Leila B Nelson
MA CCMHC LCPC
Struggling with life’s stresses is something everyone experiences. I aim to be easy to talk to, practical, and down to earth. I have extensive experience with anxiety, bipolar disorder, crisis and trauma,…
Lake in the Hills, Illinois
Our Lake in the Hills Team
Individual, couples, and family therapy at our Lake in the Hills office — face-to-face or online.
Visit our Lake in the Hills office
- Address
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9 Crystal Lake Rd, Suite 150
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156 Get directions - Phone
- +1 847-802-9236
- Hours
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- Tuesday 9 am–7 pm
- Wednesday 10 am–8 pm
- Thursday 10 am–8 pm
- Friday 9 am–5 pm
- Saturday 10 am–3 pm
- Sunday Closed
- Monday 10 am–8 pm
Dr. J. Scott Nelson
EdD CCMHC LCPC CRADC
As founder and clinical director of Transformations Counseling PLLC, I’m here when you need someone to turn to for individual, family, or couples counseling. My areas of expertise include emotional struggles, anxiety…
Madeleine Stucky
MSEd NCC LPC
I’m passionate about supporting clients as they empower themselves, creating an empathetic space for kids, adolescents, and adults to explore, heal, and grow. I offer support for depression, PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety,…
Cassandra Pilcher
MSEd NCC LPC
I’ve been practicing individually since August 2022, with a prior background in child welfare and domestic violence work. I’m currently a PhD student in Counselor Education and Supervision, researching weight stigma and…
Keaton Aguilera
MSW LSW PEL
I became a therapist after working as a nurse and seeing how many people struggled emotionally and mentally. I specialize in adolescents, young adults, women, and couples. I use CBT, DBT, EMDR,…
Joshua Kolakowski
MA LPC CADC
I provide compassionate, evidence-based counseling for individuals, couples, and families dealing with anxiety, overwhelm, stress, feeling stuck, or depression. I also treat bipolar disorder, OCD, trauma, substance abuse, addictive behaviors, relationship challenges,…
Maya Hufman
MA
My ideal clients are teens, adults, and couples who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected and want support finding their way forward. They may be dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship stress, life…
Sina Balouch
MBA
My name is Sina. I handle all client retention, marketing, and operations. It’s nice to meet you!
Visit Us
Our Lake in the Hills Location
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Google Reviews
What clients say about our Lake in the Hills office
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I’ve been receiving treatment for CPTS at transformations counseling for several years now. They are very up to speed with the latest approaches while at the same time just honest warm therapist client interaction. It’s the best therapy I’ve had my entire life and I’m 65. If you’re wanting help and ready to work this is a place of healing. You will find an excellent safe therapist. A therapist is not just hired out of school but trained and mentored. It’s amazing. Give them a try you won’t regret your decision.
Liz G.
August 23, 2026I have been a client of both Leila (individual) and Scott (couples) Nelson for several years. Leila has provided a safe space for me to process and grow, and I am a better person today because of her support. Having walked through some of my life's most difficult circumstances with me, she has been an absolute asset to my mental health and my relationships. Working with both Scott and Leila has taught me that therapy isn’t just a tool for your lowest moments. I have seen profound effects in my life and my marriage even during 'normal,' well-regulated seasons. In fact, that is when the majority of our work has happened. I recommend Transformations Counseling to anyone, regardless of what stage of life they are in. They are a caring, skilled team, and I am grateful for their continued support.
Zach H.
May 13, 2026One of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. Leila and I worked together for almost three years now. She is professional showed up on time and prepared to our appointments. My only regret is that our paths didn’t cross sooner in life.
Patrick F.
March 2, 2026 -
Counseling was a new territory for me as I never thought I would need it. As nervous as I was to sit down and speak to someone I have never met, counselor Ashley Baylor went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable. She waited patiently as I talked about what was bothering me, just waiting to see where my feelings of depression were stemming from. After listening to me ramble for a couple sessions, she was quick to reassure me that I had every right to feel to what I was feeling. She helped me process my emotions and push the negativity into a structured meaning to help me push forward. She pushed me towards what would bring more meaning in my life. I am thankful for Ashley. If there is anyone out there feeling that someone is leaving a hole in their life, I encourage you to see Ashley Baylor or anyone at Transformations Counseling.
Ryan P.
May 13, 2025I highly recommend Cydney.
Angelica D.
May 27, 2024We have been seeing Ashley proactively as a couple for about a year now. She's done such a great job helping us navigate our life as a couple despite some past situations that could create obstacles to us being our best individually and as a team! We've really grown together in such a positive way while we learn to support each other through things from our past. I highly recommend Ashley for couples therapy-even if it's just to be proactive to be your best together 🩷
Tara P.
February 21, 2025 -
I have seen Dr.Nelson off and on for 10yrs. He is one of the best therapist I have ever seen. He is very accommodating. He was even willing to continue my therapy while I moved out of state and in a different time zone. He has helped me through some very dark times in my life and help me clarifying must of my past trauma. I gave him 10 stars, but that’s not an option. You will not regret seeing Dr. Nelson.
Amanda B.
May 13, 2026I have been going to Transformations Counseling for a few years and I can say it has saved me in ways I didn't think possible. With the perfect blend of knowledge, compassion, witty humor and gentle challenges, Dr. Nelson has helped me break down decades of destructive patterns. He has given me the tools and more importantly the desire to choose growth over comfort and healing over hiding. My work with him is changing my perspective about myself and my life for the better. I highly recommend Dr. Nelson and Transformations Counseling.
beth c.
May 20, 2026I have had the privilege of working with Dr Nelson at transformations counseling in Rockford IL for over 4 years and counting. He has helped me become a much healthier version of myself and for that I am grateful. Very professional and personable. I would definitely recommend!
randy w.
May 13, 2026
Therapist in Lake in the Hills for Real Support and Lasting Change
It's understandable to feel a bit hesitant about getting help, particularly if you're stressed, having trouble with a relationship or just all over the place emotionally. Seeing a therapist in Lake in the Hills offers a place to pause, be really honest about what's happening, and begin to understand your experiences at a speed and in a manner that suits you.
What does a therapist in Lake in the Hills do?
Clients (individuals, couples, and families) get assistance through therapy from the therapists in Lake In The Hills area to heal from relationship trauma and deal with and adjust to life changes. Clients have the chance to discover ongoing recurrent negative themes and sources of stress that are blocking them from reaching their maximum potential. Clients may discover healthier, more productive and more effective stress-relieving actions through therapy.
In simple terms:
- Talk out whatever is bothering you.
- Get to know your thoughts and behaviors.
- Develop useful coping mechanisms.
- Strive for emotional equilibrium.
Can counseling really help with anxiety, relationships, or life changes?
Yes, it certainly is. With the appropriate kind of help people very soon begin to feel that they have regain control, that they can communicate again and know where they are going. Therapy is not instant.
When life gets tough, you're not alone in carrying it
There are occasions when all these things build up quietly for you to be stressful, painful, or even challenging in your relationships. There are also times when it feels impossible to articulate how you feel.
This is where talking with a therapist at Lake in the Hills can help.
The aim of Counseling Transforms is straightforward: to allow you an opportunity to share without obstruction, to know and be heard while beginning to understand what is happening to you. There is no pressure or judgment; only continual assistance.
What We Offer in Lake in the Hills
Who It's For
- Adults
- Teens and young adults
- Couples and families
Common Concerns We Help With
- Anxiety and depression
- Relationship and communication struggles
- Trauma and crisis situations
- Grief and loss
- Life transitions and decision-making
Approach & Methods
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness-based strategies
- Trauma-informed care
What You Can Expect
- Better emotional awareness
- Practical coping tools
- Improved relationships
- A clearer path forward
Counseling in Lake in the Hills That Meets You Where You Are
This does not mean that there is one solution for all kinds of therapy since each individual has his/her own story and recovery journey.
For us, we have individuals with varied backgrounds such as:
- This will aid in handling issues associated with psychological problems like anxiety, depression, and other traumas.
- Such services can assist young people, young adults, and couples.
- There is help with issues related to anxiety and your feelings about your body, including eating and identity.
- There is also help with issues related to addiction, loss, and going through a major change in your life.
This means that you do not become part of an abstract procedure; rather, you have somebody who knows everything about you.
What People Often Struggle With Before Reaching Out
Many people wait longer than they need to. Common thoughts include:
“I should be able to handle this on my own.”
“It's not serious enough for therapy.”
“I don't know where to start.”
But over time, these struggles can grow:
- Anxiety becomes constant.
- Communication breaks down in relationships.
- Grief feels overwhelming.
- Life changes feel harder to manage.
Talking to a local therapist in Lake in the Hills can help bring things back into perspective.
How Therapy Works
- The First Conversation: You discuss what has occurred and what you would like to see happen.
- Finding Patterns : You learn about your mind and what triggers your responses.
- Acquiring Skills: You learn about coping with stress, dealing with emotions, and forming connections.
- Further Guidance: You develop at your own pace with continued assistance.
| Situation | Without Therapy | With Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Grief | Feeling stuck or overwhelmed | Healthy processing and support |
| Life Changes | Confusion, uncertainty | Direction and decision-making clarity |
| Relationships | Miscommunication, tension | Clear communication and understanding |
| Anxiety | Ongoing worry, avoidance | Tools to manage and reduce stress |
Why Choose Counseling Transforms?
Experience
A team of counselors having different experience background in helping individuals, couples, and families overcome their life struggles.
Expertise
Specific therapy approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and trauma therapies that aid development.
Authority
Professional counselors offering top-notch mental health services in Lake in the Hills.
Trust
Confidential and safe sessions that will allow you to speak freely without judgment.
A place where real change can begin
Therapy sessions don’t attempt to “fix” anything, but rather aim to increase awareness of a person and then choose actions based on the awareness.
If someone is ready to start, therapy may be a good idea for those with anxiety, grief, relationships, or major life changes.