Family therapy and counseling in Skokie, IL

Hi, I’m E. C. Kissner — and if you’re someone who feels accomplished on the outside but stretched thin on the inside, you’re in the right place. Many of the people I work with are navigating burnout, transitions, stress, uncertainty about next steps, or a sense that life’s moving faster than they can keep up with. You want clarity, balance, and a way to turn insight into real-world change, and you want a space that meets you where you are — respectful of your identity, your experiences, and your goals.

Hello, I'm glad you're here! I'm Vernetta, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I hold a Master Degree in Counseling Psychology and a Master in Organizational Psychology. I am a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC). I have a significant history working with Adolescents and Families, and Substance Abuse treatment. I provide psychotherapy for individuals, families and groups dealing with many mental health concerns including but, not limited to: depression, anxiety, anger management, grief and loss, parenting and behavioral issues, women issues and I can provide Christian counseling as well. I would appreciate the opportunity walk beside you and assist you on your journey to healing.

If you have been feeling anxious, stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns, frustrated, or weighed down by self doubt, you do not have to sort through it alone. For over 20 years, I have helped individuals, couples, and families work through anxiety, conflict, anger, and self esteem challenges. I am an LCSW with an MSW from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, and I bring both skill and warmth to this work.

Greetings.

Taking first steps towards therapy is a brave decision and I'm glad you're here. In my practice I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to help you navigate life's challenges.

I'm a LCSW and I received my master's degree at Our Lady of the Lakes University in San Antonio, TX.

I specialize in anxiety, depression, and Christian counseling, however there are other areas of specialties I engage with individuals.

With nearly thirty years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) I bring warmth and a genuine commitment to helping people move forward in their lives.

I work with a wide range of ages, from teens and young adults, to older individuals who find themselves at a crossroad and looking to make a change. Anxiety, Depression and Executive Functioning are several of the issues I cover. I also have a particular interest in Family Therapy, including the unique challenges that come with divorce and co-parenting.

I feel change really happens when we shift our attention toward new possibilities. I draw from a blend of cognitive therapy and interactive techniques tailored for the individuality of each client. My style is warm, direct, and often infused with humor, an essential part of healing.

I am highly responsive and profoundly invested in the well-being of every client.

Hi, I’m Dr. Linda Wickens, a doctoral-level therapist and coach who works with individuals navigating stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, and patterns that keep them feeling stuck while preventing forward movement and growth. Many of my clients are high-functioning on the outside but feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or frustrated that change feels harder than it should.

Therapy and coaching with me are never one-size-fits-all. We work collaboratively to create a plan that is specific to you, your goals, and your capacity, adjusting pace and structure as your needs evolve. I focus on helping clients understand their patterns, build emotional awareness, and develop practical skills they can actually use in daily life.

I hold a Doctorate in Social Work and am a fully licensed clinical social worker, with over nine years of experience in the mental health field. My work integrates evidence-based therapy with a coaching-informed lens when appropriate, allowing sessions to be both supportive and goal-oriented while still making space to explore the past and its impact on the present.

Clients often describe my style as warm, direct, and collaborative. As part of my concierge model, clients work directly with me rather than an assistant, and I remain accessible to my clients outside of sessions through secure communication when needed. I believe growth happens through understanding, compassion, and honest conversation, and that progress is most sustainable when care feels personal, intentional, and consistent.

Please Note: I do not provide couples or marriage counseling. Additionally, I am not able to treat clients who are experiencing active suicidal ideation or self-harm behaviors. If these services are needed, I encourage seeking a provider who specializes in these areas or contacting appropriate crisis resources if immediate support is required.