Hello!  I feel very grateful that you have found me here and would like to learn a bit more about me.  My name is Katina Wilcher.  I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Illinois and also hold the following specialized certifications in education – Type 73 (School Service Personnel) and Type 75 (School Administrative Endorsement).  I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) in Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1995 and went on to complete two Masters degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – one in Social Work (M.S.W.) in 2001 and the other in Education (M.Ed.) in 2011.  I am presently pursuing my Doctorate in Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and anticipate a graduate date of 05/2024.

I have over twenty years of experience providing therapy services to diverse clientele including children, adolescents, adults, families and couples.  In my career, I have worked in a wide array of settings including shelters, hospitals, outpatient practice, and schools.  I have worked with clients on many different presenting issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, school problems, coping with life changes, emotional regulation, self-esteem, parenting concerns, effective decision-making, conflict resolution, LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma and PTSD, abuse and neglect, behavioral disorders, special education law and regulations, stress management, domestic violence, homelessness, grief and loss, attachment issues, and defiance in children and teenagers.

I consider myself to be a culturally responsive clinician who believes that everyone – at a minimum – deserves empathy, respect, compassion, and dignity.  I truly believe that it is important to meet clients where they are at, and in so doing, to empower and equip my clients to have a voice and choice in their lives – to have agency.  I am passionate about social justice and reform issues and enjoy working with traditionally underserved communities.  My therapeutic approach is largely client-centered, strength-based, and solution-focused because I believe that clients are the experts on their own lives and that everyone has strengths and talents from which we can draw.  I use a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities to guide my clients in identifying strengths and in developing treatment plans that help them overcome challenges they are facing.  I enjoy using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Care, Mindfulness, and Emotional Regulation Strategies.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two amazing children, my other, and other family members and friends.  I am a member of the illustrious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Order of Eastern Stars.

Congratulations on taking the first step in achieving the change you seek.  It is an honor for me to join and walk alongside you as a partner and guide on your journey.