Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Rockford, IL

I'm Jim Veltman, and I've been doing this work for over 30 years — not because it was the safe career choice, but because I believe people can genuinely heal. I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Grayslake, Illinois, and I work with clients across the state through telehealth. I see adults, teens, older adults, and couples dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and the complicated weight of struggling relationships. My background is grounded in both psychological training and a belief that healing isn't just clinical — it's deeply human, and often spiritual. If faith is part of your life, that's welcome here. If it's not, that's completely fine too. What matters is that we do honest, real work together.

Life can feel like a lot sometimes, whether you're navigating anxiety, grief, addiction, or the emotional weight of caring for a loved one. Maybe things feel tangled, or you're used to being the strong one for everyone else. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. I want to understand your story, what’s been heavy lately, and what you’re hoping will feel different. Together, we can begin to make sense of it all and help you feel more steady, supported, and like yourself again.

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.

I'm a licensed psychologist and consider myself a generalist with a wide variety of clinical interests including issues related to family of origin, self esteem, identity development, depression, anxiety, stress, and interpersonal relationships.

Attending to mental health can have such a profound effect on quality of life and ability to function! Yet, it can seem so vulnerable and scary to make that first appointment, even if we know it will help. Great job leaning into that discomfort, prioritizing your needs, and pushing toward growth!

If you're struggling with addiction, carrying the weight of complex trauma, or trying to cope while managing a chronic health condition, I want you to know there's a way forward — and you don't have to walk it alone. I'm a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) with over 16 years of experience across private practice, residential substance abuse treatment, medical social work, and the non-profit world. I've sat with people in their hardest, most overwhelming moments, and I bring that same steady, non-judgmental presence to every session.

Much of my work centers on substance use and recovery, complex trauma, and the emotional toll of chronic medical conditions. Whether you're in the thick of a crisis or finally ready to address something you've carried for years, I'll meet you exactly where you are — with compassion, real tools, and zero judgment.