About PLCS
Passion for Living Counseling Services Staff
Lorre Hunter
LCSW, CADC
Certified EMDR Therapist
Certified Alcohol and other Drug Counselor
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Specializing in Individuals age 15 yrs and older and couples
My journey to help others began thirty years ago when someone helped me during the most difficult time of my life. I had to be the one who reached out for help, and when I did, I found an amazing person who supported me while I made some very tough decisions. I felt relief that I was not alone on my journey. After that experience, I knew I needed to help others, just as I had been helped.
People who are in the helping field, whether it is nursing, first responders, therapists or other helpers all have a story, just as you do. We all want to help others because we once received help from someone. It is not shameful or embarrassing to reach out and say “I don’t know how to deal with this problem. Will you please help me?”
I believe in providing a client-centered, non-judgmental environment for you to grow and make your world into what you believe is the best solution for yourself. I provide genuine empathy and offer unconditional positive regard for all individuals. We are all unique and have a story to share. You know yourself best and should take the lead in your therapy session.
We all have a past, but do not need to be stuck in the past. Let’s work together to work through the past and make a bright beautiful future for you to enjoy. You can learn coping skills and other tools to help with many things you struggle with today. Reach out and change your life today. There is no struggle that cannot be changed and corrected. Reach out and say “I need help.” Together, we can make positive changes in your life.
Lorre's Clinical Philosophy
A Promise to My Client
You are the expert of your life and I am here to help you make the changes you desire in your life. I have experience with many different mental health disorders and substance use disorders. Having worked with many populations, including the homeless population and homeless veterans with substance use disorders, has allowed me the opportunity to develop a deep respect for all individuals. These experiences helped me gain the values I hold most dear, empathy, compassion, respect for all, and above all else, each of us has a story to tell. I would love to hear your story.
Briana Vintika
LSW - Licensed Social Worker
Specializing in Individuals ages 6-18 yrs old
My name is Bri and I am a graduate of Aurora University with a Masters degree in Social Work (MSW). I work with children ages 6-18 years old. I like to have a strong therapeutic relationship with the children I work with and give them a safe space to express their feelings and learn different strategies to cope with these feelings. I believe that every person needs something different and therapy is not a one size fits all. Some of the modalities I use are Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I have experience working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, self-harm, and trauma.
My goal is to empower my clients by giving them the tools to help face their mental health struggles in a nonjudgmental safe space.
Kelly Norton
LCSW, CADC
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Graduate of Aurora University with a Master Degree of Social Work. I have always had a passion for helping people, as I firmly believe that everyone has strengths and deserves an opportunity to succeed. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have a wide range of experience working with individuals, ages 12 years and older. My specialties include, but are not limited to, addictions, anxiety, conduct disorder, depression, and self-harm. I utilize a variety of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I have several years’ experience working with people who live with Antisocial and Borderline Personality Disorders. Along with providing individual therapy, I have extensive experience working in the criminal justice system, where I have spent several years providing case management in the Cook County Court System. I have worked in correctional settings and am a Qualified Mental Health Professional at Dixon Correctional Center, where I provide mental health services to males sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections. While at Dixon Correctional Center, I have had the opportunity to provide therapy and treat males who endured significant trauma, by empowering them to recognize their strengths as a survivor.
As a Mental Health Professional at Dixon Correctional Center, I have had an opportunity to facilitate support groups and serve on the board for the LGBTQI community. Whether a person identifies as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or is questioning their sexuality, this can be a confusing and scary time for a person, and I am here to help. My experience includes, but is not limited to, assisting in decision making regarding hormone therapy, providing a safe haven for a person to openly discuss their sexuality, and advocating for the rights and needs of this population. As a therapist, I recognize that everyone has different life experiences and goals on how they identify, and I believe it’s important to meet each client where they are at in their journey. Therefore, my goal is to provide a comfortable and safe environment, where a client can openly discuss their goals without judgment.
As a therapist, I believe in developing a rapport with my clients and providing an empathic environment that is non-judgmental. I look forward to working with clients and helping them achieve their goals and live the life they desire and deserve.
Thresa Caccavale
LSW - Licensed Social Worker
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My name is Thresa, but feel free to call me Tessi. I have received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Aurora University. I have worked with adolescents (12+), young adults, older adults, and couples. Whether it is your first time to therapy or returning to it can be scary, but I like to provide a warm, calm, and judgment free zone to allow my clients to release their inner struggles to allow them to be the best version of themselves.
Some methods I have used are Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), or other approaches depending on the client needs. I specialize in addictions, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, infertility, and grief. The techniques I use allow my clients to process, heal, and grow from unexpected life challenges. I look forward to the opportunity of working with you and coming along on your journey.
Cassidy Gaudio
LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Specializing in individuals ages 4 and older
I have known, since I was young, that I wanted to work with children. In college, I was introduced to the idea of becoming a child therapist. This field of study would allow me to educate, support, and create nurturing relationships with children. In turn, these skills and mechanisms would allow children to enhance their connections, independence, and development. It is my hope to assist clients in the journey of healing and growing in a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate environment.
I graduated from Aurora University with a Master of Social Work in 2016. In 2021, I became an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Eight years of practice in the field of social work has exposed me to diverse populations such as: homelessness, geriatrics, foster care, and adoption. I believe in a client-centered treatment approach. This treatment approach is built around a strong foundation of specialty certifications in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brain spotting, EMDR, Theraplay, and Play Therapy techniques.
I provide individual and family therapy, working with a wide range of ages from children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. I offer therapy for depression, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, attachment, parenting guidance, relational struggles, and many more mental health subjects. I have special interest in working with children in foster care, adoption, loss, and attachment.
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Insurance Information
Lorre is credentialed with Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medicare, Beacon Health Options, Magellen,
HFN, Military One Source, Health Alliance , Health Link, and more.
Briana is credentialed with Blue Cross/ Blue Shield PPO plans and Aetna