Padera Therapy and Wellness

Padera Therapy and Wellness A holistic health and counseling center in Wheaton, Illinois. Talk therapy, art therapy, yoga therapy, somatic therapy, EMDR and more.
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We assist our clients with moving toward complete emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and physical wellness.

Every October 10, the World Health Organization recognizes World Mental Health Day to remind us that there is no health ...
10/10/2025

Every October 10, the World Health Organization recognizes World Mental Health Day to remind us that there is no health without mental health. This year's campaign focuses on the importance of mental health support during humanitarian crises, conflicts, natural disasters and public health emergencies. At least 20% of people experience emotional distress, anxiety and depression in those types of situations. During times of heightened emotions, uncertainty and unrest, you may require more support than usual. Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you can relate. Our team of dedicated therapists offer a wide range of therapeutic approaches to support your unique journey. Visit us at www.paderatherapy.com.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we're highlighting our incredible Latina providers, as well as the unique needs and chal...
10/07/2025

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we're highlighting our incredible Latina providers, as well as the unique needs and challenges of their culture, as it relates to mental health. Today, meet Jacqueline Chaidez, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Art Therapist. She specializes in substance use, neurodiversity, depression, and children of immigrant complexities. Art therapy can also help with self-expression, emotional regulation, communication and overall well-being.

To learn more about Jacqueline and how to incorporate art therapy into your sessions, visit: https://paderatherapy.com/jacqueline-chaidez

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we're highlighting our incredible Latina providers, as well as the unique needs and chal...
10/02/2025

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we're highlighting our incredible Latina providers, as well as the unique needs and challenges of their culture, as it relates to mental health. Despite cultural barriers and stigmas related to seeking mental health support, the demand for it is growing—younger generations and bilingual families are increasingly open to therapy, especially when providers highlight cultural understanding, family values, and strengths-based approaches. Today, meet Rachel Rosales, a Licensed Professional Counselor and EMDR provider. She specializes in trauma, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder and autism. She is a culturally sensitive, LGBTQIA+-affirming therapist who enjoys working with marginalized groups.

To learn more about Rachel, visit: https://paderatherapy.com/rachel-rosales.
She has daytime virtual openings Fridays at 10 am, 2 pm, or 3 pm.

If you experience OCD, you understand the impact that unwanted thoughts and compulsions can have on your daily life. Obs...
09/30/2025

If you experience OCD, you understand the impact that unwanted thoughts and compulsions can have on your daily life. Obsessions can vary from concerns about violence, contamination, s*x, religion, morality, identity, perfectionism and daily responsibilities - while compulsions may include behaviors related to washing, cleaning, repetitive actions, and mental checklists until something feels "good" or "right."

The difference between OCD versus normal, everyday thoughts and worries is that people with OCD are distressed by their obsessive thoughts, but must act on the thoughts with their compulsive behaviors, in order to temporarily relieve that distress.

Alexa Reinecke, MS, LCPC, NCC is passionate abouthelping individuals with OCD find relief from their symptoms. Her specialty is Exposure Response Prevention therapy for OCD and complex anxiety disorders, empowering clients to change their relationship with anxiety, move beyond fear and live a life aligned with their values. Alexa has rare openings for new clients ages 10+ on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays midday! Contact us to schedule your appointment.

Learn more about Alexa: https://paderatherapy.com/alexa-reinecke-lpc
Learn more about OCD: https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/

At Padera Therapy and Wellness, we believe in the power of knowledge and self-discovery. Our Team Recommendations are th...
09/29/2025

At Padera Therapy and Wellness, we believe in the power of knowledge and self-discovery. Our Team Recommendations are thoughtfully curated to provide valuable resources for personal growth, mental well-being, and healing. Today we feature Kristin Padera, MA LCPC’s book choice: "On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to be Good," by Elise Loehnen.

Kristin states: "For any perfectionists or over functioning women, this manifesto will provide you with insights about what societal narratives or expectations you've unconsciously absorbed. It humorously and compassionately sheds light on the history behind the high expectations placed on women and challenges you to dismantle and disengage from the pieces that do not authentically fit or serve your highest good."

Kristin is a psychotherapist, yoga teacher, and holistic health advocate. She uses methods of dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices (like yoga and meditation) to assist clients in their recovery. She enjoys hanging out with her husband and sons, taking yoga/spin classes, reading, and watching bad British reality television.

Learn more:
https://paderatherapy.com/kristin-padera-ma-lcpc-ryt200

September is Yoga Awareness Month - and as a holistic-minded counseling center, we know the influence yoga can have on o...
09/24/2025

September is Yoga Awareness Month - and as a holistic-minded counseling center, we know the influence yoga can have on one's mental health. In fact, we have not one, but THREE yoga teachers on our team!

According to Harvard Medical School, yoga's impact on the brain is monumental. It makes the brain function better, improving memory, attention, awareness, thought, and language. Yoga also lowers levels of stress hormones and elevates levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which leads to a better mood and decreased anxiety. As a somatic (body-based) therapy, yoga cultivates a stronger mind-body connection, increases body awareness, releases tension, calms the nervous system and offers a holistic form of healing.

Intake Coordinator Lesli Gresholdt, also a 200-hour yoga teacher teaching 6 classes a week at local studios, says, "People often assume they have to be flexible to do yoga, but yoga is truly for everyone. You can practice it at any age, at any size, and with any differences your body may have. Yoga invites you to be present with yourself, honoring your body and connecting with your breath. It is a transformative practice for your mind, body and spirit that doesn't have to be complex to be effective."

Haven't added yoga to your mental health practice? It's a great time to begin. Have questions about yoga? Get in touch with us!

"September is National Recovery Month, which gives us time to honor the journey of recovery from substance use or mental...
09/23/2025

"September is National Recovery Month, which gives us time to honor the journey of recovery from substance use or mental health challenges. The truth is, none of us go through life without being touched by these struggles, whether it’s our own or someone we love.

Recovery is possible, though it can feel like a long winding road. As a therapist, I’ve seen clients reach a place where they no longer need me, others who are still in the thick of it, and some who know recovery will always be a part of their daily lives.

Many believe there is an end goal to recovery, that one day they will be able to say that they are “recovered”. The reality is that the past-tense may never come. Recovery is ongoing and could be lifelong. That doesn’t mean you’re failing or will never feel better. It just means that you’re continuing to work on becoming more fully yourself.

Though it can be daunting, recovery can be a truly beautiful experience. I’ve seen people learn more about themselves in ways they never would have had they not started on the path of recovery. I’ve seen people rebuild or create relationships that feel fulfilling and authentic to themselves. I’ve seen people learn to love themselves even if that struggle that brought them to therapy never completely goes away.

Recovery takes whatever shape it needs to take for each person. It’s not a one-size-fit-all path. Taking the first step is intimidating and unknown; and while I can’t promise it’s easy, I can promise it’s worth it to do it for yourself, one way or another." - Kirsten Emery, CADC, LMFT

We know how important representation is when it comes to choosing a therapist. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we're hig...
09/22/2025

We know how important representation is when it comes to choosing a therapist. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we're highlighting our incredible Latina providers, as well as the unique needs and challenges of their culture, as it relates to mental health. Studies show that in the Hispanic community, there can be financial and systemic barriers to seeking mental health support, such as lack of insurance, cost concerns, and fewer culturally competent providers. In addition, there can also be a mistrust of healthcare systems, due to past negative experiences or cultural disconnects. Today, meet one of the providers that hopes to change people's feelings about therapy. Diamari Velez, LCSW, sees clients ages 6+ at Padera Therapy who are struggling with anxiety, learning to live with ADHD, adjusting to parenthood, or dealing with trauma from their past. She is a bilingual therapist, speaking English and Spanish and a proud first generation Latina.

To learn more about Diamari, visit: https://paderatherapy.com/diamarivelezlcsw. She has daytime openings Mondays and Wednesdays.

Our Padera Team Recommendations are thoughtfully curated to provide valuable resources for personal growth, mental well-...
09/19/2025

Our Padera Team Recommendations are thoughtfully curated to provide valuable resources for personal growth, mental well-being, and healing. Today we feature Marriage and Family Therapist Kate Tune's suggestion: Secure Love by Julie Menanno.

Kate says, "This book is a great resource for understanding a stopping negative communication patterns between you and your partner. Julie Menanno will help you understand Emotionally Focused Therapy so that you can break ineffective patterns in conflict - understanding your own and your partner's behavior in an Attachment-based lens. The idea is that breaking this pattern, where you might trigger one another, leads to deeper connection and emotional intimacy."

Learn more about Kate, LMFT, and ICEEFT Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist at: https://paderatherapy.com/kate-tune-lmft.

Looking for a new therapist but not sure where to begin? We are fortunate to have Diamari Velez, LCSW joining our Padera...
09/18/2025

Looking for a new therapist but not sure where to begin? We are fortunate to have Diamari Velez, LCSW joining our Padera Therapy family next week - and she has daytime openings on Mondays and Wednesdays! Diamari is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker who brings incredible expertise and heart to her work. She specializes in anxiety, neurodiversity, ADHD, trauma, domestic violence, perinatal mental health struggles, and the challenges of being involved in the legal system. She works with individuals of all ages, including children ages 6+. She is in network with BCBS PPO, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna/Evernorth and United.

Learn more: https://paderatherapy.com/diamarivelezlcsw

If you're a mental health clinician looking for a new place to land, we'd love to hear from you. We have an office envir...
09/17/2025

If you're a mental health clinician looking for a new place to land, we'd love to hear from you. We have an office environment that is warm, supportive and full of passionate, experienced professionals. We value work/life balance for our therapists, and have frequent team get-togethers to build connection and community. We believe in creating meaningful change for clients through evidence-based and holistic treatment approaches. In addition, we have intake, marketing and insurance/billing support on staff. Sound too good to be true? It's not. It's Padera Therapy.

Job Opportunities for: LCPC, LPC, LCSW, LSW, LMFT, ALMFT, PSY.D, Ph.D
Apply today: https://paderatherapy.com/job-opportunities

We know how important representation is when it comes to choosing a therapist. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we're hig...
09/17/2025

We know how important representation is when it comes to choosing a therapist. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we're highlighting our incredible Latina providers, as well as the unique needs and challenges of their culture, as it relates to mental health.
Studies show that Latinx folks are less likely to seek out therapy when compared to other groups, due to long-held stigmas around mental health care and a strong emphasis on handling struggles inside the family. In addition, language barriers and limited access to bilingual or Spanish-speaking therapists can make it harder for some people to find supportive care! At Padera Therapy, we believe in diverse, culturally-affirming care for all.

Today, meet Rosangela Maldonado, MSW, CVDP. Rosangela sees clients ages 15+ at Padera Therapy for concerns like anxiety, depression, life transitions, coping skills, experiencing abuse or domestic violence, and trauma/PTSD. She is a bilingual therapist, as well. To learn more about Rosangela, visit: https://paderatherapy.com/rosangela-maldonado

Address

2100 Manchester Road Suite 1420
Wheaton, IL
60187

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 7pm
Thursday 8am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 3pm

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