Call Us: 630-832-6155

ABOUT US

We are glad you are here! Partner with us to unlock your potential, transform your struggles into opportunities, and reach your goals.

Elmhurst Counseling is a premier therapy, counseling, and coaching practice located in Elmhurst, IL, serving Chicago’s west suburban communities. Our mission is to create long lasting relationships with clients to help you transform and grow your potential.

We are independent practitioners providing assessment, therapy, counseling, and consultation services to adults, children, families, and organizations who are interested in optimizing health, development, careers, and overall well-being.

Our training in psychology, human development, family, and team dynamics allows us to provide you with personal guidance, tools, and expertise to advance yourself, your child’s growth, your relationships and career.

MEET OUR CLINICAL TEAM

Our team of experienced therapists, career coaches, and clinical social workers are ready to partner with you.

STEVE RITTER, LCSW

STEVE RITTER, LCSW

Executive Director

Steve is the Founder and Executive Director of Elmhurst Counseling. He has served as a teacher, author, consultant, human resources director, health care administrator, and licensed clinical social worker since 1977. A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Steve has provided coaching, therapy and team development services to thriving schools, businesses and organizations. Steve is the author of Team Clock: A Guide to Breakthrough Teams. He is also the Founder and CEO of the Team Clock Institute, LLC. Steve teaches on the faculty of the Center for Professional Excellence at Elmhurst College where he earned the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2000 with subsequent nominations in 2005 and 2010.

 
View Full Profile
KERRY GALARZA, MS OTR/L

KERRY GALARZA, MS OTR/L

Clinical Director & Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Kerry is a pediatric occupational therapist and the Clinical Director of Elmhurst Counseling. She provides specialized assessment and home-based intervention with children of all ages and their families. Kerry engages clients with naturally occurring, meaningful home-based methods to empower autonomy and maximize functioning. While providing focused experience in sensory processing disorder and emotional regulation, Kerry partners with the network of professionals collaborating in the targeted care of each child’s circumstances. Kerry also provides family-centered occupational therapy services addressing a range of developmental delays in collaboration with the Illinois Early Intervention Program.

Earning her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences and a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois, along with extensive training and an Associate’s degree in Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Kerry specializes in helping her clients navigate the impact of the environment on their ability to thrive holistically.

Children | Emotional Regulation | Sensory Processing | Social Skills | Adaptive skills | Motor development | Family education & support

Kerry has developed a Family Environmental Assessment Tool (FEAT) in conjunction with Steve Ritter, co-authored Elevating your Kid’s Growth, and authored: Widen The Lens: Hidden Forces That Shape Kids.

View Kerry Galarza’s Resumé

CARA MILIANTI, LCSW

CARA MILIANTI, LCSW

Therapist & Coach

As a small business coach, consultant, and advisor, Cara has partnered with organizations in the human services industry to optimize operations and maximize results. With a specialization in management, program development, training, transition planning, and business continuity, Cara integrates the clinical and operational requirements to empower team effectiveness and business deliverables. Cara’s partnership strengthens her business partners and elevates their organizational structure.

Earning a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Indiana University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from University of Illinois Jane Addams College of Social Work, Cara has immersed herself in a broad spectrum of professional engagements enabling her to deploy targeted intervention skills in interpersonal, family, group, community, and organizational settings.

Adults | Families | Life Transitions | Clinical Supervision | Leadership Coaching

SALLY WELD, LCSW

SALLY WELD, LCSW

Therapist

Sally is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in psychotherapy for trauma and stress-related disorders, emotional regulation, anxiety, behavioral conditions and parental support. She has a passion for supporting people through challenging experiences towards growth, healing and change. 

Sally received her master’s degree from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration where she focused on understanding the impacts of trauma across systems and within families. She also has considerable experience in mental health crisis work and is certified in crisis prevention and de-escalation.

Sally currently works as a Social Worker at Cabrini Green Legal Aid. Previously, Sally worked as a therapist at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, Gateway Foundation, Spectrum Health Systems and Pacific Clinics. She has clinical experience with adolescents, young adults and adults with a focus on family work. She believes that healing and growth happen in the context of supportive, trauma-informed and strengths-based relationships. Sally joins with youth and families to navigate trauma, prolonged crisis, life changes, identity formation and differentiation.

 

Adolescents | Adult | Families | Trauma | Anxiety | Depression

Julianne Pedi, LCSW

Julianne Pedi, LCSW

Therapist

Julianne is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in clients post-injury or dealing with current medical issues, prenatal and postpartum care, trauma, and adolescents. She has a background in healthcare social work and believes that the best growth comes from treating both physical and mental health. 

Julianne earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Elmhurst College and Master’s Degree from UIC Jane Addams School of Social Work. She worked for 8 years at Loyola University Medical Center in both the Emergency Room and medical units; and also acted as a liaison for home care and care management. Julianne has significant experience with adolescents and adults facing various physical and mental health challenges. 

She has expertise doing crisis intervention, counseling, and providing appropriate care and resources. Julianne has a passion for using a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach to navigate personal and family issues to promote change and break generational cycles. 

Barkley

Barkley

Emotional Support Dog

Barkley is a kid-friendly, loving, and gentle Labrador. She enjoys visiting our clinical offices and greeting families who are comfortable with animals. She specializes in bringing comfort to clients who can benefit from emotional support. Emotional support dogs are companion animals that provide therapeutic benefits to people with medically diagnosed mental, intellectual, or physical disabilities. Unlike service dogs, emotional support animals do not require any training or licensing. That doesn’t mean they’re not helping, of course. People who struggle with trauma or loss often report that petting or sitting near animals helps them feel less anxious and alone. Barkley loves to lie quietly while our therapists meet with kids, teens, and adults.

Let’s Connect

Get Started Today!

OUR MISSION

Elmhurst Counseling is a premier therapy, counseling, and coaching firm located in Elmhurst, IL, serving adults, children, families & companies interested in optimizing health. Providing developmental therapies, wellness services, & career counseling, we help clients in Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Hinsdale, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, and Chicago communities.

LOCATION

111 E. 1st Street, Ste #102
Elmhurst, IL 60126

Phone: 1-630-832-6155