Grief counselors and therapists in Park Ridge, IL

I am not seeing couples at this time I work best with women and divorced single moms. Are you ready to say no without guilt? I use guided meditation to reprogram subconscious beliefs like, "I'm not good enough," and, "No one loves me." I have been a counselor for 14 years. I enjoy meditating and walking in nature. I study psychology, spirituality, quantum physics, business, and nutrition.

I know how important it is to feel safe, understood, and not rushed when you’re talking about difficult or painful experiences. I’m a thoughtful, down-to-earth therapist who values authenticity, trust, and genuine connection. My strengths-based approach is grounded in compassion and respect, and I aim to meet each person exactly where they are without judgment.

Starting counseling can feel like a big step, especially if you’re used to handling things on your own. My hope is that you leave sessions feeling understood, challenged in a caring way, and equipped with practical tools you can use in your daily life.

I'm Simone Shepardson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with nearly two decades of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I've worked across a range of clinical settings — inpatient care, partial hospitalization programs, and outpatient therapy — which has given me a deep understanding of how to meet clients wherever they are in their journey. I specialize in working with gifted populations, high-functioning autism, anxiety, ADHD, and family dynamics. I've served over 10 years on the board of the Illinois Association for Play Therapy and previously acted as a clinical advisor to the West Suburban Bipolar Group in DuPage County. Outside of my practice, I'm a professionally trained singer and musician, a dancer, and a devoted wife and mother. I bring my whole self — warmth, creativity, and genuine care — into the work I do with each client.

Therapy to restore pleasure and emotional safety after sexual assault and other trauma for adults and their partners. I specialize in three areas: sex & intimacy, trauma & emotional regulation, and anxiety disorders such as OCD and BPD. I have extensive experience supporting individuals and partners experiencing intimacy challenges related to desire discrepancy, neurodivergence, and partners hoping to rebuild healthy sexual relationships. I strive to provide care in a space that deeply honors identity and lived experience.