Acceptance Counseling

04/25/2026

I want to welcome our newest therapist to our practice!!
Stephanie Adamson has joined our team at Acceptance Counseling!!

Stephanie Adamson, LCPC, CADC, CDVP

Hello, I’m Stephanie, a clinician who brings deep, hands‑on experience and genuine, down‑to‑earth care. I’ve worked in behavioral health since 2008 across clinical, supervisory, and executive roles, including directing substance use services and leading domestic & sexual violence programs and agencies. I also have experience in residential treatment, outpatient therapy, program development, staff supervision, and community advocacy. I hold a Master’s in Community Counseling, am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), a Certified Drug & Alcohol Counselor (CADC), and an Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Practitioner (CDVP).

I meet people where they are and help them find safety, stability, and practical next steps.

I offer trauma‑informed, compassionate care for those facing many challenges but specialize in substance use, sexual assault, domestic violence, trauma, grief, and major life transitions. I blend evidence‑based tools with strength-based, real‑world problem solving. My goal is to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where I listen first, clarify what matters to you, and build achievable goals together.
If you’re ready to talk, call (630) 901‑6665 or email stephanie@acceptance-counseling.com. I’d be honored to walk alongside you. You don’t have to carry this alone.

11/03/2025

The CADC Test Prep Course is scheduled for December 11 - 13.
Thursday 8:30 - 4:00pm
Friday 8:30 - 4:00pm
Saturday 8:30 - 1:00pm
The course provides a review of the material covered in the new version of the CADC exam, including the 4 identified domains, and applying the knowledge in each domain to direct practice situations.
This training will be on Zoom.

CADC Test Preparation Course

Governors State University

08/26/2025

SIGN UP TODAY!
The CADC Test has been updated as of July 1, 2025.
UPDATED CADC Test Prep Course (Presented on Zoom).
Instructor: Dianna Miller, LCPC, CRADC, SAP, CEAP.
Offered through Governors State University School of Extended Learning.

Course Description: This course offers 21 CEUs from the Illinois Certification Board and prepares applicants for the CADC exam through three full Zoom sessions. It covers all four test domains, updated in 2022 after the IC&RC job task analysis revised exam content.

Domain I: Scientific Principles of Substance Use and Co-occurring Disorders 25%
Domain II: Evidence-Based Screening and Assessment 20%
Domain III: Evidence-Based Treatment, Counseling, and Referral 30%
Domain IV: Professional, Ethical, and Legal Responsibilities 25%

Schedule: Course will meet via zoom during the three-day period.
October 2, 3, & 4
Times: 09:00am-05:00pm CDT

Price: CADC Test Prep : $299.00

Please click on the registration link below to register for the course.

Governors State University

05/02/2025

Hiring
Acceptance Counseling seeks a licensed therapist experienced in individual therapy interested in joining a private practice (as a 1099). Please reach out to me at Dianna@acceptance-counseling.com. I provide a spacious office, access to a group/family room, and a staff room equipped with a refrigerator and microwave. Preferred experience with both individual and couples therapy.

02/03/2025

Introducing our staff at Acceptance Counseling!

I am happy to welcome Amanda Pavela to the practice.
Before working as an LPC in private practices, Amanda was a Nationally Certified professional school counselor since 2010, advocating for students' and families' educational rights in diverse rural, urban, and suburban communities throughout Chicagoland. Amanda enhances her therapeutic expertise and education with ongoing professional development certifications and training in areas such as anger management (CAMS-II), trauma-informed crisis prevention intervention practices (CPI), expressive arts therapy, play therapy, conflict resolution and mediation, career counseling and exploration, and neurodivergent awareness. Amanda aims to meet new clients at their personal comfort level, appreciates humor and comedic relief when possible, and hopes to share strength-based strategies to bridge gaps where clients may feel at a crossroads.

Acceptance Counseling also features Monika Breidenbach, who joined the practice in 2024.
As a skilled professional passionate about understanding human behavior, Monika brings expertise in stress management, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and cultural and relational issues. She also has a keen interest in nutritional and integrative medicine for mental health, employing innovative approaches to treating and employing complex trauma (C-PTSD). She utilizes a range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including CBT, ACT, Solution-Focused (SF), REBT, DBT, Attachment-Based Therapy, Adlerian therapy, Reality Therapy, and Mindfulness.

And to reintroduce myself, I am Dianna Miller. I have been in the behavioral health field for 20 years. I hold master’s degrees in both addiction studies and clinical psychology. I am licensed as an LCPC and LMHC, and I am also certified as a CRADC. I am fortunate to have lived experience of sobriety since 1995. I work with both mental health and substance use issues, serving individuals, couples, and families. I believe that everyone can change. While change can be very difficult, it is possible. With the right support and guidance, you can address what isn’t working and gain the necessary tools to live balanced and fulfilling lives.

If you're ready to change your life, we are here to help you on that journey.

10/16/2024

CADC Test Preparation Course

Instructor: Dianna Miller LCPC, CRADC, SAP, CEAP

The course is intended to prepare applicants for the CADC exam. It has been approved for (21) CEUs by the Illinois Certification Board and offered through the Extended Learning Dept. of Governors State University. The course reviews the material covered in the CADC exam, including the 7 identified domains and applying the knowledge in each domain to direct practice situations.
The course is divided into three full class days via Zoom.
November 7, 8, & 9, Starting at 9:00 am daily. Cost $299.00
Click the link below to register.
https://www.enrole.com/govst/jsp/session.jsp;jsessionid=56DFBD417A08761BD75B768A5A3C2C86?sessionId=CEPD-CADCOL-24FA2&courseId=CEPD-CADCOL&categoryId=F9B39020

10/12/2024

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/18/health/alcohol-cancer-young-adults.html?ogrp=dpl&smid=url-share

Scientists continue to rethink the idea that moderate drinking offers health benefits.

04/13/2024

Contact Monika at 708-406-9792
Monika@acceptance-counseling.com

03/18/2024

If you or anyone on you staff is taking the CADC test, I offer a CADC test prep course through Governors State Extended learning two times a year. Below is the link to register for the course in May.
(May 30, 31, & June 1, 2024 )

Governors State University