Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Joliet, IL

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 14 years of combined clinical experience in internal medicine and psychiatry. I am double board-certified in adult and psychiatric mental health practice, providing comprehensive psychiatric assessments, diagnoses, and medication management for individuals ages six and older with mood, substance use, or eating disorders. I have experience working in hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and outpatient settings, including PHP and IOP programs.

I earned my Doctorate in Nursing from the University of Alabama. My approach is collaborative and education-driven, empowering clients to make informed decisions about their mental health through evidence-based treatment options. I strive to create a balanced partnership that supports lasting wellness and self-efficacy.

I am committed to providing compassionate, personalized, and holistic care. Whether addressing medication management or broader mental health goals, I tailor each session to meet your unique needs. I invite you to take the next step toward healing and balance by scheduling an appointment with me.

With two years of experience in the mental health field and a foundational five years of intensive CNA experience, I bring a unique blend of deep clinical expertise and hands-on, compassionate care to my practice. I specialize in helping individuals navigate the heavy weight of trauma, anxiety, and depression, creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where healing begins. 

Holding a Master of Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University, I combine evidence-based methods- including trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing- with a profound understanding of the human need for empathy. My goal is to empower you to build resilience, discover healthier coping strategies, and move forward with confidence. 

Taking the first step is overwhelming, but you don't have to walk it alone. Together, we can work toward true healing and lasting change.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 10 years of experience, and more than 6 years of experience working as a therapist. Prior to working as a professional counselor, I provided clinical case management to individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues in a variety of settings. I am passionate about helping individuals who are striving to overcome issues like depression, anxiety, life transitions, anger, self-destructive behavior (substance use, self-sabotage, etc.), and existential crises.

I completed my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University and my Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Marquette University. I take a strength-based approach with each client, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in my care.

As a counselor who has been influenced by the work of Dr. Viktor Frankl, I place emphasis on helping clients to create meaning in the midst of difficult circumstances in order to turn tragedies into triumphs. If you are ready to explore how you can best respond to your current challenges, schedule an appointment with me today.

Marc Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker through the state of Illinois. He is an African-American male therapist with 20+ years of working with individuals, children, adolescents, and families who are in crisis. He has expertise in family relationships, children and adolescent issues, marital issues, and individual therapeutic and counseling concerns.

Marc Smith has a master's degree in social work. Mr. Smith also has many years of experience in child welfare and social services.

Marc Smith is an empathetic, thoughtful therapist and counselor who can support you and give you the support you deserve.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 29 years of experience helping adolescents and adults navigate anxiety, depression, and mood disorders such as bipolar disorder. My goal is to provide a supportive and collaborative space where clients feel understood and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives. I approach each session with empathy, insight, and a focus on practical strategies that build emotional awareness, strengthen coping skills, and promote lasting personal growth.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Aurora University. My therapeutic style integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and behavior modification to help clients manage emotions, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and achieve goals aligned with their personal values and life aspirations.

I bring warmth, humor, and authenticity to each session, fostering a safe and supportive space where clients can feel comfortable being themselves. My goal is to make therapy both productive and enjoyable while empowering clients to overcome obstacles and rediscover hope. I believe that with the right support, anything is possible.

Ralph Pollaro is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 17 years of experience. He specializes in working with adolescents and adults with mental health issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, effective communication, and existential processing. With Ralph, clients will learn steps to manage their mental health needs and increase adaptive behaviors. They will examine their progress and discern what goals they would like to achieve.

Ralph has a Master of Arts in Counseling from Saint Xavier University Chicago. He uses cognitive behavioral, person-centered, existential, and Adlerian therapies to assist clients in understanding their behaviors and how they can change to be their best selves. Clients will explore the whole self: body, mind, and emotional well-being.

Quality of care is the basis for successful healing. Using several theoretical systems, Ralph will help you problem-solve issues and work through past experiences. Ralph is looking forward to empowering you to manage life’s challenges!

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with 2 years of experience supporting adults and college students as they navigate life’s challenges. My background includes work in private practice, medical settings, and higher education, where I have provided therapy, crisis support, case management, and teaching services. I help clients work through concerns related to anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, divorce, spirituality, identity development, and adjustment issues. I strive to create a compassionate, collaborative space where you can explore your emotions, feel understood, and begin building meaningful change.

I earned my master’s degree in counseling from Northern Illinois University. I draw from empowerment practices, solution-focused strategies, and trauma-informed, mindfulness-based approaches to support whole-person wellness.

I believe everyone is working toward purpose, and during life’s hardest moments, we all deserve compassion and care. You have the power to choose how you show up in the world, and I am honored to support you as you define what healing looks like for you. I look forward to helping you align your mind, body, and spirit as we navigate this journey together.

Nancy (Nan) Fredrick is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 11 years of experience working in the mental health field. Nan’s clients are usually adolescents and adults trying to cope with - or prepare for - life struggles. Nan is passionate about meeting her clients where they are at in their journey, supporting them and gently challenging them to do the best they can do with the resources they have, while encouraging the development of new resources. Nan specializes in working with clients with adjustment issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and grief and loss.

Nan earned her Master’s in Community Counseling from Argosy University in Schaumburg, Illinois. She has been through many transitions herself, including a mid-life career change from the world of manufacturing and supply planning to the world of counseling. Nan has provided services in many different settings including a long-term care facility, community agencies, a prison, and a medical clinic. Nan’s experience coupled with her education makes her a well-rounded clinician. Nan tends to be eclectic in her approach to treatment, depending on the client’s needs, and frequently uses cognitive behavioral (CBT) and dialectical behavioral (DBT) interventions.

Life can be hard. Sometimes we make life difficult through our own actions, and other times we experience difficulties through no fault of our own. Either way, we may need help navigating through those difficulties from a non-judgmental, empathetic source. Nan is confident that she will be able to provide you with the tools you need to navigate life’s up and downs. Are you struggling? Are you ready for help? If so, please call and schedule an appointment with Nan today.

I am a licensed social worker (LSW) with 5 years of experience in the mental health field. I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral concerns, and family-related stressors. I have experience supporting individuals and families as they manage challenges at home, school, and within their communities.

I earned my master’s degree in social work from Aurora University and a Bachelor of Science in human services from Quincy University. My clinical approach is person-centered and incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients identify goals, build coping skills, and work toward stability and success in daily life.

I enjoy working with individuals from all backgrounds and strive to create a space where clients feel safe, supported, and truly heard. My goal is to ensure you leave each session feeling validated, empowered, and confident in your ability to navigate life’s challenges.