Counseling Works

Counseling Works Provides Variety of Therapy Specialties

Often, one of a person’s biggest obstacles to engaging in therapy involves finding a mental health counselor with whom they feel comfortable.

When sharing private problems and inner thoughts, you want to know the person providing you guidance understands your perspective and possibly even possesses special training to treat your issues.

At Counseling Works, clients in need find staff with a diverse set of backgrounds and skill sets, according to practice coordinator Barb Richardson. With about 20 practitioners, the therapy center offers services at locations in Frankfort, Lemont and Naperville, along with telehealth options.

“A sole practitioner might not have the breadth of experience to cover every client’s needs,” Richardson said. “We have a counselor who specializes in helping first responders, for example.”

In addition to treating common issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, Counseling Works also offers therapists who specialize in divorce, life transitions, LGBTQIA concerns, anger management, addictions, self-esteem, fertility issues, postpartum depression, eating disorders, and more.

Additional practitioners with specialities including art therapy, nutrition and yoga round out the staff, encouraging clients with a holistic and well rounded approach to improving their mental health.

Kristen Breese founded Counseling Works in Naperville in 2016, with the practice expanding to Frankfort and Lemont in the following years. Breese is a licensed clinical professional counselor who has been in private practice since 2007.

Richardson said the practice assists adults, seniors, young adults and adolescents, along with families and couples. Like many therapy practices, its offices are especially busy now as people wrestle with the mental effects of a yearlong pandemic.

“People are struggling more than ever now, and having trouble finding availability,” Richardson said. “Not only do we have availability, but we have a person who answers the phone when you call. It’s quite rare that you can call a therapist’s office and someone will pick up the phone.”

Counseling Works offers a phone screening service, allowing people to call in and discuss their needs and expectations from counseling. Richardson said caring and knowledgeable intake coordinators listen and offer recommendations for therapists to meet.

If the pairing is not successful, patients can try another therapist until they find the right match. Richardson said the Counseling Works team works together for the benefit of each client, so there’s no hard feelings about switching therapists.

“We like to focus on each individual, and make sure they have a good overall experience,” she said.