Therapy Session in Illinois

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from Northeastern Illinois University. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, and adults across a range of settings including inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics. I am passionate about helping individuals and families not just survive, but truly thrive. I strive to create a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental environment where you can explore both past and present experiences that may be impacting your life. I have worked with clients navigating a wide range of challenges such as anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, trauma, family conflict, grief, substance use, ADHD, autism, self-esteem issues, relationship difficulties, and stress related to work, home, or school. My therapeutic approach is person-centered, meaning that therapy moves at your pace and reflects your unique needs and goals. I aim to provide empathy, acceptance, and respect while supporting you through your growth process. Together, we can address the everyday stressors that come with life helping you move toward greater balance and fulfillment.

I am an empathic and intuitive counselor who graduated from Governors State University in 2014 with a degree in Clinical Psychology. I've worked in inpatient psychiatric hospitals, a rehab center, nursing homes, community mental health centers, and outpatient with adults, children, couples, and families over the past 13 years. I specialize in spirituality and attachment relationships in addition to talk therapy. There is so much hope for healing, and I love witnessing people move from surviving to thriving! I am honored to walk alongside you as you access the inner wisdom that knows what you need for healing.

Hi, I’m Elaine Smith. I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, but more than that, I’m someone who believes in the power of healing, hope, and second chances. My passion is helping people move beyond the weight of trauma, anxiety, and life’s challenges so they can discover their strength and feel whole again. I know that reaching out for help isn’t always easy. That’s why I focus on creating a space where you feel safe, understood, and never judged. Together, we’ll explore your story at your pace, and I’ll walk alongside you as you navigate the hard parts and celebrate your progress. My approach is trauma-informed and culturally responsive, because I believe therapy should reflect who you are and honor your lived experiences. At the heart of it all, I see counseling as more than just sessions, it’s a journey of building resilience, finding your voice, and stepping into the life you deserve.

Samantha Williams is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) devoted to supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges, transitions, and opportunities for growth. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a Master of Philosophy, Samantha brings both depth and compassion to her clinical work. Her therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and mindfulness-based strategies. She strives to create a collaborative, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to explore their thoughts and emotions safely. Samantha works with adolescents, adults, and families to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, relationship challenges, and personal identity development. She is passionate about promoting emotional wellness, balance, and self-acceptance while helping clients build practical coping tools that support lasting change. Grounded in empathy and authenticity, Samantha’s goal is to help each client discover their inner strength, cultivate resilience, and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

My passion is accompanying people as they re-discover their spark and joy in life. I am committed to promoting recovery and wellness for people who have experienced traumatic events (e.g., domestic/intimate partner violence, complex childhood trauma, sexual/physical assault, community violence, bullying, and hate crimes). In my practice I work from a trauma informed care perspective, utilizing a collaborative, client-centered approach. You are the expert on your life. We will work together to identify goals that provide you a sense of accomplishment in therapy, and increase your overall wellness and balance in your life.

Governor State University and National Louis University