Team

<h3>Meet Kat, LCSW, C-DBT, ADHD-CCSP</h3> Kat (he/him/they/them) is a licensed clinical social worker who is passionate about LGBTQIA+ and disability advocacy, and certified as a specialist in ADHD and dialectical behavioral therapy.  They have a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Knox College, and a Master’s in Social Work from Loyola, as well as specialized training in workplace mental health, executive function coaching, DIR/Floortime, peer support, aging, dementia, caregiver stress, and harm reduction.  At present, they're working on learning more about Internal Family Systems, mind-body interventions, and RO-DBT. Kat is passionate about lifelong learning, and constantly seeking out new tools to add to his arsenal. As a neurodivergent clinician with chronic illness, Kat uses warmth, humor, practical experience, and a broad, evidence-based therapeutic toolbox to help people identify their strengths, adapt to new challenges, and pursue their goals, regardless of diagnoses. Clinically, he has a soft spot for helping people make work and/or school work for them, as well as LGBTQ+, chronically ill, and/or neurodivergent people dealing with anxiety, trauma, or stress. Due to their COVID-cautious nature, Kat’s services are strictly telehealth. <style>/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 18-04-2024 */ .elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=".svg"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}</style> <img width="623" height="1024" src="https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Headshot-623x1024.jpg" alt="A person with short, styled brown hair and light skin poses indoors against a light-colored wall. They are wearing a dark green top, a long necklace, and small hoop earrings. One hand gently touches their chin, revealing a detailed black ink floral tattoo on their forearm. They are smiling slightly and looking directly at the camera." /> <h3>The Personal:</h3> <style>/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 18-04-2024 */ .elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}</style><h2>What’s your favorite holiday?</h2> <p>Halloween, hands down – I live for spooky season and I’ve always got at least two costumes on deck, ready to go.</p> <h2>Favorite Drink?</h2> <p>Sparkling water, herbal tea, or espresso – it just depends on the weather and the time of day.</p> <h2>What do your weekends look like?</h2> <p>If it’s above freezing, you can find me outside walking by Lake Michigan, fishing at various places in Chicagoland, running, picnicking with friends, or writing. If it’s below freezing, you can find me still outside running, albeit significantly less cheerfully – or watching movies and creating art with my chosen family.</p>

<style>/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 18-04-2024 */ .elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}</style><h2>Admin Staff</h2> <img width="500" height="500" src="https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Michelle-500x500.jpeg" alt="" decoding="async" /> <h3 class=owl-title data-setting=item_title >Michelle K</h3><h5 class=owl-subtitle data-setting=item_subtitle >Social Media Marketing</h5> <a class=elementor-animation-bob data-setting=item_social_icon_1_link_url href=# target=_blank rel=nofollow ></a><a class=elementor-animation-bob data-setting=item_social_icon_2_link_url href=# target=_blank rel=nofollow ></a><a class=elementor-animation-bob data-setting=item_social_icon_3_link_url href=# target=_blank rel=nofollow ></a><a class=elementor-animation-bob data-setting=item_social_icon_4_link_url href=# target=_blank rel=nofollow ></a> <img width="500" height="500" src="https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/blank-staff-500x500.jpg" alt="" decoding="async" /> <h3 class=owl-title data-setting=item_title >Ram C</h3><h5 class=owl-subtitle data-setting=item_subtitle >Client Journey Manager</h5> <a class=elementor-animation-bob data-setting=item_social_icon_1_link_url href=# target=_blank rel=nofollow ></a><a class=elementor-animation-bob data-setting=item_social_icon_2_link_url href=# target=_blank rel=nofollow ></a><a class=elementor-animation-bob data-setting=item_social_icon_3_link_url href=# target=_blank rel=nofollow ></a><a class=elementor-animation-bob data-setting=item_social_icon_4_link_url href=# target=_blank rel=nofollow ></a> <img width="500" height="500" src="https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/blank-staff-500x500.jpg" alt="" decoding="async" /> <h3 class=owl-title data-setting=item_title >Veronica E</h3><h5 class=owl-subtitle data-setting=item_subtitle >Executive Assistant</h5> <a class=elementor-animation-bob data-setting=item_social_icon_1_link_url href=# target=_blank rel=nofollow ></a><a class=elementor-animation-bob data-setting=item_social_icon_2_link_url href=# target=_blank rel=nofollow ></a><a class=elementor-animation-bob data-setting=item_social_icon_3_link_url href=# target=_blank rel=nofollow ></a><a class=elementor-animation-bob data-setting=item_social_icon_4_link_url href=# target=_blank rel=nofollow ></a> <img width="480" height="500" src="https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/matt-pictures-480x500.jpg" alt="A young man with short dark hair smiles while standing in front of a plain light-colored wall. He is wearing a beige textured sweater with a geometric pattern." decoding="async" /> <h3 class=owl-title data-setting=item_title >Matt Herling</h3><h5 class=owl-subtitle data-setting=item_subtitle >In Office Support</h5> <a class=elementor-animation-bob data-setting=item_social_icon_1_link_url href=# target=_blank rel=nofollow ></a><a class=elementor-animation-bob data-setting=item_social_icon_2_link_url href=# target=_blank rel=nofollow ></a><a class=elementor-animation-bob data-setting=item_social_icon_3_link_url href=# target=_blank rel=nofollow ></a><a class=elementor-animation-bob data-setting=item_social_icon_4_link_url href=# target=_blank rel=nofollow ></a>

<style>/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 18-04-2024 */ .elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}</style><h2>Interns</h2> <h3>Meet Yairis; Clinical MSW Intern</h3> <i data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">She/Her/Ella</i>Yairis is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her decision to pursue a degree in social work is rooted in her experience growing up in a Spanish speaking, culturally rich household. <br /><br />Yairis brings a deep appreciation for the complexities and strengths found within Latinx families. Her lived experience inspires her commitment to culturally centered care and her aspiration to become a therapist who can show up for those from similar backgrounds, individuals who may not have seen themselves reflected in mental health spaces growing up. <p>Now excepting clients in person with insurance and sliding-scale. </p> <h3><!--StartFragment-->Practice Philosophy & Therapeutic Style<!--EndFragment--></h3> Yairis believes that healing begins in relationships where people feel genuinely seen and understood. She offers a warm, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach that emphasizes emotional safety and collaboration. She provides services in both English and Spanish, with the goal of reducing barriers to care and fostering inclusive, affirming spaces where diverse communities can thrive. <h3>A Commitment to Cultural Humility & Empowerment</h3> <p>As a bilingual, first generation Latina, Yairis is deeply committed to honoring the cultural values, stories, and resilience her clients bring into the therapy room. She centers her work around cultural humility, intergenerational healing, and identity exploration, believing that everyone deserves to be supported in their journey toward wellness.</p> <h3>Work with Yairis</h3> <p>She is passionate about supporting children, teens, and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and generational trauma. Her work is especially grounded in family dynamics, identity development, and healing across generations.</p> <style>/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 18-04-2024 */ .elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=".svg"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}</style> <img width="640" height="853" src="https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/yairis-scaled-e1750380595679-768x1024.png" alt="A woman with long wavy black hair and glasses smiles while sitting on a tan leather couch. She is wearing a black embroidered blouse and light blue jeans, with her hands gently folded in her lap. A large abstract painting hangs on the wall behind her." /> <h3>Meet Riley; BSW Intern</h3> <p>Hi! My name is Riley and I am a BSW student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet! I will be graduating in December and begin my MSW in January. I love working in social work because I have a strong passion for giving back, listening, and helping in any way I can. I am so excited to learn and grow during my internship here at Uniquely You, where I will have the opportunity to engage with my community, with clients, and get to know the field firsthand. I am so grateful for the chance to have these experiences and ecstatic about my future in this field!</p>

<h3>Meet Atlas, Our Therapy Doodle</h3> <p>Hello! I'm Atlas, the fluffiest member of the Uniquely You Behavioral Health team. Before joining this wonderful family, I graduated from 16 weeks of puppy school where I learned all the important things like sitting, lying down, and staying calm—skills I use every day! </p><p>I've made lots of human friends, especially at a therapeutic day school for autistic children, where I even encouraged a kiddo say their first word. They called me "fluffy," which is pretty spot on!</p> <style>/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 18-04-2024 */ .elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}</style><h2>Practice Philosophy & Therapeutic Style</h2> <p>I take my job as a therapy dog very seriously, but always with a wagging tail. Since joining Uniquely You, I've honed my skills to stay serene during therapy sessions, ensuring I'm the best support I can be. </p><p>My trainers have worked closely with all the therapists here to make sure they know how to use my doggy talents to the fullest. Whether it’s lending an ear (I have two very good ones) or just being a comforting presence, I'm here to help in the most paws-itive way!</p> <h2>A Commitment to Empathetic, Affirming Care</h2> <p>Being a therapy dog is all about bringing joy and comfort. Studies show that spending time with a therapy dog like me can decrease anxiety and stress, elevate moods, and even lower blood pressure. Plus, I'm great at encouraging communication and social interaction!</p> <h2>Work with Atlas</h2> <p>If you think a little doggy time might brighten your session, just let our staff know, and they’ll arrange for me to join in. I'm here to offer snuggles, support, or just make you smile. </p><p>Remember, I'm here if you want me, but no worries if you think we might not be the best match—I want whatever makes you most comfortable!</p> <h2>Benefits of Animal Therapy</h2> <p>Animal therapy isn't just fun; it has real health benefits! Engaging with a therapy dog like me can help improve emotional well-being, reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, and even help with physical health challenges. </p><p>I'm trained to be gentle and supportive, ready to help you feel more relaxed and optimistic during your therapy journey.</p> <h3>The Personal:</h3> <h2>If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?</h2> <p>Bread! I love bread! It’s the one thing I will break the rules for.</p> <h2>What is your favorite toy?</h2> <p>My stuffed alligator. I like to carry it around with me and throw it in air!</p> <h2>What is your favorite activity?</h2> <p>I love it when my humans take me on long off leash walks on the weekends. I get to sniff all the smells and adventure off into the field.</p>

<h3>Meet Jen, MSW, LSW pending</h3> <p>Jen (she/her) is Staff Therapist pending social work licensure. She recently received her Master of Social Work degree from Aurora University, following a career transition from corporate human resources and a fulfilling period raising her children. </p><p>Her decision to return to school and pursue social work was driven by a long-standing aspiration to become a therapist—a dream she initially set aside during her undergraduate years. </p><p>Now, Jen is dedicated to following her passion for supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families.</p> <style>/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 18-04-2024 */ .elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}</style><h2>Practice Philosophy & Therapeutic Style</h2> <p>Jen is committed to delivering neurodivergent affirming care, with a focus on collaborative therapy that respects the diversity and unique needs of neurodiverse families and adults. </p><p>She aims to help neurodivergent adults understand and process their experiences in a predominantly neurotypical world. </p><p>Jen utilizes a strengths-based, person-centered approach to therapy, integrating attachment-based methods with trauma-informed care to provide sensitive and effective support.</p> <h2>A Commitment to Empathetic, Affirming Care</h2> <p>Jen’s approach is deeply rooted in her belief that therapy should be a supportive, inclusive space where neurodivergent individuals can explore their identities and experiences without judgment. </p><p>She is dedicated to fostering an environment that empowers clients to embrace their strengths and address challenges through tailored therapeutic interventions.</p> <h2>Educational Background and Expertise</h2> <p>After completing her undergraduate degree and gaining substantial work experience in human resources and parenting, Jen returned to academia to fulfill her true calling in social work. </p><p>At Aurora University and while interning with us at Uniquely You, she honed her skills in neurodivergent affirming practices and continues to develop specialized competencies that cater to the nuanced needs of her clients.</p> <h2>Work with Jen</h2> <p>Jen currently has openings for both individual and parent session clients.</p> <h3>The Personal:</h3> <h2>If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?</h2> <p>Fries because there are different styles and you can use different condiments for dipping, though cheese is my very favorite!!</p> <h2>How do you like to relax and unwind after your workday?</h2> <p>After work, my favorite thing to do is catch up with kids so I can hear about their day and what interesting things they have on their minds. Once the kids are bed, I like to do crossword puzzles on my phone while listening to a podcast or watch TV and crochet or knit.</p> <h2>What do your weekends look like?</h2> <p>Weekends are always family time with my two boys and my husband. Every Saturday night is family movie night and we eat a “snacky dinner” while sitting on blankets on the floor in the living room.</p>

<h3>Meet Cassandra, Licensed Social Worker and Director of Engagement</h3> <p>Cassandra (she/her) is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois, with pending licensure in Indiana. She holds a Master's degree in Social Work from Grand Canyon University and embodies a profound understanding of neurodivergence from both professional and personal experiences. </p><p>As the Director of Engagement at Uniquely You Behavioral Health, Cassandra is pivotal in enhancing both client and staff interactions within the practice.</p> <style>/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 18-04-2024 */ .elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}</style><h2>Practice Philosophy & Therapeutic Style</h2> <p>Cassandra is certified in DIR/Floortime, focusing her practice on autistic individuals and others with developmental disabilities. She is particularly adept at connecting with individuals described by their families as "shy" or "difficult." </p><p>Utilizing her expertise in DIR/Floortime, she works to develop essential skills in regulation, engagement, and self-awareness, making a significant impact on their lives. </p><p>Her approach is rooted in the belief that neurodivergence is a natural variation of the human experience, not a deficiency needing correction.</p> <h2>A Commitment to Empathetic, Affirming Care</h2> <p>Cassandra’s dedication to neurodivergent affirming care is demonstrated through her work, which emphasizes understanding and leveraging the unique strengths of each individual. </p><p>She fosters an environment where neurodivergent individuals and their families can thrive, supported by tailored strategies that respect their unique ways of interacting with the world.</p> <h2>Educational Background and Expertise</h2> <p>Cassandra completed her bachelor's degree in Social Work at Aurora University and advanced her training with a master’s degree in Social Work from Grand Canyon University. </p><p>Her education is complemented by specialized training in managing developmental disabilities through DIR/Floortime, along with expertise in navigating educational settings and advocating for appropriate accommodations and supports.</p> <h2>Work with Cassandra</h2> <p>Cassandra is actively accepting clients with day-time availability.</p> <h3>The Personal:</h3> <h2>If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?</h2> <p>I would eat pasta for the rest of my life. There are so many variations of pasta, and they are ALL delicious.</p> <h2>What do your weekends look like?</h2> <p>On Saturday mornings one of my boys are over taking the morning with their sports. From there we are typically visiting the grandparents Saturday afternoon/evening and more than often we are ending the night by watching the UFC fights. Sundays are my reset days so I typically will meal prep for the week and make sure laundry is done and everyone is ready to start the week off great! </p>

<h3>Meet Dani, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor</h3> <p>Dani (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who is deeply committed to providing neurodivergent affirming care. As an autistic ADHDer with OCD, Dani brings a uniquely personal and empathetic perspective to therapy. </p><p>Her practice is centered around creating a nurturing, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment where clients of all ages—children, adolescents, and adults—feel valued, understood, and supported by someone who truly gets it. </p><p>Dani is known for her open-minded, warm, and genuine approach, ensuring that therapy is a collaborative, affirming experience.</p> <style>/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 18-04-2024 */ .elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}</style><h2>Practice Philosophy & Therapeutic Style</h2> <p>Dani emphasizes a person-centered and strength-based approach in her sessions, working collaboratively with clients to identify and achieve their goals. </p><p>She believes in harnessing each client’s unique strengths and capabilities as a pathway to successful therapy. </p><p>Dani’s methods are tailored to each client’s needs, helping them embrace their identities and foster self-acceptance in a supportive atmosphere.</p> <h2>A Commitment to Empathetic, Affirming Care</h2> <p>Understanding the specific needs of neurodivergent individuals from both professional and lived experience, Dani integrates practices that not only respect but celebrate the unique aspects of each client. </p><p>Specializing in supporting those who struggle with self-esteem issues, Dani is deeply committed to helping clients recognize and enhance their intrinsic value in a supportive and affirmative environment. </p><p>Additionally, she is working toward a specialization in treating children who struggle with encopresis, aiming to provide targeted, compassionate care that addresses both the emotional and practical challenges associated with this condition. </p><p>Her dedication to these focused areas fosters a therapeutic environment where clients can truly flourish.</p> <h2>Educational Background and Expertise</h2> <p>Dani earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Social Work from Lewis University, followed by a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the same institution. She has extensive training in working with autistic individuals, trauma, behavioral therapy, and crisis intervention. Dani is also certified in DIR/Floortime therapy.</p> <h2>Work with Dani</h2> <p>Dani’s commitment to her clients is evident in every aspect of her work. Actively accepting new clients, she prioritizes the well-being and personal growth of each individual, making a significant impact on their lives. </p><p>Dani’s approach ensures that therapy is not only a place for growth but also a journey of discovery and acceptance. By welcoming new clients into her practice, Dani continues to expand her reach, offering her expertise—and her lived experience—to help more individuals navigate their paths toward self-acceptance and personal fulfillment.</p> <h3>The Personal:</h3> <h2>If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?</h2> <p>Any form of pasta- it’s the Italian in me.</p> <h2>What do your weekends look like?</h2> <p>Relaxing with my family and friends, or taking long hikes to new fun places.</p> <h2>What is your favorite movie?</h2> <p>I’ll pick Brother Bear, but truly anything Disney is my favorite it’s hard to choose just one.</p>

<h3>Meet Ashlee Zak, LPC, CADC</h3> <p><strong data-start="151" data-end="171">Ashlee (she/her)</strong> is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). She serves as the Director of Integrity and Operations at Uniquely You Behavioral Health. </p><p>As an autistic clinician, Ashlee brings a depth of understanding and lived experience that informs her therapeutic work and leadership. </p><p>Her extensive experience includes supporting individuals navigating challenges related to neurodivergence, addiction, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma, and issues concerning sexuality & gender identity.</p> <style>/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 18-04-2024 */ .elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}</style><h2>Practice Philosophy & Therapeutic Style</h2> <p>Ashlee employs a person-centered approach in her therapy, prioritizing the establishment of a strong therapeutic relationship. She maintains a foundational belief in the power of unconditional positive regard within the therapeutic alliance. </p><p>Ashlee’s eclectic therapeutic style integrates various methodologies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and more—adapting her methods to meet the unique needs of each client. </p><p>Her lived experience as an autistic person enhances her ability to offer nuanced, identity-affirming support for neurodivergent individuals.</p> <h2>A Commitment to Empathetic, Affirming Care</h2> <p>Ashlee is dedicated to providing empathetic and affirming care, valuing the unique journeys and challenges of each client. </p><p>Her personal experience as an autistic person gives her insight into the complexity of masking, burnout, and identity development, which she integrates thoughtfully into her clinical approach. </p><p>Her broad training and lived perspective enable her to offer comprehensive, tailored support that respects and enhances each individual’s path to recovery and self-discovery.</p> <h2>Educational Background and Expertise</h2> <p data-start="1975" data-end="2502">Ashlee obtained her Associate's Degree in Addiction Counseling from the College of DuPage, her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from National Louis University, and completed her Master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at National Louis University. </p><p data-start="1975" data-end="2502">Her professional development is further enriched by certifications in SUPR DUI Service Provider Training, Effective Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment, IAODAPCA Gambling Disorder Training, ASAM Criteria Skill Building Training, and Internal Family Systems Training.</p> <h2>Work with Ashlee</h2> <p data-start="2536" data-end="2992">While Ashlee’s schedule is currently full, she is accepting clients for her waitlist. Her role as Director of Integrity and Operations allows her to ensure that all clients at Uniquely You Behavioral Health receive care that is not only consistent but also deeply attuned to their individual needs. </p><p data-start="2536" data-end="2992">Ashlee’s unique blend of clinical expertise and personal experience helps shape a practice culture that is affirming, inclusive, and supportive of neurodivergent identities.</p> <h3>The Personal:</h3> <h2>What’s your favorite holiday?</h2> <p>Halloween! I’m a big-time scary movie fan, love to dress up and do all the fun spooky activities that this holiday brings!</p> <h2>What do your weekends look like?</h2> <p>I’m usually spending time with my family, especially my son. We love to go and do new things, and just spend quality time together.</p> <h2>What animal best represents you?</h2> <p>I think a cat would be a good representation of me. They are independent, vigilant, curious and develop close bonds to the humans they like the most!</p>