lauren daniels, lCpc, atr

Role: Therapist

My Story

My journey into the mental health field started with my love of helping others by connecting on a deeply personal level, my curiosity about psychology and the inner workings of the brain, and my natural artistic talents and creativity. Torn between pursuing a career in a helping profession or in art, I discovered I could combine them into one: counseling and art therapy! I’ve done extensive training on using creativity and art-making to help people process their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and traumas through a new lens, in conjunction with the familiar talk therapy to promote healing and recovery. Because sometimes words just aren’t enough!

My Philosophy

I recognize the importance of learning acceptance before committing to change, and I’m willing to sit in the uncomfortable with you in order to build confidence, uncover your personal strengths and skills, and encourage you to explore challenging thoughts and feelings in a constructive way, to learn vulnerability, and investigate how your beliefs and behaviors are connected and influence your overall wellbeing.

I’m interested in first learning about you as a human and how you fit into the world, in order to customize a unique toolbox specifically designed for you and your needs.

See below for more about me, my specialties and credentials…

  • When you enter my therapy room, you can expect the comfort and ease you feel when hanging out with a close friend. Building a trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation to successful therapy, and once we’ve built that relationship and I gain an understanding of who you are, I will offer you a new perspective of yourself by teaching you where your anxiety or other thoughts and feelings come from, and gift you the tools needed to overcome your struggles and meet your goals. I love to use humor (it’s okay to laugh at ourselves sometimes!) and creativity in the therapy room while allowing you the space to process your thoughts and experiences, and learn more about how to meet your expectations with in-depth process work so you don’t feel like you’re putting band-aids on your problems- I want to heal them long-term!

  • • Young adults

    • Anxiety

    • Life Transitions

    • Self-Esteem

    • Relationships

    • ADHD/Perfectionism

    • Trauma

    • Art Therapy

    • Holistic Counseling (Catholic/Christian Perspective)

  • • Adler University – Master of Arts in Counseling: Art Therapy

    • LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of IL

    • ATR: Registered Art Therapist in the state of IL