Meet Our Therapists

Kellie Calderon, LCPC

Specializes in:

Anxiety

Life Transitions

Relationship Stress

Adolescents

Adults

Sometimes we’re tested not to show our weaknesses, but to discover our strengths

Kellie is currently in network with Aetna, Anthem, BCBSIL PPO, Blue Choice, United Healthcare and Cigna. She is also offering self-pay and can also provide a SuperBill if requested.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. I thoroughly believe that each client has the ability to grow and make positive changes in their lives. Because of our unique strengths, people are often able to cope with difficult situations, to grow, and fulfill their full potential with some assistance or guidance. I enjoy motivating and empowering clients to reach their full potential, and I provide an empathetic, judgment-free zone that is essential to achieving and sustaining this growth.

I am the founder (and therapist) of Ace Counseling Group. I truly feel this is my passion in life. To help people identify, discover, grow and heal. I want to help people realize their capabilities and strengths in order for them to live in the best way they can. I hope to do that for you!

APPROACH

I consider my approach to be eclectic, taking from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Person-Centered and Solution Focused Brief therapies. More importantly than specific theories, I truly aim at tailoring each clients experience with where they are at, and what they may need. Let me break it down:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence based approach in which negative thoughts and distortions in thinking are challenged. Once the patterns of thinking are identified, we work to change those patterns which will in turn change your feelings and then your behaviors.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a CBT approach that aims at helping clients recognize a both- and approach versus an either-or perspective. The basis of DBT is acceptance and change. DBT is highly skills based so you will learn skills that help get you to this acceptance and change phase. Dialectical is an integration of opposites, an example of this would be “I am doing the best that I can and I want to do better”, rather than “I am doing the best that I can but I want to be doing better”. Behavior indicates it is a behavioral approach (meaning to change the behavior).

Person Centered Therapy is a client centered approach in which the therapist will strive to understand the clients experience from their perspective. It also is on the basis that each person has the innate ability to change and grow, which sometimes becomes clouded by certain life experiences or struggles.

Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) aims at finding solutions in the present time. The foundation of SFBT is goal setting. We will set realistic, and identifiable goals and find out solutions to get you to those goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

2016 – Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Summa Cum Laude | Governors State University

2012 – Bachelors in Psychology | Saint Ambrose University

EXPERIENCE

I have experience working in multiple settings including community agencies, private practice and an Employee Assistance Program.

During my graduate studies, I interned at Family Service Association of Greater Elgin Area. At FSA, I gained experience working with youth, adolescents and adults with a variety of presenting problems. I also co-lead groups for adolescents and worked with the SASS team on crisis response.

In my time in private practice, I have worked mainly with children, adolescents and young adults. The main presenting problems were anxiety, depression, transitional stress, work stress and grief.

I also have experience working at an Employee Assistance Program. I conducted over the phone assessments for employees through their benefit, and was an EAP counselor on site at multiple locations. This gave me experience utilizing the Solution Focused Brief Therapy approach due to the short term model of counseling.

PERSONAL

I look forward to working with you to help you achieve growth and make progress towards your goals. In my free time, I like cooking new and challenging recipes that I can enjoy with family and friends! I grew up cooking with my mom and it always brought me so much joy. I also spend way too much time with my dog Jax, as well as taking too many pictures of him. I originally went to school to become an Occupational Therapist, but I took one counseling course as an elective in college and never looked back!