Grief counselors and therapists in Crystal Lake, IL

My nursing career began in 2010 when I first became a Registered Nurse. In 2017 I graduated from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO with my master’s degree in nursing and became a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) licensed in Illinois. I have been blessed to work in many facets of healthcare since and has also become a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). With a strong foundation in both primary care and mental health, my approach aligns overall wellness and hormone optimization with physical, mental, and lifestyle well-being.

I am an integrative psychotherapist with a private practice in Chicagoland. As a body-inclusive practitioner, my clinical work is grounded in somatic psychotherapy and emphasizes the healing capacity of the mind-body-spirit connection.

I hold a Masters degree in Community Counseling from Loyola University Chicago and a Masters degree in Teaching from Webster University. I've supplemented my education with post-graduate training in trauma, somatics, equine-assisted psychotherapy, and neuroscience.

I have been practicing since 2012, after being clinically trained at Loyola University Chicago, where I spent extensive time working with both adolescents and adults.

I have been helping clients globally with a variety of issues in my core areas of expertise, including addiction, mood disorders, and identity issues.

I am also certified in Financial Social Work, bridging my passions for personal finance and emotional well-being.

Welcome! I’m Emily, the founder and sole clinician at North of Now Therapy. I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy for adults navigating anxiety, grief, infertility, and life transitions.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and hold a Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. I am licensed to practice in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Michigan.

Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of settings including schools, community mental health clinics, and private practice. These experiences have allowed me to support individuals from diverse backgrounds as they navigate complex emotional and psychological challenges.

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.

Hello and thank you for being here! My name is Dorota, but I go by Dorothy. I am a wife, mom of 2 beautiful little girls and one furry, four-legged girl, and trauma therapist. I obtained my MSW in 2020 and LCSW in 2025 and have worked with all folks of all ages. My speciality is trauma, but anyone who is going through some challenges, life transitions, or just hard times right now can reach out to see if I would be a good fit.

Deciding to come to therapy can be very scary. Sharing your most intimate thoughts with someone can be even more frightening. This is why I make sure that I create a very safe, caring, positive, and secure place where you can feel comfortable and know that you are with someone who truly cares about your well-being.