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Getting to Know Us

Stephanie Maszak, LCSW, CCTP 

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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience providing support and therapy services to adults and children. I prioritize building trust and creating a safe space where you can explore what’s holding you back and move toward meaningful healing and long-lasting changes. Together, we’ll work at a pace that feels right for you, helping you access your strengths and build a more grounded, authentic life. 


I specialize in trauma therapy as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.

My work focuses on helping clients process painful experiences, build a sense of safety, and reconnect with themselves in meaningful ways. I have extensive experience supporting survivors of childhood adversity including abuse, neglect, and complex trauma, as well as individuals who have served in military and law enforcement roles. You do not have to navigate the effects of trauma alone. Healing is possible — and support matters. 


I also have a strong background in substance use and recovery. As a former Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, I understand how often emotional pain and substance use are connected. Because trauma and addiction are often intertwined, I offer compassionate support for individuals maintaining sobriety as part of their healing process.

My integrative approaches are aimed at helping you access characteristics of your authentic self. I am also LGBTQ+ affirming and committed to providing inclusive, respectful care for all individuals.

Models of Treatment: Internal Family Systems, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered  & Strengths-Based Therapy​

Melissa Kain, LCSW, CADC 
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I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing therapy with a focus on helping individuals feel supported, understood, and empowered to make meaningful change. I bring experience across mental health counseling and substance use treatment allowing me to meet clients where they are at, and I believe you are more than a diagnosis, and our work together reflects that.

 

I specialize in working with individuals navigating both substance use and underlying mental health challenges. I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with extensive experience supporting individuals working through the 12 Steps and offer thoughtful, individualized guidance whether you’re just beginning or continuing your recovery journey. I’m passionate about helping people find freedom from substance use and build a life that feels stable and fulfilling.

My approach aims to create a space where you can feel safe, accepted, and genuinely heard. I believe healing happens within a trusting relationship, and I strive to foster an environment where you can explore challenges without judgment and reconnect with who you are. 

For those who value spirituality, I’m comfortable integrating it into therapy in a way that feels meaningful to you. While my personal faith is important to me, I respect and support a wide range of beliefs and will always follow your lead in this area. 

I am an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist and welcome individuals of all identities and backgrounds.

In my free time, I love animals and enjoy spending time with my children and family, especially when we can get outdoors. I enjoy music, reading, and I'm an avid football fan. 

Models of Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, 12-Step Facilitation, Harm Reduction, Person-Centered Therapy, Expressive Therapies

Ryan Chrisman-DeNegri, LCSW 

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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides a warm, thoughtful space for individuals to explore challenges and create meaningful change. I work with adults navigating emotional distress, life transitions, and the lasting impact of difficult experiences.

My clinical experience includes supporting clients through depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and periods of uncertainty or change. I also have a background working with more complex mental health needs and individuals with intellectual disabilities, which has deepened my commitment to meeting each person with flexibility, respect, and individualized care.

I believe that the capacity for healing and change already exists within you. My role is to help uncover what may be getting in the way. Therapy with me is active and exploratory — I will gently challenge you to reflect, engage, and discover new insights. I use an integrative approach to health and wellness, recognizing that the mind and body are deeply connected and that meaningful change often involves both.

Above all, I view therapy as a collaborative process rooted in curiosity, growth, and resilience. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for something to shift, I aim to help you reconnect with a sense of clarity and direction.

Outside of my work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter and creating art. I am an avid runner who often sets new personal goals that keep me moving forward.

Models of Treatment: Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT)

Amber Beebe, LCSW

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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and my specialty is working with children and families. My approach is warm, flexible, and tailored to each individual’s needs. I strive to create a safe, welcoming environment where children, teens, and families feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow.

A key area of my work is Parent Coaching and family support. I enjoy helping parents and other caregivers feel more confident and equipped while guiding families toward healthier patterns of interaction and greater overall harmony. I believe meaningful change happens not only in the therapy room, but within the relationships that shape a child’s world.

 

I also enjoy supporting young adults through important life transitions. Together, we focus on building practical life skills, increasing confidence and independence, and developing the resilience needed to navigate change successfully.

My approach is flexible, drawing from a variety of therapeutic methods to meet each person where they are. I believe therapy works best when it feels collaborative, respectful, and grounded in trust.

Outside of work, I enjoy crafting, reading, spending time outdoors, exploring new places, and being with my family.​​

Models of Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family-Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, Parent Coaching

Raymond Sullivan, LCPC

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I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience across inpatient psychiatric care, outpatient treatment, and private practice. I support adults navigating both everyday life challenges and more complex mental health concerns, always with a focus on meeting you where you are.


My approach is grounded in the belief that therapy works best when it feels like a real partnership. I prioritize building a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship first—because feeling safe and understood is what allows meaningful change to happen. From there, we work together to identify what’s getting in the way, shift unhelpful patterns, and build practical tools that support a more fulfilling life.


I enjoy working with people at many different stages—whether you’re feeling stuck, going through major life transitions, or working through problems related to mental health. My style is collaborative, straightforward, and supportive. I aim to help you find what actually works for you, not just what works in theory.


Clients often describe my approach as warm but honest. I value clarity, openness, and a shared commitment to your goals. Together, we focus on creating lasting, realistic change that helps you feel more grounded, capable, and connected to your life.


Models of Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Reality Therapy/Choice Theory, Person-Centered Therapy
 

Yvonne Rios, LCSW

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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in crisis intervention — supporting individuals during moments that feel overwhelming, destabilizing, or difficult to navigate alone. I have experience supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, anger and emotional regulation challenges, and major life transitions. Whether you are facing an acute crisis or carrying long-standing stress, my focus is on helping you regain stability, clarity, and confidence.

My approach is person-centered and collaborative.  I believe meaningful progress begins with an honest, trusting therapeutic relationship. Together, we will identify your goals, highlight your strengths, and build practical tools you can use both in and outside of session that can help create meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you. 

If you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, you do not have to figure it out alone. My role is to provide steady, grounded support as you move forward.

Outside of work, I enjoy time with my family, being outdoors, spending time with friends and my dogs, and visiting Disney whenever I can.

Models of Treatment: Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Anne Rodgers-Sullivan, LCSW 

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I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing therapy with experience supporting youth, adults, and families from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences. I specialize in working with survivors of domestic violence, crisis intervention, grief and loss, and major life transitions. I also support youth, adults, and families experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, and stress.


My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and integrative with an emphasis on the principles and techniques of Somatic Experiencing. I believe healing happens through a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. Together, we focus on restoring hope, rebuilding confidence, and creating meaningful change.


Outside of work, I enjoy vegetable gardening and cooking healthy meals from what I grow. Gardening is a meaningful parallel for me—it reflects the therapeutic process of nurturing growth, tending through challenges, and creating space for new possibilities.


Models of Treatment: Somatic Experiencing, Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Therapy, Non-Violent Communication, Family-Focused Therapy, Expressive Therapies
 

Dawn Byrne, LCSW 

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I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with individuals of all ages and brings a deep commitment to supporting people through life’s most difficult and meaningful moments.


Much of my career has been dedicated to serving vulnerable populations within community mental health agencies, residential treatment centers, and domestic violence organizations. This background has shaped my passion for serving vulnerable populations and providing steady, compassionate care during times of crisis and change.


I support clients navigating a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, relationship stress, medical trauma, and major life transitions. I also have extensive experience in crisis intervention and working with individuals impacted by domestic violence.


My approach is person-centered, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I strive to create a safe, respectful space where you feel heard. Creating a space where you feel understood and valued is foundational to the work we do together.


Outside of work, I enjoy time with my husband, children, and extended family. I also love baking and decorating sugar cookies as a creative outlet, and I enjoy classic and antique cars.


Models of Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy
 

Kimberly Reed, LCSW, CADC

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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a professional background that includes work within the criminal justice system and community mental health. My experience provides valuable insight into the complex social, emotional, and behavioral challenges individuals often face while navigating legal systems, substance use concerns, trauma, and major life transitions.

Drawing from both my clinical training and personal experience, I take a balanced, compassionate, and practical approach to supporting clients. I like to focus on helping individuals develop healthier coping skills, improve emotional wellness, strengthen relationships, and work toward meaningful personal growth.

I have experience working with clients managing anxiety, depression, substance use issues, stress, trauma, and adjustment challenges. I am committed to creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel empowered to make lasting and positive changes in their lives.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my family, reading, going to concerts and enjoying time outdoors.

Models of Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Focused Therapy

Jason Labedz, ND, MA, LCPC

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I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. For over a decade, I have dedicated myself to providing holistic and empathetic care to individuals and families facing life's most daunting challenges. My journey to becoming a mental health professional began during my service with the United States Navy. While deployed overseas, I was in a unique position to help people navigate extremely challenging circumstances. This inspired me to further my pursuit to specialize in trauma assessment & treatment and crisis prevention & intervention.

 

As a Certified Qigong Instructor and Reiki practitioner with a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, I integrate energy-based healing and functional medicine approaches to improve both mental and physical health. My approach to healthcare is rooted in collaboration and dedication to my clients' comprehensive well-being.

My practice is generally grounded in Gestalt and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) approaches. I also enjoy incorporating neuropsychology and neurophysiology principles and mechanisms to help clients process and resolve emotional conflicts, interpersonal or family relationship conflicts, and traumatic life events. This approach provides greater understanding of the "how" and "why" thoughts, feelings, or behaviors occur and how they can impact daily functioning. This can become especially beneficial when addressing and clarifying fears, phobias, grief/loss, perspective adjustments, and errors in perception, as well as the balance or conflict between thoughts and feelings/emotions. 

Models of Treatment: Gestalt, TF-CBT, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Logotherapy, Analytical/Jungian, Person-Centered Therapy, Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET)
Models of Treatment for Families and Couples: Psychodynamic Family Therapy, Experiential Family Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, Strategic Family Therapy

Getting Help

LIFE is full of challenges, but you do not have to face them alone. 

Counseling/therapy could be a helpful way to deal with these challenges.

This Life Counseling is dedicated to helping you discover solutions for managing life's difficulties.

We offer a variety of interventions to meet your unique needs in order to support you on your journey through THIS LIFE.

This Life Counseling is here to help! 

Take the first step . . .

803 N. Bridge St., Suite D

Yorkville, IL 60560

info@thislifecounselingllc.com

(331) 216-3363

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Appointment Times:

Monday - Sunday: 8am - 9pm​​

Our therapists offer daytime, evening, and weekend appointments.

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