Jerry Blecha is a compassionate and skilled counselor dedicated to guiding individuals through their unique emotional journeys. With a master's degree and expert credentials as an LCPC and CADC, Jerry specializes in supporting children, teens, adults, and elders facing a myriad of struggles, including addiction, depression, and various aspects of spirituality. His therapeutic approach incorporates both humanistic and cognitive behavioral (CBT) methods, ensuring that clients feel heard and understood in a nurturing environment. Jerry has extensive experience addressing trauma and PTSD, substance use, and relationship issues, among many other general concerns. He thrives on helping individuals and groups navigate the complexities of life, fostering resilience and personal growth among those he serves.

Lisa Alexoff is a dedicated counselor who understands the challenges many face when feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. She believes in the inherent power within individuals to instigate the necessary changes in their lives, often through the guidance of a supportive therapist. Lisa assists her clients in recognizing, accepting, and overcoming the obstacles that stand in the way of achieving their desired lives. From personal growth to parenting issues, ADHD, and anxiety, she creates a judgment-free environment where each individual’s strengths are honored, unhelpful patterns are transformed, and empowerment flourishes. At Aspire Counseling, Consulting and Creative Solutions, Lisa collaborates with a team of six highly qualified therapists who provide individual, couple, and family sessions for children, teens, and adults. All therapy sessions are conducted through Telehealth, ensuring a safe and accessible experience. With a robust clinical background in modalities such as CBT, DBT, IFS, and positive psychology, Lisa encourages her clients to explore various healing pathways. Empowered to choose what resonates with them, clients have the opportunity to align with the latest in neuroscience, mindfulness, spirituality, and energy work, paving the way to discovering their authentic selves.

Gurnee Counseling Center is a dedicated hub for mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Their mission is straightforward: to provide individuals with effective solutions that foster lifelong healthy skills. With over thirty years of commitment to innovative methods and successful outcomes, the center stands as the premier resource in its community. Boasting a team of 13 skilled therapists, they offer a diverse range of therapeutic styles and personalities to meet each client's unique needs. The center's counseling rooms are intentionally designed to be bright, comfortable, and private, creating an inviting atmosphere for healing. Moreover, Gurnee Counseling Center enhances its offerings with a dedicated meeting space for stress reduction classes, including yoga, tai chi, and meditation, making it a holistic resource for tackling challenges such as depression, anxiety, and relationship issues through various methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices.

Dr. Chinni Chilamkurti, a licensed pediatric psychologist, brings over 25 years of experience in delivering comprehensive behavioral health services tailored for children and families. Specializing in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD), Anxiety Disorders, and parenting dynamics, Dr. Chilamkurti adopts a pragmatic and collaborative approach to address a broad spectrum of challenges. She firmly advocates for resources that enhance children's emotional and behavioral resilience, believing they are essential for children's success. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Chilamkurti is dedicated to the education and training of future mental health professionals and provides consultancy services for school districts, non-profit organizations, and other practitioners. As a sought-after presenter, she engages both professionals and community members. Dr. Chilamkurti’s academic credentials include an M.A. in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work, an M.A., and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, complemented by her residency training at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

Sonja Dewey, MS, LMFT, is a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist who views counseling as a profound calling. With a genuine commitment to helping individuals reclaim their lives, she partners with clients to rediscover their voices and empowers them to choose a life filled with love, connection, and purpose. Sonja specializes in guiding those who face challenges such as loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, work issues, and spiritual struggles, instilling hope through the therapeutic journey. Having earned her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Maryland-College Park, she excels in individual, couples, and family counseling. Sonja employs a holistic approach that combines various therapeutic modalities, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Expressive Arts, and Trauma-Focused practices, ensuring a comprehensive and tailored experience for her clients. Additionally, she addresses significant issues such as grief, stress management, attachment difficulties, and racial identity. Her work seamlessly integrates clinical practices and spiritual exploration, providing a wholeness approach that resonates with her clients.

Jean Vargas is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and Therapist with an MSW and LCSW credentials, having graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 1997. She works with individuals ranging in age from preteens to adults, bringing an eclectic approach to therapy that is uniquely tailored to each client's needs. Drawing from her extensive experience across various therapeutic models, Jean helps her clients cultivate self-awareness by exploring their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This awareness paves the way for choice and opens up a world of possibilities. Through her dedication, she empowers her clients to discover their strengths and navigate challenges, believing firmly that everyone possesses the innate capacity for growth and resilience.

Alison Koehler, a skilled psychotherapist, adopts a down-to-earth approach when working with her clients. Understanding that each client and their challenges are unique, she embraces an eclectic therapy style that resonates with many. Life’s stresses and challenges often place significant pressure on individuals, leading to conflicts in personal and professional spheres. Alison strives to create a comforting environment where clients recognize they are not alone in their struggles. With a client-centered and insight-oriented methodology, she focuses on achieving collaborative goals throughout the therapeutic journey. Alison provides honest and constructive feedback, aiding clients in exploring their own experiences to gain valuable insights. With a wealth of experience in addressing grief, anger, anxiety, parenting challenges, and more, she partners with clients to develop essential skills and life strategies for moving forward. Ultimately, her objective is to empower clients with the insight and strength required to thrive, fostering a supportive, comfortable, and dynamic therapeutic relationship.

Sara Luce, a compassionate and dedicated counselor, understands that life can be challenging for many individuals. With vast experience in supporting preteens, teens, and adults through difficult times, she offers a safe and nurturing space for clients to receive guidance in managing anxiety, stress, and relationships. Specializing in depression, life transitions, self-esteem, trauma, and communication skills, Sara is passionate about helping her clients set and achieve their personal goals. She is particularly committed to the LGBTQIA+ community, providing an inclusive and affirmative environment tailored for growth and healing. With expertise in various therapy types including mindfulness-based counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), she meets clients where they are, helping them tap into their inherent strength as they navigate challenges. Believing that everyone deserves the opportunity to lead their most authentic life, Sara is there to support each individual's journey towards positive change.

Claire Manley is a compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor skilled in supporting individuals from childhood through adulthood who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and relationship issues. She guides her patients towards achieving their goals by emphasizing independent strengths and addressing challenges within their larger relational systems. Incorporating modalities such as Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Claire provides a trauma-informed approach that advocates for safe and equitable relationships while promoting social and emotional well-being. <br /> <br /> Specializing in relational stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma, Claire utilizes a blend of diverse interventions, including Animal and Equine-Assisted Therapy, and engages patients in body-based and experiential activities. Her philosophy, "Connection is healing," underscores her belief in the importance of therapeutic relationships in the healing process. Claire celebrates small victories and acknowledges the courage required for change, fostering a mindful and inquisitive therapeutic environment. She invites all aspects of her patients' selves into the healing journey, providing a gentle nudge towards insight, compassion, and moments of joy.

Brenda Marwede, MA, LCPC, CMHIMP, is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a focus on Individual, Family, and Child Counseling. She works with a diverse range of clients, addressing issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Attachment Disorders, Trauma, ADHD, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Known for her passion and knowledge in nutrition's impact on mental health, Brenda draws on a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Play Therapy, Trauma-Focused therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). After earning her master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Trinity University in Deerfield, Illinois, in 1997, she founded Professional Family Solutions in 2007. Through PFS, Brenda has committed to helping families and individuals achieve their fullest potential, tailoring solutions to meet the unique needs of each client because she understands that every situation is distinct. With additional certifications in Anxiety, Trauma, and Child and Adolescent Specific Trauma, she continues to empower her clients on their path to healing and growth.

Richard McCoy is a dedicated licensed professional counselor with a Master’s degree in counseling and a focus on helping individuals who have experienced the negative impacts of their past. Many who have endured such challenges often feel stuck when it comes to moving forward in their lives. Richard understands that the journey toward healing may seem daunting, if not impossible, for those affected by a hurtful history. His professional work centers around empowering individuals to reclaim hope and strive for their best lives, utilizing a variety of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). With a strong belief in the innate power of emotional healing, Richard helps clients remove emotional blockages and overcome recurring negative emotional states without relying on medication. For those considering the courage to seek help, Richard stands as a compassionate ally in the therapeutic process, ready to support individuals as they navigate their journeys toward hope and recovery.

Nada Pavlovic is a dedicated counselor who understands that many individuals may feel 'stuck' in their lives and unsure of how to initiate positive changes. She emphasizes the importance of transforming one's thinking and perception when faced with challenges. Nada is passionate about guiding her clients through this journey of 'shifts' in both perception and situation, recognizing that change can be both risky and daunting. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in areas including codependency, substance use, trauma, mood disorders, self-injury, suicidality, and eating disorders. Her diverse experience spans residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient settings, allowing her to develop meaningful relationships with clients to promote well-being and overall mental health. Nada holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Northern Illinois University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, which she earned in 2010.

Life Point, MA, is a compassionate therapist dedicated to supporting individuals who often feel defeated or overwhelmed by life's challenges. With a strong client-centered approach, Life serves as a guiding anchor, helping clients accomplish their goals and fulfill their purpose. Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness practices, and the ARC model, Life effectively addresses the needs of children, adolescents, and adults facing struggles related to self-image, anxiety, depression, life transitions, bereavement, and loss. With a trauma-informed perspective, Life also tackles concerns linked to substance use disorders, body image issues, and PTSD. At LifePoint, parental involvement is crucial, especially in the therapy of minors. Life ensures that even adult children of divorce or trauma are supported on their journey to feeling better. Utilizing modalities such as TF-CBT, CBT, play therapy, Theraplay, SPARCS, and the ARC model, Life fosters an inclusive environment for both individual and family sessions. Discover more about LifePoint's transformative therapies and how they can be a vital resource for navigating life's complexities.