At Beal Consulting and Counseling, PLLC, our mission is to provide a trauma-informed and compassionate therapeutic space where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported in their healing journey. Our approach integrates evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other interventions tailored to each client. This is not a “one size fits all” practice. We help clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns, regulate emotions, process traumatic experiences, and develop practical coping strategies. We are committed to honoring each person's lived experience, especially those impacted by trauma, while fostering safety, empowerment, and long-term personal growth through collaborative, client-centered care.
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Dr. Amber Beal is the owner and founder of Beal Consulting and Counseling, PLLC. Dr. Beal opened her practice because she wanted to provide a space to help as many people as she can reach and she is known for going above and beyond for her clients. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (currently licensed in Illinois, Indiana, Texas and Washington and working towards further licensure). Dr. Beal’s approach is eclectic because while she practices from a person-centered perspective, her therapeutic interventions are tailored to fit each client’s needs (CBT, DBT, talk therapy, EMDR, etc.). She has mastered establishing a strong therapeutic alliance which she believes is crucial for healing. Because she grew up overseas, she brings with her a working knowledge of diverse cultural beliefs and experiences. Dr. Beal is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained and has a wide array of experience in psychological testing. She believes clients have the power to overcome adversities and traumatic experiences. Her perspective is that people just need the right match with a clinician that can walk with them, and guide and support them until they arrive at a place of acceptance, healing, and wholeness.
As a Clinical Supervisor, Monica oversees clinical supervision, staff management, and ensures ethical and regulatory compliance of staff clinicians. She ensures high-quality client care, helps with the development of policies, and maintains accurate records. Her leadership drives improvement and supports the organization’s success. Monica's wealth of experience is an asset to all of her supervisees and she embodies leading by example.
Taja-Nia is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She helps clients manage difficult emotions, adjust to change and helps them to live a life that makes them proud. Her work with children and adolescents in various fields helped her to discover her passion for Black and brown youth in underserved communities. These experiences led to the pursuit of her master’s in clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bradley University. As a previous program specialist in a major inpatient psychiatric hospital and crisis line volunteer, she has helped clients in crisis with regulation of their emotions, and she helped them to develop lifestyle changes to promote overall wellness. Her clients have presented with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, suicidal ideation, and self-injurious behaviors as well as major life transitions. Her ultimate goal as a therapist is to promote client insight, challenge faulty thinking, encourage behavioral change, and empower clients to take over their lives in ways that lead to wellness in every area of their lives. Taja-Nia is also EMDR trained which helps clients who have experienced trauma.
Dr. Lakisha Britton is a seasoned professional dedicated to driving positive change at the
individual, community, and global levels through her passion for social and resident services. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Chicago State University. She later completed her doctoral studies in International Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, further broadening her expertise and perspective. With a wealth of experience in crisis intervention, cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy and trauma, Dr. Britton spent her career building and nurturing multi-disciplinary systems within various settings. Her professional background includes a strong focus on supporting women and young adults exposed to trauma, survivors of domestic violence, and older adults, ensuring they receive comprehensive and compassionate services. Dr. Britton’s extensive experience has provided her with specialized training in community values, organizational structures, mental health and resilience research. She draws on these skills to effectively facilitate groups, deliver crisis intervention, and provide supportive guidance that empowers individuals and communities to thrive. Her commitment to holistic care and evidence-based practice continues to shape her approach to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those she serves.
Cashina Leary is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois and Indiana and holds a Master of
Social Work degree from Indiana University Northwest. She has 5 years of experience in the field. Her specializations include anxiety disorders, stress, depression and relationship
counseling. Using a client-centered and integrative approach, she draws from cognitive-
behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and psychodynamic therapy to provide
personalized care tailored to each clients unique need. Cashina became a therapist because
she believes in the transformative power of therapy and the importance of mental health. Her goal s to offer a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and achieve personal growth.
As a clinician, Helen intends on building a foundation of trust and safety with my clients. Every person has a unique life path which sometimes may shift from what we thought it could be, due to circumstances related to loss, trauma, abuse, immigration, identity formation—potentially resulting in depression, anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, addictions or even self-harm. Through the therapeutic process, she uses a trauma informed approach combined with humor and empathy to guide her clients to lean into their vulnerabilities, transforming past pain into self-acceptance, compassion, and motivation for change. Helen intends to partner and guide you in your process of healing, or even to help navigate specific life transitions like divorce, loss of a job, becoming an expat or the birth of a new child. Helen enjoys working with a wide age range of individuals from children and students (career and college planning) to elderly adults (retirement, illness, dementia etc.). She provides LGBTQIA+ affirming care for youth, adults and their family. In tandem with using evidence based therapeutic techniques rooted in family systems theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and person-centered approaches, Helen and her clients will work together to achieve their personalized therapeutic goals.
Languages Spoken: English and Greek
Jeanette Bledsoe is a licensed social worker. She enjoys supporting clients facing anxiety, depression, and those navigating life’s transitions using a variety of therapeutic modalities. She feels it is an honor to accompany clients on their journeys. within. She believes that within each person is the wisdom, strength, and courage to create the life wanted. As partners, we can find solutions that work for you. She specializes in supporting individuals who may struggle with life’s transitions due to its ever-changing nature. These changes can cause varying levels of anxiety, depression, or family conflict that we can work through together. Her area of expertise is in working with older adolescents and emerging adults using culturally sensitive cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution-focused therapies, and dialectical behavioral therapy.
Bernita Thomas-Bishop has dedicated over 25 years to working with children and families as a
Licensed Social Worker. Her experience spans roles in the Head Start Program, foster care, and the educational sector, where she has supported children with disabilities. Throughout her career, she has worked tirelessly to address family stressors and promote stability. Bernita is
deeply passionate about working with children and firmly believes in providing child-centered services. She is committed to empowering her clients to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Holding a master’s degree in social work from Chicago State University and an Educational Specialist degree in Counseling Education with a concentration in Play Therapy from the University of Mississippi, she brings a wealth of expertise to her work. Bernita is dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of the children and families she serves.
Kathryn is a passionate and dedicated Social Worker with over twenty years of experience advocating for vulnerable populations and fostering resilience in communities. Her journey began in college, where she studied sociology and psychology. She was drawn to the field because she wanted to make a meaningful difference in people's lives, especially those who face systemic barriers and challenges. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of working in various settings, including schools, community organizations, and healthcare facilities. Each experience has enriched her perspective and deepened her commitment to social justice. She specializes in child welfare, mental health, and community outreach, focusing on empowering individuals and families through support, education, and advocacy.
Katherine is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student at Northwestern University working
under the supervision of Dr. Amber Beal. She believes in the power of the mind-body connection and seeks to help clients understand how their experiences affect their whole system. Katherine draws from an eclectic framework of theories and methods including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, Adlerian theory, and a person-centered perspective to pull in elements based on your unique needs. She currently works with adult individuals and couples. Katherine provides a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, process their emotions, and develop effective coping strategies. Her areas of interest include trauma, PTSD, sexual trauma and abuse, relationship issues, nonviolent communication, grief, suicide bereavement, eating disorders, and mindfulness through talk and movement.
Juliana is licensed therapist who completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ) trained. She enjoys working with children and adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Her goal is to walk with her clients through their experiences of trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, behavioral concerns, emotional balancing and much more. She loves helping people meet their goals and working with them collaboratively is the approach she embodies. She utilizes an eclectic therapeutic approach; meaning she utilizes various therapeutic interventions tailored to the needs of her clients individually. She believes that she and her clients are a team, and she is here to support her clients on their journey.
Languages spoken: English and Spanish
Tiana is a dedicated therapist with a master’s degree in Marital, Couples, and Family Therapy and she is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). With a strong passion for helping children, adolescents, and families, she brings a holistic and trauma-
informed approach to her work, focusing on emotional healing and resilience-building. Tiana’s experience includes working with children in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), where she provides therapeutic support tailored to each child’s unique emotional and behavioral challenges. Tiana uses a blend of evidence-based techniques, play therapy, and creative interventions to encourage healthy self-expression and emotional regulation. Her EMDR training allows her to further assist clients who have experienced trauma by helping them process distressing memories in a safe and structured way. In individual, couples, family and group settings, Tiana strives to create a space where people feel heard, supported, and empowered. Her goal is to help clients develop the coping skills and emotional strength they need to overcome obstacles and thrive in their lives.
Abby is an intern at Northwestern University, where she is pursuing her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is under the supervision of Dr. Amber Beal. Abby helps clients work through challenging thought patterns and behaviors. Her passion lies in supporting individuals through life transitions and challenges. She has gained extensive experience working with justice-involved individuals, having spent the past five years helping people navigate the complexities of incarceration and community reintegration. Abby practices utilizing a combination of approaches, with her theoretical orientation rooted in existential psychoanalysis. Based on her clients’ presenting concerns and preferences, Abby and her clients work together tailoring the best approach to fit the goals and needs. She is committed to creating a warm, non-judgmental space where clients can explore challenges and achieve goals. She looks forward to the possibility of working together and supporting you on your path to growth and healing.
