Maria Gentile, LPC (she/her)
Focuses:
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression
Generalized Anxiety
Stress Management
Trauma-Related Concerns
Life transitions
Depression
General Women’s Issues
Grief/Loss
States: Illinois
About Me
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois as well as a National Certified Counselor. I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at DePaul University and have a background in crisis work. My experiences have given me the unique opportunity to support individuals through some of life’s most difficult and uncertain periods. Through my work, I have learned the importance of approaching each person with curiosity while helping them recognize their strengths and develop tools to navigate what comes next.
I believe therapy is a space to feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported while having the freedom to explore the parts of your life that may feel difficult, and I am passionate about creating an environment in which this is possible. I integrate a variety of evidence-based approaches with my own style of thoughtful conversation, humor, and empathy to create a therapeutic experience that is individualized, collaborative, and responsive to each client’s unique needs and goals.
Specialty Focus: Exploring Trauma and Beginning a Journey Towards Healing:
Trauma can affect us in ways that extend far beyond the experience itself, shaping how we understand ourselves, relate to others, and move through the world. Whether you are processing a recent experience or carrying the impact of something that happened long ago, you may find yourself feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that once helped you cope. I approach trauma work with the belief that you are the expert of your own experience. Together, we will explore how past experiences may be showing up in your present life while creating space for you to process difficult emotions at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
Healing from trauma can look like developing a deeper understanding of how your experiences have shaped you and discovering new ways to move forward. I am excited to walk with you on your journey towards exploring your experiences with compassion and curiosity, while recognizing the aspects of yourself that have helped you get to where you are today. My hope is that through this process, you feel more grounded, connected to yourself, and confident in your ability to navigate life moving forward..
Still feeling unsure? This complimentary screening tool is the quickest and easiest way to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
