Rebecca Gary, MSW, LCSW
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Master of Social Work
Licensed Clinical Social Worker To make an appointment with Rebecca, please call 630-570-0050. You can also email [email protected].
Specializes In:Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder with or without Agoraphobia, Health Anxiety/Illness Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder I & II, Major Depressive Disorder, Life Transitions, Relationship Issues, Self-Compassion, Stress Management, Grief/Bereavement
Ages Served: 12+ Adolescents/Teens, Adults, Older Adults |
Professional Experience
I completed my Bachelors Degree in Human Services from Columbia College and went on to receive my Masters Degree in Social Work, specializing in Mental Health, at the University of Southern California. My practicum experience during graduate school was through the Employee Assistance Program at Loyola University. This consisted of providing individual therapy as well as facilitating transfer to alternative levels of care. During my limited licensure, I served as a therapist at a Residential Facility for Youth of the State. There my focus was on management of mental illness, which built my foundation for Trauma-Informed Care as well as treatment of other significant mental health issues. Since, I have gained experience with providing services to clients and leadership to staff, in community mental health, family medical practice, and private therapy practice.
Specializations and Treatment Approach
I currently treat:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Panic Disorder with or without Agoraphobia
Health Anxiety/Illness Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder
Bipolar Disorder I & II
Major Depressive Disorder
Life Transitions
Relationship Issues
Self Compassion
Stress Management
Grief and Loss
In my practice, I spend the majority of my time working with individuals from 12-65+, who often present with anxiety disorders, mood disorders and major life stressors. I regularly attend continuing education to stay well-informed and trained on effective evidence-based practices.
I have an integrated approach, creating customized sessions based on individual needs, personality and how someone learns best. My treatment utilizes several modes of therapy including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and some aspects of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I recognize each person as the “expert” in their own life and guide our time, according to agreed upon goals. The foundation of my work sits on a Strengths-Based concept that highlights one’s already existing strengths, skills and resilience, to create change that aligns with their wants/needs.
Most of my sessions look like a comfortable back-and-forth conversation, where you can expect to be met with empathy and validation. I ask people to challenge themselves, their assumptions and their expectations, while providing compassion and a sense of emotional security.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Panic Disorder with or without Agoraphobia
Health Anxiety/Illness Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder
Bipolar Disorder I & II
Major Depressive Disorder
Life Transitions
Relationship Issues
Self Compassion
Stress Management
Grief and Loss
In my practice, I spend the majority of my time working with individuals from 12-65+, who often present with anxiety disorders, mood disorders and major life stressors. I regularly attend continuing education to stay well-informed and trained on effective evidence-based practices.
I have an integrated approach, creating customized sessions based on individual needs, personality and how someone learns best. My treatment utilizes several modes of therapy including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and some aspects of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I recognize each person as the “expert” in their own life and guide our time, according to agreed upon goals. The foundation of my work sits on a Strengths-Based concept that highlights one’s already existing strengths, skills and resilience, to create change that aligns with their wants/needs.
Most of my sessions look like a comfortable back-and-forth conversation, where you can expect to be met with empathy and validation. I ask people to challenge themselves, their assumptions and their expectations, while providing compassion and a sense of emotional security.
About Me
What are your professional and personal values?
A few of my most core values are authenticity, honesty, warmth, and personal agency. Walking into an office to begin therapy can be overwhelming and intimidating! That is why I meet people with a warmth that demonstrates my trustworthy intentions, while I provide compassion that often times, individuals struggle to give themselves. I strongly believe that everyone has personal agency and is capable of making decisions for themselves that lead to a greater sense of life satisfaction. This is why I guide my treatment with honesty as it allows for full exploration of what is and is not working.
What are some adjectives you would use to describe yourself and why?
I would describe myself as empathetic, open-minded, humorous, and practical. When I ask questions, it is because I am truly invested in the story and how it is impacting someone. I recognize the individuality of people’s passions, motivators and interests; this allows me to connect with others in a thoughtful way. As an every day person, I have a sarcastic sense of humor and at times I find this helpful in therapy sessions, in order to reframe thoughts and tuck in moments of relief. I tend to be quite practical in my personal and professional life, allowing me to face the reality of circumstances as well as problem solve.
What are some of your favorite self care activities?
I practice what I preach when it comes to self-care. To process, decompress or just “fill my cup”, I often spend time in nature. Fresh air, sunshine and movement makes the perfect self-care trifecta which I find in hiking, kayaking and gardening. I also really enjoy cozy days cuddled up with my cats as well as quality time with family and friends.
What is your favorite quote?
“The best way out is always through”- Robert Frost
This applies to so many things, including adversities and emotions. Sometimes facing reality is intense, but we don’t grow inside our comfort zone! We must look at and work through challenges or they will simply manifest in other ways, disrupting life down the road.
“What is success? To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Why do you love being a mental health professional?
Some careers are chosen, I believe this one to be a “calling”. I have always found that my heart is most full when I am showing up for others while they are trying to navigate this beautiful but challenging thing called “Life”. We are social beings, who survive easier with the support of others and I find myself grateful for the sacred moments that are entrusted to me when someone shares their raw thoughts, feelings and circumstances. Being able to witness a client build trust in themselves, find empowerment through action, and walk out of my office a little lighter, regularly reminds me of why I pursued this profession.
A few of my most core values are authenticity, honesty, warmth, and personal agency. Walking into an office to begin therapy can be overwhelming and intimidating! That is why I meet people with a warmth that demonstrates my trustworthy intentions, while I provide compassion that often times, individuals struggle to give themselves. I strongly believe that everyone has personal agency and is capable of making decisions for themselves that lead to a greater sense of life satisfaction. This is why I guide my treatment with honesty as it allows for full exploration of what is and is not working.
What are some adjectives you would use to describe yourself and why?
I would describe myself as empathetic, open-minded, humorous, and practical. When I ask questions, it is because I am truly invested in the story and how it is impacting someone. I recognize the individuality of people’s passions, motivators and interests; this allows me to connect with others in a thoughtful way. As an every day person, I have a sarcastic sense of humor and at times I find this helpful in therapy sessions, in order to reframe thoughts and tuck in moments of relief. I tend to be quite practical in my personal and professional life, allowing me to face the reality of circumstances as well as problem solve.
What are some of your favorite self care activities?
I practice what I preach when it comes to self-care. To process, decompress or just “fill my cup”, I often spend time in nature. Fresh air, sunshine and movement makes the perfect self-care trifecta which I find in hiking, kayaking and gardening. I also really enjoy cozy days cuddled up with my cats as well as quality time with family and friends.
What is your favorite quote?
“The best way out is always through”- Robert Frost
This applies to so many things, including adversities and emotions. Sometimes facing reality is intense, but we don’t grow inside our comfort zone! We must look at and work through challenges or they will simply manifest in other ways, disrupting life down the road.
“What is success? To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Why do you love being a mental health professional?
Some careers are chosen, I believe this one to be a “calling”. I have always found that my heart is most full when I am showing up for others while they are trying to navigate this beautiful but challenging thing called “Life”. We are social beings, who survive easier with the support of others and I find myself grateful for the sacred moments that are entrusted to me when someone shares their raw thoughts, feelings and circumstances. Being able to witness a client build trust in themselves, find empowerment through action, and walk out of my office a little lighter, regularly reminds me of why I pursued this profession.
Certifications
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Grief Certificate-PESI
2023 Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Trained/Certified Linden Oaks Hospital 2018 SIPS (Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes) Assessment Certification Yale University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry 2018 IM+CANS Certification University of Illinois, School of Social Work 2018 |
TIP (Transition to Independence Process) Model Certification
Thresholds- Dr. Hewitt Clark 2017 TF-CBT/Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certification Medical University of South Carolina 2016 Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Trained/Certified Lutheran Child and Family Services-Lutherbrook 2016 |
