Kathryn Krzykala, PhD, LCSW - I utilize a genuine, direct teaching approach in therapy to help you develop a robust "toolbox" of coping skills and brainstorm ideas that drive real change. My approach focuses on collaboration and on creating a therapeutic alliance grounded in trust, compassion, kindness, and a firm belief in your potential. We will laugh, as humor has been scientifically shown to have health benefits. We will create solutions grounded in evidence-based practices to help you "unhook" from the habits that keep you from your values and process the unhelpful beliefs that keep you feeling stuck. During therapy, I will compassionately encourage self-awareness and critical thinking and assist you in moving toward sustainable healing and self-advocacy.

What Therapy Modalities do I use?

We will incorporate effective techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Grief and Loss Theories, and Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC). These modalities focus on healing the underlying causes of distress through a culturally sensitive lens, ensuring you can thrive independently of the therapeutic setting.

Who do I work with?

I work with everyone who desires to live well and is 18 yo or older. As a certified grief therapist (CGP), I feel honored to be invited to join patients on their grief journey. As a Certified Veterans and Military Mental Health Professional, I treat our brave veterans, service members, and their families. I specialize in treating people who care for others and who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and loss during their professional careers (medical providers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, law enforcement, and firefighters).

My work focuses on honoring and affirming the neurodivergent, including the autistic population, especially given the current limited understanding of neurodiversity and the lack of diagnostically accurate neuropsychological assessments.

Community involvement:

I facilitate the following community support groups: Grief Support Group for Spousal/Partner Loss, Parenting/DV survivor support/Psychoeducational Support Group in a Women’s Shelter. I present lectures/training on integrating grief- and loss-informed care in community, school, and healthcare settings.

As an educator, I am passionate about research, teaching, and delivering presentations on a range of psychological topics. Beyond the clinic, I am dedicated to enhancing medical providers’ knowledge on delivering grief-informed, compassionate care and to better understand patients' experiences and symptomatology of grief and loss.

Our Clinical Approach to Psychotherapy

Everyone possesses the inherent right to heal their trauma and live their best life. Healing the body and mind positively influences our present lives and, most importantly, helps our future generations walk a different path. - Dr. Kathryn Krzykala

Clare, M.S., LPC - I believe in people evolving towards healing, fulfillment, and self-mastery. As a multicultural and bilingual therapist, I utilize integrative therapies, including CBT, ACT, EMDR, IFS, CAMS, DIRFloortime, Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Play Therapy. I integrate a compassionate, strengths-based approach, working with children, teens, and emerging adults. I work with children of immigrant parents, as their experiences pose unique challenges and expectations. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and use it alongside the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Mindfulness Self-Compassion (MSC), and Polyvagal theory in my practice. As a researcher and educator, I enjoy presenting on various psychological topics and facilitating support or psychoeducational groups.

● Our practice is informed by a multidisciplinary array of evidence-based modalities. We tailor your treatment to meet your specific needs, whether you are navigating complex psychological challenges or reinventing your life after a significant loss. Blending clinical expertise with a dedication to continual learning allows us to offer personalized treatment that honors your values and promotes long-term wellness. Having licenses in Illinois and Wisconsin allows us to work with people from both states.

Prowadzimy psychoterapię i prezentujemy w języku polskim.