Meet the Therapists
 

Nina O’Brien(she/her/hers)

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois.  I have over 15 years of experience working in a variety of settings including residential treatment, outpatient counseling, and program administration. I have also been blessed with the opportunity to provide counseling services to Veterans of all ages struggling with readjustment issues, depression, moral injury, and recovery from combat trauma and sexual assault. I obtained my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

 I employ a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach to the counseling process. I am adept at guiding people down mindful and holistic paths to self-care and healing from traumatic experiences.  I am a certified yoga teacher, and use Trauma-Sensitive Yoga and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing as treatment modalities.   

 I have experience working with couples and military families. I enjoy helping couples connect in deeper ways through improving communication, strengthening bonding, and learning to constructively navigate conflicts. I often utilize the Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills (PAIRS) curriculum for relationship enhancement, and am a trainer for the Warrior to Soul Mate program, a version of PAIRS adapted for military service members. 

 I am dedicated to Willow Counseling’s core belief that recovery from suffering is possible through connection.  I am excited to create a collaborative therapeutic relationship with each person, one in which you can experience support, grounding and personal growth at any age.   

Kristen Hammel(she/her/hers)

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois and have over ten years of experience in the mental health field.  I have worked in a variety of settings including outpatient counseling services, crisis screenings, residential treatment, and administration. I am a member of the American Counseling Association, Illinois Counseling Association, and am a recognized National Certified Counselor by the National Board for Certified Counselors.

I have extensive experience working with adolescents who have experienced trauma in their life. I provide individual and group therapy to both adolescents and adults. I utilize a person-centered approach to create a supportive and safe environment to build a therapeutic and authentic connection with each person.    I have an eclectic approach in regards to the treatment modalities I apply in sessions as each person is unique and I adapt to their individual needs. I am adept at using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when working with adolescents, adults, and families.

I am dedicated to Willow Counseling’s core belief that healing is possible through connection. Willow Counseling provides a supportive and collaborative therapeutic relationship where you can experience connection, grounding, and growth. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to work with people and provide them with the ability to develop connected relationships. These relationships promote healing and personal growth at any age.