HEALING


is a journey, a step-by-step process that can lead to the greatest adventure of our lives.

Welcome

Life can be difficult and at times people may require the assistance of a professional counselor to aid them in resolving challenges in their lives. Truth and Grace Counseling was established to provide an opportunity for individuals, couples, and families to receive therapy in a nonjudgmental environment from our Counselors, who are dedicated to helping people more fully enjoy their life and purpose. The name of the practice was chosen because there is a healing power that can be realized when the truth concerning a challenge is revealed and accepted, and we believe that conveying truth in a gracious manner is important in therapy.

There are varieties of reasons why people seek counseling, but no matter what the motivation, we believe they want and need to be accepted right where they are. We approach each individual’s unique story from a nonjudgmental position, as we seek to understand the client’s perspective in an effort to help them overcome their challenges. We are goal-oriented counselors who use a combination of therapies with clients, selecting the techniques that work best with each individual, as together the client and their counselor decide, develop, and pursue agreed upon objectives.

Developing a therapeutic relationship is important, as the counselor and the client work together to uncover the thoughts and behaviors that are counter-productive in the life of the person. Then the counselor has the individual put into practice the alternative thoughts and behaviors that make possible the positive changes that will enable them to more fully enjoy their life and purpose. Our counselors consider it a privilege to serve others and help them for a time on their life’s journey.

Karen M. Bridwell

Karen is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois. She received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Professional Psychology from Roosevelt University, and she is also a member of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), and the Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA).

Karen is an individual with strong personal and professional ethics with a reputation for competency in counseling. One of her key strengths is her interpersonal skills, as she is recognized as a person others are comfortable approaching for guidance. She excels in helping clients pursue and achieve their goals through education and redirection in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment, and she does so with a nonjudgmental approach, honesty, and a servant’s heart.

Karen’s specialties include anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety, panic disorders, panic disorder with agoraphobia, specific phobias, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Another area she specializes in is mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. She also has significant experience in counseling victims suffering from the effects of trauma including domestic abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and sexual assault. In addition, she is well equipped to help people experiencing the effects of issues such as anger, grief, impulse control challenges, relational issues, self-esteem, and self-injury. Other areas of experience she possesses include couples counseling, counseling adolescents and their families,and she has also assisted individuals facing life altering health issues and their families.

Please contact Karen at 224.578.5548 to make an appointment.

Susan Etter

Susan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in The state of Illinois. She received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Roosevelt University, and she is also a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA), and the National Certified Counselors (NCC). In addition, she holds a certification as a Certified Domestic Violence Professional (CDVP).

Susan has over 7 years of experience working with clients of all ages and backgrounds including individuals, couples, families, and groups. She believes that counseling can be a powerful vehicle in the transformation process when it is driven by the relationship between client and therapist. Her goal is to help clients achieve freedom from emotional pain, which can enable them to find greater fulfillment in their lives. She provides a nonjudgmental, safe environment in which the client can process their thoughts and feelings, and then she presents the therapeutic options that can improve their coping skills. When these techniques are actively applied to the individual’s life, they can bring about an emotional healing.

Susan has a wealth of experience in trauma; specifically sexual abuse, physical abuse, and domestic violence. In addition, she is also well qualified to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, codependency, grief, and loss.

Please contact Susan at 224.578.5548 to make an appointment.

Services

Counseling services include working with adolescents, young adults, men, women and seniors who are experiencing the affects of issues such as:

  • Obsessive/Compulsive Behaviors (OCD)
  • Panic/Anxiety Attacks
  • Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
  • Relationship Issues (Couples, Families, Friends)
  • Self Esteem
  • Self Injury
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Sexual Assault
  • Spiritual Issues
  • Stress
  • Trauma
  • Women’s Issues

 

Individual Therapy:

Individualized treatment personalized to address each person’s particular needs. The focus of treatment is on resolving symptoms by addressing the root cause(s) and realizing treatment goals.

Couples/Marital Therapy:

Relationships take effort and at times are in need of special attention. A safe environment is provided to work on developing more effective communication skills, conflict resolution, and emotional understanding and acceptance of one another. There are times when each partner’s past impacts the dynamic of the relationship, and this is addressed as well.

Family Therapy:

The family dynamic is a living entity with its own complex patterns of behavior within the unit. These patterns directly and uniquely affect each family member. Family therapy strives to reconnect family members to facilitate a healthier functioning family unit.

Christian Counseling:

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32(NIV) Our counselors are also Christians, and their experience in counseling hurting people reaffirm that this scripture is accurate. This particular verse is the inspiration behind the focus of the practice; “The truth applied to the challenges of life in a nonjudgmental manner and with a servant’s heart.” In their role as counselor, they combine clinically sound treatment methods with Christian based principles when assisting people in need who choose this type of counseling. As Christians, they understand and respect the individual’s sincerely held beliefs and can effectively counsel from their perspective.

 

payment options

The financial aspect of counseling can be confusing. Truth and Grace Counseling represents the insurance companies listed below and complies with deductible and/or copayment requirements. The client’s portion of the payment is expected at the end of each session. Our practice currently accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for payment of the client’s portion of the fee.


Truth and Grace Counseling is in-network with the following insurance companies:

  • Aetna
  • American Behavioral
  • Anthem
  • BlueCross and BlueShield
  • Cigna
  • ComPsych
  • Health Alliance
  • Health Link
  • Humana
  • LifeSync
  • Magellan Behavioral Health
  • MultiPlan
  • PHCS
  • PHCS Savility
  • United Healthcare
  • WellPoint
  • Out of Network

Although we are considered out of network for other insurance companies, most PPOs will cover a portion of our fees. It is best to call your insurance to inquire about coverage, deductibles, and co-pays. Please bring your medical insurance card to your first session.


Sliding scale fees are available for individuals/families without insurance coverage and a household income of less than $75,000.

Professional Organizations

  • Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA)
  • National Certified Counselors (NCC)
  • International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP)

Contact

Truth & Grace Counseling
2210 Dean Street, Suite F-1, St. Charles, IL 60175
224-578-5548

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