Creative Psychotherapy Services for Children and Adults
Teresa Gregory, LCPC, ATR
A Creative and Holistic Approach to Therapy
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Hello and Welcome
I am Teresa Gregory, LCPC, ATR. I offer counseling services that go beyond traditional talk therapy. I see clients in-person or through telehealth. My office is located in Prairie View, Illinois, near the Buffalo Grove/Lincolnshire area. I am specially trained in treating all types of anxiety from generalized anxiety to phobias to social anxiety to OCD. I enjoy working with the neurodivergent population, including those with ADHD, and embrace a neuro-affirming approach. I also enjoy working with women of all ages, supporting them with an array of creative approaches designed to help navigate the spectrum of emotional challenges that are unique to women.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I typically use an eclectic approach in my practice and have advanced training in various specialized modalities, including a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy and credentialing as a Registered Art Therapist (ATR). I hold certifications in Brainspotting, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT or “tapping”), Reiki, Safe and Sound Protocol, and I am a certified SoulCollage® facilitator. With children, I use Play Therapy as well as art therapy to support their emotional development. Other creative techniques might include guided visualization, guided imagery, or Mindfulness. My work is informed by scientifically based theoretical approaches including one or more of the following: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure Therapy and/or Exposure Response Prevention (ERP).
Please call 224-352-0242 to schedule an appointment or use the contact form below. Upon request, I offer a complementary 15-minute phone consultation. I welcome your questions and look forward to hearing from you.
Art Therapy
“Art” or visual expression is used in therapy to enhance exploration of client experiences, to process difficult or traumatic material, or to facilitate or reinforce learning of a therapeutic concept. For young children, making art is a form of play and can often be a primary mode of self-expression due to limited verbal capacity. For older children and teens, art and creative expression can offer an alternative means to express feelings as well as issues of identity. For adults, art in therapy can help express subconscious material, leading to insight and emotional healing. Art therapy is never about talent or skills and can help clients find creative solutions to difficult problems. Art therapy can be utilized within psychotherapy sessions and art therapy workshops are offered on a regular basis, including SoulCollage® workshops.
Play Therapy
Children learn through play. Utilizing play within therapy helps young children work out problems that may be causing them stress, which can often lead to emotional dysregulation and/or behavioral issues. Typically, the child will direct a play therapy session and subconsciously “work out” one or more of their “problems”. The therapist responds within the play scenario and therapeutically guides the client toward treatment goals.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is used to process traumas or emotional distress both major and minor. Brainspotting involves holding a visual gaze while exploring one’s thoughts surrounding a distressful issue. The motto in Brainspotting is “where you look determines how you feel”. Emotional distress on a specific issue can often be significantly reduced after one or two Brainspotting sessions.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT or “tapping”) is a stress reduction technique where clients use a gentle finger-tapping process to stimulate acupressure points on the face and body. Published journal articles show EFT affects a range of biochemistry in the body (e.g., blood pressure, brain activity, cortisol and DNA expression). Emotional distress on almost any issue can be minimized through progressive EFT work – this includes test anxiety, resentments, peer conflicts, marital grievances, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
Reiki
Reiki (pronounced “ray-key”) is a stress reduction and relaxation technique that promotes healing through the direction of “universal life force energy”. By placing hands lightly on or just above a person, this energy is directed toward the client with the goal of encouraging emotional, physical, and spiritual healing. Distance healing with Reiki can also be used.
SoulCollage®
Offered through group workshops or within individual psychotherapy sessions, SoulCollage® is a unique creative process that utilizes found imagery to create a deck of personal cards that serves to inspire self-discovery, self-acceptance, and personal empowerment. Join us and learn how a simple collage process, coupled with a guided journaling method, can inspire transformation. Beginners are always welcome. All art materials provided. Workshop schedule coming soon.
Insurance
Insurance will be accepted and applications are being processed. Please contact me for more information. Please know you may be able to access therapy using your Out of Network (OON) benefits. Payment for services would be paid in full after each session, but I can provide you with a superbill each month. You can send this to your insurance provider to request the amount paid be applied to your OON deductible or possible reimbursement. Check with your insurance carrier for details. Private pay fees are $150 per psychotherapy session (90837) and $200 for the initial diagnostic session (90791).