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FOR EVERYDAY STRESSES AND LIFE’S HARDEST MOMENTS

Item: Counseling Works
Rating: 5
Author: Google Review, Mona J

Individuals and couples start therapy for many reasons. They’ve found our counseling offices are a great environment to:

Feel heard. Tell the truth. Practice boundaries. Sort through their thoughts. Meet an advocate. Manage stress. Step away from the busyness. Explore personal identity. Heal their relationships. Gather courage for what’s next. Enhance communication skills. Overcome depression. Develop healthy coping mechanisms. Navigate life transitions. Discover balance. Learn resilience. Challenge negative self-talk. Process trauma. Build self-esteem. Reclaim their hope.

MEET OUR THERAPISTS

Client Journey

Curious about what happens in therapy? Here is a typical client journey and what you can expect.

Reach us via phone, email, or contact form on the website. Initial Contact
Initial Screening / Appointment Speak with an Intake Specialist to find the best fit for you and schedule 1st Appointment.
(minimum of 48 hours before the session) Receive and complete Paperwork Online and receive Benefits Verification
Attend 1st Intake Session Get to know your therapist and establish Treatment Goals and Desired Outcomes.
Meet with your therapist until the desired outcome is achieved (typically weekly or bi-weekly)Regular Follow-up Sessions
Discharge Planning and Follow-up Care Come up with a plan for completing treatment or taking the next steps.
Click here to
“Get Started”

What You Can Expect When Meeting
with a Counseling Works Therapist

A Balance Between Challenge and Support

Our therapists lead with compassion, but they also know how to empower you to grow. That creates a safe place to explore thoughts and feelings and reconnect with a truer version of yourself.

Practical Answers to Complex Questions

Mental health is never simple, so theories and self-help sound bites won’t change your life on their own. Our counselors are skilled in turning big ideas into actionable steps.

Skill and Sensitivity in One

A good therapist has warmth and earns your trust like a close friend, but they also have years of training and experience. That makes them the perfect partner to explore the things you haven’t quite been able to figure out on your own.

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What Our Clients Say

This is an incredible office that is run by incredible people! You will certainly feel right at home.

Luke B.

The office is so warm and inviting. I'm very comfortable here.

Steve G.

I’m so grateful for Counseling Works!! I love working with my therapist. She’s so knowledgeable and has gotten me to open up way more than I expected. I shockingly look forward to going to therapy (I know-what??) every week! She mentioned once that she views her time with clients as a relationsh

Stephanie S.

Counseling Works has been a breath of fresh air in a frustrating search for mental healthcare. Scheduling was fast and easy, the counselor I was matched with is AMAZING, they accept my insurance, and they offer both in-person and telehealth options. Granted, I'm only on my second visit, but given th

Aaron H.

Kristin Kalles has been a tremendous resource in helping me work through many life changes. I am grateful for her time, and I appreciate her care.

Billy B.

I have been pleased with the entire team!

Steve G.

Kristen & the Counseling Works team are so easy to work with and dedicated. You get the sense immediately that everyone truly cares about improving their patient's well-being.

Kate W.

I've known Kristen and her team at Counseling Works professionally for years. The leadership, mission, and values of this practice are some of the best in our business. I have no doubt that the client experience is one of compassion, support, and positive change - you can't go wrong here!

Jeremy S.

Kelly McLaughlin is an amazing therapist. She is doing wonders with my kids, kind, patient and really knows how to gain their trust to allow them to open up. Would give 10 stars if I could

Katie R.

Kristen and her group are amazing and talented therapists. I highly recommend them!

Nicolle O.

Book An Appointment With
Our Therapists Today

Connect With Us

MEET OUR STAFF

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma / PTSD

Jennifer Millette, MSW, LCSW

Life Changes / Adjustments
Mood Disorders
Stress Management

Amanda Zupancic, MA

Relationship Issues
Self-Esteem / Self Worth
Sexual Difficulties

Michaela Gold, MA, LPC, CCTP

First Responders
Mood Disorders
Trauma / PTSD

RENEE RUBINELLI, MA, LPC

Anxiety
Life Changes / Adjustments
Trauma / PTSD

Kelly McLaughlin, MSW, LCSW, Director of Clinical Child & Adolescent Care

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma / PTSD

Sandra Bednarz, PhD, LCPC, Director of Clinical Training & Development

Grief / Loss
LGBTQ+
Women's Issues

Beth Doud, MA, LPC, Counseling Associate Mentor

Life Changes / Adjustments
Relationship Issues
Trauma / PTSD

Kristin Kallas, MClinPsych, MAMFT, ALMFT, LMHC, CSTIP

ADD /ADHD
Relationship Issues
Trauma / PTSD

Gabe Gonzalez, Counseling Associate

ADD /ADHD
Life Changes / Adjustments
Self-Esteem / Self Worth

Anna Smith, MA

Body Image
Perinatal / Maternal Mental Health
Women's Issues

Alizah Qadri, MSW, LSW

Anxiety
Grief / Loss
Trauma / PTSD

Rachel Pollock, LSW

ADD /ADHD
Anxiety
Life Changes / Adjustments

Jennifer Timmins, Counseling Associate

Addictions / Substance Abuse
Stress Management
Trauma / PTSD

Vanessa Whitnell, M.Ed, LCPC, CADC, Director of Clinical Compliance

Anxiety
Divorce
Relationship Issues

Haley Richards, MA, LCPC

Life Changes / Adjustments
Relationship Issues
Self-Esteem / Self Worth

Stacy Turner, Counseling Associate

Karen Wright, Intake Specialist

Anxiety
Depression
Life Changes / Adjustments

Rebecca Karlinski, MS, LCPC, Clinical Supervisor

ADD /ADHD
Depression
LGBTQ+

Laura Adler, MSW, LSW

Danielle Riley, Intake Team Lead

Addictions / Substance Abuse
Grief / Loss
Relationship Issues

Gabriela Rebollar, MSW, LSW

Highly Sensitive People (HSPs)
Relationship Issues
Trauma / PTSD

Ryan Rothstein, MA, LPC

Grief / Loss
Relationship Issues
Self-Esteem / Self Worth

Lizzie Roberts, Counseling Associate

Anger Management
Depression
Stress Management

Mena Edwards, MSW, QMHP

Samantha Keating, Executive Assistant/Marketing Operations Manager

Co-Occurring Disorders
Life Changes / Adjustments
Trauma / PTSD

Amanda Grzeslo, Counseling Associate

Anxiety
LGBTQ+
Trauma / PTSD

Lauren Logsdon, Counseling Associate

Susan Schissler, Operations Assistant

LGBTQ+
Life Changes / Adjustments
Race / Social Justice / Equality

Khadeejah Kurdi, MSW, LSW

Anxiety
Life Changes / Adjustments
Stress Management

Mercedes Yates-Jones, MSW, LCSW

Magali O’Connor, Administrative Intern

Anxiety
Life Changes / Adjustments
Women's Issues

Sim Singh, Counseling Associate

Men's Issues
Religious / Spiritual
Self-Esteem / Self Worth

Tyler Slevin, Counseling Associate

Career Development
Highly Sensitive People (HSPs)
Stress Management

Jareen Harris, MA, LCPC, Supervisor Associate

Deborah Guyer, Billing Specialist

Aleks Kamenovic, Technical Support Specialist

Anxiety
Life Changes / Adjustments
Trauma / PTSD

Veronica Torres, MA, LPC

Addictions / Substance Abuse
Co-Occurring Disorders
OCD

Alexis Pastyka, MSW, LSW

Addictions / Substance Abuse
Anxiety
Stress Management

Shannon Wilson, MA, CADC, Clinical Onboarding Coordinator

Anxiety
Sports Psych
Trauma / PTSD

Isabella Loya, MSW

Fertility Challenges
Grief / Loss
Perinatal / Maternal Mental Health

Reena de Lanerolle, LCPC, CRC, PMH-C, Director of Clinical Engagement

Anxiety
Eating Disorders
Mood Disorders

Frank Ruane, MA, LPC

Anxiety
Depression
Stress Management

Tiara Eaton, MSW, MS, LSW

Hannah Gavin, Human Resources Assistant

Anxiety
Life Changes / Adjustments
Self-Esteem / Self Worth

Daniela Negrete, Counseling Associate

Kristen Breese, LCPC </br>Founder & Director

Kristen Breese, LCPC
Founder & Director

Anxiety
Life Changes / Adjustments
Self-Esteem / Self Worth

Natalie Yard, MA, LPC, NCC

Gina Slattery, Director of People, Performance, & Culture

Stacey Castellaneta, Director of Operations

Leah Lambright, Client Care Coordinator

Johanna Ripalda, Practice Coordinator

Jessi Sensor, Billing Lead

Lindsay Altman, Billing Administrative Assistant

Our Office Gallery

A small, cozy room with a beige sofa, armchair, glass side table with tissues, floor lamp, and window with white curtains letting in natural light—ideal for sessions with Frankfort children counseling specialists.

A small, softly lit office—ideal for Aurora couples counseling or Lemont anxiety counselors—with a sofa, two armchairs, a wooden coffee table, patterned rug, lamps, and calming wall art.

Modern waiting room with gray chairs, a tufted sofa, coffee table, lamps, wall art, and blue ottomans. Neutral walls and carpet create a calm atmosphere—perfect for meeting your Naperville eating disorders therapist or individual counseling sessions.

A waiting room with a gray sofa, two chairs, a coffee table, lamps, artwork, and doorways leading to additional rooms—ideal for Naperville individual counseling or Frankfort children counseling sessions.

Front entrance of a brick commercial building with large glass doors, white trim, two windows, and potted plants—an inviting space for Aurora couples counseling or Naperville individual counseling.

A small, neutral-toned room—ideal for Aurora couples counseling—with a brown sofa, light armchair, two side tables, lamps, an area rug, curtains, and a calming wall painting creates a peaceful setting for meaningful conversations.

A small, softly lit room—perfect for Naperville individual counseling—features a brown sofa, cream armchair, wooden tables, two lamps, a wall mirror, abstract art, and a patterned rug on the floor.

A cozy room with a beige sofa, armchair, side table with flowers, abstract wall art, patterned rug, and taupe curtains creates a welcoming space—perfect for Frankfort children counseling sessions or quiet reflection.

Frankfort

A small office with a gray sofa, two pink chairs, a patterned rug, side tables with plants, and standing lamps provides a welcoming space for Lemont anxiety counselors to support clients, with windows overlooking trees and a large abstract painting adding inspiration.

A small office with a sofa, two armchairs, a round table, lamps, framed art, a window, and a patterned rug—ideal for meeting with a Naperville eating disorders therapist in a comfortable, welcoming space.

A modern medical facility with a curved entrance driveway, landscaped shrubs, and a two-story building under a cloudy sunset—ideal for those seeking Lemont anxiety counselors or expert Shorewood body image therapists.

A small office with four gray chairs around a round wooden table, two lamps, framed art, a window, and a rectangular mirror—ideal for meeting with a Naperville eating disorders therapist or Lemont anxiety counselors.

A small, softly lit office with a brown sofa, gray chairs, a wooden desk, lamps, wall art, and a window showing trees—ideal for Naperville individual counseling sessions.

A modern waiting room with neutral colors, two sofas, a glass coffee table with flowers, floor lamps, wall art, and a refreshment station—ideal for clients seeking Lemont anxiety counselors or Shorewood body image therapists.

A small office with a sofa, armchair, glass coffee table, desk, chair, table lamp, houseplants, and framed artwork on the wall welcomes clients for Aurora couples counseling amid natural light from a window.

Two-story beige office building with large windows, a curved entrance canopy, and surrounding landscaping on a sunny day—home to Naperville eating disorders therapist and Shorewood body image therapists.

A modern office waiting area with a bench, clock, sideboard, two lamps, abstract wall art, chairs, a coffee table, and plants on a wood floor—perfect for those seeking Naperville individual counseling in a calm and stylish space.

A small, well-lit office designed for Aurora couples counseling features a black sofa, two white armchairs, side tables with lamps, a potted plant, framed wall art, and a window revealing trees outside.

Lemont

A conference room with a rectangular table, eight gray chairs, two whiteboards, and a console table with lamps and flowers offers a welcoming space—ideal for Naperville individual counseling sessions on the light wood floor by wooden doors.

Modern office lounge with a gray sofa, two chairs, a round wooden coffee table, floor lamps, and large windows with closed blinds—a welcoming space ideal for Aurora couples counseling or private sessions with Shorewood body image therapists.

A small, well-lit office—ideal for Naperville individual counseling—with a brown sofa, two gray chairs, a rug, floor lamps, a side table, framed art, and windows with closed blinds.

A small, well-lit office—ideal for Aurora couples counseling—with two black armchairs, a gray sofa, three lamps, blinds on the windows, and decorative wall art.

A small office or waiting room with a gray sofa, two armchairs, a round table, two lamps, a wall mirror, and windows with closed blinds—ideal for private sessions like Aurora couples counseling.

A waiting room for Frankfort children counseling features four chairs, a floor mat, several lamps, a small table with baskets, a wall mirror, and neutral-colored walls and flooring.

Naperville

A large white two-story building with columns at the entrance, a red front door, and surrounding trees under a partly cloudy sky—an inviting space for Aurora couples counseling.

A modern living room with a gray sofa, wooden coffee table, patterned armchair, shelving unit, framed art, and a large window letting in natural light—an inviting space often recommended by Lemont anxiety counselors for relaxation.

A small, bright living room with a gray sofa, patterned armchair, two floor lamps, a window with trees outside, and a wall mirror above the sofa—ideal for comfortable sessions with your Naperville individual counseling therapist.

A modern living room with a gray sofa, two armchairs, a round glass coffee table, large window, and indoor plants creates a calming space—perfect for Naperville individual counseling or sessions with a Naperville eating disorders therapist.

Bright, modern office with wood floors, white walls, large windows, two brown chairs, a sofa, lamps, artwork, and a glass desk—ideal for Lemont anxiety counselors or Aurora couples counseling sessions.

A bright living room with a beige sofa, white armchair, round ottoman, wooden cabinet, abstract wall art, and large windows with greenery outside—perfect for a relaxing retreat after sessions with Shorewood body image therapists.

Shorewood

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Contact Us

We look forward to connecting with you. Please contact us to schedule your first appointment or to learn more about our services.

May Newsletter

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630-281-2496 intake@counselingworks.comFax: 630-839-9138

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FOR EVERYDAY STRESSES AND LIFE’S HARDEST MOMENTS

Client Journey

Curious about what happens in therapy? Here is a typical client journey and what you can expect.

Reach us via phone, email, or contact form on the website. Initial Contact

Initial Screening / Appointment Speak with an Intake Specialist to find the best fit for you and schedule 1st Appointment.

(minimum of 48 hours before the session) Receive and complete Paperwork Online and receive Benefits Verification

Attend 1st Intake Session Get to know your therapist and establish Treatment Goals and Desired Outcomes.

Meet with your therapist until the desired outcome is achieved (typically weekly or bi-weekly)Regular Follow-up Sessions

Discharge Planning and Follow-up Care Come up with a plan for completing treatment or taking the next steps.

What You Can Expect When Meeting with a Counseling Works Therapist

A Balance Between Challenge and Support

Practical Answers to Complex Questions

Skill and Sensitivity in One

What Our Clients Say

Luke B.

Steve G.

Stephanie S.

Aaron H.

Billy B.

Steve G.

Kate W.

Jeremy S.

Katie R.

Nicolle O.

Book An Appointment With Our Therapists Today

MEET OUR STAFF