WHO WE ARE

Click on an image above or scroll down to learn about who we are and how we can help.

We are a seasoned group of mental health clinicians who are committed to providing the highest quality care and service for children, teens, adults and the elderly. As professionals we have been able to come alongside our clients, offering support, hope and solutions for their emotional, transitional and clinically significant challenges.

Amy Barth

MSW. LCSW. LLC.

Amy received her Masters in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has worked in the mental health field for many years with adults and adolescents in various settings, including inpatient mental health, community mental health, social services in nursing home care, Employee Assistance Programming (EAP)/managed care and school based services.

In addition to working at Providence, Amy is also employed as a high school social worker working closely with students, their families and other school personnel and outside resources. In addition, Amy is a trainer for Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid. Amy uses a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, influenced by a variety of treatment modalities. She addresses a broad range of emotional, behavioral and adjustment issues including anxiety, depression, loss, life changes, relationship conflicts, academic concerns and parenting struggles. Amy provides therapy to children, adolescents, adults and families.

"Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the ability to act in the presence of fear." - Bruce Lee

Be courageous today.

Emily Boothe

MA. LCPC. LLC.

Emily enjoys working with young adults and adults in individual and couples therapy. Emily believes in a client-centered approach to therapy and understands that effective therapy cannot be achieved without an understanding and trusting relationship between therapist and client.

Treatment often includes cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based approaches. Emily understands that each client is unique and these treatments alone may not work for every client, therefore, treatment options are altered based on client need and preference.

Emily is experienced in the treatment of substance use, anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and relationship issues. She also has experience working with anger management and parenting clients. She obtained her B.A. in Psychology from North Central College (Naperville, IL) and her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bradley University (Peoria, IL).

Emily wants to help you get your life back on track, no matter the issues you are experiencing. In therapy, you will have a safe space to be able to process through whatever you are going through and Emily will provide you with reassurance, validation, support, and a way forward.

Other areas of expertise include:

• Alcohol and Drug Issues

• Anger Management

• Anxiety

• Bipolar Disorder

• Depression

• Grief

• Midlife Transitions

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Parenting Issues

• Postpartum depression/anxiety

• Professional Issues

• PTSD/Trauma

• Relationship Issues

• Self-Injury

• Stress Management

• Women’s Issues

Pam Borgeson

MA. LCPC. LTD.

Pam has always believed that each person needs a place where they can share themselves: to share their fears, worries, struggles, thoughts, joys, triumphs, pain, grief and know that they will be heard. That during these conversations, clarity and understanding can be found, hurt and pain can be lifted and life renewed.

Pam’s goal and focus was to equip herself with the skills to not only listen but have knowledge and skills to come along side others. As a result, Pam pursued a degree in Psychology from Simpson College in Iowa and completed her Masters in Human Services and Counseling from DePaul University in 1981.

Pam’s career started at the DuPage County Youth Home working as a group worker with incarcerated youth. She then became the Program Director for TAG (The Attention Group), a girl’s group home in Naperville. From there her experience led her to the Kane County Truancy Program working with truant youth and their families. That position moved Pam to Director of Youth Services and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, along with providing counseling at Family Counseling Service in Aurora. After 13 years at Family Counseling, Pam took a counseling position at Wheaton Youth Outreach and after 10 years, there she joined Diann Anderson in 2001, now Providence Counseling Associates.

Through the years Pam has led numerous parenting classes, marriage seminars and groups for victims of sexual abuse and dysfunctional families. Her experience has helped a wide array of individuals, couples and families. In 2021, Pam made the difficult decision to retire from direct service. Though she is no longer accepting new clients, as a founding partner of Providence Counseling Associates, Pam continues to consult with the practice and is available for referral support.

May counseling provide this –

“Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping and then, with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away.” - George Elliot

“There are parts of a ship which taken by themselves would sink. The propeller would sink. But when the parts of a ship are built together, they float. So with the events of my life, some have been tragic. Some have been happy. But when they are built together, they form a craft that floats and is going someplace. And I am comforted.” - Ralph W. Sockman

April Carlson  

MSW. LCSW. LLC.

April spent a good portion of her professional life as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Naperville district 203 where, for over 25 years she counseled hundreds of adolescents and their parents through seasons of crisis and transition. April loves private practice because it enables her to walk through those crises and those seasons in an even more in-depth manner. Having worked in the school system for many years she understands how school stress can affect a student’s functioning academically, socially and emotionally. And she understands how it can be difficult for parents to navigate these stressful times.

April has expertise in the areas of depression and anxiety, sexual and physical abuse, substance abuse and the challenges that married, divorced and blended families face. She has a heart for the particular pressures with which individuals and families deal as they encounter periods of grief, loss, uncertainty and transition.

April believes that when one is healthy and balanced in body, mind and spirit it is possible to grow even in the midst of the hardest times. It is a blessing to partner with individuals, couples and families as they find the strength to make changes that are healthy and life-enhancing. On the back of her business card there is a quote which states:

“Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don’t be afraid.” —Frederich Buechner

Therese Giolas

MA. LCPC. LLC.

Therese enjoys working with adolescents and adults in individual, couples, and family therapy. She is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive place where her clients can bring their struggles. Therese considers it an honor to help others work through and thrive amidst some of their most difficult challenges in life.

Therese received her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. In her earlier career as an Occupational Therapist, Therese worked primarily with individuals facing neurological impairments. Her understanding of the interconnections of mind, body and spirit enables Therese to consider the whole person in the therapeutic relationship, not just the problems they may be facing. Therese has received additional training through the EMDR Institute and, when appropriate, utilizes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to promote healing from trauma or disturbing life experiences.

Therese's experience includes helping individuals and families through times of loss, including bereavement, divorce, illness and other significant life transitions. Additionally, Therese is passionate about helping individuals heal from, and move past, trauma or emotional pain that has kept them feeling "stuck" in life. Leading divorce recovery groups, providing parenting/co-parenting education and addressing the particular challenges of adolescents and young adults have also been areas of focus.

Other areas of interest and expertise include:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Abuse (emotional, physical, sexual)

• Trauma

• Self-injury

• Addictions

• Co-dependency

• Stress management

• Marital/couples issues

• Relationship issues

• Infertility

• Pregnancy loss

• Family challenges

• Professional issues

• Spiritual/faith concerns

Traci Fertel

Msw. LCsw. LLC.

As a dedicated therapist, Traci has a passion for helping individuals navigate through difficult times in their lives to uncover their inner strength. With a compassionate and personalized approach, Traci aims to support clients in overcoming challenges, fostering resilience, and promoting personal growth. She believes in walking along side clients to empower them to find a path that allows them to feel balanced in mind, body and spirit.

Traci received her Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Illinois and her Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan. Traci completed additional training at the Family Institute and the Center for Family Health. Traci is a seasoned therapist and she has worked in the mental health field for many years with adults and adolescents in various settings, including inpatient, partial and outpatient hospital mental health settings and school based services.

In addition to working at Providence, Traci is also employed as a high school social worker, working closely with students, their families, other school personnel and outside community providers and resources. Traci uses a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, integrating a variety of treatment modalities, individualized to client’s needs. She addresses a broad range of emotional, behavioral and adjustment issues including anxiety, depression, loss, trauma, life changes, relationship conflicts, academic concerns and parenting struggles. Traci Provides therapy to adolescents, adults and families.

Traci’s practice is rooted in the belief that everyone has the capacity to heal and thrive, even in the face of adversity. She is dedicated to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions and experiences. Together she will partner with clients to navigate the complexities of life and uncover insights needed. She believes that it is a privilege to partner with individual, and families as they find the courage to overcome adversity to make changes that are life- enhancing and to embrace their authentic selves.

“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be, and embracing who we are." - Brene Brown