often times what used to work to feel good stopped. We can pause, and examine feeling overwhelmed stressed or stagnant.You may be struggling with perfectionism, work, family, relationships or a general sense of malaise or anxiety. Even highly accountable professionals face these issues. Education and success offer no immunity to the everyday issues of life. Most of us look good on the outside.

Most mental health symptoms can be traced back to trauma; it’s not what's wrong with you, but what has happened to you. The effects of trauma can last for a lifetime without an intervention. When there is trauma, negative beliefs are created, inhibiting our ability to function fully, affecting the way we view ourselves, others, and the world we live in. We may feel that if we could just "push through" or bury our symptoms and memories, that is enough, until it isn't. In the beginning of therapy, we focus on symptom relief with self-care, coping skills, and boundary setting - then, going further and healing the traumas.

People enter into therapy for a variety of reasons such as; having experienced a recent or past trauma, struggling with anxiety, depression or a life altering event. Ultimately, we all want to feel better and live more productive lives. I believe that therapy is a collaborative endeavor which takes place in an open and non-judgmental environment. My role is to help clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves, what motivates their behaviors and how they can bring about the desired changes.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with five years of clinical experience. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings including inpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and residential programs. I have treated a variety of issues including: eating disorders, self injury, anxiety, depression, stress management, OCD, relationship issues, suicidal ideation, PTSD and trauma related issues. In my work with clients, I utilize Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy. I believe in creating a supportive therapeutic relationship and working together in determining what the client's goals are for treatment.

For many people, taking the first step in healing can be the scariest. Feeling disconnected from your body, having trouble doing things you used to enjoy and being present to the people in your life can sometimes feel like an obstacle especially when you are preoccupied with internal struggles. I meet my clients where they are at and holding space is one of the most important parts of a therapeutic relationship. Working through challenging topics with clients is a priority which enables my clients the ability to face their day/week in between sessions more effectively.

First, praise yourself for taking that step to seek help. That's half the battle, so you're already half way there! It isn't easy, asking for help, but you are doing it. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I have been dedicated to the field of mental health for nearly 17 years now. In my approach I work hard to create an environment that encourages trust and the ability to build a positive rapport. From that foundation blossoms our joint exploration where you will begin to feel empowered to allow personal growth and healing, as you actively engage in your roadmap to satisfaction.

I have been providing psychological services to Mchenry county for the last 17 years. My experience is diverse and my approach to therapy is evidenced-based. I comprehend mental health issues from not only a psychological, but also from a social and neurological perspective. With this being stated I have developed a unique and comprehensive understanding of my clients. I have worked with several challenging clients and pride myself in my ability to modify treatment interventions for each client's unique needs. Essentially treatment is a team approach and I am here to walk with the client on the path to recovery.

I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor specializing in the treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Complex trauma, and Women’s Mental Health. I enjoy working with those who are looking for an integrative approach and would like to incorporate psychological, emotional, and physical wellness into their lives. My goal is to empower clients to achieve a sense of peace and stability, enabling them to move forward with a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships, equipped with practical tools to face life’s challenges.

Life can be very overwhelming and sometimes you may feel stuck. Maybe you are looking to feel more connected to yourself or to others but aren't sure how to achieve this. Perhaps you thought life would look different by now. We've all felt this way at times. The first step of your next chapter begins here. Working with a trusted and compassionate therapist can help provide you the clarity that can help you move forward. We are all deserving of happiness and have the ability, with the right support, to make the changes we are seeking.

It takes courage to take the first step into a counseling relationship. Everyone needs help navigating life's issues and complexities from time to time. Sometimes these problems can lead to feelings of confusion, depression and anxiety. I want to assist you on your personal journey as you encounter life's challenges and obstacles. I am confident that each of my clients hold the capacity to overcome adversity, effectively communicate, make healthy life choices, and lead happy and productive lives. I believe that each individual is special and unique.

It's not easy to talk to a stranger about the things that make us feel most vulnerable. It's difficult to hope that things could be better or to believe that we could be loved or accepted once we are fully known. I work with my clients in an atmosphere of respect, believing the best things for you that you cannot see right now, working together towards the goals that you courageously speak out loud. After 15 years in practice, I have seen so many people find freedom from the fears and symptoms that hold them back and it brings me great joy and honor to walk beside them as they heal.

I find the most satisfaction working with those struggling with relationships - relationships with others as well your relationship with yourself. This struggle might express itself as feelings of emptiness, sadness, loneliness, disconnection, fear or anxiety, confusion, or meaninglessness. You might feel like you are floating through life without a map or destination. Alternatively, you might feel stuck or frozen within yourself. My goal is to work with you to help you define and understand these feelings, create the links and meanings of them, and ultimately to get you back moving on your life's roadmap.

Whether you are looking to make a change in your life or are seeking support due to a difficult loss, I believe the decision to seek professional support is an action of both courage and strength. As your therapist, I will listen carefully to you, with respect, openness, and patience, trusting you as the expert in your own life. I work with many individual adults surrounding professional challenges, transitions to new environments, and changes in life circumstances. I occasionally work with adult members of family groups who wish to engage in family therapy together.

Imagine radiating love and confidence, both within yourself and your relationships. That's the transformative power of self-discovery I want to help you unlock. We'll navigate the complexities together, not with struggle, but with joy and understanding. Discover the hidden light within, strengthen your connections, and mold the amazing YOU you were meant to be. Are you ready to shine?

Hope is the Anchor for the Soul. Anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and trauma can be overwhelming to live with. Change and recovery are possible for everyone; one step at a time. Establishing and maintaining healthy relationships with yourself and others is life changing, and empowering! Managing everyday conflict is a game changer! Be in control of your own health and healing! You can do it!

Dealing with constant worry, anxiety, or self-doubt can feel like an uphill battle. Events from your past might be affecting your day-to-day life, causing you to carry unnecessary guilt, shame, or fear. Maybe you feel like, no matter what you do, you simply aren’t good enough. Or maybe you’ve reached the end of your rope with flashbacks, nightmares, sleep issues, or anxiety attacks. No matter if you suffer from anxiety that you can’t explain or are able to trace your challenges back to specific events in your past, I am here to help you navigate from hurt to healing.