Grief counselors and therapists in Aurora, IL

Thank you for taking the first step in sharing your story—your Mental Health Matters, and you deserve to be heard, supported, and understood.

Welcome to Integrated Family Behavioral Health & Counseling PLLC! I'm Mihaela Vladu, PMHNP-BC, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 16+ years of experience in healthcare, dedicated to helping individuals achieve lasting mental wellness and regain control of their lives.

I provide compassionate, personalized, and evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered. My approach focuses on treating the whole person—not just symptoms—while working collaboratively with you to reach your goals.

I specialize in working with a diverse range of individuals, including younger/older adults, children aged 6 and up, women dealing specifically with trauma and abuse, and veterans, as well as active-duty personnel experiencing PTSD. As a certified ADHD specialist, I provide targeted, evidence-based interventions to help individuals improve focus and daily functioning. I also have extensive experience treating bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, panic disorder, OCD, and other complex mental health conditions.

Areas of Expertise:

• Dual-Diagnosis Care (SUD + mood/anxiety​/​psychotic disorders)

• MAT: Buprenorphine​/​Suboxone inductions & maintenance; relapse-prevention planning

• Alcohol​/​Opioid Withdrawal & Detox protocols (court order MAT program, inpatient, outpatient, and halfway houses)

• Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis

• Residential​/​PHP​/​IOP programmed care & step-down planning

• Trauma-informed care, veteran populations, and complex comorbidity

Hello, and welcome! I'm glad you're here. I'm a clinical psychologist specializing in helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, chronic health conditions, stress, and life's unexpected challenges.

I believe emotional and physical health are deeply connected. Whether you're coping with a medical diagnosis, feeling overwhelmed by daily stress, or simply looking to feel more like yourself again, I'll meet you with compassion, curiosity, and practical support. Together, we'll create a path toward greater balance, resilience, and well-being.

I approach therapy in a collaborative and compassionate way, creating a safe space where clients can feel supported as they explore their inner world. I believe that each client is the expert of their own life, and my role is to guide, support, and provide tools to help you connect with your strengths and insights. My work is trauma-informed and integrates a variety of techniques, including internal family systems, somatic methods, inner child work, strengths-based narratives, CBT, experiential approaches, and clinical hypnosis.

I have provided counseling services for over 20 years, helping clients work through trauma, PTSD, anxiety, panic, stress, family challenges, and women’s issues. I specialize in supporting people who feel stuck in painful memories, overwhelmed by anxiety, or disconnected from themselves after difficult life experiences. My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and deeply respectful of each person’s story. I believe healing often involves more than traditional talk therapy, which is why I incorporate approaches that support the mind, body, and spirit. I am an EMDRIA Certified Therapist and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and I use EMDR, somatic therapy, attachment-based therapy, interpersonal therapy, and other trauma-informed approaches to help clients move toward relief and healing. When we work together, you can expect a caring space where you are accepted as you are and supported at a pace that feels safe.

I am committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and affirming environment where people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities, and life experiences feel respected and supported. My goal is to provide a safe place where you can be yourself, explore challenges openly, and discover your strengths. Together, we'll focus on meaningful growth, practical strategies, and helping you thrive on your own terms.

I believe healing begins with feeling truly seen, heard, and understood. As a bilingual (English/Spanish) LCSW in Illinois, I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, and life's bigger transitions. My approach is warm,

practical, and grounded in what the research says works. Whether you are carrying something heavy or simply ready for a change, I meet you where you are. I would love to

be part of your journey toward the life you want to build. Let's connect.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families. My background includes child welfare, foster care, residential treatment, aftercare, and behavioral health. I understand that people come to therapy carrying stress, grief, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, and life changes. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you feel heard, respected, and understood.

If you’ve been feeling anxious, down, overwhelmed by stress, or stuck in a hard transition, you’re not alone. I work with people 16 and up who want support around anxiety, depression, life stressors, and eating disorders. My goal is to help you feel understood while we work toward steady, meaningful change together.

Hello, my name is Summer Carter, LCSW, MBA, and I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion, hope, and support. With experience in mental health, trauma-informed care, emotional wellness, grief support, and life transitions, I strive to create a safe and empowering space where clients feel heard, respected, and valued.

I believe that everyone’s story matters, and no one should have to face difficult seasons alone.

I’m Annmarie O’Connell, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals through some of life’s toughest moments. My background is rooted in community mental health, where I’ve worked with people from all walks of life dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions.

I’m also trained in Brainspotting, a powerful therapeutic technique that taps into the brain-body connection to help clients process and release deeply held emotional pain. This approach, along with my real-world experience, allows me to support clients in a holistic, meaningful way. My work is deeply personal to me—because I’ve experienced firsthand how life-changing therapy can be.