Abby Brooks,Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

My name is Abby Brooks, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in the suburbs of Chicago and offering telehealth services throughout the state of Illinois. I work with individual teenagers and adults as well as couples, and I use a variety of approaches and techniques that are tailored to each client’s needs. I believe that each person has their own authenticity and truth, and my goal is to help my clients discover theirs and let it shine!

My approach to therapy is personalized for each client I work with. I am here to help my clients cultivate what they want their beautiful life to look like while incorporating past, present, and future challenges and using them as strengths. The client is going to be the guide, and I will walk beside them providing a space for them to be themselves and resources to help them feel stronger. To help facilitate long-lasting and meaningful change, I will use both evidence-based, such as trauma-informed care, mindfulness, the Gottman Method, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and holistic approaches incorporating your mind, body, and spirit.

I believe my approach works best with teenagers, adults, and couples. I feel confident working with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, addictions, grief, trauma, eating disorders and body image, self-esteem, life transitions, career changes, intimacy concerns, and LGBTQ+ topics.

I aim to provide an environment where my clients can feel safe, cared for, and free to express themselves. I create this environment by being calm, warm, and letting them set the pace they need to feel comfortable. I find that our time together is most productive when we are able to be real and raw, so I will always be open and honest. I also believe that therapy doesn’t always have to be serious. Laughter is healing, and I enjoy using appropriate humor to connect.

My decision to become a therapist was rooted in my passion for helping people. I have always been drawn to comforting and supporting others in need. I had experienced my own battle with mental health, I had a life-changing experience with a counselor who truly helped me realize my strengths, take pride in being vulnerable, and embrace the challenges of life and being human. I was inspired and motivated to turn around and help others in the same way.

I view goal setting as a collaborative process. I take into consideration my client’s needs, wants, and help them set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timely) goals. I will also take time to understand my client’s definition of success and make sure we work together to identify and appreciate the accomplishment of small steps and successes.

During our first session, I will take some time to review policies and procedures and answer any questions the client may have. Then, I will look forward to the opportunity to learn more about you and what has brought you to see me. There will also be plenty of opportunities to ask me questions as well. I really look forward to meeting you!