Kate Nash, MA, LPC
Masters of Arts in Clinical Professional Psychology
Licensed Professional Counselor To make an appointment with Kate, please call 630-570-0050. You can also email [email protected].
Specializes In:Anxiety, Depression, Social Anxiety, Worry/Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Grief and Bereavement, ADHD, Self-Esteem, Anger Management, Health Anxiety, Caregiver Support, Chronic Pain
Ages served: Older Adolescents/Teens, Adults, Older Adults |
Professional Experience
I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology from Illinois State University. I was a member of Psy Chi (an international honor society for those majoring in Psychology), teaching assistant in social psychology, and part of a research team that studied communication during taped counseling sessions using a verbal response mode coding system (developed by William Stiles). I earned an internship at an inpatient drug and alcohol program for adolescents, which was the most challenging job I have ever had. This is where I learned that I could connect with people on a deeper, more meaningful level. This motivated me to seek more specialized training in psychology by furthering my education.
I went to graduate school at Roosevelt University where I obtained my Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Professional Psychology. At that time, I worked as an intern at an inpatient psychiatric unit at a hospital as well as a Partial Hospitalization Program (an intensive day treatment that involved running groups and one-on-one counseling). I then accepted a job as a Social Work Case Manager and started working in the Discharge Planning/Case Management Department.
I primarily worked in the Intensive Care Unit, which was a great place to put my counseling education and skills to use. I often worked with patients at the end of their lives along with their families. This led me to apply for a position as a Palliative Care Social Worker where I had the honor of being part of the first Palliative Care Team at the hospital where I worked. Palliative Care is a program/team of people that aim to improve the quality of life for people with chronic diseases or illnesses often needed at the end of life.
My passion for palliative care inspired me to attend a workshop in California where I became an ELNEC (End-of-Life Nursing Consortium) trainer and educator. I continued working in the ICU and I also started educating staff at the hospital on Palliative Care topics (e.g., communication, ethical standards, cultural issues at end of life). I loved working with people and families who were struggling and in need of guidance during their most vulnerable times. I learned so much about community resources, working with a team, death and dying, and ways to improve quality of life. Most of all, I realized I enjoyed helping people from all walks of life. I was humbled by the trust patients and their families placed in me during such a difficult time in their lives.
From there, I decided to focus solely on Palliative Care and so began working in Outpatient Palliative Care in the Chicagoland community. This venture eventually led me to a position in the hospice field where I became a Bereavement Coordinator. My main priority was working with the bereaved to help them cope with their grief. I ran a Grief Support Group weekly as well as individual counseling sessions. I learned that grief can be very complicated, and it needs to be treated delicately with education, resources, and support. Furthermore, I found that I really valued the individual counseling sessions and I wanted to utilize my training as a Licensed Professional Counselor. That is when I found Oakheart and I knew this is a place where I can acquire new clinical skills while growing both personally and professionally. I am grateful to be currently working toward furthering my licensure to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
I went to graduate school at Roosevelt University where I obtained my Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Professional Psychology. At that time, I worked as an intern at an inpatient psychiatric unit at a hospital as well as a Partial Hospitalization Program (an intensive day treatment that involved running groups and one-on-one counseling). I then accepted a job as a Social Work Case Manager and started working in the Discharge Planning/Case Management Department.
I primarily worked in the Intensive Care Unit, which was a great place to put my counseling education and skills to use. I often worked with patients at the end of their lives along with their families. This led me to apply for a position as a Palliative Care Social Worker where I had the honor of being part of the first Palliative Care Team at the hospital where I worked. Palliative Care is a program/team of people that aim to improve the quality of life for people with chronic diseases or illnesses often needed at the end of life.
My passion for palliative care inspired me to attend a workshop in California where I became an ELNEC (End-of-Life Nursing Consortium) trainer and educator. I continued working in the ICU and I also started educating staff at the hospital on Palliative Care topics (e.g., communication, ethical standards, cultural issues at end of life). I loved working with people and families who were struggling and in need of guidance during their most vulnerable times. I learned so much about community resources, working with a team, death and dying, and ways to improve quality of life. Most of all, I realized I enjoyed helping people from all walks of life. I was humbled by the trust patients and their families placed in me during such a difficult time in their lives.
From there, I decided to focus solely on Palliative Care and so began working in Outpatient Palliative Care in the Chicagoland community. This venture eventually led me to a position in the hospice field where I became a Bereavement Coordinator. My main priority was working with the bereaved to help them cope with their grief. I ran a Grief Support Group weekly as well as individual counseling sessions. I learned that grief can be very complicated, and it needs to be treated delicately with education, resources, and support. Furthermore, I found that I really valued the individual counseling sessions and I wanted to utilize my training as a Licensed Professional Counselor. That is when I found Oakheart and I knew this is a place where I can acquire new clinical skills while growing both personally and professionally. I am grateful to be currently working toward furthering my licensure to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
Specializations and Treatment Approach
I am working towards specializations in depression, social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder (worry), grief and bereavement, chronic pain, self-esteem, anger management, health anxiety, caregiver support, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
I am a patient advocate and will go above and beyond to ensure everyone I work with has the best of what I am able to offer: personal connection, compassion, support, education, resources, empathy, and cultural awareness.
“We know from experience and a growing body of supportive literature […] that the therapeutic relationship a counselor forms with each client can be the most powerful tool for helping clients change.” -Jeff Cochran and Nancy Cochran
Personal values influence one’s behavior and personality traits. They guide us through success and challenging times. I value honesty, empathy, and being genuine and non-judgemental. I will create a safe place which enables people to open up and be vulnerable. As a counseling professional, I am compassionate, ethical, determined, and aware. I like to use evidence-based forms of treatment, mostly focusing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In a nutshell, CBT involves working together to change unhealthy patterns of thinking. Common topics I address in therapy include vulnerability, boundaries, assertiveness, self-compassion, shame, self-esteem, anger, and trust. I am one to utilize resources (e.g., printouts, book recommendations, workbooks, art therapy) with those interested. I understand that everyone I encounter has his/her/their own set of needs and learning style. I tailor my treatment approaches to each person to attempt to meet them on their level while maximizing positive outcomes. I recognize that starting therapy can be very scary and intimidating. I believe that if you can take the leap and start therapy with me, I will be there for you, and we will make a best fit plan together.
“Sometimes the bravest most important thing you can do is just show up.” -Brene’ Brown
I am a patient advocate and will go above and beyond to ensure everyone I work with has the best of what I am able to offer: personal connection, compassion, support, education, resources, empathy, and cultural awareness.
“We know from experience and a growing body of supportive literature […] that the therapeutic relationship a counselor forms with each client can be the most powerful tool for helping clients change.” -Jeff Cochran and Nancy Cochran
Personal values influence one’s behavior and personality traits. They guide us through success and challenging times. I value honesty, empathy, and being genuine and non-judgemental. I will create a safe place which enables people to open up and be vulnerable. As a counseling professional, I am compassionate, ethical, determined, and aware. I like to use evidence-based forms of treatment, mostly focusing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In a nutshell, CBT involves working together to change unhealthy patterns of thinking. Common topics I address in therapy include vulnerability, boundaries, assertiveness, self-compassion, shame, self-esteem, anger, and trust. I am one to utilize resources (e.g., printouts, book recommendations, workbooks, art therapy) with those interested. I understand that everyone I encounter has his/her/their own set of needs and learning style. I tailor my treatment approaches to each person to attempt to meet them on their level while maximizing positive outcomes. I recognize that starting therapy can be very scary and intimidating. I believe that if you can take the leap and start therapy with me, I will be there for you, and we will make a best fit plan together.
“Sometimes the bravest most important thing you can do is just show up.” -Brene’ Brown
About Me
What are some of your favorite self care activities?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I adore my dog, Lucy (formerly “Juicy”), who I rescued from a shelter years ago. I recently adopted a bearded dragon named Raf. I have learned way more about reptiles than you can imagine, but I enjoy it and love Raf immensely. I very much appreciate good TV shows and movies to the point where I keep an ongoing list of recommendations to share with friends and family. I enjoy decorating, “upcycling” furniture I find (on the side of the road is the best!) and taking Lucy on walks. I am an avid Packers fan, so I hope that doesn’t affect your decision to see me for therapy.
What is your favorite quote?
“The act of revealing oneself fully to another and still being accepted may be the major vehicle of therapeutic help.” -Irvin B. Yalom
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I adore my dog, Lucy (formerly “Juicy”), who I rescued from a shelter years ago. I recently adopted a bearded dragon named Raf. I have learned way more about reptiles than you can imagine, but I enjoy it and love Raf immensely. I very much appreciate good TV shows and movies to the point where I keep an ongoing list of recommendations to share with friends and family. I enjoy decorating, “upcycling” furniture I find (on the side of the road is the best!) and taking Lucy on walks. I am an avid Packers fan, so I hope that doesn’t affect your decision to see me for therapy.
What is your favorite quote?
“The act of revealing oneself fully to another and still being accepted may be the major vehicle of therapeutic help.” -Irvin B. Yalom