Our Team of Therapists
We are a team of therapists dedicated to finding collaborative and creative solutions that work best for you. Taking Control is a private practice, therefore we are able to customize your treatment. Email or call us for a free consultation and we will match you with the best therapist to fit your needs. Feel free to contact any therapist directly with his or her email link.
James Jorgenson, Ed.D., LCPC
Dr. James Jorgenson has been in private practice for over 25 years. He received his doctoral degree in Counselor Education from Northern Illinois University in 1979, and has worked as an individual and family therapist since 1982. He opened Taking Control as a full-time private practice in 1987. Dr. Jorgenson has had extensive experience with a wide variety of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, anger management, domestic violence, and family issues.
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"I strongly believe in the adage that it takes a whole village to raise a child, and I've sought creative ways to build communities through my work that heal and support both children and adults in need of help. I continue to explore additional concepts and alternative programs to serve these needs in the community. I maintain tremendous energy and enthusiasm for this work, and I eagerly look forward to the challenges I encounter every day." |
Joanna VanLear, LCSW
Joanna VanLear is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Aurora University in 2006. She began working in Aurora for Communities In Schools (CIS) where she spent 10 years coordinating mental health services for students in Aurora Public Schools. Joanna joined Taking Control in 2015 and continues to partner with CIS as the Liaison in the Taking Control/Communities In Schools Partnership Program. Joanna’s work in schools has allowed her to have extensive experience working with adolescents, school systems and parents. Her work as a therapist at Taking Control has focused on supporting women in different seasons of life from adolescence through retirement. Joanna’s specialties include anxiety and depression, domestic violence, Christian counseling, post-partum, parenting issues, and blended family/co-parenting issues. She is also able to work with folks struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder.
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" I believe there is hope for profound change through the creative collaboration of client and therapist. I strive to create a comfortable environment where clients are able to share their experiences, realize their strengths and develop a plan for achieving their goals. I have great respect for my clients and the courage it takes to reach out for help. Whether you are dealing with a new issue or something you have struggled with for years, the goals and methods of treatment we set will be determined collaboratively and in a supportive, non-judgmental environment."
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Lindsey Maltese, M.S.Ed., LCPC, CCMHC
Lindsey Maltese earned her Master of Science in Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Illinois University. Lindsey has been at Taking Control since 2016. Lindsey has experience working with a variety of issues including anxiety, self-esteem, and depression as well as providing services to individuals, couples, and families. She is highly passionate about working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, listening to their unique experiences and moving toward personal acceptance.
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“When life gets tough, you do not need to go through it alone. I am here to help! I pride myself on my transparency and ability to cater to the specific needs of each person using creative techniques that fit you. My counseling style is based on the foundation of mutual trust, using collaborative efforts to meet your personal goals. I believe that every person has the power within themselves to create lasting change. My goal is to help you grow, one step at a time. Come take the first step with counseling and I will gladly be your guide!”
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Rita Wiermanski, LSW, CADC
Rita Wiermanski is a Licensed Social Worker, a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Certified Anger Management Specialist and has been in the field for over 5 years. She received her Masters of Social Work at St. Ambrose University. Rita has worked with a range of clients including adolescents and adults with substance use, mental health, behavioral and relationship issues. She specializes in working with adolescents and young adults with depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, anger and self-esteem issues.
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“I believe that kindness and love can make all the difference for a person. By providing a safe place for people to explore their goals, they are able to grow into the people they want to become. With support and encouragement, people can do what they thought was impossible.”
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Adam L Maldonado, BA, MS
Adam L. Maldonado earned a Bachelor's of Arts degree in both Psychology and Philosophy from Northern Illinois University in 2007. He served as a Research Assistant and led his own Research Project in the Psychology Department at NIU. He obtained his Master's of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and has been with Taking Control since June of 2014. He has received special training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Multicultural Counseling, and Play Therapy. He had previous clinical experience with cases that focused on adoption, at risk youth, marital and family therapy, and play therapy with children. Adam is experienced in adolescent, couples, family and group therapy, and works with people of all ages and identities. He has focused on depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, eating disorders, anger, self-esteem concerns, non-suicidal self injury such as cutting, substance abuse, attachment problems, ADHD and has worked extensively with Borderline Personality disorder. Adam adapts to the specific needs of each individual client with whom he works.
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"Therapy can be intimidating, and the fact that you are here says you recognize the need and are brave enough to consider it. It is a journey you will not take alone. Wouldn't it be nice to have someone who can help you make sense of the chaos and lighten the load on your shoulders by teaching you how to face it all? You are the author of your life, and I consider my role as an editor helping you to see and make the necessary changes to make your life work for you as best it can. Things are never set in stone and can always change, sometimes we just need the right momentum, direction and inspiration to do so. I firmly believe that I can help you with that while addressing the very unique person that you are. There is no singular way with which I approach the issues that my clients face. My approach is always supported with evidence of its effectiveness but will vary depending on the specific needs you have. Together, we can revise your story to be the kind you want it to be, join me and write the next page!" |
Brad Travis is a Certified Addictions Counselor with 20 years of experience in the field. He aims to give clients the knowledge and skills to handle the various issues that may become disruptive to their lives. His services include anger management treatment and counseling, substance abuse treatment and counseling, DUI classes, adult and youth mentoring, individual therapy sessions, and group therapy sessions.
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"The good news is that no matter how complicated life gets or how difficult problems may seem, good thinking can make a difference – if you make it a consistent part of your life. The more you engage in good thinking, the more good thoughts will come to you. Success comes to those who habitually do things that unsuccessful people don't do. Achievement comes from the habit of good thinking. The more you engage in good thinking, the more good thoughts you will continue to think. It's like creating a never ending army of ideas capable of achieving almost anything." |
Tiffany Wu has a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and specializes in Marriage and Family therapy. She has completed Gottman Method level 1,2, and 3 training. She uses a variety of approaches to help her clients, depending on individual needs. Tiffany is trained to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Therapy and Psychoeducation Therapy. Her experiences include working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, divorce, co-parenting, addictions, grief, mood disorders, among other challenges.
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"As a mental health clinician, my goal is to help my clients
explore themselves to make the changes in their lives that will allow them to have a happier future by their own definition. I believe that we all need someone to talk with who will really listen and accept us as we are, without judgment. I provide my clients with a warm, nonjudgmental environment -a safe place to explore the issues that you want to discuss with me. I was trained as a plastic surgeon in China for 9 years. I also speak Mandarin and provide bilingual counseling services to my clients. I believe that I am uniquely qualified to assist clients facing their issues." |
Dana Pauley is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She earned her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Lewis University and has been with Taking Control since June 2015. Dana is experienced in working with adolescents and adults. She has a strong passion for working with clients who are working through grief and trauma, as well as depression and anxiety. Having a Master of Science in Criminal/Social Justice, also from Lewis University, Dana has a strong interest in helping those who work in the criminal justice system.
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Life is a journey that can be rough and we often need help to navigate our way down that winding road. Just like a tree that needs nurturing and care to bloom each spring, so does a person to gain the knowledge and courage to be strong as they move through life. “Courage does not happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding your whole life” –Shannon L. Alder
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Andre Joachim- is a Licensed Professional Counselor for the state of Illinois. He completed his Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He has worked with treatment courts for the past few years. His experiences with adults encountering the criminal justice system has included interventions for substance abuse and/or criminal thinking. Andre has worked with youth, outside and inside the criminal justice system, to assist in their development of prosocial life skills, career exploration, goal attainment planning. In addition to his work as a mental health court counselor, life coach, and mentor. Andre has provided counseling services for college students working through issues related to self-esteem, career development concerned, relationship dissatisfaction, self-harming, anxiety, and suicidal ideations.
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"Having Vitiligo, I know personally how hard it is to find strength through life's adversities and establishing self-efficacy and self-acceptance can be a difficult process, but it is not impossible. Throughout life, we all experience transitions that influence our health whether it is physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual health. I love the intrinsic feeling of assisting someone as they transition to a higher sense of awareness or finding equilibrium for the obstacles, barriers, or problems life throws our way."
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Laura Leddy earned her Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has been with Taking Control since 2016. Laura is bi-lingual in Spanish and English. Laura specializes in working with adults and adolescents, couples and families, however would also enjoy working with children. Laura completed her internship at Linden Oaks hospital. Laura has experience in working with issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, bi-polar, borderline personality disorder, family and marital conflict.
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“I believe that we have the tools to cope with the hardships and challenges that are presented to us, however in the moment it is difficult to go through it alone. Together, I believe, we can bring clarity and use new coping skills to manage through those trials.”
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Caitlin Patterson earned her Master’s of Science in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University in 2017 and completed her clinical internship at Taking Control. She has a passion for working with children and adolescents, but equally enjoys working with adults, couples, and families. Caitlin has extensive experience working with children in different capacities including being a nanny, coaching children’s sports camps, and working at an early childhood center. She also has experience working with individuals with issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, post-traumatic stress disorder, behavioral issues, and school refusal. Caitlin has also worked with children with Autism as an ABA therapist.
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“I believe that therapy is a place for growth and personal development and I strive to empower individuals to overcome personal obstacles that may be standing in their way. I do this by helping individuals reconnect with their strengths in a safe and nurturing environment in which we work together as a team.”
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Katie Andersen earned her Master of Social Work degree and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification from Aurora University. She enjoys working with teens, athletes, adults, couples, and their families on a variety of presenting problems ranging from anxiety, depression, relationship and co-parenting issues, self-injury, and substance use disorders.
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"My goal for someone who comes in for individual therapy is to provide a safe and welcoming environment. I understand that dealing with life’s challenges are uncomfortable and feels impossible to overcome. By taking the next step, we can look into how you can overcome the obstacles that have interfered with you move forward in your life."
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Kellie Marcus earned her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration on children and adolescents from Lewis University. Her passion for working with children, adolescents, and adults is seen in both individual and group settings. Kellie has experience working with various issues, such as depression, anxiety, anger, grief, and adjustment disorders. She enjoys connecting with her clients and providing appropriate treatment accordingly.
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“We all strive to be the best version of ourselves and try to find the capacity to achieve it. My goal is to help facilitate whoever walks in to reach their personal triumphs. I believe therapy can be a powerful tool for those who seek it. I use my experience, education, and empirically validated methods to help client’s pursue personal growth.”
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Alice Pierce earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on children and adolescents. Alice has experience working with individuals and groups of all ages; including Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, grief/loss, suicidal ideation, as well as many more. She has a certificate in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault with a passion for the field.
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“Coming to therapy can be intimidating. I am here to help make the process easier and guide you through changes. Sometimes all that is needed is a helping hand. I offer a safe space to all those that wish to grow as an individual. I work alongside clients and adapt sessions to fit the individual”.
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