Linda Nguyen, MS, LMFT

BIO
Linda holds a Master's degree in Applied Child & Family Studies from Northern Illinois University. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Linda has 10+ years' experience working with children and families.  She specializes in working with individuals, couples, and families using a unique holistic approach of combining mental and physical fitness with a focus on individual strengths.  Other areas of expertise include attachment and trauma, depression, infertility, behavioral issues, adoption, anxiety, and PTSD.  Linda believes that the journey of healing takes place when balance is restored and relationships thrive.

EDUCATION
B. S., University of Illinois, 2002
M. S., Northern Illinois University, 2004

CREDENTIALS
Membership:  Illinois Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (IAMFT)

Specialized Training: 

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy
Theraplay

Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)

Transformative Insight Imagery

Internal Family Systems

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
 

Renita Shores-Gaston, MSW, LCSW

BIO
Renita Shores-Gaston is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a member of the National Association of Social Workers.  She earned her Master's in Social Work (MSW) from Aurora University.  Renita offers a wide array of counseling services, including individual, family, couples, and group services.  Her special interests include parent-child relational issues, adoption, attachment, trauma, depression, anxiety, and sexual abuse.  Renita's goal is to create a supportive environment in which clients can explore emotional needs and overcome barriers that limit their full potential.  She takes an open-minded approach to client wellness and considers how each individual's mental, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health impacts their specific situation. 

EDUCATION
B.A., Southern Illinois University, 1997

MSW, Aurora University, 2011

CREDENTIALS:
Membership:  National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Specialized Training:

Sexual Assault/Abuse

Theraplay

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy

Play Therapy

Trust Based Relational Intervention

Transformative Insight Imagery

Joanna de Leon, MS, LPC

BIO

Joanna de Leon is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience in community mental health working with adults, adolescents, children, and families.  She earned her Master’s in Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University’s Program in Community Mental Health.  Joanna is a trained Dialectical Behavior therapist and has extensive experience in working with individuals who have difficulty regulating emotions and struggle with self-harming behaviors and chronic suicidal thoughts.  Joanna also has significant experience in working with children and families that are involved in foster care and has years of experience in crisis intervention.

Joanna utilizes a solution-focused/strength-based approach that allows individuals to work on their personal growth and to achieve their goals.  She strives to provide a warm, empathetic environment in order to make an impactful connection with her clients.

EDUCATION
B.A., Marquette University, 2008

M.S., Southern New Hampshire University, 2014

CREDENTIALS:
Specialized Training:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Solution Focused Therapy
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Trauma-informed Psychotherapy

Dr. Carlton Martin, MA, Ph.D.

BIO

Dr. Martin is currently a professor of psychology at Rock Valley College, where he teaches classes in General, Personality, and Abnormal Psychology.

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Dr. Martin has been a counselor for 20+ years.  He started his counseling journey in New York City working with people living with a wide range of mild to severe mental health challenges, including depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and addiction.  Later he worked with teenagers in a Behavioral Modification program as an alternative to prison.  Dr. Martin has experience working with teenagers, young adults, individuals, and families.  He is passionate about the promise and potential of healing and recovery through counseling.  He is committed to the science of psychology and its potential to help people grow and mature into wellness and emotional health.  He believes that it takes courage to seek help to start the healing process, and he is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment so that the people seeking help can thrive. 

EDUCATION
Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, Andrews University in Michigan

M.A. Counseling Psychology, Andrews University

B.S. Degree in Psychology, Mercy College in New York

CREDENTIALS

Licensed Professional Counselor

Member of American Psychological Association

Member of NBCC
Specialized Training:

Insight Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Solution Focused Brief Therapy