Meet Brooke Willard, MSW, QMHP
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.
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.
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.
Practice Philosophy & Therapeutic Style
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.
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.
Brooke’s lived experience struggling with chronic/invisible illness, OCD, and ADHD elevates her ability to offer supportive and neuroaffirming care to neurodivergent individuals.
A Commitment to Empathetic, Affirming Care
Brooke is passionate about providing emphatic, affirming care that is tailored to each individual’s strengths and needs.
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.
Her training, continued education, and individual lived experience allows her to offer person-centered, strength-based care that emphasizes individuality and uniqueness.
Educational Background and Expertise
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.
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.
Work with David
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.
