Maria Kroener

“In a dark place, we find ourselves, and a little more knowledge lights our way.” – Yoda.

Life brings many stressors, and we could all benefit from a safe and supportive place to sort out our feelings and process our concerns. In counseling, I aim to provide my clients with a warm, non-judgmental space where they feel genuinely heard, so they can feel free to communicate openly and authentically.
As a therapist who recognizes that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all, I combine techniques and treatment modalities from different therapeutic approaches to create a unique, personalized experience that works for you. This means I can provide a more relaxed session where we talk about what is going on and problem-solve at the moment, or, if that does not work for you, I can also take a more structured approach that focuses on skills and coping strategies.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, and a Certified Trauma Professional, with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health and Counseling from Governors State University and a Bachelor’s in Social Work. In addition, I am also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Co-Occurring Disorder Professional, Trained in EMDR, and a Reiki level III Practitioner.
I have training in several therapeutic modalities, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. I have experience in providing therapy to those with trauma, anxiety, grief and loss, mood disorders, self-injurious behaviors, suicidal thoughts, addiction, substance use, ADHD, disordered eating, career counseling, DBT, life skills, expressive arts, holistic healing and supporting clients who are part of the LGBTQIA+ and Kink community.
It would be best to share your life story, perspective, and goals at your own pace, with appropriate encouragement and therapeutic challenges when necessary.
Are you ready to take that next step to begin working on the most critical person in your life, YOU? The relationship we develop with ourselves is the most crucial and influential in shaping our day-to-day experience.
I am ready to support your journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life. I currently specialize in seeing adolescents and young adults. I also see clients for telehealth sessions and in-person at the Orland Park location.aph for your profile.