Katie Carlon, LPC

My name is Katie and I enjoy working with people of all ages, from childhood to adulthood. My goal is to make each person feel heard, understood, and validated in a non-judgmental environment.

My Education and Experience

I received my bachelor’s in Psychology, with a concentration in child development, from the University of Michigan and my master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Judson University. I have over a decade of experience in the field and have worked in a variety of settings including schools, therapeutic residential facilities, and private practice.  I have experience working with the common diagnoses including ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, low self-esteem, parenting difficulties, mid-life issues, and more.  

How I Help My Clients

I believe that everyone deserves to have someone in their corner.  I use empathy, compassion, and curiosity to understand what my clients are going through and how they view the world.  But therapy doesn’t have to be all serious; I like to incorporate humor, art, games, and relaxation during my sessions, especially with kids. I use person-centered, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MB-CBT), Dialectical Behavior (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) theories in my work. I am also a certified Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) provider and use this scientific music-based therapy to help address many issues from anxiety and sensory processing disorders to ASD and ADHD symptoms. 

My Specialties and Passions

In addition to the topics mentioned above, my clinical specialties and passions include

  • Neurodivergent Individuals: including Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and emotion regulation disorders.  With my child clients, I help their parents discover new strategies when incentives and punitive measures aren’t working.  I concentrate on repairing the parent-child relationship and can help with school IEPs and 504s when requested.

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): It’s called the doubting disease for a reason!  When logic fails and you start to feel like you’re gaslighting yourself, it may not be your typical anxiety. I use CBT, ACT and ERP therapies to help my clients take back control in their lives.  

  • LGBTQ+ and gender identity issues.  It is rewarding to work with individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community or are struggling with gender identity.  With discerning teens, I also help them and their parents navigate these uncharted waters. Having several close family members who identify as an LGBTQ+ community member, this is a subject that is near and dear to me.

  • Fertility/Postpartum Issues:  I know first hand the heartache of infertility, pregnancy loss, and postpartum depression/disenchantment. I would be honored to help you navigate these tricky waters with nonjudgmental compassion.

  • Stage of Life Adjustments: Whether it’s adjusting to life in and after college, being a mom for the first time, going through the midlife-blahs, or learning to enjoy retirement, I can walk alongside you and teach strategies for feeling in control of your life.

  • Bariatric Surgery Preparation and Adjustment.  Contrary to popular belief, people do not become obese because they’re lazy or just eat too much.  Metabolic Syndrome is a very real diagnosis and unfortunately common in our country.  If you have tried everything else and are considering bariatric surgery (gastric bypass/gastric sleeve), I can help you through this emotional, physically challenging, life changing event.

More About Me Personally

I grew up in Michigan and now live in Crystal Lake with my husband, three kids, and many animals.  I like reading and crafting in my spare time and love to travel.  I’m into all things Disney, Star Wars, American history, and my favorite movie is Back to the Future.

Katie Carlon currently sees clients in person and via teletherapy. She has multiple openings on weekday mornings and early afternoons for both in-person and teletherapy, and a waitlist for evening appointments. If you are interested in seeing Katie, feel free to contact her directly through our website or by phone (847)754-3838 ext. 4.