CHRISTIAN LOCKE, MSW, LCSW

Christian Locke, Founder and Lead Therapist for Innovative Behavioral Health, has been counseling clients since 1994.  “I pride myself on my ability to genuinely connect with the individuals, couples, and families with whom I work. I pull from a wide variety of therapy approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the Empowerment Approach; however, you're more likely to notice my relaxed demeanor and my optimism. I work with many different age groups from teenagers, to adults, to Seniors, and I am experienced in navigating and improving complex family and couples relationships. I feel fortunate that I've been allowed a glimpse into the lives of the people that I see in private practice. My goal is to make you feel at ease from your very first visit - this is vital in creating an atmosphere that allows you to feel comfortable speaking freely about challenging issues.  I spend most mornings with my two daughters and I work a variety of afternoon and evening hours throughout the week. I am available early morning through late evening on Saturdays. I truly enjoy my work so feel free to give me a call if you're interested in setting-up a meeting.”

Please visit this link from Psychology Today.

Verbal Greeting from Christian Locke

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STEVEN LINDAHL, MSW, LCSW, CADC

Steve Lindahl is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor who has been counseling clients since 2004.  He earned his Masters degree in Social Work from Aurora University.  Steve has gained a wide range of experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, and Seniors.  Steve’s Specialty areas include Depression, Substance Abuse, Anxiety & Stress, Relationship Concerns, Life & Career Changes, as well as Self-Confidence & Self-Esteem Issues.  Steve provides individuals, couples, and families with the guidance, support, and empowerment needed to overcome the most challenging life circumstances.  Steve believes in living a balanced life, and in addition to his work as a therapist, he has spent several years inspiring clients as a personal trainer and has even entertained audiences as a stand-up comedian.  Steve truly enjoys assisting people in reviving relationships and re-discovering their passion for life.  Steve has been instrumental in establishing our West Dundee/Elgin location and, along with seeing clients at our Oswego office, he serves as Site Director for the West Dundee/Elgin location.

Verbal Greeting from Steven Lindahl

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JESSICA L. NOVAK, MSW, LCSW, CADC

Jessica L. Novak is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a diverse professional background. She has worked in long term care with the elderly, residential living for adults with chronic mental illnesses, adults and teens with substance abuse and addictions, adolescents and at-risk youth through schools and the Aurora Police Department, and with couples in the private practice realm.  Jessica received her Masters degree in Social Work from Aurora University in 2004.  She provides individuals, couples, adolescents and families with guidance and encouragement to make positive changes. Jessica also has extensive experience running group therapy sessions for adolescents and adults alike.  Jessica’s passion includes empowering people who are dealing with life struggles around relationship issues, depression, stress & anxiety, grief & loss, life changes, chemical dependency, and self esteem. She focuses on each person’s strengths and has an eclectic variety of counseling approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).  In addition to being a Therapist at IBH, Jessica works at a local hospital as a Clinical Therapist in outpatient services.  She believes in surrounding herself with positive people and activities to squeeze the most out of her life and all it has to offer.  In her free time, she is a mentor for teens in need of support.  Jessica also loves reading, writing, and creating various forms of art.  She frequently visits with her family on their farm to spend time with all the different animals, some of whom end up being her "partner" in doing different forms of pet therapy.  Jessica is available late afternoons and evenings at the Oswego location.

JASON COLE, LCPC, CADC (Picture Coming Soon)

Jason Cole is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor who has been counseling clients since 1994.  He earned his Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University.  While working in mental health centers in both Chicago and the Southwest suburbs, Jason has gained a wide range of experience in working with both adults and adolescents in areas such as building self esteem, self confidence and overcoming depression and addictions.  Jason works with individuals, couples and families to overcome obstacles and barriers needed to have satisfying relationships and life experiences.  Besides working at IBH, Jason is also a Senior Clinician at a local County Health Department and has been working very diligently to provide housing and treatment services to homeless adults with mental illness in that county.  Jason believes that everyone has the innate tools to help themselves, and passionately works with others to see the strengths and abilities that they possess.  He believes that people will take positive steps to improve their lives and will learn to trust themselves if they feel that someone understands their issues.  He will work diligently with you to help you achieve your goals and aspirations. Jason works evening hours, and Saturdays at the Oswego location primarily, but occasionally sees clients in Naperville.

MARY WHORLOW, MSW, LCSW  

Mary Whorlow is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned her Master’s degree from Loyola University in Chicago with a concentration in Child and Family Social Work.  With plans to complete a law degree, it was a summer position at the Office of the Public Guardian where Mary was immersed in the atmosphere of “empowerment and creativity” which eventually drew her to a career in Social Work rather than Law.  It is that same focus on empowerment and creativity that drew Mary to Innovative Behavioral Health.  Social Work has allowed Mary to work with individuals and families in high schools, residential treatment centers, hospitals, and outpatient office settings. Mary is skilled in assisting clients with a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, serious mental illness, schizophrenia, sexual identity issues, and life adjustment concerns including pregnancy and parenting, academics, adjustment to physical illness, as well as career and employment challenges. It is an honor and privilege to walk along side clients as they take the steps on their journey known as life.  And as a distance runner Mary knows it is all about pacing yourself to reach your goal. Mary sees clients at both the Naperville and Oswego locations.

  LINDA YOKELSON, LCPC, CADC, NCC

Linda is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a National Certified Counselor who has been counseling clients since 2004.  She earned her Master’s degree from National-Louis University.  Linda has extensive experience working with individuals and couples, as well as group therapy for the maintenance of sobriety and for women's issues.  The philosophy that infuses her work with clients is that the relationship between client and therapist is the primary healing factor.  She was trained in an eclectic model of therapy which allows her to tailor her methods to the needs of each individual client, respecting each one's goals, feelings, and dreams.  Linda believes that relationships can be strengthened and improved by learning good communication skills, conflict resolution strategies, and commitment to the relationship itself.  Linda is dedicated to assisting clients achieve their aspirations for healthy relationships, satisfying careers, successful parenting, and meaningful lives.

VERONICA LICKFELT, MSW, LCSW

Veronica Lickfelt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Type 73 School Social Worker.  She grew up on the North side of Chicago and attended the Chicago Public Schools.  She received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Wartburg College in Waverly Iowa in 1995 and her master’s degree in School Social Work from Jane Addams at UIC in 2000.   She has worked at an agency with homeless teens, for several school districts as well as the local special education cooperative, and even once through an outreach program in a laundry mat!  She definitely “thinks outside the box.”  Her work has included services to children ages three and up, teenagers, adults and Seniors.   She sees clients with disabilities, cognitive, developmental and behavioral challenges including Autism and sensory issues, as well as depression, anxiety, and life transition concerns.  Because people aren’t equipped with a magic wand and a crystal ball to fix life’s problems and predict what is coming next, Veronica helps individuals, couples, and families see where they have been and develop where they want to go now and in the future.  Veronica prides herself on her ability to listen and understand in order to develop ideas that can make goals into reality.  She empowers people.  Her approach is innovative, just like the name of the group, Innovative Behavioral Health that she co-founded with her husband, Christian Locke, LCSW.  Her professional experience with complex family dynamics, paired with her personal experience within her own marriage, has made her sensitive and intuitive in her work with couples.  Veronica is currently seeing clients in the Oswego office by appointment and will be expanding to the Naperville location soon.

Innovative Behavioral Health, PC
Please Call (630) 913-7045