Preteen Therapists in Freeport, IL

As a bilingual Latina and child of immigrant parents, I strive to provide a safe space for clients of all backgrounds and experiences. I am here to offer acceptance and support while helping clients navigate and cope with life’s challenges. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to therapy and I find it important to explore specific strategies and tools that work for clients and their goals. I have experience working in community behavioral health and have extensive knowledge of mental health needs.

Jessica Connell, LPC, received her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grace College in 2020. She has expertise in trauma focused therapy and has completed post graduate work and training in EMDR trauma informed therapy. Jessica has experience working in private practice and in mental health/addiction residential treatment settings. Jessica is a graduate of Grace College with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has additional specialized training in EMDR therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.

As a society we are constantly faced with change and uncertainty. Watching the nightly news, navigating social media, debating political issues and the effects of COVID-19 have all adversely affected how we cope and relate to others. Our ability to parent, have relationships with family and peers and to make honest and real connections, is constantly being challenged. I work with individuals (school-aged, preteen, teens and adults), couples and families. I understand that everyone communicates and connects in different ways and utilize talk, play and art therapy to meet my client where they are at and form a real connection.

In therapy, my ideal client seeks a safe haven for authentic, nonjudgmental, open dialogue. Together, we co-create an an environment of trust, warmth, and compassion where you can freely share your struggles, experiences, and personality. I believe that a counselor's greatest contribution is to see you as the expert of your own life and to companion you as you navigate it. My aim is to empower you on that journey, offering guidance to overcome obstacles hindering your path to fulfillment, uncovering the tools necessary to achieve your goals. and navigating life's challenges as they arise.

My ideal client is anyone looking to make a positive change. Anybody, in any situation, can benefit from therapy.

As a trained therapist, I have one goal: to provide a safe and caring environment for you to explore your inner self, overcome challenges, and thrive. For this reason, clients who are ready to make changes in their lives are usually the ones to have the most success with their goals. That being said, therapy is an entirely subjective process that is different for everyone, if you think you need it, then you probably do! That's why we are here.

Children and adolescents are faced with many challenges. It seems as if they are constantly bombarded with information. They are often stressed and at times, lack the ability to communicate how they are feeling as they cannot put their feelings into words. I understand the needs of the children as well as the challenges as a parent. I provide various treatment modalities depending on the needs and treatment goals of each individual.

Dr. Ramirez has experience providing individual and group therapy to adolescents, young adults, and adults. She engages clients in therapy with enthusiasm, warmth, and compassion. Dr. Ramirez specializes in working with individuals who struggle with drug/behavioral addictions, bipolar disorder, depression, trauma, and psychosis. Further, she enjoys working with co-occurring disorders and acute mental health symptoms where she utilizes an empathic and strength-focused approach. Creating a safe space for her clients is her utmost priority, recognizing the challenges that are innate to those suffering with mental health disorders.

Beginning therapy can be daunting, and it is the first step toward understanding and healing. Therapy will help you face challenges and reconnect with your mind, body, and spirit.

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression.

I am a licensed clinical social worker and I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings in the mental health field over the past 15 years, with an emphasis on loss and grief. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I create a safe space to support clients so they feel comfortable discussing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I use a strength-based interactive therapeutic approach, and I enjoy being an advocate for my clients.

Often we think we should be able to fix everything by ourselves. But recognizing we need help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. Working with a counselor is not about giving up, but having the courage to keep going. When someone seeks counseling, it usually means they are seeking a change - there is something they want to be different, or better, in their life. This recognition is a significant first step - speaking to the hope, vision, and health of the person seeking help. As a therapist I am trained to assist others on their journey to growth and healing.

Since 1999, Dr. Bolnick has been providing therapeutic services to individuals (i.e., school-age through adulthood) and their families. Thinking outside the box, integrating her understanding of Clinical Psychology, Learning Disabilities, Health Psychology, and Neuropsychology, has allowed her to create innovative interventions. She believes each individual and family is a unique puzzle and no single intervention works with everyone.