KP Counseling of Illinois

KP Counseling of Illinois provides compassionate, evidence-based, individualized mental health care for children ages 3 and older, teens and adults. Our experienced therapists offer therapy for individuals, couples, families and groups, tailored to your unique needs. We support a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, grief and relationship challenges. <br><br>By combining compassionate care with practical guidance, we help you build coping strategies, strengthen resilience and navigate life’s challenges. Sessions are offered in-person at multiple locations and via telehealth for added flexibility.

Therapy for adults, teens and children.

Our team of mental health professionals is here to help you and your loved ones manage emotional, mental and behavioral health challenges.<br><br>We tailor care to fit your unique needs – and help make sure you feel safe, accepted and supported along the way.

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Helps individuals explore personal challenges and life transitions, process emotions, set goals, and build coping skills and resilience.

Individual therapy

Uses structured exercises and strategies to help individuals better understand and manage unhelpful thoughts and emotions.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Helps family members improve communication, resolve conflicts and build stronger bonds.

Family therapy

Teaches mindfulness, emotional regulation and stress management techniques to help individuals manage intense emotions.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Help individuals process painful experiences, reduce the impact of trauma, and feel safer and more in control.

Trauma-focused therapies

Helps partners examine their relationship and work to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen trust and connection.

Couples therapy

Helps individuals achieve personal growth and positive change by exploring how past experiences influence the way they think, feel and relate to others.

Psychodynamic therapy

Helps individuals acknowledge and accept difficult emotions while taking meaningful steps to support well-being and quality of life.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

Helps children express and process emotions and experiences through play and creativity to support emotional growth and well-being.

Play therapy

Helps individuals gradually face and manage anxiety through a step-by-step, confidence-building process.

Exposure therapy

Help individuals explore their self-identity, process emotions and nurture well-being through art, music and movement.

Expressive therapies

Uses guided, structured techniques to help individuals process and cope with traumatic memories.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Provides a supportive setting for individuals facing similar challenges to share experiences, participate in guided discussions and activities, develop coping skills, and nurture healing and personal growth.

Group therapy

Helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts to manage emotions and improve well-being.

Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)

I earned a BA in Psychology from Loras College in May of 2020 and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lewis University in December of 2022. I have experience working with various populations including adolescents and adults suffering from anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, interpersonal, relational and self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. I believe everyone is unique and has their own story to tell. It is a passion of mine to help individuals navigate life’s challenges. I value the importance of building a nonjudgmental, trusting, caring, and supportive therapeutic relationship with clients. I use a collaborative and active approach to help clients become aware of their strengths and resources that will aid them in their journey toward healing.
I enjoy the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and reading.
Gabrielle is currently under the supervision of Amy Bruyn, LCPC.

Amanda has spent most of her life in the Rockford area. She joined the kp counseling team in 2018. She will be working with individuals from adolescence to adults. Amanda helps clients with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, emotional struggles, self-destructing behaviors, self-esteem, trauma, and other life struggles. Her genuine and empathetic demeanor creates a comfortable environment for the client to discuss important issues. Amanda believes that therapy can help her clients improve their quality of life, reach personal goals, enhance interpersonal relationships, and increase their resiliency.
Amanda earned her Associates of Arts from Rock Valley College, Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Rockford University, and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Judson University.

Betsy completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Augustana College and a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling through National Louis University. Betsy uses a strengths based approach to assist clients in solving problems and rebuilding connections with the end goal of working towards a more balanced future. She believes that giving a voice to one’s story is a huge part of working through past hurdles in life. Betsy uses an integrated approach using a variety of treatment modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Therapy, Trauma Focused and Reality Based Therapy.
Betsy’s previous work history includes working with DCFS involved families as well as being a supervisor at a residential facility for individuals with persistent mental illness. Most recently working as a school therapist at a therapeutic school. Betsy has vast experience in working with: persistent mental illness, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Trauma and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, Mood Disorders, relationship issues, self-esteem issues as well as the LGBTQ community. Throughout her career, Betsy has worked with adolescents and as well as adults. She has also assisted people in dealing with issues surrounding disabilities, multicultural issues, family dynamics, complex trauma and PTSD. Betsy has completed training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She is Bilingual, speaking Spanish and English. Betsy is currently under the supervision of Amy Bruyn, LCPC.

Adam Figlewicz joined KP Counseling in 2022. Prior to joining KP Counseling, he worked in outpatient and community mental health, specializing in adults with severe mental health disorders. During that time, Adam also presented for the National Council on Behavioral Health to develop program standards and tracking for medication adherence. He also developed an outpatient depression support group and engaged in several presentations surrounding trauma informed care.
Adam completed his MSEd degree in 2016 from Northern Illinois University and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois.
Adam enjoys working with young adults, adults, and older adults in individual settings, as well as, couples. He uses an integrated approach, focusing on elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy to meet each person where they are at in their counseling journey.

Andrew joined KP counseling in 2025. Andrew received his Master Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University in 2023. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois.
Prior to joining KP counseling he worked within community mental health. He has a passion for working with adults and children who are experiencing ADHD. Andrew has previous experience working with people within addiction, trauma, suicidal thoughts, and loss. He is dedicated to providing a non-judgemental space for individauls to find their true self under layers of pain. Utilizing approaches such as IFS, DBT, SFBT, and CBT to help clients reach their identified goals.
Andrew is under the supervision by Amy Bruyn, CADC, LCPC.

Ashley Dehn specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and art therapy. She builds trust and engagement with her patients by being her authentic self, expressing empathy, maintaining a non-judgmental stance, and showing sincere care. A fun fact about Ashley is that she is been a tattoo artist. Hailing from a small town, Ashley is extremely passionate about her work and the patients she serves. She is a wife, a mother of two boys, and shares her home with an adorable French Bulldog named Luna. Ashley enjoys traveling, art, and fully experiencing all that life has to offer.

Laurie Fester specializes in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, and life changes. She builds trust with her patients by providing an atmosphere of unconditional positive regard and empathy for each person. Outside of her professional life, Laurie enjoys kayaking, bringing a sense of adventure and balance to her approach.

Supervised by Michelle McCabe-Shafer

Jessica Butcher joined KP in 2023. She attended Aurora University where she graduated with her MSW in 2022 and later obtained licensure as an LSW. Her experience working with children, adolescents and young adults allows for versatile support in sessions. She has worked with individuals in the areas of bullying, life transitions, learning disabilities, anxiety and depression. When working with individuals, Jessica aims to build healthy therapeutic relationships with her clients in order to create a safe place to grow and heal. Her goal is to meet you where you are and empower you to get to where you want to be. She utilizes different modalities such as play therapy, narrative therapy and mindfulness techniques.
In her spare time Jessica enjoys baking and traveling with her family and finding another new adventure with her friends.
Jessica is currently under the supervision of Phil Curtin, LCSW.

Gail Logemann has been working with kp counseling since 2002, providing support in areas of remarriage and stepfamilies, divorce recovery, individual and couples therapy, dating and relationship coaching, and men’s and women’s issues. A Rockford native, Gail has a master’s degree in Applied Family and Child Studies, with a specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is licensed by the state of Illinois in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a certified Aroma Freedom Technique practitioner, using essential oils to trigger a permanent shift in how we view ourselves and the world.
In addition to having a Christ-Centered approach to therapy, Gail has had 8 hours of Co-Parenting Training for court-ordered P.A.C.T. for divorcing parents, 40 hours of training for the School Crisis Assistance Team, she has specialized training in suicide prevention, and has attended numerous seminars and workshops in areas of her clinical interests. Prior to joining kp counseling, she was a Wisconsin state-certified police officer and EMT, and a volunteer firefighter. She had a small private therapy practice in Sycamore and worked as a counselor in the CHANCE Program at NIU. She also taught undergraduate courses for the Department of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences at NIU for three years.

Amy joined KP Counseling in 2014, after spending seven years working as certified alcohol and drug counselor in the addiction field. Most recently, she worked for a local substance abuse agency as an evening supervisor overseeing crisis, detox, inpatient, and outpatient clients and staff. Amy also completed a one-year internship at a local hospice and grief center.
Amy obtained her B.S. in Community Health at Western Illinois University and completed her graduate work at National Louis University where she received her M.S. in Community Counseling.

Renae joined the KP Counseling team in 2015. She has a Marriage and Family Therapy license and experience working with individuals, families, and couples with relationship/marital issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, life changes/stressors and parent-child issues. Renae received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her Master’s degree in Applied Family and Child Studies with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from NIU.

Michelle joined KP in December 2018, bringing with her 6.5 years of experience working in various settings as a therapist.
Michelle received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from Illinois State University and her Master’s Degree in Applied Child and Family Studies with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northern Illinois University.
Michelle has worked as an outpatient intern therapist in community mental health and a therapist in both residential and inpatient settings. She has experience working primarily with adolescents and young adults to maneuver crisis situations and life transitions. She also obtained her CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) certification and has worked with adolescents struggling with substance abuse and addiction issues. Michelle has experience helping people navigate depression, anxiety, self-esteem, identity exploration, school-related stress, addiction (substance-related), body image, anger management, and relationship stressors. Michelle enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families.
Michelle approaches counseling as a collaboration between therapist and client. She strives to be a supportive change agent helping to guide clients towards their goals.

Linda Kayser joined KP Counseling in August of 2020. Linda is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and has experience working with individuals, families, and groups in the areas of depression, anxiety, grief and loss, domestic violence, trauma, parent-child relationship, adoption issues and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).  She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s of Education in Counseling from Northern Illinois University.

Charlotte joined KP Counseling in February 2021. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) with over 20 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings, including residential, outpatient, and recovery homes. She believes in establishing a strong therapeutic alliance with her clients, while working towards each client’s individual goals. Charlotte utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT) while integrating strength-based and person-centered approaches. She is seasoned in addressing life transitions, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, substance use disorders, process addictions, intimate partner abuse/violence, trauma, relationship issues, and LGBTQIA+ related stressors.
Charlotte’s education journey included her bachelor’s degree at Northern Illinois University (BS, major in Psychology) and master’s degree (MS in Community Counseling) at National-Louis University. She is also a member of the Illinois Counseling Association (ICA) where she continues her education to stay informed of best practices that are relevant her clients’ experiences.

Caitlin Walsh, LPC Licensed Professional Counselor Caitlin Walsh is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bradley University. She is deeply committed to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and uncover their inner strengths.
Caitlin holds bachelor’s degrees in Psychology, Sociology, and Criminology from Northern Illinois University, which inform her client-centered and holistic approach to therapy. Her theoretical foundation is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Family Systems Theory , utilizing these approaches to support clients in achieving sustainable growth and healing. Caitlin works with individuals facing a wide range of struggles, including anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), personality disorders, and more.
Caitlin integrates spirituality into her work when appropriate, meeting clients wherever they are on their emotional and spiritual journeys. She provides a safe, nonjudgmental space where individuals from all backgrounds feel valued and supported. As a proud member of both the disabled and LGBTQ+ communities, Caitlin is committed to cultural awareness and inclusivity in her practice.

Caitlin is under the supervision by Amy Bruyn, CADC, LCPC.

Barbara Noonan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a specialist in working with couples, adults, adolescents, and in conducting art therapy. Barbara specializes in grief/loss, family-of-origin issues, relationship concerns, depression and anxiety. Barbara also enjoys helping individuals with social adaptation difficulties and life transition issues. She earned her Master of Arts in Art Therapy from the School of the Art Institute and completed a Two-Year Post-Graduate Certificate in Marital and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University while working as a student therapist.
Barbara has a direct and honest style – whether working with couples or individuals – and makes use of her sense of humor in relating to clients. One of her primary goals is to help clients grow and to strengthen and develop their sense of self and realize their own potential.

Christina Cerk is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Chris earned her Master’s Degree in Psychology from Trinity University. She has extensive experience in working with adults, including the elderly population, and adolescents in a multitude of settings.
Prior to joining Urban Balance, Chris spent the majority of her career working with clients that have addictions and/or severe and persistent mental illness. Chris describes her approach to therapy as client centered, and utilizes elements of Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to assist clients on their journey towards emotional well-being. Primary areas of interest also include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, relationship issues and life transitions. Chris is also passionate about working with clients that are experiencing cross-cultural issues.

Julie Walden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, possessing 20 years of experience and training in a variety of approaches to counseling, which enable her to tailor techniques to clients’ various and specific needs. She specializes in helping clients process and move past traumatic experiences that hold them back from achieving their goals, or simply from being who they want to be. She can help with issues such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, and grief and loss.
Julie is trained in using creativity to express and process experience (Art Therapy certificate, Northwestern University), in family systems (MA, University of Chicago), in Child & Adolescent Mental Health (certificate, University of Illinois), and has also earned the IATP Clinical Trauma Professional certificate. Additionally, Julie has completed the Gottman Method Level 1 training in couples therapy. Prior to private practice, Julie worked in a variety of settings, including juvenile justice and foster care, medical social work and psychosocial rehabilitation.
Julie is a compassionate, respectful, LGBTQ-friendly, and faith-friendly therapist who considers it a sacred privilege to share her clients’ diverse journeys.

Katie McBroome is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of clinical experience working with adult individuals and couples. Katie earned her Masters degree in clinical social work from Loyola University in Chicago. Katie utilizes a client-centered and strengths-based approach, drawing on Solution-Focused and Cognitive-Behavioral techniques. In her sessions, Katie provides a safe and collaborative space to explore a variety of clinical issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, anger, addictions, self-esteem and women’s issues. She has extensive experience with bereavement, stress management, crisis counseling, and issues related to work/life balance. By participating in the counseling process, Katie can help you to develop your strengths, change negative patterns, and build new skills to approach life’s challenges with renewed energy and resilience. She works with each individual to develop concrete plans and techniques to meet their unique needs and create meaningful change.

Koren Ayres is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing therapy to adults and adolescents. She provides an atmosphere of understanding and respect, and values a holistic and creative approach to therapy. Koren has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, inpatient/outpatient hospital settings and residential treatment. She received her Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and a secondary Master’s in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy from the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust in London, U.K. Koren’s international exposure has strengthened her cultural awareness and sensitivity.
She enjoys working with diverse clients and has interests in anxiety, depression, trauma, family of origin issues, grief and loss, interpersonal conflict, and career/life transitions.
Koren utilizes an integrative style, applying a variety of approaches including Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Strengths based, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy, to best meet the goals and needs of each client. With compassion and empathy, she creates a collaborative, supportive, and safe space.

Michael Purszke is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience working with a variety of adult and young adult populations, specializing in family and relationship issues, marriage and couples counseling, depression, anxiety and life transitions.
He also has a background working with traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors, using a Strength-based perspective promoting independence, integration, and empowerment. Utilizing a Psychodynamic approach, he further joins techniques from Narrative Therapy, Family Systems, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as having a background in art therapy, body movement, and yoga. Creativity, trust, and acceptance that promote collaboration serve to guide his clients to achieve their therapeutic goals in a safe setting emphasizing self-growth and lasting insight. Michael earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Samantha Karrel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker possessing more than 15 years’ experience providing therapy for children, adolescents and adults. Samantha draws from a breadth of evidence-based practices and trainings to address a patient’s specific concerns and personality.  Samantha’s expectation of the therapeutic experience is that you not only feel safe and supported but that you also experience real change. She specializes in helping people heal and recover from trauma and adverse life experiences. Additionally, Samantha is skilled in helping people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizoaffective disorder, life transitions and challenges.  She is practiced in working with people who identify as members of the queer community and transgendered persons. She is sensitive and responsive to the historic and institutional traumas impacting queer, BIPOC and other historically marginalized and oppressed peoples.
Samantha is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She completed a year-long training under the National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative and has specific training in addressing sexual and domestic violence.
Prior to joining KP Counseling. Samantha worked as director for a community mental health, and as a therapist in public schools, psychiatric medical facilities and nonprofits supporting children at risk and in foster care.

Brian Fagan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), who earned his Master’s of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Prior to starting at KP Counseling, Brian worked in the addictions field where he gained experience working with clients struggling with substance abuse, as well as co-occurring disorders. Brian is also skilled in working with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, trauma, relationship stressors, and life transitions. Recognizing that positive mental health is impacted by all areas of life, Brian utilizes a holistic approach and addresses client issues through a biopsychosocial and spiritual lens. Brian integrates Cognitive and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy models to best help clients understand, change, and cope more effectively with challenging and unwanted thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
Additionally, he employs Existential-oriented modalities to assist clients in finding greater purpose and meaning in their lives. Using this philosophy, Brian provides a safe and supportive environment for clients to honestly examine their lives and identify the skills and mindsets necessary to overcome barriers and move towards fostering a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

Therapy for adults, teens and children.

What we offer

Individual therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Family therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Trauma-focused therapies

Couples therapy

Meet the team

Barbara Noonan

Christina Cerk

Julie Walden

Katie McBroome

Koren Ayres

Michael Purszke

Samantha Karrel

About us

Contact

KP Counseling of Illinois