Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Joliet, IL

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who believes therapy works best when it meets you where you are. Since 2017, I’ve worked with Veterans experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, including severe mental illness, substance use, anxiety, depression, trauma, and the challenges that can come with major life transitions. I have also worked as a private practice therapist since 2024.

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.

With a nursing career spanning since 2008, I have dedicated over 15 years to understanding the complexities of patient care. After earning my Master’s Degree in 2021, I transitioned into advanced psychiatric practice in 2022. Having served in both fast-paced inpatient units and collaborative outpatient clinics, I offer a well-rounded perspective on mental health. My background allows me to blend clinical expertise with a deeply rooted compassion for the human experience.

Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes we need a place where we can be completely honest without feeling judged. I'm an LCSW who takes a relaxed, collaborative, and practical approach to therapy. I especially enjoy working with women navigating anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationships, self-esteem, and the many pressures that can come with being a woman today.

As a half-Japanese woman, I also understand that identity can be complicated. Culture, family expectations, race, relationships, and the different parts of who we are can sometimes be difficult to reconcile. I welcome conversations about cultural and racial identity, belonging, family dynamics, and the experience of navigating multiple cultures.

I have a particular interest in working with women, women Veterans, women experiencing infertility or fertility-related stress, and Asian Americans navigating identity, culture, family expectations, or belonging. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, recognize your strengths, and find realistic ways to move forward.

In 1999, I started my counseling career working with sexually abused children in Illinois. Since then, I have provided therapeutic services in a variety of settings, including community mental health, foster care, private practice and hospice. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida and I am Licensed Clinical Professional Counseling (LCPC) in Illinois. In addition, I am a Qualified Supervisor in the State of Florida.