Our relationship, breakup, and divorce specialists will help you navigate the rush of emotions and tough decisions that accompany a breakup or divorce. We'll meet you where you are at in your recovery process and provide you with supportive counseling based on your strengths, needs and provide tools to better manage thoughts & feelings in order to transition faster, more fully, and with less pain.
We offer relationship counseling for couples & individuals confronting relational difficulties. What's important is your emotional and physical needs being met, effective communication, and life goals being in alignment. We'll learn what you're struggling with and help you work through it! We work with any gender identity, sexual orientation, and couple type.
We offer relationship counseling for couples & individuals confronting relational difficulties. What's important is your emotional and physical needs being met, effective communication, and life goals being in alignment. We'll learn what you're struggling with and help you work through it! We work with any gender identity, sexual orientation, and couple type.
Services
Ilene Kastel, the founder of Next Step Counseling in Chicago, IL, opened in 2011. My goal was to create a boutique practice specializing in niche areas based on what I was passionate about, with people I could relate to and who could relate to me. I believe creating expertise in specific areas allows client's the best support to grow, change and thrive.
Ilene has been conducting therapy since 2005 and over the years has worked with a diverse range of young and older adults struggling with various life and relationship challenges including sadness, anxiety, self-esteem, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, life development, and weight concerns.
Experience with mood disorders, trauma PTSD & EMDR, life transitions, substance use, domestic violence, relationship issues and eating disorders. Passionate about working with members of the LGBTQ community, men, grief, anxiety, individuals in non-traditional relationships and individuals struggling with self-esteem, identity and body image issues.
Highly skilled in working with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, substance dependence, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. Utilize strength-based perspectives with interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness. Passionate about working with clients of diverse backgrounds including the LGBTQ community.
Experience with relationship issues, new parent transitions, men's issues, addictions and gambling recovery, depression and anxiety, and trauma. Provides a supportive, empathic setting and empowers clients to become the healthiest version of themselves. Provides supportive and collaborative work with clients through individual and couples counseling.
Reviews (5)
Megan Palka
Nov 21, 2020
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I highly recommend Holly at Next Step Counseling, especially if you are looking to connect with someone who truly understands infertility and pregnancy loss. Holly makes it easy to discuss these difficult and sometimes uncomfortable topics. She is empathetic, relatable, encouraging, and caring. She goes above and beyond to meet you where you are at while providing you with support and education. I am thankful that I have found her on my journey.
Justin Dietzel
Jun 15, 2020
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I have been seeing Anthony at Next Step Counseling for over a year now and I never want a different therapist. This office hires TOP NOTCH people and has taken such good care of me, including adapting to virtual visits and insurance updates due to Covid. I highly recommend Anthony and the rest of the Next Step Team!!!
Susan Lawless
Nov 10, 2018
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Krystle Roberts
Nov 10, 2017
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My experience with Ilene at Next Step Counseling has been absolutely incredible. She is supportive, empathetic, professional & has helped me navigate through some significant life challenges. From relationship & life transitions to working through death and illness in my family... she always makes me feel like I am in a safe place to share while offering helpful tools to use in everyday life. I highly recommend Ilene, and her team!
Leah Joyce
Jul 18, 2017
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I highly recommend Ilene Kastel and Next Step Counseling to those seeking professional guidance. Whether you're looking for intensive work to get past something that has happened or just want to make sure you stay on track for a healthy lifestyle, you will find a kind, warm, honest, non-judgmental atmosphere with Ilene. She has helped me with a wide range of things including the loss of my mother, my brother's drug addiction, helping me keep my relationship on a healthy course and general stress/anxiety management.
