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Get to Know Well
Who We Serve
Well Counseling Group offers virtual therapy for adults living in Illinois, Florida, and Massachusetts. We provide compassionate care for those facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges. Our goal is to make quality mental health care accessible, and we accept some insurance plans to support that mission.
Our Process
Our process begins with a thoughtful intake session, where we take time to understand your history, current challenges, and goals. From there, we work together to co-create a personalized plan that integrates mind and body, drawing from a variety of approaches such as the Relationship Recovery Process (RRP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and psychodynamic techniques. These and other evidence-based interventions are tailored to your unique needs, helping you build resilience and find relief.
How to Get Started
We offer a 15-minute consultation at no charge to help you explore whether our services are the right fit for you. All sessions are conducted virtually, allowing you the flexibility to engage in therapy from the comfort of your own space. To schedule your consultation or learn more, contact us at lauren@getwellcounseling.com or call 847-361-0890. We're here to support you on your journey toward emotional well-being and a more fulfilling life.
Meet the Therapists
At Well Counseling Group, we are committed to helping you navigate life’s challenges with personalized, compassionate care. Find out more by selecting a therapist.
Lauren Topel, LCSW
Lauren is dedicated to emotional healing and personal transformation, helping clients overcome challenges such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and relationship issues. She uses an integrative approach, blending the Relationship Recovery Process (RRP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, psychoeducation, and strengths-based techniques to guide clients toward meaningful, lasting change.
A central focus of Lauren’s work is inner child therapy, grounded in the Amanda Curtin Model. This approach reconnects clients with two essential parts of themselves: the present-day adult and the inner child, who carries the emotional imprints of past experiences. Many clients, especially those with childhood trauma, allow their inner child to unconsciously drive their adult decisions, leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms and unresolved emotional patterns.
Lauren helps clients bridge the gap between these two parts, empowering the adult to reparent and support the inner child. Through this process, clients heal deep childhood wounds, redefine family relationships, and reclaim intimacy in their lives. By using techniques such as dialoguing between the adult and inner child and addressing childhood triggers in a safe group setting, Lauren helps clients achieve emotional regulation, self-compassion, and authentic living.
In both individual and group therapy, Lauren fosters a compassionate and supportive environment where clients can explore emotional wounds, resolve trauma, and build healthier patterns of behavior and self-understanding.
Education, Training & Licensure:
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BA, Brown University
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MSW, Jane Addams College
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Studied for two years in small weekly international professional groups with Patrick Teahan, LICSW, and Amanda Curtin, LICSW, founder of the RRP method.
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker in IL, FL, and MA
Jason McDermott, LPC
Jason McDermott is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about helping individuals overcome challenges such as CPTSD, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, addiction, and relationship difficulties.
Jason specializes in individual therapy, combining evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and psychodynamic approaches to support clients on their path to healing. He is currently expanding his expertise in trauma therapy through certifications in EMDR and Brainspotting, ensuring clients have access to cutting-edge trauma-informed care.
Jason is dedicated to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, navigate personal challenges, and reconnect with their authentic selves. His clients appreciate his empathetic approach, which allows them to process difficult experiences and work toward meaningful growth. Jason finds fulfillment in witnessing his clients’ progress and is committed to helping each person build a more balanced and purposeful life.
Education, Training & Licensure:
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B. A., in Psychology, DePaul University
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M. S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Capella University
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M. A. T. in Teaching English as a Second Language, Alliant International University
Virtual Psychoeducation Group for Adults with Childhood Trauma (IL, FL, MA)
Screening Form
For adults reflecting on childhood trauma:
If you’ve ever wondered: "Were my childhood experiences really that bad? Were my parents' actions or inactions appropriate, and how did they shape my view of myself and relationships?"—it may be time to explore these questions further. Childhood trauma can lead to emotional and relational difficulties that have a lasting impact on your present life. This group offers a unique opportunity to address childhood trauma in a supportive, empathetic setting, helping you take meaningful steps toward healing.
The healing process:
Survivors of childhood trauma often internalize toxic beliefs about themselves, carried over from dysfunctional family systems. Children are wired to view their family as good, so when they experience pain or confusion, they often conclude they themselves are the problem, leading to toxic shame.
In group therapy, sharing these experiences with others who “get it” allows for powerful healing. Unlike one-on-one therapy, the group dynamic offers empathy and understanding, helping participants challenge toxic beliefs. This sense of connection and validation can be transformative, often acting as a “game-changer” for survivors.
Group goals:
Our six-month psychoeducation group creates a safe space for exploring childhood trauma, its effects, and paths to recovery. Participants share personal experiences, discuss key concepts, and create genograms that map family histories, helping them understand the roots of their struggles. This process fosters solidarity and self-awareness, enabling deeper healing.
What happens:
The group meets virtually for 90 minutes weekly, with eight participants committed for six months. Sessions involve sharing, learning, and eventually presenting personal genograms for feedback. The group provides structure, safety, and a space for deep emotional work.
Cost:
Each session is $75, with paid invoices available for out-of-network reimbursement.
This description was based on a description by Christopher Frechette, LCSW and Patrick Teahan Therapy. RRP is based on the work of Amanda Curtin, LICSW.