Grief counselors and therapists in Crystal Lake, IL

Feeling stuck can be so frustrating. Where do we go when our usual coping skills stop working?

Having been on both sides of this question, I deeply understand the struggle on both a personal and professional level. I believe that's where therapy can really help to remove some road-blocks. It's not a cure-all, but it can certainly help build momentum.

By using more imaginative approaches to therapy in addition to cognitive approaches, I believe that roadblocks can be moved and deeper, holistic healing is possible.

I look forward to hearing and helping you move forward in your story.

My style is eclectic and strength based. I see human nature as intrinsically good. Sigmund Freud said we are bio-social animals. I believe a great deal in listening to one’s self talk. The more positive our dialogue with ourselves is, the more positive our dialogues with others and our lives are. I’m also experienced in CBT, DBT, MI, Solution Focused, ACT, Gestalt, Interpersonal, and person-centered counseling.

My training includes lots of wonderful supervision and workshops, a three-year certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Chicago, and two one month intensives with Virginia Satir, the founder of family therapy. Virginia taught that exploring the self is like mining gold. We all have gold inside of us. That is our basic goodness. A lot of emotional suffering is the result of being detoured from that basic goodness.

Welcome!

I’m Kendra, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois and a Certified Somatic Therapy Practitioner. With over 10 years of experience, I support individuals in reconnecting with themselves and navigating anxiety, stress, and life transitions with greater clarity and ease.

My approach blends somatic (mind-body) therapy with nature-based practices to support deeper awareness, emotional regulation, and lasting change. I believe healing happens when we learn to listen to our bodies, not just our thoughts. I am committed to creating a safe, affirming space for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals, where your full identity and experiences are welcomed and respected.

I am a board-certified registered art therapist and licensed clinical professional counselor. I have worked in non-profit organizations, providing counseling services to young children adolescents, and adults.

If you've been carrying the weight of trauma, grief, or anxiety for longer than you can remember, you're not alone.

I've spent 12 years as a licensed counselor in Chicago working with people of all ages, from young children to seniors. What keeps me in this work is the moment a client realizes they've been surviving something hard, and that there's a different way forward.

I have a particular passion for working with mothers navigating postpartum struggles, families dealing with grief and loss, and adults working through trauma and PTSD. Many of my clients were looking for someone who would be real with them, not just professional. That's what you'll find here.

When stress starts to build, it can affect more than just your day-to-day life. It can impact your mood, your energy, and your relationships. I work with adults and couples who are navigating anxiety, depression, workplace stress, and burnout. Many of my clients are used to juggling responsibilities, caring for others, and pushing through difficult seasons until they realize they're no longer feeling like themselves. You might feel constantly overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, or like you can’t fully “turn off” your mind. At the same time, stress can begin to show up in your relationships through miscommunication, distance, or frustration, making it harder to feel connected and supported.