Our Therapists
Deanna Blyth, M.A., M.A. NCC, LCPC
(tel) 708-995-7226
- Individuals, Couples & Families
- Adults, Children over 8 and Adolescents
- Depression, Anxiety,& Trauma
- Self-destructive Behaviors
- Substance Abuse, Self-injury
- Anger Mgmt
- First Responders
- ...
Deanna has been treating adolescents and adults who struggle with the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, and self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, non-suicidal self injury, and anger. Her focus is driven from a perspective that ...
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- Individuals, Couples & Families
- Adults, Children over 8 and Adolescents
- Depression, Anxiety,& Trauma
- Self-destructive Behaviors
- Substance Abuse, Self-injury
- Anger Mgmt
- First Responders
- Attachment Issues
- Social Emotional Difficulties
Certified Gottman Couples Therapist, Level I & II
Certified First Responder Counselor
Deanna has been treating adolescents and adults who struggle with the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, and self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, non-suicidal self injury, and anger. Her focus is driven from a perspective that we are strengthened by our experiences and through these experiences we gain courage and confidence. Without our human struggles we cannot discover our hidden internal strengths.
Her passion stems from an Emotional Focus theoretical orientation. Through our attachment we learn to navigate the world. Through the discovering of the client's strengths they can learn to effectively utilize and build the support systems that surround them. Encouraging the adoption of a healthy lifestyle from the physical, psychological, and sociological elements, this allows for the client to be able to safely reflect upon their current self and their circumstances. Within this journey they are empowered to embrace their present selves and free to determine their desired future.
As a previous teacher of adolescents, current Adjunct Professor and graduate of Roosevelt University with a master's in Clinical Counseling, she has worked with a variety of settings with adolescents, young adults, and families that have presented with a variety of emotional, social, and behavioral concerns. In addition to teaching and counseling she is a trainer for The National Council for Behavioral Health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and for Edwards/Elmhurst Hospital, including Linden Oaks Behavioral Health.
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Kass J. Cooper, LCSW
(tel) 708-995-7226
- age 17 to seniors
- individuals & couples
- relationship issues
- divorce
- depression/anxiety/mood disorders
- life changes & transitions
- domestic violence & sexual assault
- ...
Kass is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the social service field since 1984. Kass completed her MSW from Loyola University, Chicago. She received direct training from Dr. Domeena Renshaw at Loyola's Sexual Dysfunction Clinic which ...
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- age 17 to seniors
- individuals & couples
- relationship issues
- divorce
- depression/anxiety/mood disorders
- life changes & transitions
- domestic violence & sexual assault
- women's issues
- alcohol/chemical abuse or addiction
- process addictions
- self-esteem
- medical/healthcare issues
- faith/spirituality
- eating disorders
- sexual dysfunction
Kass is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the social service field since 1984. Kass completed her MSW from Loyola University, Chicago. She received direct training from Dr. Domeena Renshaw at Loyola's Sexual Dysfunction Clinic which Dr. Renshaw established. Kass worked as a Medical Social Worker since 1990, covering all areas of the hospital. Kass has been an out-patient therapist since 2002. Incorporating faith in the healing journey is welcomed if requested by the client. We are not one-dimensional and the mind, body and spirit are all connected.
It is an honor and a privilege to walk alongside someone and be part of their healing journey. Creating a place where compassion, professionalism, safety and acceptance is crucial to create change and growth. My goal is to offer hope, help and healing by fostering self-awareness, self-acceptance, empowerment, self-determination, and building on strengths. I use an eclectic approach, depending on the issues being presented. I believe that the family system and past experiences shape who we are today, how we view ourselves and how we develop coping skills.
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Lindsay Currie, MSW, LCSW
(tel) 708-995-7226
- Children & Teens
- Anxiety & Depression
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- School Issues
- Parenting Concerns
- Divorce
- Adolescents & Young Adults
Lindsay is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 15 years of experience in the field. Lindsay draws from CBT and DBT frameworks, in combination with mindfulness and education, to empower clients to learn more about their ...
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Lindsay is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 15 years of experience in the field. Lindsay draws from CBT and DBT frameworks, in combination with mindfulness and education, to empower clients to learn more about their mental health and take action. Lindsay has Level 1 and 2 training in Gottman Couples Therapy, and is a Certified Sex Therapy Informed Practitioner. She has experience working with teens, young adults, adults and couples addressing areas of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, ADHD, autism, life cycle transitions, communication, sexuality and intimacy issues. Lindsay believes in the strengths of all her clients and that therapy can be a tool for growth.
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Kelly Derr, LCSW
- Adult individual therapy
- Health issues including chronic illness
- Aging and Geriatrics
- Grief and loss
- Infertility
- Pregnancy and infant loss
- Life Changes
- HealthCare Workers
Kelly is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years' experience in health care. She uses a client-centered and strength-based approach. She begins where the client is at, helping them to discover and develop their strengths to address their current issues ...
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Kelly is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years' experience in health care. She uses a client-centered and strength-based approach. She begins where the client is at, helping them to discover and develop their strengths to address their current issues. Kelly has worked in a variety of health care settings and has helped many people from all walks of life and backgrounds to cope with many life issues and struggles in a compassionate manner.
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Haley Grasso-Viktora, LCSW
(tel) 708-995-7226
- Adolescents, Adults, Couples & Families
- Anxiety & Depression
- Grief, Loss & Life Transitions
- Anger Management & Behavior Modification
- ADHD, ODD & OCD
- Managing Negative Thinking
- ...
My goal as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker is to support clients in identifying and obtaining their goals for emotional well-being and personal growth. I have experience with anxiety and depression, coping with grief, loss and life transitions, anger management ...
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- Adolescents, Adults, Couples & Families
- Anxiety & Depression
- Grief, Loss & Life Transitions
- Anger Management & Behavior Modification
- ADHD, ODD & OCD
- Managing Negative Thinking
- Trauma related to domestic violence and/or sexual assault
- Substance issues & co-occurring disorders
- Sex Therapy
- LGBTQ issues and gender identity
My goal as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker is to support clients in identifying and obtaining their goals for emotional well-being and personal growth. I have experience with anxiety and depression, coping with grief, loss and life transitions, anger management and behavior modification, ADHD, ODD, OCD, managing negative thinking, trauma related to domestic violence and sexual assault, substance issues and co-occurring disorders. I am also an ISEE (Institute for Sexuality Education and Enlightenment) Licensed Sex Therapist, and work with the LGBTQ population and anyone struggling with issues of gender identity.
When treating the above issues, I work with adolescents, adults, couples and families, using a variety of evidence based treatment approaches. I strive to best meet the needs of every client and situation in a relaxed and comfortable setting, free of judgment.
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Rebecca Vacco Giudice, LCSW
(tel) 708-995-7226
- Children, Teens, Adults
- Anxiety and Depression
- Acute and Chronic Illness in Children, Adults
- Parent and Sibling Support
- New Parents
- Parenting Strategies
- Stress Management
- First Responders
I am a licensed clinical social worker with a focus on pediatric and family counseling. Because of the strong relationship between psychological and physical well-being, I have chosen to specialize in helping children, teens, and families cope with acute and chronic disease ...
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I am a licensed clinical social worker with a focus on pediatric and family counseling. Because of the strong relationship between psychological and physical well-being, I have chosen to specialize in helping children, teens, and families cope with acute and chronic disease. Although I have a special interest in coping and adjustment related to health issues, I also enjoy working with a variety of clients. I provide services for children, teens, and adults coping with various concerns and diagnoses, including depression and anxiety, family conflict, rules and discipline, and becoming new parents. My comprehensive approach incorporates parents, schools, and the medical team as much as possible.
I have also dedicated much of my work to helping couples and families communicate more effectively and work towards strengthening their relationships. The best part of my job is watching the progress clients make throughout the therapy process.
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Duncan Hall, LCSW
(tel) 708-995-7226
- Individual Adults
- Grief and Loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Divorce
- Autism and Asperger's
- PTDS
- ...
Duncan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years' experience in the social services field. With experience working in residential settings, case management work, public schools (middle and high school) as well as physicians' offices and alternative school programs ...
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- Individual Adults
- Grief and Loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Divorce
- Autism and Asperger's
- PTDS
- Teens and Children
- Anger Management
- School Issues
Duncan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years' experience in the social services field. With experience working in residential settings, case management work, public schools (middle and high school) as well as physicians' offices and alternative school programs, Duncan has a wide knowledge base from which to draw. Being able to work with both children, teens and adults is something that Duncan excels in. Duncan works to help meet the client where they are at and to help them reach their goals through a variety of methods most notably Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectic Behavioral therapy. Duncan has a strong belief that helping the client understand how their thoughts, beliefs, actions and feelings influence them on a daily basis is vitally important when it comes to addressing the client's needs. Duncan's ultimate goal is to help the client find their best possible path to better mental health.
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Jennifer Horton, LCPC
(tel) 708-995-7226
- Adults & Teens
- Individuals & Famlies
- Anxiety, Depression & Grief
- Bipolar Disorder
- Trauma
- Self-injury
- Co-occurring Disorders
Jen is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and holds a master's degree in Clinical Professional Counseling from Roosevelt University. Jen has over a decade of experience working in a variety of levels of care, including inpatient hospitalization ...
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Jen is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and holds a master's degree in Clinical Professional Counseling from Roosevelt University. Jen has over a decade of experience working in a variety of levels of care, including inpatient hospitalization, residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs and private practice. Jen's experience includes individual, family and couple's therapy. Additionally, she has experience in research, case management and crisis intervention. Jen works with adults and teens to help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma, self-injury, grief, and co-occurring disorders.
Jen offers a supportive, safe, non-judgmental environment to help clients improve their overall quality of life, resolve inner conflict and navigate life-stage transitions. Jen uses a collaborative strength-based approach to help clients reach their full potential. Jen applies the following integrated evidenced-based treatment approaches in her sessions; Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Couples Therapy Methods and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).
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Helene A. Jacques, LCPC, NCC
(tel) 708-995-7226
- Gender Identity Issues
- Grief & Loss
- Depression & Anxiety
- Post-Abortion Issues
- Medical & Healthcare Issues
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
Helene is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor who has been in practice since 2000. Helene treats clients dealing with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, adoption concerns, relationship problems, stress management, medical and ...
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Helene is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor who has been in practice since 2000. Helene treats clients dealing with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, adoption concerns, relationship problems, stress management, medical and health concerns and post-abortion issues. She has extensive training and experience working with the transgender population as well as individuals identifying as lesbian, gay and bisexual. Helene was trained in an eclectic model of therapy and relies on this knowledge base to select effective treatment approaches for each client or family.
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Matt Littlefield, LCPC, CADC
(tel) 708-995-7226
- All Individuals 12+
- Adolescents
- Anxiety & depression
- Substance use disorders
- Self-injury
- ADHD
- OCD behaviors
- ...
Matt comes to Great Changes after having worked at Linden Oaks in Mokena for nearly three years serving adolescents and their families in their outpatient Mental Health and Dual Diagnosis Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) ...
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- All Individuals 12+ A
- Adolescents
- Anxiety & depression
- Substance use disorders
- Self-injury
- ADHD
- OCD behaviors
- Grief/loss
- Trauma
- Anger, impulsiveness, emotional regulation struggles
- Family conflict, parenting challenges
- Coping skill development
- Self-acceptance
- Relationship challenges (individual therapy)
- Identity issues
Matt comes to Great Changes after having worked at Linden Oaks in Mokena for nearly three years serving adolescents and their families in their outpatient Mental Health and Dual Diagnosis Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).
Matt earned his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University, Lisle campus, in June & then became a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in October of 2018. He also became a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC) in October of 2019. He recently became a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in June of 2021.
Matt is the immediate past President of the Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association [IMHCA] and has also been actively involved with the Illinois Counseling Association [ICA].
Previously, Matt worked at Silver Cross Hospital on their adult inpatient unit and outpatient mental health and dual diagnosis IOP from 2016-2019, before moving over to Silver Oaks Behavioral Hospital in their outpatient adult mental health and dual diagnosis program from 2019-2020. He also facilitated a Bipolar Support group, which met twice per month, for over a year.
Prior to making the decision to go to graduate school, in order to learn how to serve others from a clinical mental health perspective, Matt worked in the NFL for 14 years as a scout, in football operations, marketing, promotions, & public relations, before coaching at both the high school [Lemont] and college [Univ. of Chicago] levels.
Matt enjoys getting to know and understand the unique needs of every individual he has the privilege to work with. He believes that therapy is a collaborative effort of exploration and empowerment. We will work together to help you identify and determine the best ways to find more opportunities, possibilities, and hope in your life.
Matt prefers to work from a strengths-based, person-centered theoretical framework, while utilizing techniques and approaches primarily from the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing [MI], Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), & Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), depending upon the specific need of the client.
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Kara Martino, MS, LCPC
- Mood and anxiety disorders
- Children, adolescents, adults and families
- Parenting counseling/education/support
- New mothers/post-partum depression
- Anger management
- Stress management
- Grief/loss
- School-related issues
Kara is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 15 years of clinical experience. She has a M.S. in Clinical-Counseling Psychology from Illinois State University. She has worked extensively with children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral issues ...
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Kara is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 15 years of clinical experience. She has a M.S. in Clinical-Counseling Psychology from Illinois State University. She has worked extensively with children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral issues, often utilizing directive and non-directive play. She has also worked with adults who are dealing with mood and anxiety disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder. She approaches treatment from a client-centered perspective, and believes that building a strong therapeutic relationship is an important, foundational step in the therapeutic process, in which everything else is built upon. In addition, she believes in meeting patients where they are at, building upon strengths, teaching new coping skills, and believes in a combination of teaching skills and improving insight into problematic behavior patterns to achieve growth. She has training in use of Cognitive Behavioral therapy and Dialectical Behavior therapy techniques to manage mood, anxiety, anger, and stress. As a mother of two, she has special interest in helping new mothers adjust to the stressors of motherhood, as well as counseling parents seeking to address parenting skills and improve family communication.
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Amanda McGraw MSW, LCSW,CCTP
(tel) 708-995-7226
- Alcohol & Substance Use Disorders
- Adolescents & Families
- Young adult life transitions
- Racial Trauma
- PTSD
- Self-Esteem
- Codependency
- ...
Amanda is a Licensed Clinical Social worker, who has received a Masters in Social Work from Aurora University. She has taught anti-bullying and emotional regulation skills to school-aged children and adolescents and thrives off the ability to be creative while helping ...
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- Alcohol & Substance Use Disorders
- Adolescents & Families
- Young adult life transitions
- Racial Trauma
- PTSD
- Self-Esteem
- Codependency
- Young teens and women issues
- Anxiety and Mood Disorders
- Personality Disorders
- School Issues and Bullying
- Stress management
- Individual and Family Therapy (Adolescents and Adults)
Amanda is a Licensed Clinical Social worker, who has received a Masters in Social Work from Aurora University. She has taught anti-bullying and emotional regulation skills to school-aged children and adolescents and thrives off the ability to be creative while helping adolescents gain self-awareness and self-love through therapeutic techniques. She helps adolescents and young adults to explore their own strengths and goals. Amada specializes in helping those with Dual Diagnosis create relapse prevention plans, identifying and implementing coping skills and she is knowledgeable about the 12 steps program and is a facilitator for SMART recovery. Amanda is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with a niche for helping clients gain their resiliency by working through shame and guilt. Amanda uses Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Strengths Perspective Model, Logotherapy and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Amanda provides a unique therapeutic experience which helps her clients to grow in self-confidence and soar through perseverance.
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Stephanie Nash, MSW, LCSW
(tel) 708-995-7226
- Children (5+), Adolescents & Families
- Young Adults
- Anxiety & Depression
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Grief & Loss
- Parenting Concerns
- School Issues
Stephanie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. She uses a variety of therapy techniques to support children, adolescents, young adults, and families through various life challenges, with emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy. Stephanie has helped clients ...
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Stephanie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. She uses a variety of therapy techniques to support children, adolescents, young adults, and families through various life challenges, with emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy. Stephanie has helped clients with various social, emotional, and behavioral needs. She has a special interest in helping bereaved individuals navigate grief and loss. Stephanie has also worked as a School Social Worker for many years and has a strong understanding of the special education process. She is an advocate for parents/guardians to be an active part of their child's special education team.
Stephanie strives to create a space that feels safe and supportive, and that allows you to explore the emotions, thoughts, and challenges that are impacting your life. Stephanie believes that every person has special and unique attributes and capabilities that can be used to help them learn and grow through different life experiences.
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Deanna Stacy, MA, LCPC
(tel) 708-995-7226
- Individual, Couple & Family Therapy
- Teens & Children
- Anxiety & Depression in Adults and Children
- Stress Management
- Impulse Control in Children & Adolescents
- ADHD
- Parenting Issues
- ...
Deanna is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University in Chicago. Additionally, she has obtained certificates in child and family psychology and stress management also from Roosevelt University. Deanna has several years of experience ...
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- Individual, Couple & Family Therapy
- Teens & Children
- Anxiety & Depression in Adults and Children
- Stress Management
- Impulse Control in Children & Adolescents
- ADHD
- Parenting Issues
- Adoption Issues
- Mood Disorders
- Bipolar Disorder
- Trauma Recovery
Deanna is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University in Chicago. Additionally, she has obtained certificates in child and family psychology and stress management also from Roosevelt University. Deanna has several years of experience working with youths in the DCFS system. While working with DCFS, she has assisted clients in the transition of adoption as well as impulse control disorders in children and adolescents. Along with this, Deanna has aided many families in reuniting following DCFS intervention. Deanna is also experienced in treating clients with mood disorders. She specializes in working with clients to develop coping mechanisms for their anxiety. Deanna has also guided couples toward proper communication and building stronger marriages and relationships.
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Judy Stengele, RN, MAPC, LCPC
(tel) 708-995-7226
- Abuse Survivors
- Anxiety and Depression
- Bereavement and Grief/Loss
- Couples
- Domestic Violence
- Fear
- PTSD and Trauma
- Self Esteem Issues
Judy is a seasoned therapist with 20 plus years experience as a Licensed Clinical Professional Therapist. She studied at Loyola University, Chicago. As a Level III Internal Family Systems Therapist, she believes that treating the whole person has the most beneficial outcome for the client. She encourages the Client's discovery ...
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Judy is a seasoned therapist with 20 plus years experience as a Licensed Clinical Professional Therapist. She studied at Loyola University, Chicago. As a Level III Internal Family Systems Therapist, she believes that treating the whole person has the most beneficial outcome for the client. She encourages the Client's discovery of his or her innermost emotions, and improving the management of emotions in an empowering way. As a compassionate and understanding therapist, she believes that each person has the abiliity to discover a stronger internal Self led person. Finding that person within is a rewarding journey. Her insights, not just as a Therapist, but also as a Registered Nurse, approach the Client's individual situations from various perspectives.
Judy also has years of experience with Christian counseling if requested, and can help clients address Spiritual components of healing. She has also worked with groups to address domestic violence of both perpetrators and survivors, and anger issues for both adults and adolescents. Judy is open to address mens' and womens' personal issues on many different levels.
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Donna M. Welter, MSW, LCSW
(tel) 708-995-7226
- Individual, Couple & Family Therapy
- Divorce Therapy
- Anxiety & Phobias
- TFT (Thought Field Therapy) for Anxiety & Phobias
- Abuse Survivors
- Women's Issues
- Bipolar Disorder
- Sexually Compulsive Behavior
Donna has been working with couples and families for 20 years in a number of capacities. She currently specializes in couples therapy and has been an outpatient Clinical Social Worker for 20 years. Donna believes that behavior patterns and coping skills are developed and learned over the lifecycle, and helps clients discover the underlying motivations for their current behaviors and patterns of thinking, and suggests new ways of viewing their problems to feel more empowered to address them. Donna believes in letting clients direct their treatment and choose their goals while helping them prioritize the treatment objectives.
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