What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 7pm Tuesday 8am - 7pm Wednesday 8am - 7pm Thursday 8am - 7pm Friday 8am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 2pm

http://www.authenticgrowthwellness.com/

Authentic Growth Wellness Group, 333 Chestnut Street , Suite 101N, Hinsdale, IL (2026)

01/29/2026

Are you constantly pushing yourself, even when your body is begging for rest?

In this episode of The Inner Critic Podcast, our own Emily Pagone sits down with Joe Sanok (therapist, speaker, and founder of The Practice of the Practice) to talk about the voice that keeps us going, even when we're running on fumes.

Joe wrote Thursday Is the New Friday, a book that flips how we think about work and productivity. His big idea? Working fewer hours can actually increase your creativity, impact, and quality of life. (And yes, his work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and NASDAQ.)

If you've ever felt like slowing down is impossible, or rest somehow equals failure, this one's for you.

Listen to "The Voice That Pushes: Learning When to Slow Down" wherever you find your podcasts.

🎧 The Inner Critic Podcast with Emily Pagone ()

Learn more about AGWG and our therapy services:
https://authenticgrowthwellness.com

Request an appointment:
https://forms.admirra.com/forms/a16d0caa-51f3-467b-bf54-9185cd874e7d/intakes

01/27/2026

Meet Julia Kaleel—Officially On Our Team as Staff Therapist!

We're celebrating Julia, who has completed her advanced internship and is now officially on our clinical team as of January 2026. She's welcoming new clients, and we're so excited to share her expertise with you.

Julia specializes in substance use recovery, mental health, and supporting clients of all ages through life's most challenging transitions. If you or someone you love is navigating addiction, co-occurring mental health concerns, or the complex work of recovery, Julia creates a collaborative, supportive space where healing can happen.

What makes Julia's approach unique:

She's a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) with deep experience supporting individuals and families affected by substance use disorders—and she understands that recovery isn't one-size-fits-all.

Julia often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify patterns, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and build practical coping skills—but she remains flexible, tailoring every session to your unique needs and goals.

She works with clients across the lifespan, from adolescents to adults, recognizing that substance use and mental health challenges can show up differently at every stage of life.

Julia has immediate openings for new clients!

If you've been looking for a therapist who understands the realities of addiction and recovery—who can meet you with compassion, skill, and zero judgment—Julia is here.

Request an appointment with Julia:
https://forms.admirra.com/forms/a16d0caa-51f3-467b-bf54-9185cd874e7d/intakes

01/22/2026

This is one of our favorite parts of the play and art therapy process.

The beautiful, welcomed aftermath of a creative, heartwarming, brave session—where feelings are shared and windows into a child's world are opened.

It's messy. It's colorful. It's honest. And it's sacred.

This work—whether with children, teens, or adults—is about creating a safe, supportive landing place where people can be fully themselves. Where they can express what's hard to say in words. Where trust is earned gently, over time.

When a child begins to know and understand that their therapist is a safe person for them, something shifts. The world gets a little bigger. The feelings get a little easier to hold. And healing starts to happen in ways that feel natural and true.

It's an honor to witness. It's an honor to hold space for. And it's exactly why we do this work.

If your child (or you) could benefit from a compassionate, creative space to process, heal, and grow, we're here. Our therapists offer play therapy, art therapy, and trauma-informed care for children, teens, and families in Hinsdale, Glen Ellyn, and virtually across Illinois.

Request an appointment:
https://forms.admirra.com/forms/a16d0caa-51f3-467b-bf54-9185cd874e7d/intakes

01/19/2026

January 19-23, 2026: No Name-Calling Week

This week, let's remind ourselves and our children: we love each other, no matter what.

No Name-Calling Week is an opportunity for K-12 educators, students, and families to address name-calling and bullying in schools—and to create safer, more accepting spaces for every child.

It's a chance to teach our kids that being different isn't something to fear. That being themselves is exactly who they're meant to be. And that kindness, respect, and belonging matter more than fitting in.

Ways to participate at home:

Talk openly about what name-calling is and why it hurts—not just feelings, but nervous systems.

Ask your child: "Have you ever felt left out or called a name? How did your body feel?"

Model repair: "I'm sorry I snapped earlier. I was overwhelmed, and you didn't deserve that."

Celebrate differences: "What makes you unique is what makes you you."

When kids feel safe to be themselves at home, they're more likely to extend that safety to others at school.

If your child is struggling with bullying, peer pressure, or finding their place, our therapists offer compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming care for kids, teens, and families in Hinsdale, Glen Ellyn, and virtually across Illinois.

Request an appointment:

https://forms.admirra.com/forms/a16d0caa-51f3-467b-bf54-9185cd874e7d/intakes

01/15/2026

Meet Denise Jordan-Gonzalez, MS— Officially On Our Team as Staff Therapist!

We're thrilled to celebrate Denise, who has completed her internship and is now officially on our clinical team as of January 2026. She's welcoming new clients, and we couldn't be more excited to introduce you to her work.

Denise specializes in working with children (ages 3–13) and their families. If your child is navigating big feelings, challenging behaviors, or transitions that feel hard to manage, Denise creates a safe, empathic space where kids can understand their emotions and discover coping skills that actually work for them.

What makes Denise's approach unique:

She brings years of experience as a teacher in local schools, a mother of two, and extensive training in child development—so she understands both the classroom and the living room realities families face.

Her work extends beyond individual sessions with your child. Denise actively involves parents and caregivers, offering support and guidance so the whole family system can reach their goals together.

She's bilingual (English and Spanish) and brings a culturally inclusive lens to her practice, honoring the many different views, beliefs, and paths families take toward healing and growth.

Denise has immediate openings for new clients!

If you've been searching for a therapist who truly "gets" kids—who can help your child feel seen, heard, and understood while supporting you as a parent—Denise is here.

Request an appointment with Denise:
https://forms.admirra.com/forms/a16d0caa-51f3-467b-bf54-9185cd874e7d/intakes

01/13/2026

Our very own Emily Pagone is launching something we can't wait to share with you.

The holiday season has a way of turning up the volume on the part of us we wish would quiet down—our Inner Critic.

And if you're a parent, caregiver, helper, or leader carrying the emotional and mental labor for your family? That voice can reach ear-splitting levels.

Here's the part no one says out loud:

Your inner critic gets louder during the holidays because the expectations get louder. Expectations to be joyful, host perfectly, keep everyone else regulated—even when you're running on fumes.

For ADHD, neurodivergent, or sensitive nervous systems, this season becomes a perfect storm: more overstimulation, more transitions, more pressure, less rest.

And that's when the Inner Critic slides in: "You should be handling this better. Everyone else seems fine. You're letting someone down."

But here's what Emily wants you to know—as a therapist, trauma specialist, and mother also walking through this season:

Your inner critic isn't trying to hurt you. It's trying to protect you. It feels the pressure and, like a panicked internal manager, pushes you toward "perfect" so nothing feels out of control.

But you don't need perfection this season. You need presence, permission, and compassion—especially for the parts of you doing their very best.

If your Inner Critic is extra loud right now, it doesn't mean you're failing.

It means you're human. It means you care deeply. It means your system is asking for gentleness.

Emily is launching The Inner Critic Podcast soon—a space to help you befriend your Inner Critic, understand your nervous system, and navigate life's demands with more ease and self-compassion.

Listen wherever you find your podcasts.

You're not alone in what you're feeling.

Learn more about our therapy services:
https://authenticgrowthwellness.com

Book an appointment: https://forms.admirra.com/forms/a16d0caa-51f3-467b-bf54-9185cd874e7d/intakes

01/08/2026

Insurance Update – What's Changing

Effective February 2, 2026, Authentic Growth Wellness Group will transition to private pay and remain in-network only with BCBS PPO and BlueChoice PPO plans.

We will no longer be in-network with Aetna, Cigna, or UnitedHealthcare.

What this means for you:

If you currently have BCBS PPO or BlueChoice PPO, nothing changes—we'll continue billing your insurance as usual.

If you have Aetna, Cigna, or UnitedHealthcare, you can continue seeing your therapist as a private-pay client. We'll provide superbills you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

Why we're making this change:

This decision allows us to continue offering high-quality, accessible, and sustainable care—for both our clients and our clinicians. It means less administrative burden, more time focused on your therapeutic work, and the ability to maintain the standard of care you deserve.

We understand insurance changes can feel uncertain. If you have questions about how this affects your care or want to discuss your options, please reach out. We're here to help you navigate this transition.

Contact us directly: https://forms.admirra.com/forms/a16d0caa-51f3-467b-bf54-9185cd874e7d/intakes

01/06/2026

If winter makes everything feel heavier, it's not in your head—and it's not a coincidence.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can happen any time of year, but in places like Illinois where winter brings shorter days and less sunlight, your body's internal clock gets disrupted. The result? A chemical imbalance that affects how you feel, think, and move through your days.

You might notice: Fatigue that won't lift, even after sleeping more than usual. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Irritability that surprises you. Tears that come without warning. The pull to isolate, even from people you love. Cravings for sugar and carbs. Weight changes you didn't plan for.

These aren't character flaws—they're your nervous system responding to less light.

Gentle ways to support yourself through the long months:

Light therapy – A SAD-specific light box used early in the day can help reset your internal clock. Talk with your clinician about safe, effective options.

Regular time outside – Even a short walk on a gray day exposes you to more natural light than staying indoors.

Bring nature inside – An indoor garden or fresh plants can offer a small reminder that growth still happens, even in dormant seasons.

Set a winter mantra – Something simple like "I'm doing what I can" or "Rest is part of the season" to ground you on harder days.

Ask for help when you need it – You don't have to white-knuckle your way through winter alone.

If low mood, fatigue, or withdrawal are affecting your daily life, our therapists can help. We offer compassionate, trauma-informed care for SAD, depression, and anxiety in Hinsdale, Glen Ellyn, and virtually across Illinois.

Let's create a plan that fits your life and honors what your body needs right now.

Request an appointment:
https://forms.admirra.com/forms/a16d0caa-51f3-467b-bf54-9185cd874e7d/intakes

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! 🎆

Resolutions aren't just for January—and they're definitely not about fixing yourself.

What if, instead of resolving to be "better" this year, you started working with your brain instead of against it?

This is for every neurodivergent parent, adult, and beautifully multidimensional human navigating life with intensity.

Your brain isn't broken. Your sensitivity, intensity, intuition, creativity, and depth are not flaws to resolve away. They're gifts—often misunderstood—and absolutely worth honoring.

But many of us lived in a quiet internal battle first:

Walking into a room and forgetting why. Noise stacking until your body tightens. Trying to stay patient while already at a 9/10. Feeling "too much" and wondering, "Why is this so hard for me?"

And then… something shifts.

You start noticing overstimulation sooner and meeting it with compassion. Building routines that support your brain, not fight it. Honoring your needs without apology. Moving from "What's wrong with me?" to "This is my unique wiring—it deserves understanding."

Your home doesn't get calmer because you become perfect. It gets calmer because you feel regulated and understood (by yourself first).

This is the heart of neurodiversity: Not just accepting differences—honoring them. Not forcing yourself into neurotypical expectations—choosing what truly aligns.

Learn more about our neurodiversity-affirming therapy services:
https://authenticgrowthwellness.com or book an appointment directly at https://forms.admirra.com/forms/a16d0caa-51f3-467b-bf54-9185cd874e7d/intakes

12/30/2025

Before we turn the page, take a quiet pause.

As we get ready to welcome 2026, let's honor what this year held—the growth, the hard parts, and the ordinary moments that shaped us. Reflection helps us close a chapter with care and intention, making space for what comes next.

A gentle check-in with yourself:

What wisdom am I carrying forward?
What am I proud of, big or small?
What am I ready to release?

If you'd like support for this work—someone to help you process, reflect, and move forward with clarity—our therapists are here. We offer compassionate, trauma-informed care in Hinsdale and Glen Ellyn, and virtually across Illinois.

Start the new year from a grounded, steady place.

https://authenticgrowthwellness.com

12/25/2025

From our team to yours—wishing you a gentle Christmas.

May today hold small pockets of peace: a quiet breath, a shared laugh, a moment of light. If the day feels tender or overwhelming, you have permission to step back and reset. Rest isn't optional—it's part of care.

However you're spending today (or choosing not to), we're sending warmth and steadiness your way.

12/23/2025

This year, when the world feels heavier and people seem a little more on edge, kindness doesn't have to be grand. It can be small and steady—ordinary care that lands softly.

The text that says "I'm thinking of you." Holding the door a few extra seconds. Saving someone a seat. Letting a car merge without frustration. Checking on a neighbor after the storm passes.

These small gestures help nervous systems settle. They remind us, quietly, that we still belong to each other.

If you're looking for steadier support right now—someone to help you navigate what feels hard—we're here. Our therapists offer compassionate, trauma-informed care in Hinsdale and Glen Ellyn, and virtually across Illinois.

https://authenticgrowthwellness.com

Authentic Growth Wellness Group

01/29/2026

01/27/2026

01/22/2026

01/19/2026

01/15/2026

01/13/2026

01/08/2026

01/06/2026

01/01/2026

12/30/2025

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12/23/2025

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Monday	8am - 7pm
Tuesday	8am - 7pm
Wednesday	8am - 7pm
Thursday	8am - 7pm
Friday	8am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 2pm