About Me Hi, I’m MJ. I’m an individual, family, and marriage counselor licensed in Illinois, and I’ve been doing this work for over 20 years. In that time, I’ve helped people navigate just about everything—depression, anxiety, stress, relationship ups and downs, parenting challenges, career changes, ADHD, and all the messy parts of life in between. I also work a lot with people who’ve experienced trauma, whether sexual, physical, or emotional. I often tell clients, “If you can tell me something I haven’t heard before, I’ll give you my Mickey Mouse watch.” And let me tell you, Mickey is still sitting right on my wrist—so you can imagine the stories, struggles, and victories I’ve walked through with people. **How I Work** My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and interactive. I’m a big believer in looking at the whole person—your emotional world, your physical well-being, and your sense of meaning or spirituality—because all of those pieces matter. That might sound fancy, but really, it just means I want to help you feel at home in your own skin and help who you are on the inside match how you show up in the world. I don’t do judgment or labels. I do respect, compassion, honesty, and a whole lot of common sense. (Truly—common sense might be my strongest therapeutic orientation!) I use cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused work, EMDR, and humor when it fits. Sometimes a small shift in perspective—and maybe a laugh—can open the door to real change. **A Bit About EMDR** I also offer EMDR, which is a powerful method for processing trauma, reducing emotional triggers, and moving past old patterns that keep you stuck. If you’ve tried “talking it out” and still feel something lingering, EMDR can help your mind and body finally let go. **What Telehealth With Me Is Like** Reaching out takes courage. Truly. And choosing to let someone into your world—especially through a screen—can feel strange at first. But once we get going, most people find telehealth surprisingly comfortable and personal. This platform works more like email, so responses aren’t instant like texting. I usually reply within 24 hours. If you prefer phone or video sessions, those are available by appointment. I’d love to walk alongside you as you make the changes you’re ready to make. Looking forward to working with you, MJ

With over 25 years of extensive mental health experience, I hold a Ph.D. (APA accredited) in Clinical, Health, Forensic, & Neuropsychology. I am also a Certified Nutritionist, a Board-Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH); a Board-Certified Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas, Illinois, and New Jersey; a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Kentucky; a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) in Nebraska; a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Montana and Illinois; a Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider (LSOTP) and Licensed Sex Offender Evaluator (LSOE) in Illinois and Montana; , Telehealth Provider #TPMC864 (Florida) Licensed Professional Counselor #37PC00852500 (New Jersey) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor #LCPC03319 (Kansas) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor #CP5260-R (Nevada) and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in The Bahamas. I am a Clinical, Health, Forensic and Neuropsych oly doctor. I have a PhD, a Bachelor's of Science, three master’s degrees (Professional Counseling, Clinical Psychology, and Christian Counseling). I have been inducted into the Psi Chi international honor society in psychology and the Pi Lambda Theta honor society in education. I have worked successfully and effectively administering a broad range of Clinical, Health , Forensic, Neurological, Educational and other Assessments inaddition with working with organizations both Christian and secular, and with individuals, couples, groups, and families with a broad range of concerns, including but not limited to parenting problems, addiction, career challenges, depression, divorce, domestic abuse, and eating disorders. I have also worked with persons coping with illness, grief, loss, family conflict, pre-marital concerns, anxiety, infidelity, OCD, men’s issues, sexual abuse, spirituality, suicidal ideation, PTSD, weight loss, women’s issues, relationships issues, panic attacks, etc. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma and, or emotional abuse, Trauma and many other concerns. Throughout the years, in my Private Practice and working with other organizations, hospitals, prison systems etc. I have developed a comprehensive multidisciplinary background that has allowed me to recognize, diagnose, and successfully help and treat thousands of individuals of all ages and ethnicities. My treatment style is warm, interactive, and solution-based. My psychotherapy approach is integrative and eclectic, combining cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, motivational, rational emotive counseling, smart recovery, positive psychology, and many other proven techniques. I show empathy and honestly believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I do not believe in stigmatizing labels, so I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I do my best to allow God to use me to assist you in achieving your desired results. It is commendable and takes courage for you to seek a more fulfilling and happier functional, actionable existence and to see you taking the first steps toward change and enhancement. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to assist you in achieving your purpose and goals for being here, in addition to encouraging, supporting, and empowering you. I look forward to working with you!

• B.A. in Human Services from National-Louis University • MSW from Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work • Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe Throughout our lives we are challenged by obstacles that can be difficult to manage on our own. Reaching out for help in those times can be incredibly difficult. Working with a therapist during those struggles in life can help find the insight into some of the most rewarding and positive changes we make; leading to a more fulfilling and peaceful life. The first step in making changes in your life begins now. I have been working the mental health field for over 16 years with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, grief & loss, addiction & co-dependency issues, and relationship or family dynamics. I have provided services in outpatient, inpatient, residential, as well as rehabilitation long-term care settings to clients ranging in age from adolescent to geriatric, both in individual and group sessions. My professional philosophy stems from the belief that every person deserves to live fully; with hope for the future and the self-respect to believe you are worthy of it. I believe every individual is capable of change and possesses the resiliency within ourselves to improve our lives. We will work together to identify the aspects of yourself that are not working for you and discover a healthier direction for your life.

This is Dr. Cassandra April, LCPC. Thank you for reaching out, confirming the information form, and scheduling a session. I notice that you are one of our new insurance clients and I feel it's only fair to let you know that insurance clients have to do an "intake assessment" during your first session, which in reality could take the entire session time to complete. One way I am proposing to try to get around that is to send you the assessment questions ahead of time and you can answer them before the session if you have time. If not, the first session would have to be devoted to answering those questions (sort of like when you go to a new medical doctor for the first time). Let me know which you prefer. I'll copy the questions below. I realize you may have had to answer some when you signed up for Better Help, but now therapists must also collect certain information that Better Help does not give us. This is required for insurance clients. See below for questions. There are 15 of them. 1) What city/town in Illinois do you live in? 2) What is your race/nationality? (If you are bi-racial/of mixed race, name both/all) 3) What country were you born in? What country/countries were you raised in? 4) What is your last name, date of birth, address, phone number 5) Emergency contact, their first and last name, phone number, and relationship to you 6) Employment status (working full-time, part-time, unemployed, etc) 7) Relationship status (i.e. married, single, divorced, etc.) 8) Educational level (GED, high school, trade school, some college, college graduate, etc.) 9) Legal history if any (have you ever been incarcerated? If so, why) 10) Medical history (do you have any major health conditions? Do you have to take medication on a regular basis? If so, for what conditions? The name of the clinic, hospital, or doctor that you receive medical care from. We will NOT be contacting these individuals) 11) Mental health history (have you ever been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, eating disorder, drugs or alcohol, etc. Did you have to be hospitalized? Do you have to take medication for? If so, what conditions? Family history? Have you been to counseling before?) 12) Have you ever attempted suicide or harmed yourself? If so, how long ago? How many times? Did you have to be hospitalized? 13) Do you feel you were abused as a child physically, sexually, verbally, or psychologically? 14) Are you addicted to drugs or alcohol? If drugs, which ones? Is there a family history of either drugs or alcohol? 15) How is your self-care? (are you sleeping well, eating healthy, exercising, etc.) ? Thank you, and I look forward to meeting with you, Dr. April

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in the state of Illinois. I also have a Masters Degree in Education. I have over 30 years of experience working in the field of mental health. I consider it a privilege to have been invited into the lives of others as they seek to improve their daily lives. I believe in meeting my clients where they are. Not where they are ‘expected’ to be. I will work with you as a whole person, not just as a diagnosis. I believe in an individual’s inherent dignity and right to self determination. I would love to join you on your journey to positive change.

I am a Licensed Mental health Counselor within the state of New York. I have over 10 years of experience working with populations of all kinds providing vocational, spiritual, CBT/DBT, and motivational interviewing counseling. I have a person-centered approach guiding clients to their goals. We cannot solve problems using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. - Albert Einstein.

Do you have difficulties 'needing to be perfect" or not feeling "good enough" . You are not alone. I am a licensed professional with over 20 years experience providing therapy services to couples and individuals with a variety of problems. I believe most people go through a period of their life that is too difficult to handle alone or a problem that has gone on too long and that is a time professional help can provide the impetus to get through the problem or issue. I have a passion for working with people who feel they are not "good enough" or have perfectionism issues. I have also worked with people with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, problems with self confidence or self esteem, problems related to alcohol or drug issues and relationship problems. I use a variety of methods from CBT and DBT to Solution Focused therapy to a more Psychodynamic approach. I match my approach with each individual to work together to get the best results. I approach therapy as a curious listener who works with clients to remove barriers keeping them from being the person they want to be.

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Illinois with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Illinois with 38 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & bipolar disorder. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring over two decades of compassionate mental health experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice specializes in helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and self-esteem development. I focus on creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore personal growth, address communication barriers, and work through challenging emotional experiences. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, whether they're struggling with social anxiety, workplace stress, life transitions, or deeper emotional wounds. My therapeutic work emphasizes holistic healing, helping clients develop self-compassion, rebuild connections, and rediscover their inner strength. I'm committed to walking alongside individuals as they develop healthier coping strategies, process difficult experiences, and create meaningful pathways toward personal transformation. I specialize in supporting older adults and individuals experiencing midlife transitions, chronic health challenges, and complex emotional landscapes. My goal is to provide empathetic, personalized guidance that honors each client's individual experience and potential for healing.

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Illinois and Indiana with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Illinois with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.