Find a Therapist

Dennise Demitro, LCSW, understands that it takes immense courage to look within and seek more from life. For women, business owners, or corporations, desiring more is not an act of selfishness; it is an opportunity to live authentically and pursue the dream life they envision. At Stronger Therapeutic Counseling Services, she firmly believes that coping with life's challenges is a teachable skill that can unlock the inherent strength within individuals. This practice is designed to educate, empower, and inspire clients while fostering lasting change. Dennise is passionate about the transformative power of education, awareness, and the excitement that comes from implementing and sustaining positive changes. Her commitment to promoting personal growth, mental wellness, and happiness extends to adults, tweens, teens, and the broader community. Together with her clients, Dennise helps to uncover and harness their existing strengths, guiding them towards a life filled with purpose, fulfillment, and connections that motivate and inspire each day.

Maria E.J. Kuhn is a highly respected counselor with over 30 years of clinical experience dedicated to supporting individuals, families, couples, and children. She has successfully established two multi-faceted counseling centers in Naperville and Batavia, where she provides tailored therapy to individuals of all ages, including preteens, teens, and adults. As a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Fellow in the American Psychotherapy Association, Maria holds an Illinois License as a Clinical Professional Counselor. Her extensive expertise includes various therapy types such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Person-Centered approaches. In addition to her counseling practice, Maria serves as a consultant to numerous schools and courts in Illinois, offering valuable insights and support. She passionately advocates for integrated health-care models that address both physical and psychological well-being, believing that the counseling process should encompass all aspects of a person's life. With a commitment to helping clients overcome life's obstacles, Maria is devoted to enhancing the mental health and education of those she serves.

Matthew Goles, an experienced counselor with a Master’s degree from Roosevelt University, understands that the relationship between a client and counselor is crucial. He emphasizes the importance of trust and open communication in fostering a supportive connection that can significantly impact the healing process. Life’s challenges often become overwhelming, and he believes that everyone can benefit from compassionate support during these difficult times. Matthew collaborates with individuals to explore the sources of their stress and develops effective plans to manage and prevent these issues from recurring. With over a decade of experience, he works with a diverse clientele, including adults, adolescents, couples, and families. His expertise lies in the mind/body connection, relationship dynamics, and cultivating effective coping strategies. Matthew utilizes traditional talk therapy alongside mindfulness techniques, ensuring that he treats each client as a unique individual. His holistic approach seeks to provide insights into the client's broader context, considering medical, relational, familial, and other relevant factors that influence their well-being.

Amy Goles is a compassionate counselor with over 10 years of experience in the field, specializing in anxiety, self-esteem issues, and effective coping skills. She works with a diverse range of clients, including adults, adolescents, couples, families, and groups. Understanding the difficulty of choosing the right counselor, Amy emphasizes the importance of trust, open communication, and a collaborative approach during therapy. She creates a supportive environment where clients can explore their challenges and develop personalized strategies to manage stress. With a focus on both traditional talk therapy and creative, expressive therapies, Amy tailors her methods to each individual's needs, ensuring that her treatment is as unique as the clients she serves. Whether through mindfulness-based approaches, expressive arts, or psychoanalytic techniques, Amy is dedicated to helping clients navigate their feelings of anxiety and confusion, guiding them towards a path of self-discovery and emotional well-being.

Dr. Dianne Grande is an experienced therapist with over 25 years of dedicated service to individuals, couples, and families. She specializes in addressing challenges relating to anxiety, relationship issues, and depression, while also possessing expertise in adult ADHD, Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), and Bipolar Disorder. Through her practices in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy, Dianne provides compassionate support and effective tools tailored to each client's specific needs. She is passionate about helping couples navigate conflicts and cultivate deeper connections, empowering them to enhance communication and strengthen their partnership. With a warm and person-centered approach, Dianne values building trusting relationships with her clients, guiding them in overcoming both recent life changes and long-standing challenges. She believes in the inherent strength within everyone and the potential for achieving peace of mind in any situation.

Kelly Huggins is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, holding a Master's in Social Work and licensing as an LCSW. With a compassionate approach to healing, she specializes in working with adults and elders over 65, particularly addressing issues related to grief, trauma, PTSD, and depression. Kelly utilizes evidence-based therapeutic modalities, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and EMDR, to guide her clients towards a path of recovery and self-acceptance. Her diverse skill set also includes Prolonged Grief Treatment and Somatic and Attachment-Focused EMDR, ensuring that her clients receive holistic and personalized care. Whether through individual or group sessions, Kelly creates a safe and nurturing environment where clients can explore their emotions and build resilience on their journey to healing.

Meet Kelly Jacobson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with credentials including LCSW, MAED, and MSW. As the founder of Stronger Therapeutic Counseling Services, Inc., Kelly excels in partnering with her clients to uncover and harness their inherent personal strengths. Her goal is to empower women to lead lives imbued with purpose, fostering their happiest, most loving, and strongest selves. Kelly recognizes that women often juggle numerous roles and expectations, many of which are self-imposed or societal pressures absorbed unconsciously. She understands how the relentless pursuit of caring for others can leave little room for self-care, leading many to merely 'grind through' life, hoping for improvement. However, she firmly believes that living on autopilot can adversely affect mental health and does not guarantee the joy and fulfillment one seeks. Through her. extensive experience, Kelly has witnessed how engaging in intentional personal development can cultivate happiness and growth. She is dedicated to helping her clients achieve a life that feels inspired, balanced, and deserving of their true potential.

Josh Jouza, LCPC, holds a Bachelor's degree in Applied Sociology and Political Science from Lewis University, where he graduated with the highest honors. He further pursued his education by earning a Master of Science degree in Counseling from National Louis University in 2014. His journey in the field began with a year-long internship at the Counseling Center of Illinois, where he worked with the substance abuse population, facilitating State-mandated groups for DUI offenders and conducting anger management sessions. With over four years in the mental health field, Josh has focused on community outreach and crisis work, currently specializing in the treatment of Depression and Anxiety for adolescents and adults. His expertise encompasses a range of conditions, including Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, and Schizophrenia. He is deeply committed to providing empathetic support and compassion to all individuals dealing with mental health challenges.

When choosing a counselor, it's essential to find someone who truly loves their work—a wonderful indicator is their collection of therapy books gracing their bedside. What might work for one individual may not for another, so it's vital to seek a counselor who is exceptionally flexible. A good sense of humor is also beneficial. Look for someone who embodies a non-judgmental attitude, ensuring clients feel safe sharing their darkest, painful, or embarrassing moments, secure in the knowledge that their counselor will stand by them through it all. Importantly, find a counselor who holds a steadfast belief in the potential for change, even when past attempts have faltered, and who nurtures a sense of hope. John Koranek, a licensed counselor with a Master’s degree, works with adults and couples, incorporating mindfulness techniques to assist individuals in managing painful or overwhelming emotions. He utilizes neuroscience-based approaches that have demonstrated significant effectiveness in addressing a range of issues, including anxiety and depression. Additionally, his training in Creativity Coaching equips clients with expressive tools designed to enhance mood and overall health.

Thelma Razo is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, holding a Master's in Social Work (MSW) and licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). With specialized training as a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist, she offers invaluable support to adults and elders navigating the complex waters of grief and trauma, including PTSD and chronic illness. Thelma employs a diverse array of therapeutic modalities such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and EMDR, tailoring her approach to each individual's needs. Her commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment allows clients to explore their experiences through methods like Narrative Therapy and Trauma-Focused Therapy. Thelma's strengths-based and person-centered perspective makes her a trusted partner in the healing journey, inviting individuals and families to engage in transformative conversations that foster resilience and well-being.

Jkruse Therapy Services, led by a clinical social worker with advanced credentials (MSW, LCSW), provides guidance for individuals seeking self-healing and the discovery of life's purpose. Understanding the struggles of life, the team recognizes that challenges can obscure one's true path. Whether facing recent difficulties or enduring long-standing issues, everyone has a purpose to reclaim. Through compassionate guidance and self-discovery, Jkruse Therapy empowers clients to connect with their inner strength. The practice utilizes various modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Prolonged CBT. To further support emotional regulation and stress relief, meditation and mindfulness techniques such as Heart Math are also integrated into therapy sessions. With extensive experience addressing trauma, mood disorders, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, and life transitions, the team has witnessed remarkable transformations in clients overcoming deep despair. With a commitment to fostering a non-judgmental environment, Jkruse Therapy Services offers a supportive space for clients to process feelings and implement change. Taking the first step toward regaining personal power is encouraged, and the journey to hope and healing begins here.

Dr. Brian Rooney is a dedicated psychologist with a PhD, who has been serving clients since his graduation in 1995 from Loyola University Chicago. Known for his compassionate approach, Brian specializes in addressing issues such as depression, trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. His expertise spreads across various therapy modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and psychodynamic approaches, making him well-equipped to assist individuals and couples alike. With a keen understanding of the complexities of human emotions, Brian provides a safe space for teens, adults, and elders to navigate their challenges and foster personal growth through effective coaching and relational techniques. His commitment to fostering resilience and healing reflects his warmth and dedication to personal transformation.

Jennifer Watgen, MA, NCC, LCPC, is a compassionate counselor dedicated to guiding preteens, children, teens, and adults through their psychological challenges. Recognizing that life can bring pain, disappointment, and a sense of helplessness, Jennifer believes in the transformative power of professional support for personal growth and identity exploration. The Ely labyrinth, symbolizing a journey toward holistic well-being, reflects the ethos of Kuhn Counseling Center, where Jennifer specializes in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, learning difficulties, family conflict, and self-harming behaviors. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in mindfulness-based techniques, expressive arts, and trauma-focused practices, among others. Jennifer works closely with individuals and families, fostering strong, trusting relationships that empower clients. She actively collaborates with local professionals and serves as a Mental Health Consultant for the Two Rivers Head Start program, providing behavioral assessments for young children, consulting with educators, and offering essential training on mental health topics. With her expertise, Jennifer is committed to helping individuals navigate their mental health journeys and find paths to healing and growth.