Grief counselors and therapists in Aurora, IL

Whether it's money, cultural awareness, of therapeutic fit, there can be many barriers with finding the right therapist. One of my biggest goals as a counselor is to break down these obstacles. To meet this end, I implement an intersectional approach as I get to know my clients. Understanding what you need best allows me to provide it.

Thank you for taking the first step in sharing your story—your Mental Health Matters, and you deserve to be heard, supported, and understood.

Welcome to Integrated Family Behavioral Health & Counseling PLLC! I'm Mihaela Vladu, PMHNP-BC, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 16+ years of experience in healthcare, dedicated to helping individuals achieve lasting mental wellness and regain control of their lives.

I provide compassionate, personalized, and evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered. My approach focuses on treating the whole person—not just symptoms—while working collaboratively with you to reach your goals.

I specialize in working with a diverse range of individuals, including younger/older adults, children aged 6 and up, women dealing specifically with trauma and abuse, and veterans, as well as active-duty personnel experiencing PTSD. As a certified ADHD specialist, I provide targeted, evidence-based interventions to help individuals improve focus and daily functioning. I also have extensive experience treating bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, panic disorder, OCD, and other complex mental health conditions.

Areas of Expertise:

• Dual-Diagnosis Care (SUD + mood/anxiety​/​psychotic disorders)

• MAT: Buprenorphine​/​Suboxone inductions & maintenance; relapse-prevention planning

• Alcohol​/​Opioid Withdrawal & Detox protocols (court order MAT program, inpatient, outpatient, and halfway houses)

• Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis

• Residential​/​PHP​/​IOP programmed care & step-down planning

• Trauma-informed care, veteran populations, and complex comorbidity

Hi my name is Michele and I have been in the social work field for almost 11 years. I have my Masters in Social Work from Lewis University. I am licensed in Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have certifications in treating Trauma, Shame Informed care and Anxiety disorders. I have a background in domestic violence and crisis intervention. I have worked at a Therapeutic day school and worked with adolescents who had an behavioral plan and/or a 504 plan or IEP. I have enjoyed working in Private Practice therapy for 7 years and working with many diverse populations and diagnoses. I also have worked in an Inpatient Behavioral Hospital doing individual therapy, case management, and facilitating family therapy sessions. Most recently I have been focusing on Trauma Informed care and specializing in anxiety orders. I work with primarily Military service members and their family members. Whether you are looking to manage big life stressors or small ones, low moods or regulate anxiety I am looking forward to helping you start this journey.

Life can be messy, confusing, and exhausting—and you don’t have to go through it alone. I’m a realist therapist who listens deeply and meets you where you are. I blend evidence-based tools with real-world conversations to help you feel understood while learning how to cope, heal, and grow. If you’re feeling anxious, burned out, stuck in grief, challenged with life transitions or caught in old patterns—and ready for meaningful change at your own pace—I’m here to help. Let’s figure this out together.

I believe therapy should feel safe, empowering and collaborative. I approach each client with compassion, curiosity and respect for their lived experience. In our work together, you can expect honesty, encouragement and practical tools you can apply outside of sessions.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 5 years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked in a wide range of practice settings, supporting clients across the lifespan—from youth to older adults.

My desire is to see humanity thrive; past the stuck points and adversity. I am passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges and would be honored to support you on your journey.

I'm Simone Shepardson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with nearly two decades of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I've worked across a range of clinical settings — inpatient care, partial hospitalization programs, and outpatient therapy — which has given me a deep understanding of how to meet clients wherever they are in their journey. I specialize in working with gifted populations, high-functioning autism, anxiety, ADHD, and family dynamics. I've served over 10 years on the board of the Illinois Association for Play Therapy and previously acted as a clinical advisor to the West Suburban Bipolar Group in DuPage County. Outside of my practice, I'm a professionally trained singer and musician, a dancer, and a devoted wife and mother. I bring my whole self — warmth, creativity, and genuine care — into the work I do with each client.

College and early adulthood can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. I work with college students and young adults who are navigating academic pressure, shifting friendships, family expectations, dating, and big life decisions. You might look like you’re managing it all, but inside you feel anxious, unsure of yourself, or constantly comparing where you are to everyone else. Whether you’re struggling with burnout, identity questions, or just trying to figure out your next step, therapy can be a place to slow down and actually breathe.