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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What clients say about our Lake in the Hills office
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I highly recommend this counseling office to anyone looking for compassionate and professional care. The staff is kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping their clients succeed. The environment is welcoming, scheduling has been smooth, and the overall experience has been very positive.
Karri V.
May 12, 2026I've tried seeing several therapists before, but it wasn't until I started working with Dr. Scott Nelson that I was finally able to make long-lasting changes in my life and overcome my trauma and depression. Dr. Nelson has such a great approach with the perfect mix of humor, validation, and tough love. He saw right through all my excuses and negative self-talk and put a stop to them right away. When we first started working together two years ago, my depression was pretty debilitating to the point that I had trouble even leaving the house. I didn't think it was possible to get better. But now, I can't even believe how happy I am and how much my relationship to myself has changed. With Dr. Nelson's help, my mind is now a safe, loving place and I know I've got my back going forward. Cannot recommend him and Transformations Counseling enough!
Emily S.
August 14, 2024I 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 -
This place is very calming and has been a staple in me making emotional progress.
Anna B.
June 13, 2024Cydney is an amazing and gifted counselor. She is sensitive and aware of the needs of others.
Suz S.
May 28, 2024I 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, 2026 -
Have appreciated having a good resource for referring individuals. Thank you!
Claudia B.
May 12, 2026I've known cydney for years! Cydney's loyalty and support have never wavered. Whether its providing a shoulder to lean on during tough times, Cydney has consistently demonstrated unwavering friendship. One of Cydney's standout qualities is her non judgemental demeanor no matter the circumstances, she can always be counted on to show up and lend a helping hand. Cydney brings humor, kindness, and understanding to the table. Her ability to offer genuine empathy in times of need is truly commendable. Cydney's trustworthiness is beyond reproach. With her, secrets are safe, and confidentiality is guaranteed.
Mellisa I.
May 24, 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
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.