Dr. Elisa Woodruff, Ph.D., LCPC, NPT-C, EMDR-PT-II, ADHD-PT (she/they)

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

EWoodruff@thompson-tm.com 630-216-9151

Locations: Sycamore Office & Telehealth

I earned my Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision, a Master’s degree (MS.Ed) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care from Northern Illinois University.  I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois and am Certified in Neuropsychotherapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and the Assessment and Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 

My clinical and research interests include traumatic and adverse experiences, attention and motivation, mind/body wellness and brain health, anxiety and depression, LGBTQIA+ identity development, gender identity and expression, medical issues/chronic illness, systemic trauma, developmental transitions (i.e., leaving home, retiring), career and vocation, and spiritual and values identification and development. Outside of my work as a clinical therapist, I have also spent 10 years teaching graduate and doctoral students studying mental health and school counseling and supervising pre-licensed graduates. I also have a passion for community-based education and advocacy surrounding mind/body wellness, the impact of systemic stressors, and the rights of marginalized persons.

The therapeutic process takes courage, but when you call the practice, you will have already taken one of the hardest steps. From that moment on, you will have a kind, committed, and optimistic ally who will help you process your ups, your downs, and all the stuff in between. I do this by honoring and celebrating your past experiences, cultural identities, and personal preferences and using my expansive knowledge of evidence-based counseling modalities to create an approach that is unique to you, in which you are an active participant, and which can flex to match the context and content of any given session. I have formal training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Neuropsychotherapy (addressing challenges using exercises that strengthen your brain!), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma-Informed Mind/Body approaches, and modern psychodynamic theory as well as 10+ years’ experience teaching a cannon of other tried-and-true counseling theories and modalities.

Past clients, students, and colleagues have described me as warm, vibrant, and inquisitive and have stated that my love for the work is infectious and apparent in all interactions. In appointments, I will help you process your pain and frustrations, identify strategies that have gotten you this far, and help you build them into a toolbox that you can continue to develop long past your final therapy appointment. My hope is that I can help you gain insight into the things that distress you, thus making them less powerful, so you can turn attention and energy to the things that make your life meaningful. I will also help you identify strengths, values, and goals, so you are empowered to focus on those things no matter what life throws at you.

I am excited to announce that I now offer groups for Gender Diverse Adults and those experiencing Insomnia.

Professional Affiliation Disclosure:

  • American Counseling Association

  • Illinois Counseling Association

  • Illinois Society for Sexual Affectional Intersex and Gender Expansive Identities (past-president)

  • Illinois Association for Adult Development and Aging (past president)

  • Journal of Counseling in Illinois (editorial board)

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