Kathleen Monroe

My name is Kathleen Monroe, and I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Illinois, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the state of Alabama, and a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) in Illinois. I am also the owner and primary service provider of HGC Therapy Ltd., where I am dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care.

I am licensed to provide psychotherapy services to individuals in both Illinois and Alabama. Throughout my clinical career, I have worked with adolescents and adults experiencing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), substance use disorders, and other challenges affecting emotional well-being and daily functioning.

My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and evidence-based, tailoring treatment to each client's unique strengths, goals, and experiences. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel empowered to develop healthy coping strategies, build resilience, and achieve meaningful, lasting change.

I take an eclectic, client-centered approach to therapy, recognizing that every individual brings unique experiences, strengths, and goals to the therapeutic process. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor treatment to meet each client's specific needs, drawing from a variety of evidence-based modalities to provide the most effective care.

My work is grounded in person-centered, narrative, behavioral, humanistic, and existential theories while integrating techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). I also incorporate psychoeducation, mindfulness, and strengths-based interventions when appropriate to help clients better understand themselves, develop healthier coping strategies, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Above all, I believe the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in successful treatment. I strive to provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward living a more fulfilling and authentic life.

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin building a strong therapeutic relationship. My goal is to create a welcoming, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel comfortable sharing your story at your own pace.

I take a direct yet compassionate, strengths-based approach, helping clients identify their existing strengths while exploring the concerns that brought them to therapy. Together, we will discuss your current challenges, personal history, treatment goals, and what you hope to gain from the therapeutic process. This collaborative conversation allows us to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and priorities.

I also believe that understanding the "why" behind our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors is an important part of healing. Throughout therapy, I provide education, practical tools, and evidence-based strategies that clients can begin using between sessions to reinforce progress and support lasting change. My goal is for you to leave each session with greater insight, hope, and actionable steps toward achieving your goals.