Grief counselors and therapists in Plainfield, IL

My therapeutic style is to ask a lot of questions and really try to find the answers to what is bothering you. In our sessions, you will cry, laugh, talk excessively or talk a little. Our sessions will be all about you and what you need in the moment. I want our sessions to be a safe place for you to be comfortable. Bring your treats and your tissues. Bring your patience and your strength. We will be together and I will support you when you are feeling weak. Usually, I see what makes you special first. You will need to tell me what is wrong.

I have been a therapist for over twenty five years with a varied background including hospice, nursing homes, home care and individual counseling settings. I became a licensed, clinical social worker after graduating from the University of IL-Urbana 30 years ago.

Are you someone who has spent much of your life being strong for everyone else—caring for others, holding things together, and continuing to move forward even when you feel overwhelmed? Maybe somewhere along the way, you’ve lost touch with yourself or found yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, past trauma, grief, relationship challenges, or your own sense of self-worth.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who works with adults and adolescents to better understand the experiences, emotions, and patterns that may be affecting their lives and relationships. I believe meaningful healing begins with greater self-awareness and understanding. My approach is warm, compassionate, trauma-informed, and collaborative, while also providing the support and gentle challenge needed for growth. Together, we can work toward healthier boundaries, stronger relationships, greater self-worth, and lasting change that helps you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to the life you want to create.

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.

Maybe you’ve gotten really good at functioning while quietly wondering why the same thoughts, emotions, or relationship patterns keep showing up. Anxiety can leave you overthinking everything, ADHD may make it hard to slow down or stay on track, depression can disconnect you from yourself, and trauma can continue shaping how you respond long after the experience is over. I work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, depression, trauma, and PTSD, along with identity concerns, relationship and family issues, stress, anger, grief, LGBTQIA+ and transgender experiences, and cultural or ethnic concerns when they’re part of the bigger picture. I believe therapy can be meaningful without feeling heavy all the time—there’s room to laugh, be yourself, and figure things out as we go. My goal is to help you understand yourself and your patterns more clearly so you can make choices that better reflect how you actually want to live, relate, and show up.

Hi - I'm Gina, a licensed LCSW in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience and a MSW from the University of Chicago. I have experience in helping clients (teens and adults) with stress, anxiety, chronic illnesses, midlife crisis, trauma, abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I use several treatment modalities to include Cognitive Behavioral, Trauma Informed Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Counseling. I also offer clinical supervision.

I am passionate about helping people! Everyone wants to be heard and valued. My approach as a counselor is to build a strong therapeutic relationship with you in a nonjudgmental space. I will demonstrate consistent empathy towards your feelings and struggles while verbalizing positive regard and validating you. I believe thoughts (positive & negative) have strong influences on emotions and as well as behaviors. I believe that answers to life’s difficulties are within each of us