Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Aurora, IL

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 10 years of experience, and more than 6 years of experience working as a therapist. Prior to working as a professional counselor, I provided clinical case management to individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues in a variety of settings. I am passionate about helping individuals who are striving to overcome issues like depression, anxiety, life transitions, anger, self-destructive behavior (substance use, self-sabotage, etc.), and existential crises.

I completed my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University and my Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Marquette University. I take a strength-based approach with each client, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in my care.

As a counselor who has been influenced by the work of Dr. Viktor Frankl, I place emphasis on helping clients to create meaning in the midst of difficult circumstances in order to turn tragedies into triumphs. If you are ready to explore how you can best respond to your current challenges, schedule an appointment with me today.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 16 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults as they navigate life’s challenges. I am also a certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapy therapist (DBT). I am deeply passionate about helping clients work through anxiety, depression, anger management, PTSD, and self-esteem concerns. My approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based practices to ensure each client feels heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change in their lives.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Chicago State University, where I focused on working with families and individuals. My approach integrates mindfulness, meditation, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and acceptance and commitment therapy to promote growth and resilience.

Clients can expect a safe, nonjudgmental space where they feel supported and encouraged throughout their healing journey. I believe in listening without judgment, offering positive feedback when needed, and helping clients find balance and self-acceptance. Let’s start your path to healing together.

Krystle Kellick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been using CBT to help her clients for the past 2 years. It’s helped dozens of clients challenge reoccurring thoughts and manage their anxiety. CBT to used to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. She will then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a less anxious and stressed life. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and couples address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Krystle specializes in anxiety, trauma, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Krystle completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Illinois Chicago. Krystle utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT/RO-DBT), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT).

We all go through challenges in life. Krystle is confident that she would be able to support you on your journey to gain new perspectives and techniques that allow you to cope with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 9 years of experience. I have worked with people across all ages and diagnoses, including those in crises. My experience includes supporting adolescents, adults, geriatrics, first responders, and veterans. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and addiction.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. My therapeutic style is collaborative and compassionate, centering on each person’s unique needs. I draw on approaches such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, solution-focused brief therapy, and exposure therapy.

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to support, validate, and empower you while helping you feel understood. Wherever you are in your journey, I’ll walk alongside you with compassion and care as we work toward lasting healing and positive change.

I am a licensed psychologist with 13 years of experience supporting clients as they navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, and major life transitions. I work with adults from diverse backgrounds and strive to create a compassionate, collaborative space where you can feel understood and supported. My goal is to help you gain clarity, build resilience, and move toward meaningful and lasting change.

I earned my doctorate in psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University Chicago. My approach is client-centered and warm, offering a nonjudgmental environment where you can express your thoughts and emotions freely. I integrate goal setting, emotional processing, and evidence-based strategies to support healing and growth.

I value the trust clients place in me and deeply appreciate the chance to support real-life change. I am committed to helping you build the insight, skills, and confidence needed to move forward with purpose. I would be honored to join your support system and work with you to achieve the growth and well-being you deserve.

Rachel Herman is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 8 years of experience. She has worked with children, adults, and adolescents in various settings including residential, foster care, and private practice. Rachel has experience and interest in working with children, teens, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, PTSD, relationships, communication, anger management, and social skills.

Rachel received her Master’s in Counseling from The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Rachel is trained in psychodynamic theory and incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, internal family systems, and motivational interviewing.

Rachel regards therapy as a partnership between client and therapist and strives to empower clients toward accomplishing their goals. Her counseling style is warm and empathetic, and she tries to meet clients where they are. Rachel believes everyone can change and is ready to help you improve your life.

*Children under the age of 8 must be seen for in-person sessions.*

Jenelle Thompson-Keene is a Licensed Clinical Counselor who has worked in a variety of settings over the past 25 years. She is passionate about helping people of all ages and backgrounds identify strengths and implement new skills. Jenelle specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, attachment, substance abuse, later stages of life, and family issues. Jenelle completed her Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology at Eastern Illinois University. She has worked in non-profit settings such as crisis teams, substance abuse treatment centers, and intensive outreach therapy, among others.

Jenelle's philosophy of counseling involves establishing a safe and comfortable environment, developing connection, assessing strengths and needs, and working as a team to develop and achieve goals. She primarily utilizes conscious discipline, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and a spiritual/purpose-driven approach.

Jenelle believes that mistakes, problems, and stresses provide opportunities for growth. Seeking therapy is a positive life step taken by people who are honest about the challenges of everyday life and are open to growing into strong, healthy people. Reach out to start this process today.

Alphia Miller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience in social services and 2 years in mental health. She has spent her career striving and advocating to meet the needs of children and families. Alphia specializes in treating concerns including behavioral issues, life transitions, ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, family conflict, trauma, and abuse. Alphia seeks to help others see their potential and view challenges as growth opportunities. She works with clients of all ages and has experience as a crisis prevention intervention trainer and circle of security parenting program facilitator.

Alphia received her Master's in Social Work from the Dominican University of River Forest, Illinois. She individualizes treatment and uses a variety of models such as solution-focused therapy, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, trauma-informed therapy, and mindfulness.

Alphia will join you on your journey to discover the barriers that have blocked your path and assist you in clearing the path for a new way of thinking and feeling. She understands that you may be unsure of what's next. Alphia will work with you to discover the path to fulfillment.

I am a licensed social worker (LSW) with 5 years of experience in the mental health field. I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral concerns, and family-related stressors. I have experience supporting individuals and families as they manage challenges at home, school, and within their communities.

I earned my master’s degree in social work from Aurora University and a Bachelor of Science in human services from Quincy University. My clinical approach is person-centered and incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients identify goals, build coping skills, and work toward stability and success in daily life.

I enjoy working with individuals from all backgrounds and strive to create a space where clients feel safe, supported, and truly heard. My goal is to ensure you leave each session feeling validated, empowered, and confident in your ability to navigate life’s challenges.

Amy Marshman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 18 years of experience. She is passionate about all aspects of her clinical work with children, families, adolescents, and adults. In her work, Amy works closely with her clients to work together to address challenges and move to the path of healing and change they desire. Amy views therapy as not just happening in her office, but also in between sessions. Amy specializes in anxiety, childhood behaviors/disorders, and family discord.

Amy Marshman completed her Master of School Work degree at Loyola University. Her social work career started in a group home and she has also worked with children and families placed in the foster care system. She also has two children of her own. Her personal and professional experience has helped her be an advocate for children and families needing additional assistance. In working with children, Amy's approach is a family approach. She also utilizes play therapy and draws on approaches from cognitive behavioral therapy.

Amy views reaching out for therapy not only as a great first step in addressing your mental health but also as a sign of great internal strength! Everyone goes through difficult challenges and needs help from time to time. Amy is confident that she can work with you and support you during this challenging time. To get started, schedule an appointment with her today.

Debra Honig, MSW, LCSW, is a well-seasoned, enthusiastic, and authentic pediatric psychotherapist. She has practiced in many settings in the Chicago area, with a focus on children and their families. Debra uses humor, empathy, and creativity to help children and their families to navigate life's expected and unexpected challenges. Debra uses an eclectic and warm style and focuses on the client's strengths and uniqueness. Debra offers specialization in the areas of self-esteem, ADHD, coping with illness and life transitions, divorce, grief, loss, anxiety, and mood disorders. Her treatment room is always inviting for children, including art material, action figures, puppets, and games.

Debra completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at the Jane Addams College of Social Work, a college of the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her professional experience and training are further strengthened through personal experiences as an adoptive mom, stepmom, and foster parent. Debra utilizes an eclectic treatment approach incorporating expressive therapies, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused brief therapy.

Debra's philosophy is that everyone has roses and thorns from day to day. When it happens, it is important to talk about it, and use our coping strategies. That is the center of her work and helps create a safe and comfortable space for sharing and growth.

Debra currently only serves clients 5 to 13 years of age.

Michelle Barraco is a Master’s level psychotherapist, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She has 14 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents and adults challenged with a variety of mental health and life concerns including but not limited to depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, grief, stress, substance use, addiction and relationship conflicts. Utilizing a cognitive behavioral therapy approach among other modalities that fit your treatment needs, she will work with you to develop a greater insight and effective strategies to manage the stressful and distressful situations in your life. She also strives to create an emotionally supportive, non-judgmental environment while providing clinical insight to guide you throughout this process. It takes an immense amount of courage to take those first steps towards change and seek help for a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step, she is here to support and empower you. She looks forward to working with you!

Erin Taylor is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois who has 16 years of experience partnering with adults and children seeking help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, family and women’s issues, trauma, grief, and relationship issues both in Illinois and Arizona.

Erin completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University and received her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Argosy University in Illinois, and Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University in Arizona. She utilizes collaborative, motivational interviewing, strength-based, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, solution-focused, and emotionally-focused approaches to therapy always striving to have the tailored approach with creativity, flexibility, and awareness necessary to best meet the needs of every unique individual and family.

Erin seeks to establish a warm, genuine, compassionate, and supportive relationship with you in order to assist in building on a professional relationship, utilizing your strengths, and collaborating with you to achieve meeting your goals, desired outcomes, and healing you deserve.

Dr. Katrina Pakonen-Hueber is a Licensed Clinicial Psychologist and Certified School Psychologist with 24 years of experience. She specializes in supporting clients managing mood disorders, stress, ADHD, and depression. Dr. Pakonen-Hueber has worked with clients in inpatient, outpatient, and school settings, serving diverse populations across urban, suburban, and rural communities. She is dedicated to providing individualized, evidence-based care to support each client’s unique needs.

Dr. Pakonen-Hueber earned her Ph.D in School Psychology from Illinois State University. She uses a comprehensive and personalized approach to care, integrating therapeutic techniques and psychological assessments to help clients gain clarity, develop coping skills, and achieve their personal goals.

Dr. Pakonen-Hueber is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive space where clients feel comfortable and empowered. She looks forward to helping clients identify their goals, build on their strengths, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.

Susan Zeitner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 21 years of experience in a variety of mental health settings. Susan provides individual therapy and couples/family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. She uses a relational, client-centered approach to help clients with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, relational issues, and adjustment to life transitions. Susan has a strong foundation in trauma and attachment-informed theory to help her understand how a client's personal history influences their experiences.

Susan completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology at the University of Illinois and her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Chicago. She values the therapeutic relationship and strives to build a strong connection with each of her clients. Susan believes in using a collaborative approach in therapy, working together with her clients to gain an understanding of their challenges and strengths, and to help them build upon their strengths in order to achieve their personal goals.

Susan recognizes that the self-examination and transformation that occur in therapy require courage. She believes that one of the most important benefits of therapy is that you will never go through the process of change alone. Asking for help can be a difficult step, but if you can take that step, you're already on your way to finding your best self!

I am a Licensed Social Worker with 5 years of experience. I provide psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults facing challenges such as trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, life transitions, and identity development. I often work with adolescents, emerging adults, BIPOC communities, and individuals navigating cultural identity, family dynamics, and generational expectations. Many of my clients seek relief from overwhelm, disconnection, or self-doubt, and I support them in building resilience, fostering self-understanding, and creating solutions that reflect their values.

I earned my Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. In my work, I integrate cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and narrative and humanistic approaches to help clients manage emotions, shift unhelpful patterns, develop insight, clarify values, and cultivate self-compassion.

I understand that reaching out for support can feel daunting, and I deeply honor the courage it takes to begin therapy. In our work together, you will be met with compassion, understanding, and a safe space to share your story without judgment. My goal is to guide you toward growth, healing, and a stronger sense of clarity and connection.

*Children under the age of 12 must be seen for in-person sessions.*

Dr. Smith is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP) providing talk therapy services with 15 years of experience in the mental health field. He works with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, intellectual/developmental disorders, learning disabilities, OCD, psychotic disorders, behavior disorders, and more. He has worked in a number of different settings including community mental health centers, prisons, schools, college counseling centers, state hospitals, private psychiatric hospitals, and general medical centers providing acute and long-term psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults who were exhibiting severe psychopathology related to psychosis, suicidality, aggression, and personality disorders.

Dr. Smith completed his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Tougaloo College and his Master's degree and his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. In therapy, Dr. Smith utilizes multiple treatment approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, play therapy, reality therapy, solution-focused therapy, psychoeducation, and schema-focused therapy.

In addition, he employs the three core conditions of therapeutic change: empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. In all cases, he continuously monitors the therapeutic process to learn what is working and what is not working so he can better support clients. We are all struggling in different areas of our lives. You do not have to struggle alone. Dr. Smith is here to walk with you and help you overcome those life challenges. 

Dr. Smith also provides hypnotherapy for those interested!