Couples therapists in Rockford, IL

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.

I was born and raised in Montana and have a genuine passion for nature and the outdoors. I received my Bachelors in Psychology at Montana State University in 2001. I then pursued my Masters of Social Work degree and graduated in 2008 from the University of Montana. This graduate program had a focus on providing a social justice and integrated practitioner perspective. I have an eclectic style that can be tailored to each unique individual. My primary therapeutic methods include Mindfulness Based, Holistic, Exposure, Narrative, Cognitive and Behavioral, Strengths Based & Solution Focused Therapies. I provide a non-judgmental and compassionate environment that often helps people feel comfortable. A true passion of mine is structuring therapeutic activities for clients to express, process, increase self-awareness, and de-stress from life’s challenging and developmental experiences.

Hello, and welcome! I'm glad you're here. I'm a clinical psychologist specializing in helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, chronic health conditions, stress, and life's unexpected challenges.

I believe emotional and physical health are deeply connected. Whether you're coping with a medical diagnosis, feeling overwhelmed by daily stress, or simply looking to feel more like yourself again, I'll meet you with compassion, curiosity, and practical support. Together, we'll create a path toward greater balance, resilience, and well-being.

With more than 30 years of experience, I've helped individuals navigate anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and life's many transitions with compassion, understanding, and practical support.

I know reaching out for help isn't always easy. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to move toward greater confidence, healing, and peace of mind.

I trained in medicine before I became a therapist, and it changed what I listen for. When a client tells me her chest tightens before every meeting, or that she can't stop thinking about a diagnosis, I take the physical side of that seriously.

I hold a PhD in health psychology and I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and Florida. My published research is on post-traumatic growth in women. Since 2020 I've also taught graduate counseling and psychology as an adjunct professor.

I see adults dealing with trauma and complex trauma, chronic illness, health anxiety, depression, grief, and major life transitions. I work with women through perinatal and postpartum struggles and through fertility challenges. I also see adolescents.

I speak English, Hindi, Arabic, and Urdu. If you're dealing with immigration, acculturation, or family expectations that don't translate easily, you won't have to explain that context to me first.

I earned my master’s degree in social work from George Williams College and hold licensure in both Illinois and Wisconsin. My clinical experience spans work with diverse populations, including teens and adults navigating a wide range of mental health challenges. I am trained in several evidence‐based therapeutic modalities—CBT, DBT, ACT, and EMDR—which allows me to tailor treatment to each person’s needs and support meaningful, sustainable change.

I provide individual therapy as well as family and couples work. I value helping people move through life’s stressors, strengthen their coping skills, and recognize the progress they make toward their goals.

If you have questions about the services and supports available to you, your family, or your loved ones, I’m here to help. I’d also be glad to share more about what I enjoy most in the therapeutic process and how we can work together to build a healthier, more grounded life.

I approach therapy in a collaborative and compassionate way, creating a safe space where clients can feel supported as they explore their inner world. I believe that each client is the expert of their own life, and my role is to guide, support, and provide tools to help you connect with your strengths and insights. My work is trauma-informed and integrates a variety of techniques, including internal family systems, somatic methods, inner child work, strengths-based narratives, CBT, experiential approaches, and clinical hypnosis.

Education: Masters of Science in Counseling

Number of years practicing: 6 years

Specialties: Trauma, Anxiety, Relationship Conflict, Grief, Crisis, Depression, Adjustment Disorder, and Career Counseling.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to figure things out alone. I’m Tamara Whittleton, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults navigating stress, anxiety, depression, and major life changes. I focus on creating a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable talking openly while developing practical strategies for growth and healing