Hello, my name is Somer, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois. I am also licensed in Indiana as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). I received my Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Ball State University. My clinical training included both a low income university clinic treating children and adults, and a community mental health facility where I treated children, adolescents, families, and foster families. I have volunteer experience with the National Suicide Hotline, working with adult female victims of domestic violence, and working with people experiencing poverty. At our first session, we will work to get to know one another and build rapport. We will discuss what brought you to therapy and what you are hoping to get out of treatment. This will then help me formulate and collaborate on a treatment plan with you in subsequent sessions. My empathic and non judgmental approach to therapy helps clients feel safe and secure as they explore what is challenging them. I think this also helps clients feel comfortable as we work on maladaptive thought and behavior patterns that are impacting how they feel.