What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 8pm Tuesday 8am - 8pm Wednesday 8am - 8pm Thursday 8am - 8pm Friday 8am - 8pm Saturday 8am - 1am

The Center For Courageous Living LLC, 475 West Terra Cotta Avenue, Ste E, Crystal Lake, IL (2025)

10/27/2025

🎨 Unlock Healing Through Art Therapy

Sometimes words aren’t enough. Art therapy provides a unique way to process emotions, reduce stress, and explore your story in a safe and creative space. At The Center for Courageous Living, we integrate visual arts into therapy to help clients uncover healing, growth, and self-discovery. 🌿

Meet Jannette Simmons, our talented art therapist. With a rich background in trauma-informed, faith-based, and culturally competent care, Jannette brings decades of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges. 🖌️

As an artist and former Creative Play facilitator, she skillfully weaves creativity into sessions, helping clients express feelings, work through grief, trauma, or neurodivergence, and build meaningful connections. Her bilingual skills also allow her to provide therapy in Spanish, removing barriers and making therapy accessible to more individuals and families. 💛

Jannette’s approach is grounded in creating a sacred, compassionate space where clients feel seen, honored, and empowered to make the changes they want in their lives. Whether you’re navigating complex life challenges, exploring personal growth, or seeking support for developmental or emotional needs, Jannette’s guidance offers a path toward healing and resilience. ✨

Learn more about Jannette: https://www.centerforcourage.com/team-1/jannette-simmons%2C-ma%3B-almft

Whether you’re curious about art therapy or ready to begin, we’re here to help you take the first step toward healing and connection.
📍 Crystal Lake, Illinois
📧 gia@centerforcourage.com
📞 815-707-4806
🌐 centerforcourage.com

10/24/2025

Do you and your partner struggle with:
⚡ High conflict
💔 Betrayal or infidelity
🔄 Codependency
🥀 Addiction

At The Center for Courageous Living, we walk with couples through the hardest seasons of their relationships, providing tools, guidance, and support to help you rebuild trust, intimacy, and emotional safety.

Our process matches you with the right therapist, making your journey seamless and approachable, while focusing on connection and growth at every step. With us, you’re not alone—you have a compassionate partner in your story. 💛
💭 Reflection Question: What is one small step you can take this week to foster understanding and connection with your partner?

Need support navigating the challenges in your relationship?

At The Center for Courageous Living, we pair you with the right therapist and provide tools and guidance to help you grow closer, resolve conflict, and strengthen your bond. Your journey toward healing, understanding, and deeper connection starts here.

📍 Crystal Lake, Illinois
📧 gia@centerforcourage.com
📞 815-707-4806
🌐 centerforcourage.com

10/22/2025

🏠 Build a relationship that lasts

The Gottman Method helps couples create structurally sound relationships based on trust, friendship, and mutual understanding. At The Center for Courageous Living, we use the principles of the Sound Relationship House, which emphasizes strong foundations for couples:

Love Maps: Know your partner’s inner world and history.

Fondness & Admiration: Regularly express appreciation and respect.

Turning Towards: Respond to bids for connection.

Positive Perspective: See the best in your partner.

Manage Conflict: Use healthy strategies for solvable and perpetual issues.

Life Dreams & Shared Meaning: Support each other’s goals and create rituals together.

We also teach couples about the Four Horsemen (Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, Stonewalling) and their antidotes, providing tools to prevent destructive patterns and strengthen emotional safety.

At The Center for Courageous Living, we guide couples in integrating these strategies, helping them grow closer, communicate effectively, and navigate challenges courageously. 🌟

📘 Sound Relationship House: https://www.gottman.com/blog/what-is-the-sound-relationship-house/
📘 Four Horsemen & Antidotes: https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-four-horsemen-the-antidotes/

💭 Reflection Question: How can you and your partner intentionally strengthen the foundation of your relationship this week?

Looking to strengthen your relationship and build a lasting foundation of trust and connection? Connect with us.
📍 Crystal Lake, Illinois
📧 gia@centerforcourage.com
📞 815-707-4806
🌐 centerforcourage.com

10/21/2025

💛 Healing Relationships with Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) 💛

At The Center for Courageous Living, Founder Katie Kroening, LCSW, CADC, has led our practice since 2018 with the belief that by faith, courage, and connection we can face hard things and heal together.

We’re proud to offer Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), created by Dr. Sue Johnson. With a 75% success rate, EFT goes deeper than conflict resolution—helping couples break free from negative cycles, meet attachment needs, and build secure, lasting bonds. ✨

Our team includes several therapists trained in EFT, ready to walk alongside you on this journey.

📍 Crystal Lake, Illinois
📞 Call us at 815-707-4806
📧 Email us at gia@centerforcourage.com
🌐 centerforcourage.com

10/20/2025

💔 Stuck in the same cycle of conflict with your partner?

At The Center for Courageous Living, we use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help couples heal attachment injuries and build secure, lasting connections. EFT focuses on helping partners feel safe, understood, and emotionally connected 💙💚🧡.

Many couples get caught in one of three common “Demon Dialogues” that trap them in hurt and isolation:

Find the Bad Guy (Mutual Attack): Both partners feel rejected and go on the defensive.

The Protest Polka (Demand & Withdraw): One partner pushes while the other withdraws, creating loneliness and frustration.

Flight & Freeze (Tension & Avoidance): Emotional distance grows, numbing connection and hope.

EFT helps couples recognize these patterns, heal the underlying attachment wounds, and reconnect as a team. Awareness of these cycles is the first step toward restoring a secure, loving bond. 🌿

📘 Learn more about EFT and the Demon Dialogues:https://drsuejohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Copy-of-Demon-Dialogue-Free-Content-Giveaway.pdf

At The Center for Courageous Living, we walk alongside you, providing guidance and support to help you restore safety and understanding in your relationship. You don’t have to face this journey alone.

💭 Reflection Question: Which cycle or pattern do you notice most often, and how could awareness help you reconnect?
📍 Crystal Lake, Illinois
📧 gia@centerforcourage.com
📞 815-707-4806
🌐 centerforcourage.com

10/17/2025

🌿 Meet Natalie Castañeda – Bilingual Intern at The Center for Courageous Living

Whatever brings you to therapy—relationship struggles, anxiety, parenting challenges, or everyday life pressures—you have a safe space here. 💛 Natalie believes in walking alongside you, helping you navigate challenges, and discovering new pathways to healing and growth.

Her experience spans working with youth through family trauma, major life transitions, and parental separation, as well as mentoring students to develop emotional intelligence, authentic relationships, and holistic wellness. Couples work is also a key part of her practice, helping partners build stronger connections. 🌟

Natalie’s approach is collaborative and client-centered. She draws from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), systems thinking, and play therapy techniques to help you explore your story and move toward flourishing. She can also incorporate faith and spirituality into sessions if that aligns with your journey. ✨

Above all, Natalie believes every person has unique value and purpose. She is committed to providing a safe, supportive space where you can be vulnerable, grow authentically, and strengthen your relationships. 🌸

✨ Natalie currently has openings starting in November — reach out with us today to schedule your sessions and begin your healing journey!

Learn more about Natalie here: https://www.centerforcourage.com/team-1/natalie-castaneda

💬 Ready to connect with Natalie?
📍 Crystal Lake, Illinois
📧 gia@centerforcourage.com
📞 815-707-4806
🌐 centerforcourage.com

10/15/2025

🌟 Meet Jasmine Gonzalez – Bilingual Therapist at The Center for Courageous Living 🌟

Jasmine is passionate about helping children, teens, and young adults navigate life’s challenges. With 8+ years of experience in schools, hospitals, foster care, outpatient services, and private practice, she brings compassion and dedication to every session.💙💚🧡

Her belief: “It’s not about what’s wrong with you, it’s about what’s happened to you — and how you choose to move forward.” Jasmine creates a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, seen, and empowered.

She is EMDR trained and uses approaches like CBT, DBT, Play Therapy 🎨, Sand Tray Therapy, and Mindfulness 🌿 to meet each client’s unique needs. As a bilingual therapist, Jasmine offers sessions in both English and Spanish, bridging language gaps and supporting diverse communities.

Outside of work, she enjoys hiking ⛰️, painting, powerlifting 🏋️‍♀️, and time with loved ones — bringing the same strength and creativity into her therapy.

Ready to begin your healing journey with Jasmine? Message us today!
📍 Crystal Lake, Illinois
📧 gia@centerforcourage.com
📞 815-707-4806
🌐 centerforcourage.com

10/13/2025

🌟 Meet Jannette Simmons – Bilingual Therapist at The Center for Courageous Living 🌟

At the Center for Courageous Living, we believe everyone deserves access to therapy that feels safe, supportive, and culturally aware 🌎. Jannette offers sessions in both English and Spanish, removing language barriers so clients can fully express themselves and feel truly heard.

With extensive experience in trauma-informed care, faith-based counseling, and cultural competency 🧠, Jannette works with individuals, couples, and families, helping them navigate relational challenges, grief, neurodivergence, and other life transitions. She integrates evidence-based approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and prepares clients for meaningful growth through systemic thinking and faith-informed interventions.

Jannette also incorporates her love of art therapy, creativity, and psychoeducation 🎨 into her sessions when clients welcome it, creating dynamic ways to promote healing. She has a passion for working with diverse populations, including Spanish-speaking families impacted by developmental challenges, and brings a warm, compassionate presence to every session.

Beyond her professional work, Jannette values family, hospitality, salsa dancing, nature 🌿, and authentic conversation — and believes laughter and connection are essential parts of the healing journey.

💬 Ready to connect with Jannette and begin your healing journey? Reach out today:
📍 Crystal Lake, Illinois
📧 gia@centerforcourage.com
📞 815-707-4806
🌐 centerforcourage.com

10/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day🌍

A reminder that no matter where you are on your journey, your story matters, your struggles matter, and your healing matters. At The Center for Courageous Living, we meet you in your season of life and walk alongside you with compassion and care.

Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, grief, relationships, or personal growth, our therapists are here to provide a safe, faith-informed space. With services for individuals, couples, children, and families, we believe in the power of community, courage, and connection to help you take the next step toward wholeness. 💙💚🧡

✨ Reflection: What is one way you can show yourself compassion today?
📍 The Center for Courageous Living – Crystal Lake, IL
📞 815-707-4806 | ✉️ gia@centerforcourage.com | 🌐 centerforcourage.com

10/08/2025

Why work with a Master’s Level Intern at The Center for Courageous Living? 💡

Our Master’s Level Interns bring fresh perspectives and up-to-date training in approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method. When you meet with one, you receive their care and the guidance of their licensed supervisors—two perspectives in one, blending academic knowledge with years of experience. ❤️

Meet our Master’s Level Interns:
✨ Jonathan Barbosa – Passionate about hearing people’s stories with empathy and curiosity. His interests include young adults, couples, men’s issues, spiritual concerns, and pastors. Jonathan integrates DBT, EFT, and existential therapy, and offers Christian counseling upon request. Learn more: https://www.centerforcourage.com/team-1/jonathan-barbosa

✨ TeKeesha Fisher – Creates a safe, supportive space with a calming presence. She specializes in CBT, trauma-informed, and narrative therapy, and brings her perspective as a military spouse into her work with diverse families. Learn more: https://www.centerforcourage.com/team-1/tekeesha-fisher

✨ Natalie Castaneda – Dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families flourish. She draws from EFT, IFS, systems thinking, and play therapy, and integrates faith and spirituality when clients desire. Natalie has openings starting in November! Learn more: https://www.centerforcourage.com/team-1/natalie-castaneda

Our Master’s Level Interns are enrolled in rigorous graduate programs and directly supported by licensed staff, ensuring you receive the highest quality of care. Many of them have shared that once they complete their internship programs, they hope to continue their professional journey right here at The Center for Courageous Living. 💙

With them, you’ll experience the same courageous, connected, and compassionate support that defines us.

✨ Ready to take the next step? Contact us today:
📍 Crystal Lake, IL
📧 gia@centerforcourage.com
📞 815-707-4806
🌐 centerforcourage.com

10/06/2025

Thinking about counseling but not sure where to begin? 🧡

We understand that the first step can feel overwhelming — that’s why we created Walk-In Hours at The Center for Courageous Living.

During walk-in times, you’re welcome to stop by:
📍 Mondays: 9–11 AM
📍 Thursdays: 12–3 PM
Whether you want to ask questions, get information about our services, book your first session, or simply learn more about who we are, our team will be here to welcome you.

At The Center for Courageous Living, we are committed to making counseling accessible and supportive. That means creating a faith-informed space where you feel safe, cared for, and truly seen — and investing in streamlined systems so that every detail (from intake to billing, insurance, and scheduling) is simple to navigate and painless for you.

You don’t have to know exactly what you need — just walking through the door is a brave first step, and we’ll walk with you from there. 🌿

📍 The Center for Courageous Living – Crystal Lake, IL
📞 815-707-4806
✉️ gia@centerforcourage.com
🌐 centerforcourage.com

10/03/2025

💡 Did you know? 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental health challenges each year.

At The Center for Courageous Living, we believe every story matters and no one should walk through struggles alone. That’s why our process is designed to connect you with the right therapist quickly and with care, so you can start healing without delay.

In a world where mental health concerns are higher than ever, we work to replace stigma with understanding, fear with hope, and isolation with meaningful connection. Our team is here to meet you with compassion, strength, and guidance — reminding you that healing is possible when we walk together.

If you’re ready to take that first step toward healing, connection, and support, we’re here for you.❤️
📍 Crystal Lake, Illinois
📧 gia@centerforcourage.com
📞 815-707-4806
🌐 centerforcourage.com

The Center For Courageous Living LLC

10/27/2025

10/24/2025

10/22/2025

10/21/2025

10/20/2025

10/17/2025

10/15/2025

10/13/2025

10/10/2025

10/08/2025

10/06/2025

10/03/2025

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Monday	8am - 8pm
Tuesday	8am - 8pm
Wednesday	8am - 8pm
Thursday	8am - 8pm
Friday	8am - 8pm
Saturday	8am - 1am