Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Joliet, IL

Joe Ryan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with more than 4 years of experience working as a professional counselor and has worked in the helping field for over 10 years. Prior to working as a professional counselor, he provided clinical case management to individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues in a variety of settings. He is passionate about helping individuals who are striving to overcome issues including depression, anxiety, life transitions, anger, self-destructive behavior (substance use, self-sabotage, etc.), and existential crises.

Joe completed his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University and his Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Marquette University. Joe takes a strengths-based approach with each client, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy approaches including rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

As a counselor who has been influenced by the work of Dr. Viktor Frankl, he places emphasis on helping clients to create meaning in the midst of difficult circumstances in order to turn tragedies into triumphs. If you are ready to explore how you can best respond to your current challenges, schedule an appointment with him today.

Dominika “Dee” Ventucci is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 9 years of experience supporting individuals living with symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, and significant life transitions. She helps clients reconnect with their sense of self by fostering emotional healing and growth. As a Polish immigrant and parent to a medically fragile child, Dominika brings deep personal insight into trauma and stress. She creates a warm, collaborative space where clients feel empowered to explore their inner experiences and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives.

Dominika earned a Master of Social Work from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her holistic approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy, internal family systems, somatic therapy, breathwork, and trauma-informed care.

Dominika is passionate about helping clients rediscover joy, clarity, and confidence without being defined by their past pain. She believes healing begins when we understand the roots of our struggles and restore balance within. If you are ready to begin your healing journey, she is here to support you every step of the way.

I am a Licensed Social Worker with 1 year of experience supporting individuals on their paths to healing and growth. I specialize in working with diverse populations facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. My approach is grounded in compassion and authenticity, and I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel supported, heard, and empowered. I believe therapy is a collaborative journey where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and discover healthier ways of moving forward.

I have a Master of Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University, where I gained a strong foundation in evidence-based therapeutic methods. My approach draws from trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing to help clients gain insight, develop coping strategies, and move toward personal growth with confidence and support.

I understand that taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. My goal is to walk alongside you with compassion and care, creating a supportive space where your voice matters. Together, we can work toward clarity, healing, and meaningful change in your life.

Erin is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has 5 years of clinical experience with mental health and substance abuse treatment. She is better able to understand how prevalent the relationship is between substance abuse, trauma history, and marginalization. Erin's foundation in education deepens her perspective and understanding of how a client, just as a student, is a human first. With a humanistic perspective, Erin compassionately listens to her client's story. Her experience helps facilitate skill building to encourage confidence to make personal change toward improved symptom management and recovery.

Erin has a Master's in Education and a Professional Educator's License. Erin has worked in a variety of treatment levels, including inpatient, outpatient, schools, and residential environments, has given Erin a broader perspective on how integrative collaboration works within a complex mental health treatment model. I have worked with clients/patients who have a variety of diagnoses, presenting symptoms and problems. Implementing differentiated therapeutic modalities across diverse levels of functioning in individual and group settings has made their counseling interventions more effective and sensitive to different populations, experiences, and identities.

Erin is passionate about working with underprivileged populations. Erin finds meaning as a therapist who serves those who have experienced chronic trauma and substance abuse as well as providing support and encouragement to children who have faced adverse experiences. Erin's experience can offer clients effective and therapeutic mental health and substance abuse treatment. Please consider investing in your health and happiness today.

Ralph Pollaro is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 17 years of experience. He specializes in working with adolescents and adults with mental health issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, effective communication, and existential processing. With Ralph, clients will learn steps to manage their mental health needs and increase adaptive behaviors. They will examine their progress and discern what goals they would like to achieve.

Ralph has a Master of Arts in Counseling from Saint Xavier University Chicago. He uses cognitive behavioral, person-centered, existential, and Adlerian therapies to assist clients in understanding their behaviors and how they can change to be their best selves. Clients will explore the whole self: body, mind, and emotional well-being.

Quality of care is the basis for successful healing. Using several theoretical systems, Ralph will help you problem-solve issues and work through past experiences. Ralph is looking forward to empowering you to manage life’s challenges!

Nancy (Nan) Fredrick is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 11 years of experience working in the mental health field. Nan’s clients are usually adolescents and adults trying to cope with - or prepare for - life struggles. Nan is passionate about meeting her clients where they are at in their journey, supporting them and gently challenging them to do the best they can do with the resources they have, while encouraging the development of new resources. Nan specializes in working with clients with adjustment issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and grief and loss.

Nan earned her Master’s in Community Counseling from Argosy University in Schaumburg, Illinois. She has been through many transitions herself, including a mid-life career change from the world of manufacturing and supply planning to the world of counseling. Nan has provided services in many different settings including a long-term care facility, community agencies, a prison, and a medical clinic. Nan’s experience coupled with her education makes her a well-rounded clinician. Nan tends to be eclectic in her approach to treatment, depending on the client’s needs, and frequently uses cognitive behavioral (CBT) and dialectical behavioral (DBT) interventions.

Life can be hard. Sometimes we make life difficult through our own actions, and other times we experience difficulties through no fault of our own. Either way, we may need help navigating through those difficulties from a non-judgmental, empathetic source. Nan is confident that she will be able to provide you with the tools you need to navigate life’s up and downs. Are you struggling? Are you ready for help? If so, please call and schedule an appointment with Nan today.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 11 years of experience providing therapy to adults and older adolescents. My professional background includes work in hospital settings, community outpatient programs, and crisis intervention services. I specialize in helping clients manage anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and life transitions through an integrative, compassionate, and goal-focused approach.

I earned my Master’s in Art Therapy and Counseling from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I take an evidence-based approach using cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, tailoring methods to each client’s needs while fostering emotional growth and resilience.

I believe everyone deserves respect, understanding, and compassion. My goal is to help clients strengthen their coping skills and gain confidence as they work toward a more fulfilling life. Taking the first step toward therapy requires courage, and I am here to walk with you through that process with warmth and professional support.

Michelle Barraco is a Master’s level psychotherapist, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She has 14 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents and adults challenged with a variety of mental health and life concerns including but not limited to depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, grief, stress, substance use, addiction and relationship conflicts. Utilizing a cognitive behavioral therapy approach among other modalities that fit your treatment needs, she will work with you to develop a greater insight and effective strategies to manage the stressful and distressful situations in your life. She also strives to create an emotionally supportive, non-judgmental environment while providing clinical insight to guide you throughout this process. It takes an immense amount of courage to take those first steps towards change and seek help for a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step, she is here to support and empower you. She looks forward to working with you!

Chelsea Webb is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 5 years of experience. She specializes in helping clients of all ages to manage depression, anxiety, grief, major life transitions, relationship issues, and more.

Chelsea completed her Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Valdosta State University. Chelsea utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and solution-focused therapy (SFT).

Chelsea hopes to be the first step in moving toward the life you desire. If you are ready to make changes, schedule an appointment with her today.