Kelly Rennels

Hi, I'm Kelly Rennels, an LCSW with a Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. I work with clients who are navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma and PTSD, panic, OCD, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, family and relationship issues, substance use, life transitions, low self-esteem, and the everyday challenges that can make it difficult to feel grounded or confident. I also support women's issues and clients coping with chronic illness, physical health conditions, and concerns around the end of life. Many of the people I support feel overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected from themselves, or unsure how to move forward. I believe healing begins when you feel truly heard, but it grows through insight, self-compassion, and practical tools that help you make meaningful changes in daily life. My goal is to help you better understand your experiences, build on your strengths, and move toward a life that feels healthier, more balanced, and more aligned with who you are.

My approach is warm, collaborative, supportive, and practical. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a partnership, where your story, goals, and pace are respected. In session, we may explore the thoughts, emotions, relationships, and life experiences that are shaping how you feel and respond. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we may also work on coping skills, emotional regulation, communication, boundaries, self-esteem, stress management, and healthier ways to navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I believe people have the ability to grow and heal when they feel supported, understood, and empowered with tools that fit their real life!

In our first session, my focus is on getting to know you and creating a space where you feel comfortable sharing what brings you to therapy. We will talk about your current concerns, your personal history, your strengths, and what you hope will feel different moving forward. Whether you are seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship challenges, self-esteem, or a major life transition, we will begin identifying goals that feel meaningful and realistic. My hope is that you leave the first session feeling heard, supported, and more confident about the direction of our work together!