Meet Michelle Verheyen, LCPC
The best views come after the most challenging climbs.
Find out more about Michelle Verheyen
EMDR Counselor
INSPIRED BY AUTHENTICITY
Becoming a counselor is more than a job to me. It is a calling and a privilege to sit with people, hear their stories, support them through their challenges, and empower them on their path to mental wellness.
My first career was in the business world. While I enjoyed it, I often felt something was missing. I wanted a greater sense of meaning and purpose, which led me to a career in counseling after taking time to raise my family. My experiences helped me appreciate the importance of having a space where people feel understood, supported, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.
I believe that counseling can help people better understand themselves, navigate life’s challenges, and develop the tools they need to move forward. Whether working through anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, or life transitions, my goal is to help clients build insight, strengthen coping skills, and live more authentically.
Authenticity allows us to connect with one another.
To be authentic is to be courageous, vulnerable, and willing to let your inner self be visible. I believe seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Counseling provides an opportunity to prioritize your mental health, gain a fresh perspective, and develop greater confidence, balance, and peace.
“Authenticity: When your inner self is made visible.”
Tidbits about Michelle Verheyen
Master’s Degree
Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University
Clinical License
LCPC – 180.018208
Recreational Activities
Favorite Activity: Hiking in the mountains
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Movie: Life is Beautiful
Favorite Children’s Book: The Velveteen Rabbit
Favorite Animal: Dogs
Hobbies/Interests
Travel
Playing piano
Attending musicals and plays
Work History
Michelle Verheyen’s Experience
Great Experience Matters
I have experience working with adolescents, emerging adults, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, mood concerns, relationship challenges, and personal growth. I strive to create a supportive, empathetic environment where clients feel heard and understood. Together, we identify meaningful goals and develop a personalized approach to help you make progress toward the changes you want to see in your life.
My therapeutic approach is eclectic and client-centered, integrating evidence-based techniques to meet each client’s unique needs. I draw from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These approaches can help clients process distressing experiences, manage difficult emotions, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and take meaningful steps toward living in alignment with their values.
I believe therapy should be tailored to the individual rather than follow a one-size-fits-all approach. My goal is to provide a collaborative and supportive space where clients can develop insight, build resilience, and make meaningful progress toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Michelle Verheyen’s Ultimate Goal
My ultimate goal is for my clients to feel proud they are taking steps to improve their mental health. I hope my clients leave feeling lighter, less burdened, and optimistic that they have the power within themselves to live authentically and cope with life’s challenges.
Michelle Verheyen, LCPCEMDR Counselor
New Client
How getting started works
It can be overwhelming coming to counseling. Here’s every step, from your first call to the sessions that follow.
Step 1
Reach out
Request a session online or call (815) 409-5940 to schedule your first appointment.
Step 2
Fill out your intake forms
Your welcome email has everything. Finish the forms at least 48 hours before your appointment, on a phone, tablet or computer, and share your preferred times and therapist.
Step 3
We check your benefits
If you’re using insurance, we check your benefits before confirming your appointment, so you have a good idea of your cost before your first visit.
Step 4
Your first session
Check in on the iPad in our waiting room. Your therapist walks you through confidentiality, answers your questions, and gets to know you and your goals.
Step 5
Plan next steps together
Most people start with weekly sessions, at least three to build a connection, then adjust together as things improve.
In-network with
- Aetna PPO
- Cigna / Evernorth
- BCBS PPO
- Initial assessment $200
- Ongoing sessions $150
Insurance and rates
Insurance Accepted
We work with most major insurance plans and offer self-pay options. We believe quality mental health care should be accessible. Michelle Verheyen is in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna. For UnitedHealthcare or UMR plans, call us and we will check your benefits before your first session.
We also offer self-pay options and can provide a Superbill for out-of-network benefits.
Start Working with
Michelle Verheyen!
Tell us a little about what is going on. We will match you with the right therapist and reach out to schedule.
Trouble seeing the form? Open it in a new window or call us at (815) 409-5940.
What People Are Saying About Us
5.0 Based on 5 Google reviews
“Davis-Smith Mental Health truly cares about their clients. The therapists are compassionate, skilled, and genuinely committed to helping you grow and heal. It’s clear that Jessica has built a team that shares her values and dedication. Highly recommend to anyone looking for meaningful support and real results.”
Kasia Budyn · Posted on Google
“Jessica provides a safe and welcoming environment for all the teens she sees. She tailors treatment to each teen and is incredibly patient and open to their needs. I have seen first hand the work she does and the connection she has with kids. I cannot recommend her enough as someone who will care for your teen and your family!”
Google User · Posted on Google
“Davis-Smith Mental Health is a trusted resource for providing compassionate, high-quality therapy for teens and emerging adults. I know confidently that clients are supported with empathy, professionalism, and respect. Jessica leads her team with integrity and intention. She clearly prioritizes the well-being of her staff, which allows them to show up fully for the clients they serve. Their commitment to the healing journey is evident in every interaction. I’m grateful to have them as a referral partner and deeply value their work in the mental health community.”
Sherri Wick · Posted on Google
“Jessica is a dedicated therapist and absolutely loves working with teens. You are able to feel the love from the moment you walk through the door. She and her staff will provide a safe and private environment for that one on one attention you deserve.”
Melanie K. Hall · Posted on Google
“Jessica and her team are so passionate and helpful! I would recommend this practice to anyone looking!”
Biljana Krzywinski · Posted on Google
More ways we can help
Other Ways We Help
Anxiety Therapy
Anxiety is the most common reason families come to us, and it’s the foundation of everything we do. Whether your teen is avoiding school, your young adult can’t stop overthinking, or worry has taken over your daily life, we can help. Our therapists use CBT and EMDR to help clients understand what’s driving their anxiety and build real tools to manage it.
Teen Anxiety Counseling
The teen years are when anxiety tends to hit the hardest. School pressure, social stress, comparison, and the weight of figuring out who they are can leave teens feeling overwhelmed and stuck. We work with teens to understand what’s behind the anxiety and give them real skills they can actually use, at school, at home, and in the moments that feel like too much.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a well-researched approach for trauma, and it’s also used for anxiety. It works by helping the brain reprocess difficult memories and experiences that are keeping you stuck. Our EMDR-trained therapist works with teens, young adults, and adults.
Depression Therapy
Depression and anxiety often show up together. If your teen has lost interest in things they used to enjoy, is sleeping too much or too little, or seems hopeless about the future, therapy can help. We work with clients to find what’s underneath the depression and build a path forward that actually feels possible.
Trauma Counseling
Trauma is one of the most common drivers of anxiety in teenagers and young adults. It doesn’t always look like what you’d expect. It can show up as constant worry, anger, trouble concentrating, or emotional shutdown. Our therapists help clients work through trauma at their own pace, in a space where they feel safe.
Emotional Regulation
When anxiety runs high, emotions feel unmanageable. Some children, teens, and adults feel everything. Small frustrations become explosions. Sadness becomes despair. We help clients understand their patterns and develop strategies for handling intense feelings without shutting down or lashing out.
Relationship Counseling
Anxiety doesn’t just affect the person experiencing it. It changes how they show up in every relationship. We help teens, young adults, and adults work through the ways anxiety and other challenges are impacting their connections with family, friends, and partners.
Life Transitions
Starting high school. Leaving for college. A new job, a divorce, a move. Life transitions can trigger anxiety, depression, and self-doubt, even when the change is something you wanted. We help clients work through the uncertainty and build confidence in who they’re becoming.
Young Adult Counseling
The years between 18 and 30 come with a unique kind of pressure. A lot of young adults are dealing with anxiety they’ve carried since their teenage years but never had the chance to address. We help them get unstuck and start building a life that feels like theirs.
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You don’t have to figure this out alone
If something told you to keep reading this far, trust that feeling. Whether it’s for yourself, your teen, or your young adult, the hardest part is deciding to start. We are here when you are ready.
there is courage in change ♥
- Anxiety counseling for children, teens and adults
- Rated 5.0 on Google
- In-network with Aetna, BCBS and Cigna
- Telehealth for clients in Illinois
- In-person in New Lenox
- EMDR therapy for anxiety and trauma
- We truly care about every client
- There is courage in change