My name is Marissa Krager, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed School Social Worker (PEL) in the state of Illinois. I like to look at my clients as a whole, (environment, support, interests, strengths, weaknesses) not just individually. I go by my client’s pace, assessing how you are working in counseling and understanding what you're able to process/handle in those moments, never adding pressure. Specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, and general counseling.
My approach
The common approach I use in therapy is attachment-based work, processing the client’s attachment with their past and present support people, family, and loved ones. I know this approach isn’t for all clients, each client is different, so I changed my approach to fit the client's best needs clinically.
My focus
I've been practicing counseling since 2016, in both non-profit organizations and private clinical practice, working with different populations and cultures of children, adolescents, teens, and adults. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, and generalized stress.
My communication style
Clients always have control over the sessions, and I like for my clients to know that right when we start the counseling process together. You are seeking counseling for support and assistance, creating a non-judgmental environment is so important to me.
My journey to mental healthcare
I love seeing a client a moment of sudden insight or discovery about themselves during a session, it brings such joy to me!
My goals for you
Clients have 100% say in what their clinical goals will be, we talk about what those goals will look like in the first couple of sessions and finalize those goals together. Goals can change over time and we will change those goals in counseling to fit the client's needs.
My first session with you
During our first session, I like to take the time to tell you more about myself as a counselor and have you ask me any questions. Also, take the time to learn more about your presenting problems and why you’re coming to counseling. Sometimes clients don’t know what to say at the first counseling session, so then I have a set of intake questions we go over together to warm up to talking in counseling and making it more comfortable.