Therapists, Counselors and Psychologists in Joliet, IL

" I can appreciate the value of helping others to recover from mental health challenges and strive to improve their overall quality of life "

Joe Ryan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with more than 4 years of experience working as a professional counselor and has worked in the helping field for over 10 years. Prior to working as a professional counselor, he provided clinical case management to individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues in a variety of settings. He is passionate about helping individuals who are striving to overcome issues including depression, anxiety, life transitions, anger, self-destructive behavior (substance use, self-sabotage, etc.), and existential crises.

Joe completed his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University and his Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Marquette University. Joe takes a strengths-based approach with each client, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy approaches including rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

As a counselor who has been influenced by the work of Dr. Viktor Frankl, he places 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 him today.

"As a clinical counselor, I utilize a holistic approach to therapy."

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!

Michelle Barraco is a Master’s level psychotherapist, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She has 13 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents and adults challenged with a variety of mental health and life concerns including but not limited to depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, grief, stress, substance use, addiction and relationship conflicts. Utilizing a cognitive behavioral therapy approach among other modalities that fit your treatment needs, she will work with you to develop a greater insight and effective strategies to manage the stressful and distressful situations in your life. She also strives to create an emotionally supportive, non-judgmental environment while providing clinical insight to guide you throughout this process. It takes an immense amount of courage to take those first steps towards change and seek help for a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step, she is here to support and empower you. She looks forward to working with you!

"As John Steinbeck once wrote, “The best-laid plans of mice and men do often go astray; “ please allow me to use my professional experience to help you help yourself to successfully navigate through life’s changes."

Nancy (Nan) Fredrick is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 10 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.

"Therapy fosters human connection and provides the space for encouragement toward healing, empowerment, and self-actualization."

Erin is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has 5 years of clinical experience with mental health and substance abuse treatment. She is better able to understand how prevalent the relationship is between substance abuse, trauma history, and marginalization. Erin's foundation in education deepens her perspective and understanding of how a client, just as a student, is a human first. With a humanistic perspective, Erin compassionately listens to her client's story. Her experience helps facilitate skill building to encourage confidence to make personal change toward improved symptom management and recovery.

Erin has a Master's in Education and a Professional Educator's License. Erin has worked in a variety of treatment levels, including inpatient, outpatient, schools, and residential environments, has given Erin a broader perspective on how integrative collaboration works within a complex mental health treatment model. I have worked with clients/patients who have a variety of diagnoses, presenting symptoms and problems. Implementing differentiated therapeutic modalities across diverse levels of functioning in individual and group settings has made their counseling interventions more effective and sensitive to different populations, experiences, and identities.

Erin is passionate about working with underprivileged populations. Erin finds meaning as a therapist who serves those who have experienced chronic trauma and substance abuse as well as providing support and encouragement to children who have faced adverse experiences. Erin's experience can offer clients effective and therapeutic mental health and substance abuse treatment. Please consider investing in your health and happiness today.

"As a male African-American therapist of color, I believe that I can help you with the understanding and development of coping skills to get better."

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.