Grayce Quick, MS, LPC, NCC
|
Master of Science
Licensed Professional Counselor To make an appointment with Grayce, please call 630-570-0050. You can also email [email protected].
Specializes In:Depression/Major Depression, Social Anxiety, Worry/Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Trauma, Self-Esteem, Adjustment and Chronic Stress, Caregiver Support
Ages Served: Children and Adolescents (6+), Teens, Young Adults, Adults, Older Adults |
Professional Experience
I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Illinois University and am currently pursuing my PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Northern Illinois University. My clinical training includes working with children, adolescents, and adults ages 3 to 80 in community mental health, school-based, and transitional living settings.
During my graduate internship at a community mental health agency, I provided individual and group counseling for clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, Autism
Spectrum Disorder, substance use, and emotional regulation difficulties. I also provided school-based therapy and trauma-related and recovery support services.
I have a strong interest in play therapy, particularly Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), and have specialized training and supervised clinical experience under a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S). I have also provided parent psychoeducation through Child-Parent Relationship Training and supported educators through Child-Teacher Relationship Training. I continue to advance my play therapy training and serve as a Student Ambassador for the Illinois Association for Play Therapy! If you cannot tell, I love play therapy and all that it does!
Working with me, you can expect a collaborative, warm, friendly, and creative therapeutic alliance! You can also expect to laugh a lot... when appropriate of course. I enjoy using Narrative Therapy, which helps clients explore and reshape the stories they hold about themselves and their experiences; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; Sandtray Therapy, which provides a creative and nonverbal way to explore and process experiences; and Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), which uses play as a child’s natural language to express emotions, build skills, and work through difficult experiences.
During my graduate internship at a community mental health agency, I provided individual and group counseling for clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, Autism
Spectrum Disorder, substance use, and emotional regulation difficulties. I also provided school-based therapy and trauma-related and recovery support services.
I have a strong interest in play therapy, particularly Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), and have specialized training and supervised clinical experience under a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S). I have also provided parent psychoeducation through Child-Parent Relationship Training and supported educators through Child-Teacher Relationship Training. I continue to advance my play therapy training and serve as a Student Ambassador for the Illinois Association for Play Therapy! If you cannot tell, I love play therapy and all that it does!
Working with me, you can expect a collaborative, warm, friendly, and creative therapeutic alliance! You can also expect to laugh a lot... when appropriate of course. I enjoy using Narrative Therapy, which helps clients explore and reshape the stories they hold about themselves and their experiences; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; Sandtray Therapy, which provides a creative and nonverbal way to explore and process experiences; and Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), which uses play as a child’s natural language to express emotions, build skills, and work through difficult experiences.
Specializations and Treatment Approach
I currently treat:
Depression/Major Depression
Social Anxiety
Worry/Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Trauma
Caregiver Support
Self-Esteem
Adjustment and Chronic Stress
Depression/Major Depression
Social Anxiety
Worry/Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Trauma
Caregiver Support
Self-Esteem
Adjustment and Chronic Stress
About Me
What are your professional and personal values?
Presence: In play therapy, the catalyst for growth, change, or healing is deeply connected to the relationship between therapist and child, and I believe this applies across all ages. I value being fully present with others and believe that feeling seen, heard, and understood is therapeutic in itself. I want your therapeutic experience to feel genuine and I want my presence to be genuine. And a genuine connection starts with getting to know one another. I love to hear about what your favorite TikTok brain rot meme is because 100% of the time I have one as well. Tell me about your pets, favorite movie, pet peeves, etc.! I cherish it all, because it is part of and important to you.
Humor: Humor can be incredibly meaningful in therapy and in life. While therapy often involves difficult and vulnerable conversations, I don't believe every moment has to feel heavy. I am not stoic or a robot. Laughter is considered ‘the best medicine’ and one of the best bridges to connect with others. A shared laugh or a lighthearted moment can help build connection, create comfort, and remind us that there is still room for joy even during difficult seasons of life.
Altruism: I know it sounds cheesy but one of my biggest personal values is altruism, as I strive to give to others without expecting anything in return. I find meaning in supporting others, showing up when I am needed, and contributing to the well-being of those around me. I love doing what I can to make someone else’s life a little easier, even in small ways!
Courage: Some say it was courageous of me to move 5 hours away and start a doctoral program, others say it was absolutely wild. And two things can be true (because they are)! While it has been full of adjustments and geographical distance from family, friends, and familiarity, the best decisions I have ever made in my life were operating out of pure courage because the uncertainty or fear would have held me back. I love my courageous-nature and I hope to grow more bold and take risks.
Perseverance: I often feel that a lot of people align with Frodo from Lord of the Rings. For me personally it is definitely the appetite. I joke I joke. If you have read or watched Lord of the Rings, you know Frodo carries an evil ring that continues to crush and drain his spirit. Despite the (literal) horrors, he continues on. And while the ring is visible, the weight and turmoil he endures continuously tries to destroy him, turn him around, and force him to give up. There are countless weights we carry that have the potential to break us; but we persevere. His spirit and determination carried him, as well as Samwise if you want to get literal. But this is an analogy of course.
What are some adjectives you would use to describe yourself and why?
I would say I am determined, kind-hearted, an absolute academic weapon, free-spirited, compassionate, intentional, and 110% sarcastic and quick witted. And when given an opportunity, I am a yapper, if you could not tell. Truly, I am a Gen Z gal who wants to do good for the world and be a fun, gentle, and funny presence. I found that being most of these things in session allowed my clients to feel they could be authentic in return.
What are some of your favorite self care activities?
I enjoy a mix of active and creative hobbies, including reading, walking, running, drawing, and painting. I also love watching Lord of the Rings and The X-Files and other science fiction media. I love playing Minecraft and Stardew Valley. Music is another favorite, as I play piano and guitar by ear, which doubles as a fun fact about me! I love music and of course I want to hear about your favorite song, band, artist, etc!
What is your favorite quote?
“Focus on the donut, not the hole” is one of my favorite quotes. Regardless if it has frosting, powder, or sprinkles, a donut is a donut! This quote is often heard throughout the play therapy community, but I think it applies to so many areas of life. In a therapeutic sense, it can be applied as focusing on what is there, rather than dwelling on what is missing. I do not think this means minimizing the impact of the “hole” or pretending that what is missing does not matter. Rather, it is a reminder that it can be easy to get caught up in what we lack or what we wish were different and, in doing so,
lose sight of what is tangible and valuable right in front of us. As a student (and human being, honestly), I often find myself focusing on what else I could be doing. In those moments, I am focusing so much on the “hole” that I miss the opportunities, progress, and accomplishments that are already there, or the “sprinkles” for me! This quote reminds me that I can acknowledge what is missing while still making space to appreciate what I have and where I am!
Why do you love being a mental health professional?
When I started in this field, I remember feeling afraid of not knowing what to do or say, and those fears still arise because I am learning and ultimately human. Yet, a year and a half later, I knew I would always love this profession because of the relationships and moments of connection it makes possible. I still find myself cry-laughing at inside jokes and commentary with past clients. It brings me joy to reflect on those moments because I was lucky enough to be a part of their laughter and joy. Therapy can hold these moments of joy alongside deeply vulnerable and raw ones. Being able to meet clients where they are in that moment has reminded me that my being is more needed than what I am doing. I love this profession because it allows me to witness the power of relationship and empathy and how transformative they can be.
What led you to become a therapist?
My high school counselor made a meaningful impact on me as I navigated personal issues, and I remember thinking, “One day, I am going to do this. I am going to be a counselor.” As I continued through undergrad and spoke with students in the master’s program I later attended, that feeling only became stronger and ultimately solidified my decision. The clinical experiences and coursework that followed continued to reaffirm how much I loved this work. While pursuing my PhD will allow me to take on many roles, as a researcher, instructor, and supervisor, I know that, at heart, I will always be a counselor. That relationship and the desire to support others are what first led me on this path and continue to ground me in why I am here!
Presence: In play therapy, the catalyst for growth, change, or healing is deeply connected to the relationship between therapist and child, and I believe this applies across all ages. I value being fully present with others and believe that feeling seen, heard, and understood is therapeutic in itself. I want your therapeutic experience to feel genuine and I want my presence to be genuine. And a genuine connection starts with getting to know one another. I love to hear about what your favorite TikTok brain rot meme is because 100% of the time I have one as well. Tell me about your pets, favorite movie, pet peeves, etc.! I cherish it all, because it is part of and important to you.
Humor: Humor can be incredibly meaningful in therapy and in life. While therapy often involves difficult and vulnerable conversations, I don't believe every moment has to feel heavy. I am not stoic or a robot. Laughter is considered ‘the best medicine’ and one of the best bridges to connect with others. A shared laugh or a lighthearted moment can help build connection, create comfort, and remind us that there is still room for joy even during difficult seasons of life.
Altruism: I know it sounds cheesy but one of my biggest personal values is altruism, as I strive to give to others without expecting anything in return. I find meaning in supporting others, showing up when I am needed, and contributing to the well-being of those around me. I love doing what I can to make someone else’s life a little easier, even in small ways!
Courage: Some say it was courageous of me to move 5 hours away and start a doctoral program, others say it was absolutely wild. And two things can be true (because they are)! While it has been full of adjustments and geographical distance from family, friends, and familiarity, the best decisions I have ever made in my life were operating out of pure courage because the uncertainty or fear would have held me back. I love my courageous-nature and I hope to grow more bold and take risks.
Perseverance: I often feel that a lot of people align with Frodo from Lord of the Rings. For me personally it is definitely the appetite. I joke I joke. If you have read or watched Lord of the Rings, you know Frodo carries an evil ring that continues to crush and drain his spirit. Despite the (literal) horrors, he continues on. And while the ring is visible, the weight and turmoil he endures continuously tries to destroy him, turn him around, and force him to give up. There are countless weights we carry that have the potential to break us; but we persevere. His spirit and determination carried him, as well as Samwise if you want to get literal. But this is an analogy of course.
What are some adjectives you would use to describe yourself and why?
I would say I am determined, kind-hearted, an absolute academic weapon, free-spirited, compassionate, intentional, and 110% sarcastic and quick witted. And when given an opportunity, I am a yapper, if you could not tell. Truly, I am a Gen Z gal who wants to do good for the world and be a fun, gentle, and funny presence. I found that being most of these things in session allowed my clients to feel they could be authentic in return.
What are some of your favorite self care activities?
I enjoy a mix of active and creative hobbies, including reading, walking, running, drawing, and painting. I also love watching Lord of the Rings and The X-Files and other science fiction media. I love playing Minecraft and Stardew Valley. Music is another favorite, as I play piano and guitar by ear, which doubles as a fun fact about me! I love music and of course I want to hear about your favorite song, band, artist, etc!
What is your favorite quote?
“Focus on the donut, not the hole” is one of my favorite quotes. Regardless if it has frosting, powder, or sprinkles, a donut is a donut! This quote is often heard throughout the play therapy community, but I think it applies to so many areas of life. In a therapeutic sense, it can be applied as focusing on what is there, rather than dwelling on what is missing. I do not think this means minimizing the impact of the “hole” or pretending that what is missing does not matter. Rather, it is a reminder that it can be easy to get caught up in what we lack or what we wish were different and, in doing so,
lose sight of what is tangible and valuable right in front of us. As a student (and human being, honestly), I often find myself focusing on what else I could be doing. In those moments, I am focusing so much on the “hole” that I miss the opportunities, progress, and accomplishments that are already there, or the “sprinkles” for me! This quote reminds me that I can acknowledge what is missing while still making space to appreciate what I have and where I am!
Why do you love being a mental health professional?
When I started in this field, I remember feeling afraid of not knowing what to do or say, and those fears still arise because I am learning and ultimately human. Yet, a year and a half later, I knew I would always love this profession because of the relationships and moments of connection it makes possible. I still find myself cry-laughing at inside jokes and commentary with past clients. It brings me joy to reflect on those moments because I was lucky enough to be a part of their laughter and joy. Therapy can hold these moments of joy alongside deeply vulnerable and raw ones. Being able to meet clients where they are in that moment has reminded me that my being is more needed than what I am doing. I love this profession because it allows me to witness the power of relationship and empathy and how transformative they can be.
What led you to become a therapist?
My high school counselor made a meaningful impact on me as I navigated personal issues, and I remember thinking, “One day, I am going to do this. I am going to be a counselor.” As I continued through undergrad and spoke with students in the master’s program I later attended, that feeling only became stronger and ultimately solidified my decision. The clinical experiences and coursework that followed continued to reaffirm how much I loved this work. While pursuing my PhD will allow me to take on many roles, as a researcher, instructor, and supervisor, I know that, at heart, I will always be a counselor. That relationship and the desire to support others are what first led me on this path and continue to ground me in why I am here!
