Team

<h1>Meet Brooke Willard, MSW, LSW</h1> <p>Brooke Willard (she/her) is a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) pending professional licensure. She recently received her Masters of Social Work degree from Lewis University. Brooke holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice.</p><p>As a neurodivergent chronically-ill clinician with ADHD and OCD, Brooke brings a neuroaffirming, understanding, and empathetic energy to therapy. She is passionate about supporting and advocating for LGBTQIA+, disability, chronic/invisible illness, Survivors of Sexual Assault, and women’s issues/populations.</p><p>Brooke is known for quick wit and humor that she will often sprinkle into sessions. She approaches each session with enthusiasm, dedication, and an open-mind.</p> <h2>Practice Philosophy & Therapeutic Style</h2> <p>Brooke utilizes a collaborative, strength-based, person-centered approach emphasising the individual's strengths, resilience, and personal goals. She adopts a collaborative approach through a holistic and supportive lens rooted in belief of autonomy and empowerment. Her person-centered philosophy focuses on identifying personal resilience to help clients reach their unique goals.</p><p>Brooke’s therapeutic modalities include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention Therapy for OCD (ERP), and Various Trauma Informed Interventions.</p><p>Brooke’s lived experience struggling with chronic/invisible illness, OCD, and ADHD elevates her ability to offer supportive and neuroaffirming care to neurodivergent individuals.</p> <h2>A Commitment to Empathetic, Affirming Care</h2> <p>Brooke is passionate about providing emphatic, affirming care that is tailored to each individual’s strengths and needs.</p><p>Her personal experience growing up as a child with ADHD and OCD through adulthood offers her insight on the complexities, changes, and stigmas attached to the diagnoses. Brooke understands how different each lived experience is and integrates that understanding into her clinical approach.</p><p>Her training, continued education, and individual lived experience allows her to offer person-centered, strength-based care that emphasizes individuality and uniqueness.</p> <h2>Educational Background and Expertise</h2> <p>Brooke obtained her Associates Degree in Arts, Psychology focused from Joliet Junior College. She thereafter continued her education by transferring to Lewis University then receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice and a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work.</p><p>Brooke is passionate about continuing growth and education. She often will complete training and certifications to further her knowledge and skillset. She recently completed a course through the Cognitive-Behavioral Institute on Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and plans to continue. Brooke has a special interest in Obsessive-Compulsive modalities, chronic illness/terminal illness, supporting families through life events and changes, and providing affirming care to all.</p> <h2>Work with David</h2> <p>Brooke is currently accepting new clients and is open to varying modalities such as in person, telehealth, and in home (when applicable). Her approach allows for individual development, growth, and builds on existing strengths. Therapy is not only a place to heal, but a place to discover and learn more about oneself.</p>

<h1>Meet Skylar Sones, MSW, LSW</h1> <p>Skylar (she/her) is a Master of Social Work (MSW) clinician with a strong foundation in supporting individuals navigating chronic mental illness, anxiety, depression, and complex life experiences. She has experience working with adults, including those involved in the legal system, and is passionate about creating a space where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered to grow.</p> <h2>Practice Philosophy & Therapeutic Style</h2> <p>Skylar takes a person-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, emphasizing that this is <em>your</em> session. She integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and strengths-based techniques to support clients in building coping skills, increasing self-awareness, and creating meaningful change. Skylar believes that clients are the experts of their own lives and works alongside them to help them move toward their goals in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.</p> <h2>A Commitment to Empathetic, Affirming Care</h2> <p>Skylar is committed to providing empathetic, affirming care that honors each client’s individuality and lived experience. She strives to foster a nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves and exploring challenges at their own pace. Her approach is grounded in respect, validation, and genuine connection.</p> <h2>Educational Background and Expertise</h2> <p>Skylar earned her associate's degree in psychology from Joliet Junior College, her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Lewis Univeristy. Her academic and clinical experiences have prepared her to support individuals with a wide range of mental health needs.</p> <h2>Work with David</h2> <p>Skylar offers a warm, collaborative space where you can show up exactly as you are. She is especially passionate about working with individuals experiencing chronic mental illness, anxiety, depression, and those navigating involvement with the legal system. Whether you are seeking support, learning new coping skills, or working toward personal growth, Skylar is committed to walking alongside you and helping you build a life that feels meaningful and aligned with your values.</p>

<h1>Meet Megan (she/her)</h1> <p><strong>Licensed Social Worker | Therapist | Advocate for Growth and Healing </strong></p><p>Megan is a Licensed Social Worker with a deep passion for helping others become the best version of themselves. She brings warmth, calm, and affirmation to every session, creating a safe space where clients can show up fully and authentically—without fear of judgment.</p><p>She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Social Work from Lewis University (2007) and a Master of Social Work with a concentration in Children and Families from the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Jane Addams College of Social Work (2009).</p><p>Dedicated to continual learning, Megan recently completed trainings in:</p><ul data-start="1484" data-end="1644"><li><strong>Unlocking Change: A Free Motivational Interviewing Class</strong></li><li><strong>Dating Matters: Understanding Teen Dating Violence Prevention</strong></li><li><strong>Youth Substance Use 101</strong></li></ul><p>These trainings reflect her commitment to staying informed and equipped to support her clients—especially youth and families—through every stage of their journey.</p><p> </p> <h2>The Personal:</h2> <p>Megan's favorite drink is a toss-up between a refreshing Coke and a classic coffee from Starbucks—depending on the day! Her favorite holiday is Christmas, a season she cherishes for the joy it brings her children. From decorating the tree together, driving around to see holiday lights, to cozying up with Christmas movies, it's a time filled with love and tradition.<br />Weekends are all about family time. Whether attending her kids’ activities or enjoying long afternoons in the pool during summer, Megan treasures these moments of connection and fun.</p>

<h1>Meet Yairis; MSW, Qualified Mental Health Professional</h1> <i data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">She/Her/Ella</i><p>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. </p><p>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> <p>Now excepting clients in person with insurance and sliding-scale. </p> <h2>Practice Philosophy & Therapeutic Style</h2> 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. <h2>A Commitment to Cultural Humility & Empowerment</h2> <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> <h2>Work with Yairis</h2> <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> English Español English <iframe id="vid-en" style="aspect-ratio: 9/16;" title="YouTube video" src="https://youtube.com/embed/LhQWuQmJRa0?rel=0&playsinline=1&enablejsapi=1" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Español <iframe id="vid-es" style="aspect-ratio: 9/16;" title="YouTube video" src="https://youtube.com/embed/MlWHP1RQxlc?rel=0&playsinline=1&enablejsapi=1" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <img width="640" height="853" src="https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/yairis-scaled-e1750380595679-768x1024.png" alt="Headshot of Yairis Carmona-Lopez" srcset="https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/yairis-scaled-e1750380595679-768x1024.png 768w, https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/yairis-scaled-e1750380595679-225x300.png 225w, https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/yairis-scaled-e1750380595679-1152x1536.png 1152w, https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/yairis-scaled-e1750380595679-1536x2048.png 1536w, https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/yairis-scaled-e1750380595679-338x450.png 338w, https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/yairis-scaled-e1750380595679.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" />

<h1>Meet David Hickey, MSW, LSW</h1> <p>David (he/him) is a Licensed Social Worker and Staff Therapist at Uniquely You Behavioral Health. He works with clients beginning at age six and has experience supporting individuals across the lifespan. His clinical focus includes working with neurodivergent individuals, as well as those navigating anxiety, and depression.</p> <h2>Practice Philosophy & Therapeutic Style</h2> <p>David’s therapeutic approach is guided by unconditional positive regard, collaboration, and empowerment. He believes the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for growth and change, and he adapts his methods to meet the unique needs of each client.</p><p>Drawing from a range of modalities, David integrates DIR/Floortime, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness-based practices. His eclectic style allows him to flexibly use the approaches that best support each client’s goals and strengths.</p> <h2>A Commitment to Empathetic, Affirming Care</h2> <p>David is committed to creating a safe, affirming, and empathetic space where clients feel truly seen and valued. He has a special dedication to working with neurodivergent individuals and members of the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing and honoring their unique journeys. His practice emphasizes collaboration and empowerment with clients as active partners in their healing process.</p> <h2>Educational Background and Expertise</h2> <p>David completed his Master of Social Work at Indiana Wesleyan University. He has recently completed specialized training in ADHD and Autism assessments, offering clients an accessible alternative to the months — or even years — of waiting that are common with traditional neuropsychological evaluations. His ongoing professional development reflects his commitment to providing effective, up-to-date, and compassionate care.</p> <h2>Work with David</h2> <p>David currently offers daytime availability for new clients, with a waitlist for evening sessions. As a Staff Therapist, he is dedicated to providing individualized care that helps clients of all ages build resilience, deepen self-understanding, and move toward lasting growth.</p><p> </p>https://youtu.be/OcskPC69jHY?feature=share

<h1>Meet Carey Dwyer, MSW, LCSW</h1> <p>Carey (she/her) is a licensed social worker dedicated to supporting neurodivergent children, teens, and  young adults through compassionate, client-led care. Her approach is grounded in respect, empathy, and empowerment, with a deep commitment to meeting each person right where they are.</p> <h2>What Guides Carey’s Work</h2> <p>Carey specializes in the DIR/Floortime model and integrates evidence-based approaches such as narrative therapy, person-centered care, dialectal behavior therapy (DBT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These modalities help Carey support each individual’s unique developmental journey in ways that feel meaningful and affirming.</p><p>At the heart of Carey’s work is playful engagement, emotional attunement, and a strengths-based lens to help foster growth in communication, self-regulation, and connection. Carey’s therapeutic stance and commitment to providing neurodiversity-affirming care helps her create a safe, respectful space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered in their unique journeys.</p> <h2>Educational Background and Expertise</h2> <p>Carey has a Bachelor of Social Work from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN and a Master of Social Work degree from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois – Chicago. Her previous experiences as a school social worker have made her knowledgeable about multi-tiered systems of support and special education.</p> <h2>Work with Carey</h2> <p>Carey is currently accepting new clients, and would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey. She offers a warm, affirming space where all forms of communication, processing, and being are valid. Her approach is rooted in respect for neurodivergent experiences and identities, and she works collaboratively to support your unique goals, strengths, and ways of engaging with the world. Whether you're seeking support, connection, or a place to simply be yourself without judgment, you are welcome here.</p>https://youtu.be/8c0RzrObvPQ?feature=share <h2>The Personal:</h2> <h2>If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?</h2> <p>Probably pizza!</p> <h2>What is your favorite movie?</h2> <p>I would say <em>The Devil Wears Prada </em>or <em>Moana</em>!</p> <h2>What do your weekends look like?</h2> <p>I love to relax with my family and friends. We recently adopted a cat named, Lincoln, who is slowly starting to come out of his shell. I also love to explore local coffee shops in the Chicago area, go for hikes, listen to music, and read.</p>

<h1>Meet Brittany, LCP</h1> <p>Brittany (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at Uniquely You Behavioral Health. She brings a deep passion for supporting teens, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. During graduate school, Brittany conducted research centered on gender identity and provided specialized support to members of the transgender community. Her work is grounded in intersectional feminist theory and a belief in viewing clients through a lens of empowerment, honoring the full complexity of their identities and lived experiences.</p> <h2>Practice Philosophy & Therapeutic Style</h2> <p>Brittany believes that a powerful shift happens when we slow down and examine the patterns of our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. She views therapy as a space where clients can show up exactly as they are—without masking or minimizing—and begin the process of healing in a way that feels safe, affirming, and true. Her style is collaborative, deeply person-centered, and rooted in authenticity. She draws from Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Existential approaches while adapting her tools to meet the unique needs of each person.</p> <h2>A Commitment to Empathetic, Affirming Care</h2> <p>Brittany is committed to providing neurodivergent-affirming care and creating a space where clients don't feel pressured to perform or “fix” themselves, but instead are encouraged to build self-understanding and compassion. She recognizes that traditional models of success or functioning don’t apply to everyone—and works to help clients define healing on their own terms.</p><p>Creativity, Meaning, and Growth Brittany’s work is shaped not only by clinical training, but by a lifelong relationship with creativity, meaning-making, and emotional depth. She believes therapy can be a sacred, transformative experience when built on trust, curiosity, and presence. Whether you are navigating identity exploration, grief, trauma, burnout, or the slow process of self-rediscovery, she offers a grounded presence to help you reconnect with what matters most.</p> <h2>Educational Background and Expertise</h2> <p>Brittany holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lewis University and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Before entering the counseling field, she supported animals and their caretakers through crisis in emergency veterinary care and worked in the gaming industry as a creative tester. These experiences inform her appreciation for complexity, storytelling, and the many forms that healing can take.</p> <h2>Work with Brittany</h2> <p>Brittany believes that by simply making an appointment for therapy, you’ve already created momentum to change, grow, and redefine your life. She is currently accepting new clients and is honored to hold space for those navigating the hard work of healing. With warmth, insight, and a touch of humor, she offers a therapeutic space where you don’t have to carry everything alone—and where your truth is safe to unfold.</p>https://youtu.be/mEG230BzstQ?feature=share <h2>The Personal:</h2> <h2>What’s your favorite holiday?</h2> <p>Hands down, Halloween! I love everything spooky from horror movies to haunted houses even though I can be quite the chicken. I also love the cozy season and any excuse to make a huge pot of soup.</p> <h2>What animal best represents you?</h2> <p>I think I'm best represented by a black jaguar. They are mystical, protective and intuitive - often moving with quiet purpose and symbolizing transformation. At the same time, have you seen one of them play? They're goofy, silly cats at heart as well</p> <h2>What do your weekends look like?</h2> <p>My weekends are usually spent connecting with friends, spending quality time with my cats, Snow and Murphy and my new dog, Jasper and adding to my quickly growing gem and mineral collection.</p>

<h1>Meet Kat, LCSW, C-DBT, ADHD-CCSP</h1> 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.https://youtu.be/DfXxev6V8LA?feature=share <img width="623" height="1024" src="https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Headshot-623x1024.jpg" alt="Headshot of Kat Kline" srcset="https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Headshot-623x1024.jpg 623w, https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Headshot-182x300.jpg 182w, https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Headshot-768x1263.jpg 768w, https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Headshot-934x1536.jpg 934w, https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Headshot-1245x2048.jpg 1245w, https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Headshot-274x450.jpg 274w, https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Headshot-scaled.jpg 1557w" sizes="(max-width: 623px) 100vw, 623px" /> <h2>The Personal:</h2> <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>