Caroline Dress, MA, LCPC
Coming Soon
|
Master of Arts
To make an appointment with Caroline, please call 630-570-0050. You can also email [email protected].
Specializes In:Children and Adolescents, Teens, Relationship Issues, Non-Suicidal Self-Harm (NSSI), School Avoidance, Trauma, Anxiety, Life Transitions, LQBTQIA+ Support, Couples Counseling, Mood Disorders (i.e. Depression, Bipolar Disorder)
Ages Served: Children (5+) and Adolescents, Teens, Young Adults, Adults, Older Adults |
Professional Experience
I began my undergraduate career at the University of Scranton where I was awarded the privilege of interning at the Northeastern Pennsylvania Children’s Advocacy Center, supporting and empowering children and their families who have experienced physical and sexual abuse. This experience solidified my passion to utilize my strengths and skills to advocate for and with clients, and lead to my pursuing the professional path of becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with a focus related to the evidence-based treatments of trauma.
Upon graduating from the University of Scranton, I immediately began my graduate career at Arcadia University. During my time in the program, I specialized in both the treatment of trauma as well as child and family therapies. My clinical training and internship opportunities allowed me to connect and work with clients of all ages both in the foster care system and in community mental health settings. I received my master’s in counseling psychology in 2017 and upon graduating, was awarded the Samuel M. Cameron Graduate Award for demonstrating excellence in the area of evidence-based and multicultural practices.
My experience has continued to build upon itself after moving to Maryland, where I was able to become a dynamic member of a highly trained clinical team. Through facilitation of Dialectical Behavior Therapy groups, providing direct family and client support, and being responsible for Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient intake assessment and program coordination, I was able to further my learning and training to better serve our clientele. This experience enhanced my passion for and competency in treating adolescents and teenagers facing anxiety, depression, suicidality, and self-harm.
After moving to Illinois, I worked at a local outdoor behavioral health outpatient agency and private practice with individuals, groups, couples, and families experiencing mental health symptoms including but not limited to anxiety, trauma, depression, ADHD, and life transitions.
Upon graduating from the University of Scranton, I immediately began my graduate career at Arcadia University. During my time in the program, I specialized in both the treatment of trauma as well as child and family therapies. My clinical training and internship opportunities allowed me to connect and work with clients of all ages both in the foster care system and in community mental health settings. I received my master’s in counseling psychology in 2017 and upon graduating, was awarded the Samuel M. Cameron Graduate Award for demonstrating excellence in the area of evidence-based and multicultural practices.
My experience has continued to build upon itself after moving to Maryland, where I was able to become a dynamic member of a highly trained clinical team. Through facilitation of Dialectical Behavior Therapy groups, providing direct family and client support, and being responsible for Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient intake assessment and program coordination, I was able to further my learning and training to better serve our clientele. This experience enhanced my passion for and competency in treating adolescents and teenagers facing anxiety, depression, suicidality, and self-harm.
After moving to Illinois, I worked at a local outdoor behavioral health outpatient agency and private practice with individuals, groups, couples, and families experiencing mental health symptoms including but not limited to anxiety, trauma, depression, ADHD, and life transitions.
Specializations and Treatment Approach
I currently treat:
Children and Adolescents
Teens
Young Adults / College-Aged Individuals
Parenting Skill-Building
Anxiety/Worry
Depression
Trauma
Relationship Concerns
Life Transitions
Couples
Identity Exploration
Through specialized education, training, and experience, I have accrued expertise in the evidence-based treatment of trauma, child and family therapies, and treatment of Anxiety Disorders. I have worked with clients across the age spectrum to implement change focused DBT-skill building of emotion regulation, coping skills, social skills, and mindfulness. I am also trained in Level 1 Gottman Couples Therapy and am currently pursuing certification as a 200 Level Yoga Teacher.
I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship. My approach to treatment begins with forming mutual trust. With this foundation of support, I hope to empower clients to explore their past, build self-efficacy, and grow towards change. I consider myself an ally for clients as they seek to identify and understand the nature of their behavioral and relational patterns, and I work hand-in-hand with clients on this journey. With a person-centered focus, I am intentional about fostering a safe space of healing and growth for individuals of all cultural identities.
Children and Adolescents
Teens
Young Adults / College-Aged Individuals
Parenting Skill-Building
Anxiety/Worry
Depression
Trauma
Relationship Concerns
Life Transitions
Couples
Identity Exploration
Through specialized education, training, and experience, I have accrued expertise in the evidence-based treatment of trauma, child and family therapies, and treatment of Anxiety Disorders. I have worked with clients across the age spectrum to implement change focused DBT-skill building of emotion regulation, coping skills, social skills, and mindfulness. I am also trained in Level 1 Gottman Couples Therapy and am currently pursuing certification as a 200 Level Yoga Teacher.
I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship. My approach to treatment begins with forming mutual trust. With this foundation of support, I hope to empower clients to explore their past, build self-efficacy, and grow towards change. I consider myself an ally for clients as they seek to identify and understand the nature of their behavioral and relational patterns, and I work hand-in-hand with clients on this journey. With a person-centered focus, I am intentional about fostering a safe space of healing and growth for individuals of all cultural identities.
About Me
What are your professional and personal values?
As a clinical therapist, I believe above all in my ability to be a holder of hope and an agent of change. This involves bettering myself, both personally and professionally, in order to assist clients of all backgrounds in growth, healing, and reaching their goals. This ties into my underlying value of connection and authenticity both in the therapy room and in my own life.
What are some adjectives you would use to describe yourself and why?
I would say that I am compassionate, curious, and resilient. I also really love to laugh, learn new things, and connect with the people (and animals) in my life.
What are some of your favorite self care activities?
What is your favorite quote?
“Let us live for the beauty of our own reality” is a quote that has stuck with me for a long time. I believe it highlights my focus as both an individual and a therapist in working towards values-based living, mindfulness and awareness of the present moment, as well as empowerment in creating change within ourselves.
Why do you love being a mental health professional?
I truly believe it is a privilege to walk alongside individuals and their families as they navigate life. It is humbling to be invited into one’s suffering and vulnerability while building trust and connecting with that person. I find pride and joy as I witness my clients’ growth and progress. The love I feel for my career is tied into my passion for advocacy and honoring the human experience.
As a clinical therapist, I believe above all in my ability to be a holder of hope and an agent of change. This involves bettering myself, both personally and professionally, in order to assist clients of all backgrounds in growth, healing, and reaching their goals. This ties into my underlying value of connection and authenticity both in the therapy room and in my own life.
What are some adjectives you would use to describe yourself and why?
I would say that I am compassionate, curious, and resilient. I also really love to laugh, learn new things, and connect with the people (and animals) in my life.
What are some of your favorite self care activities?
- Reading books and facilitating book club for my close friends
- Exploring new places and traveling with my partner
- Cuddling with my cats
- Prioritizing movement that feels good, such as yoga or walks in nature
What is your favorite quote?
“Let us live for the beauty of our own reality” is a quote that has stuck with me for a long time. I believe it highlights my focus as both an individual and a therapist in working towards values-based living, mindfulness and awareness of the present moment, as well as empowerment in creating change within ourselves.
Why do you love being a mental health professional?
I truly believe it is a privilege to walk alongside individuals and their families as they navigate life. It is humbling to be invited into one’s suffering and vulnerability while building trust and connecting with that person. I find pride and joy as I witness my clients’ growth and progress. The love I feel for my career is tied into my passion for advocacy and honoring the human experience.
