Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Aurora, IL

Welcome! I have 30 years of experience supporting people through a variety of life challenges. I am a trauma-informed therapist and my specialties include helping with anxiety, trauma, stress management, life transitions, and depression. My deep, intuitive understanding includes lived experience, and clinical wisdom that only comes with decades of practice and life.

My approach to therapy includes Somatic-Focused therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, Compassion-Focused therapy, Polyvagal-informed, and Psychodynamic therapy. I am also a Certified Yoga Therapist so I am able to integrate the ancient tools of yoga into my work with you if you are interested; breath-based gentle movement, meditation, visualization, etc. The breath is the gateway to the central nervous system--calming and strengthening it is the key to reducing anxiety and healing trauma. This broad approach allows me to meet you where you are at while holding a safe, supportive space for you.

Working with others on their healing journey is my life's passion. We will start by building a strong, supportive relationship; warmth, compassion, and respect are at the very heart of my work. Our sessions will be tailored to fit your specific needs. I understand that seeking help can be difficult and it takes courage to take that first step. I will be honored to join you on your healing journey towards a more joyful life.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who believes therapy should feel real, human, and grounded in honest conversation. With experience in community mental health, treatment courts, group work, and clinical supervision, in addition to working with individuals navigating trauma, identity, and personal change. I also teach and mentor future counselors while researching the psychological experiences of individuals living with vitiligo. I bring a little bit of humor into therapy, because let’s face it, in this day and age a little bit of laughing takes stress off our already hectic lives; though when it is time to get serious, we will address all and any issues that may be hindering your pathways of life. My philosophy: “people are more than their labels, and growth begins when people feel seen, heard, and respected.”

Great to meet you. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I work to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported. My approach is warm, holistic, and open-minded, and I believe care works best when it is personalized to your needs, goals, and day-to-day reality.

I support clients navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, sleep concerns, OCD, panic, eating concerns, and anger or impulse-related challenges. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready for things to feel more manageable, my goal is to help you better understand what is going on and build a path forward that feels both realistic and empowering.

Hey there! I’m Briana Kesterson, LCSW.

I’m a licensed therapist offering individual and family therapy in Illinois, supporting people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves. I have a Bachelor's in Clinical Psychology from the University of Illinois and a Master's in Social Work from Aurora University.

I work with children, teens, adults, and families navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, life transitions, relationship challenges, and self worth struggles. Many of my clients come in feeling “too much” or “not enough” and together, we begin to understand how to better support the parts of you that learned to cope and protect just to survive.