As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients address challenges like depression, anxiety, life transitions, and interpersonal dynamics. I bring a compassionate approach to counseling, particularly supporting older adults, men, and those seeking a conservative therapeutic perspective. My expertise centers on helping individuals work through self-esteem challenges, social anxiety, communication difficulties, and feelings of isolation. I'm deeply committed to guiding clients toward understanding their life purpose, healing from past wounds, and developing healthier emotional patterns. Whether you're experiencing workplace stress, relationship transitions, or seeking personal growth, I offer a supportive and understanding environment. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I provide targeted support for diverse challenges including mood disorders, panic attacks, midlife transitions, and family-related concerns. My approach is grounded in respect, empathy, and a genuine desire to help you discover your inner strength and potential for meaningful change.

Greetings! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the states of California, Illinois, and Missouri, and I have a doctorate in Organizational Psychology. I have worked in locked and outpatient mental health facilities for the last 30 years. I facilitated group treatment of domestic violence perpetrators in Spanish and English for eight years. I specialize in treating trauma-related symptoms, anxiety and depression, anger management, geriatric well-being, mental health recovery, cultural diversity issues, and self-esteem issues. My doctorate degree (EdD) In Leadership and Learning with a specialization in Organizational Psychology was conferred on May 27, 2021. I use a client-centered approach (Carl Rogers), and I know that the client is the expert. I tailor my therapy sessions to what the client wants. I used cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with those who like CBT interventions. I offer homework assignments and bibliotherapy for those clients who want those interventions. I also use Brief-Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. I invite you to contact me to see if I am a good fit to help and empower you on your journey to better living.

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 am licensed in Illinois with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & relationship issues. I also have experience working with depression. 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. 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.

My approach is supportive and practical, focused on making real, steady progress in ways that feel sustainable. I work with individuals navigating a range of concerns, including anxiety, workplace stress, social anxiety, low self-esteem, communication challenges, conflict avoidance, perfectionism, people pleasing, relationship dynamics, identity questions, grief, and life changes. My goal is to help you feel more connected to yourself and more grounded in the life you want to create. Together, we’ll find tools that work for you so you can meet future challenges with more clarity and confidence. People are complex, and each person brings their own history, strengths, and struggles. I meet you where you are, stay steady through the hard parts, and keep the work collaborative and respectful.

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 20 years of counseling experience. I have experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, building confidence, career difficulties, and coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where their thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgement. Taking the first step to creating a more fulfilling and balanced life takes courage. I am here to support you in your journey.

I am licensed in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings and have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, career struggles, stage of life transitions, & trauma and abuse. 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 sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Illinois with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I am looking forward to our work together.

Just like you, I am an agent of change! Licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional therapeutic work experience, I sincerely enjoy helping those that need it the most navigate their human experience. I have significant experience in partnering with clients for developing and engaging with coping, self compassion and self care practices in response to stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, complex trauma, & even internal challenges like lack of motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. You deserve peace & you can have more joy. Taking the first step to engaging with life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. My therapy modalities & expertise include CFT, CBT, DBT, ACT, RFT, & FAP therapy; I also utilize Trauma Recovery Models, EMDR and Motivational Interviewing in my practice as needed. I am fond of using innovative evidenced based practices, so let’s connect, assess, and find what works best for you on your journey.

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients develop self-compassion, improve communication skills, and overcome challenges related to anxiety, depression, and trauma. I offer a compassionate, evidence-based approach to mental health that addresses a wide range of emotional experiences. My expertise includes supporting individuals struggling with social anxiety, panic attacks, attachment issues, and mood disorders. I'm committed to creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their inner world, build resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. My therapeutic style emphasizes understanding each person's unique journey, focusing on strengths and providing practical strategies for emotional healing. Whether you're dealing with isolation, self-esteem challenges, or complex emotional patterns, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance.

I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, intimacy related issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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. 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 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & anger management. I also have experience working with 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. 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.

Hi, I’m Shelly! I’m a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a passion for helping clients build confidence, manage emotions, and reach their full potential. For over 20 years, I’ve supported individuals through challenges such as anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, and life transitions—helping them find healthier ways to cope and connect. After earning my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University, I moved to Chicago and attended the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, where I earned my master’s degree in 1999 and my doctorate in 2004. From the beginning, my work has focused on understanding the emotional world of the clients that I work with and helping strengthen communication and resilience. I believe every one of us has the inner strength to grow and thrive. My approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in compassion and evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I work closely with you to uncover what’s behind the emotional or behavioral struggles and to develop tools that foster understanding, balance, and confidence. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood—and where you feel guided and empowered. Reaching out for therapy is a courageous step, and I’m honored to walk alongside you on this journey toward healing and growth.