Healing Starts Here.

In-person psychotherapy in LaGrange, Illinois

(Virtual psychotherapy available for Illinois, Colorado, and New York residents)

Cozy living room with leather sofa, yellow armchair, brick wall, large window with potted plants, wall clock, framed picture, and string lights

Services Offered

A serene lakeside scene with a willow tree with yellow leaves hanging over the water, rocks, and a wooden pier across the lake, with a hazy sky in the background.
Cluster of small beige mushrooms growing on mossy surface in a dark forest
A close-up of electrical plasma with pink and purple discharge patterns radiating outward from a central sphere.
A round white table with a potted green plant on top, two brown leather chairs with metal legs, and a framed wall art piece with various green plants on a white background, set against a white wall in a minimalistic room.

Therapy

Therapy should be as unique as you are.

We serve all individuals over the age of 18 who may be dealing with a number of different life stressors.

If you are facing any of the following issues, we may have the right therapist for you:

________

  • Relationship struggles, conflict, or feeling disconnected

  • Healing after betrayal, heartbreak, or divorce

  • Coping with addiction or substance use

  • Anxiety, constant worry, or feeling “on edge”

  • Depression, sadness, or loss of motivation

  • Stress or burnout from work, school, or caregiving

  • Anger or other emotions that feel hard to control

  • Navigating religious deconstruction or faith transitions

  • Exploring your identity, including LGBTQ+ support

  • Navigating ADHD or other forms of neurodivergence

  • Recovering from domestic violence or past trauma

  • Court-mandated counseling services

_________

If you would like to learn more, please click here or email us at info@willowjourneywellness.com

*You must reside in Illinois, Colorado, or New York.

________

Close-up of a person's hand resting on a wooden surface, with a dark background.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences and distressing memories.

By using guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation, EMDR aims to reduce the emotional intensity of these memories, promoting cognitive and emotional integration. This evidence-based therapy is effective for treating conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, facilitating lasting psychological relief and improved mental well-being.

EMDR

Interior view of a yellow spiral staircase taken from below, looking up.

About
EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic memories and distressing experiences. EMDR works by engaging the brain’s natural ability to heal from psychological trauma through a structured eight-phase process. Central to its effectiveness is the use of bilateral stimulation (BLS), which involves stimulating both sides of the brain alternately.

Bilateral stimulation (BLS) can be delivered in several ways, such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones. This stimulation is believed to facilitate communication between the brain’s hemispheres, helping to access and reprocess traumatic memories stored in the brain. By doing so, EMDR allows the brain to integrate these memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge, making them less distressing and more manageable.

In essence, EMDR and BLS work by unlocking the brain’s own healing mechanisms, enabling individuals to reframe negative experiences and move toward recovery and emotional well-being.

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is for individuals experiencing distress related to traumatic or disturbing life events. It is commonly used to help those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other emotional difficulties stemming from past experiences. EMDR can be effective for people who have experienced abuse, accidents, loss, or other significant stressors. It is also used to address symptoms such as intrusive memories, flashbacks, phobias, and negative beliefs about oneself. EMDR is suitable for adults and adolescents who are motivated to engage in therapy and ready to process difficult emotions in a structured, supportive environment.

  • Here’s what you can expect throughout your EMDR therapy journey:

    1. Initial Assessment and History Taking
      Your therapist will begin by discussing your history, current concerns, and treatment goals. This helps tailor the therapy to your unique needs.

    2. Preparation and Stabilization
      Before processing traumatic memories, you’ll learn coping strategies and grounding techniques to manage emotional distress safely.

    3. Identification of Target Memories
      Together with your therapist, you’ll identify specific memories or issues to work on during EMDR sessions.

    4. Desensitization and Reprocessing
      During this phase, you’ll focus on the target memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements). This helps your brain reprocess the difficult memories, reducing their emotional charge.

    5. Installation of Alternative Beliefs
      After processing the memory, your therapist will assist you in reinforcing healthier, more positive beliefs about yourself.

    6. Body Scan and Closure
      You’ll be guided to notice any residual physical tension related to the memory and learn ways to release it. Each session ends with grounding techniques to ensure emotional balance.

    7. Reevaluation and Future Planning
      In subsequent sessions, your therapist assesses progress and addresses any new or remaining concerns.

    Throughout EMDR therapy, the aim is to breathe new life into your emotional well-being, helping you refresh and refine your coping mechanisms while preserving your unique identity and strengths. The process supports healing while honoring your personal journey and individuality.

  • No, it is not necessary to talk about all the details of your experiences for them to be processed.

    The focus of EMDR is on the emotions, sensations, and negative beliefs associated with the memories rather than on recounting a detailed narrative. Your therapist guides you through processing these memories in a safe and controlled way, often prioritizing the most distressing or impactful elements first.

    You can share as much as you feel comfortable with, and over time, as you develop rapport and feel safer, more details may emerge naturally. Your therapist will respect your pace and will not push you to disclose more than you are ready to share.

    Ultimately, EMDR is about processing trauma safely rather than telling a full story, so the necessity of sharing all details is flexible and depends on your comfort level and therapeutic goals.

  • Yes, you might. Emotions and sensations may come up during processing; although, you will be prepared and your therapist will help you safely manage them. Once they are processed, they often do not feel as distressing even when recalled.

  • No. During EMDR processing, you are present and fully in control.

  • EMDR, as with all treatment approaches, is meant to help you accomplish your treatment goals. The length of time that it takes is dependent upon the complexity of your problems. Some clients find that they only need a few sessions to process lower level distress whereas others may find that they do EMDR for a longer period of time, especially in cases of more complex trauma.

  • In order to engage in EMDR with us, please schedule an intake (new client) or speak to your current therapist (current client).

    If you are already working with a therapist that is NOT with our practice and just looking to do EMDR in conjunction with your therapy, please email us and have your therapist contact us as well!

  • Just like regular therapy, we can bill your insurance (if in network) for EMDR. To get a full list of our costs, please see our “Pricing” page.

Psychedelic Therapy

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a holistic modality in which ketamine is used as a complement to psychotherapy to help eligible patients experience more frequent breakthroughs and sustained improvement in symptoms. 

Currently, we facilitate individual and group Ketamine dosing sessions to Willow Journey Wellness clients as a complement to psychotherapy. We deliver KAP in partnership with an organization called Journey Clinical, which has a specialized medical team that determines eligibility for KAP, prescribes the ketamine, & supports us in monitoring outcomes. We take on the psychotherapy portion of the experience, while Journey Clinical’s medical team supports and supervises you on all medical aspects. This includes determining eligibility, developing a custom treatment plan, prescribing the medicine and monitoring outcomes.

Below is more information about KAP to help you navigate if it may be a good fit for you.

Colorful geometric design with layered diamonds in green, purple, orange, and blue surrounded by a purple circular border with text.
Blurry photo of a sunset with a bright orange sun and colorful sky, possible horizon line at the bottom

About KAP

What is Ketamine? 

Ketamine is a legal medicine used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and PTSD. Ketamine has rapidly-acting antidepressant and mood-enhancing effects, which can begin to take effect within 1-2 hrs. after treatment and last for up to 2 weeks. It works by blocking the brain’s NMDA receptors as well as by stimulating AMPA receptors, which are thought to help form new synaptic connections and boost neural circuits that regulate stress and mood. Ketamine has also been shown to enhance overall neuroplasticity for lasting symptom improvement. 

Ketamine can be administered in a variety of ways, including IV infusion, intramuscular injection, via nasal spray and using sublingual lozenges. In my work with Journey Clinical we only use the sublingual lozenge form. 

©Journey Clinical Inc 2023

Want to learn more?

Below are some frequently asked questions to explore.

If you would like to learn more, please contact us or speak to your therapist!

  • Eligible diagnoses include and are not limited to*:

    • Anxiety (e.g., GAD) 

    • OCD 

    • Adjustment disorders 

    • Depression (e.g., MDD) 

    • Bipolar 

    • Primary addiction disorder 

    • Trauma (e.g., PTSD) 

    • Eating disorders 

    • Other conditions (e.g., somatoform disorders)

    *KAP eligibility Is determined by the Journey Clinical Team at time of evaluation.

    Who is NOT an appropriate KAP referral? 

    The Journey Clinical medical team reviews the below considerations when determining KAP eligibility for clients: 

    • Uncontrolled substance use disorders 

    • Contraindicated psychiatric disorders 

    • Unstable medical conditions

  • The effects of ketamine, which most patients find pleasant, last for approximately 45 minutes. These effects can make you feel “far from” your body, and facilitate shifts in perception that can often feel expansive in nature. Your motor and verbal abilities will be reduced, so you’ll be lying down in a comfortable position during the experience. Once these effects subside, we’ll spend the remainder of our appointment giving you space to process and discuss your experience. While it may feel hard to articulate what happened during the experience, patients feel like the insights gained are none-the-less clear. Studies have shown that the benefits to mood and neurological growth can last up to two weeks after the Ketamine experience.

  • 1. Initial consultation with Journey Clinical 

    • You schedule an initial evaluation with a clinician from the Journey Clinical medical team via zoom. They will go over your medical and psychiatric history with you, provide education on the treatment and determine if you are eligible for KAP.

    • If Journey Clinical’s medical team determines that you are eligible for KAP, they will develop a personalized Ketamine prescription and outcome monitoring plan for you.

    • Journey Clinical’s medical staff will write a ketamine prescription for you, and a small amount of oral ketamine will be sent to your home, enough for the first 2 KAP sessions. You will be taught to take your vitals and self-administer the ketamine lozenges by Journey Clinical’s medical team in advance of our KAP sessions. 

    2. Preparation sessions:

    • Once you receive your ketamine lozenges, we will schedule time together for our KAP preparation, dosing and integration sessions. Preparation session(s) will be scheduled just like regular therapy sessions prior to the KAP dosing session. The goal of a preparation session(s) is to align on the process and set intentions for our KAP sessions together. 

    3. KAP Dosing Session:

    • A typical ketamine dosing session lasts between 1-2 hours and can take place either in-person at my office, or remotely via telehealth.

    • During a dosing session, you will self-administer your ketamine lozenge either in my office or in your home. You will be in a comfortable, reclining position wearing an eye mask and listening to calming music. Although a KAP dosing session may be largely an internal experience, I will be present with you the entire time to hold space and provide support as needed. 

    4. Integration Sessions:

    • After our KAP dosing session, we will meet for multiple integration therapy sessions to review the memories, thoughts & insights that arose during your dosing session, and to prepare for the next dosing session. 

    5. Follow-up consultations with Journey Clinical:

    • After our first KAP session, Journey Clinical’s medical team schedules regular follow ups with you to monitor outcomes and prescribe ketamine lozenge refills, as appropriate. The frequency of follow ups depends on your unique treatment plan, at a minimum of once per quarter. 

    Follow-up Consultations with Journey Clinical :

    • After our first KAP session, Journey Clinical’s medical team schedules regular follow ups with you to monitor outcomes and prescribe ketamine lozenge refills, as appropriate. The frequency of follow ups depends on your unique treatment plan, at a minimum of once per quarter.

  • Dosing sessions can last anywhere from 1-3 hours depending on how the medication impacts you.

    Dosing sessions are facilitated either
    1. in our office
    2. in your home with therapist attending virtually or
    3. self-guided in your own home without a therapist present (when appropriate)

    **Please note that while our team is present to guide the journey and provide psychological support, you will receive your medication delivered to your home ahead of time and you will be “self-dosing” by following the medical provider’s instructions.

  • Therapy costs

    Our typical hourly rate is $175/hr. 

    • The first hour of your dosing session can be billed to Insurance if in network. Subsequent hours are self pay.

    • Integration sessions can also be billed to insurance.

    Journey Clinical Medical Costs 

    • First-time patients

      • Initial medical consultation with Journey Clinical: $250

      • Cost of medication: $88 (enough for 2 sessions)

    • Ongoing treatment

      • Follow-up medical consultation with Journey Clinical $150 (at least 1X per quarter)

      • Cost of medication: $148 (enough for up to 6 sessions) 

    **Please note that Journey Clinical is a separate entity and their fees are subject to change but not be reflected here. You may ask for a fee schedule directly from Journey Clinical prior to medical intake.

    • How Do I Sign Up?
      If you would like to explore the possibility of integrating KAP into your treatment, please speak to your therapist or email amanda@willowjourneywellness.com to discuss eligibility and next steps. 

    • What is Journey Clinical?
      Journey Clinical is a platform for licensed psychotherapists to incorporate science-based psychedelic therapies in their practice safely and effectively, starting with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Journey Clinical’s in-house medical team takes on patient eligibility, prescriptions and outcome monitoring, while I take on the therapy. Their collaborative care model is designed to deliver personalized treatment plans to meet your individual needs and improve long-term outcomes. 

    Additional Resources: 

    • 1. Paradigms of Ketamine Treatment by Raquel Bennett, Psy.D. for MAPS
      2. Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): Patient Demographics, Clinical Data and Outcomes in Three Large Practices Administering Ketamine with Psychotherapy - research study by Jennifer Dore et al, 2018
      3. Ketamine for Depression and Mood Disorders by Erica Zelfand, ND for Townsend Letter
      4. Ketamine-Facilitated Psychotherapy for Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression by goop
      5. Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy with Jonathan Sabbagh of Journey Clinical - Psychology Talk Podcast

Dark forest floor with small brown mushrooms and green moss, surrounded by trees with dark trunks and dense foliage

Locations

15 W Harris Ave #28
LaGrange, IL 60513

Virtual appointments available for
Illinois, New York, and Colorado residents