MEET OUR EXTRAORDINARY TEAM
Meet Our Team of Compassionate Counselors Who Truly Care
Finding Help if as Easy as Finding the Right Counselor for Your Needs.
At Roberts Counseling, our team is made up of experienced, down-to-earth professionals who are passionate about helping people heal and grow.
Each counselor brings their own background, personality, and specialty to the table—but what we all share is a deep commitment to creating a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered.
Dixon Counselors
Rock Falls Counselors
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Susie Wilhelm
Ages Served: 10+ Experience: 9 years Location: Dixon Accepts Self-Pay: Yes
In-Network With: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, & some Medicare plans
Susie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over nine years of experience in the mental health field. Her approach to therapy is warm, empathetic, and deeply client-centered. Susie believes in the power of a strong therapeutic relationship and takes time to build rapport so clients feel safe, supported, and understood. Her calm and laid-back nature helps create a welcoming environment where clients can relax and explore life’s challenges without fear of judgment.
Susie values collaboration and makes sure clients feel in control of their own therapy journey. She meets people exactly where they are, with no pressure to open up before they’re ready. Her sessions are driven by the client’s goals, and she walks alongside them with encouragement and compassion.
Areas of Expertise
Susie has experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and more. She has a special interest in working with adolescents and understands the unique emotional needs that can arise during this life stage.
Therapy Approaches
Person-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Solution-Focused Therapy
Special Interests
Adolescent Mental Health
Building trust with new clients
Empowering individuals to take the lead in their healing process
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Whitney Miller
*Currently not accepting new clients
Ages Served: 10+ Experience: 14 Years Location: Dixon Accepts Self-Pay: Yes
In-Network With: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, & some Medicare plans
With over 14 years of experience in the mental health field, Whitney brings a grounded, holistic approach to every session. She believes in meeting clients exactly where they are, helping them define their own goals, and supporting them as they begin to heal from the inside out—mind, body, and soul. Clients often describe Whitney as honest, non-judgmental, and someone they can quickly build trust and connection with.
Whitney is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which she integrates as one of many therapeutic tools depending on each client’s unique needs. She is passionate about creating a therapeutic space that feels safe, encouraging, and rooted in mutual respect.
Areas of Expertise
Whitney has experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, substance use disorders, parenting issues, and a wide range of life stressors. Her work is especially beneficial for individuals looking to process deep emotional wounds in a supportive, empowering environment.
Therapy Approaches
Person-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
EMDR
Special Interests
Holistic Wellness
Trauma Recovery
Empowering clients to define their own version of healing
Susan Carlson
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Ages Served: 11+ Experience: 16 Years Location: Dixon Accepts Self-Pay: Yes
In-Network With: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, UMR, Cigna
With a professional foundation built on empathy, empowerment, and collaboration, Susan Carlson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping clients cultivate peace within their lives. Holding a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Susan has extensive experience supporting adults and adolescents coping with stress, trauma, life transitions, and identity-related concerns.
Her therapeutic style is rooted in person-centered care, where clients set the pace and direction of their healing journey. Rather than prescribing solutions, Susan partners with her clients to uncover healthy coping skills and meaningful insights that foster long-term resilience and personal growth.
Areas of Expertise
Susan has a passion for helping adults and teens navigate stress, trauma, life transitions, and identity-related challenges in a supportive, collaborative space.
Special Interests
Incarcerated Adults
Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Adults/Adolescents with Mental Health concerns
LGBTQ+
First Generation Americans
Child Victims of Domestic Violence
Life Transitions/Managing Stress
Depression/Anxiety
Therapy Approaches
Person-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Solution-Focused Therapy
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Jen Payne
Ages Served: 11+ Experience: 11 Years Location: Rock Falls Accepts Self-Pay: Yes
In-Network With: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, UMR, Cigna
Jen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who approaches therapy as a collaborative process grounded in curiosity and authenticity. Rather than positioning herself as the authority, she believes the people she works with are the true experts of their own lives. Her style is client-centered and holistic, with a strong emphasis on creating a space that feels non-judgmental, affirming, and safe to explore even the most complex or vulnerable parts of one’s experience.
Drawing from an integrative framework, Jen supports individuals and partners working through concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, and evolving relationship dynamics. She has particular insight with those exploring or practicing Ethical Non-Monogamy, Polyamorous relationships, Relationship Anarchy, and navigating open or opening relationships. Care is always grounded in values of dignity, harm reduction, and informed consent; Jen believes these factors are irreplaceable while remaining sex-positive, kink aware, and deeply affirming of LGBTQ+ identities and Gender Affirming Care. Whether addressing the impact of past trauma, strengthening communication within relationships, or making sense of identity and belonging, her work centers on helping clients reconnect with their own sense of worth and internal clarity.
Areas of Expertise
Jen has experience supporting individuals, couples, and relational systems navigating anxiety, depression, trauma (including sexual, betrayal, religious, and childhood trauma), identity exploration, and complex relationship dynamics. She works with adolescents through older adults and offers support for those seeking greater alignment in their personal lives, relationships, and sense of self.
Therapy Approaches
Person-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Psychodynamic Therapy
Special Interests
LGBTQ+ and Gender Affirming Care
Trauma and Identity Exploration
Sex Therapy
Relationship Dynamics and Communication
Ethical Non-Monogamy, Polyamorous, and Open Relationships
Licensed Social Worker
Tanja Babel
Ages Served: 18+ Experience: 5+ Years Location: Rock Falls Accepts Self-Pay: Yes
In-Network With: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna
Starting at ages 18 and up, clients will find in Tanja a therapist who feels steady, authentic, and deeply attuned. Tanja believes that a strong therapeutic relationship creates the foundation for exploration and healing. Building trust and connection is at the heart of her work, meeting clients where they are and adapting the approach to fit their unique needs. Growth, in her view, is rarely linear; it resembles a winding trail more than a straight road.
Tanja works with clients to develop holistic action steps that will support them in reaching their individual and unique goals, all the while supporting them in realizing that they have the strength and capability to do so. With steadiness and respect, Tanja walks alongside her clients as they navigate that terrain, holding light where it’s needed and honoring the courage it takes to move forward.
Areas of Expertise
Tanja works with individuals and couples to navigate anxiety, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, panic, grief, and major life transitions. Clients facing career stagnancy, professional burnout, or identity shifts often benefit from her practical yet reflective approach. She is currently pursuing a certification in sex therapy and invites conversations around consent, shame, intimacy, and desire: Tanja works alongside clients to encourage personal development, empowerment, and creative ways of coping with life stress.
Therapy Approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples
Solution-Focused Therapy
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Special Interests
Women’s Health and PMDD
Anxiety and OCD
Career Transitions and Identity Development
Sex Therapy and Intimacy
Licensed Professional Counselor
Stephanie Christian
Ages Served: 7+ Experience: 6 Years Location: Rock Falls Accepts Self-Pay: Yes
In-Network With: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna
Having earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish from Greenville University and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bradley University, Stephanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor who believes meaningful therapy begins with genuine connection. Guided by a person-centered philosophy, she creates an environment where clients feel safe enough to move at their own pace, knowing they will be met with curiosity, respect, and compassion rather than judgment. She recognizes that communication extends far beyond words; a favorite song, a meaningful game, shared laughter, or even quiet body language can offer valuable insight into someone’s story. Humor also has an important place in her work, helping therapy feel welcoming, authentic, and human while making space for growth through life’s most difficult moments.
Rather than relying on one singular approach, Stephanie blends techniques to fit each individual’s unique needs: she works to support clients as they build emotional awareness, strengthen relationships, navigate life transitions, and reconnect with a sense of confidence and purpose. She believes in ensuring that the work feels both personalized and effective, leaving clients feeling as though their time in therapy was time well invested. When meaningful to a client’s values and requested by the client, she is also comfortable integrating conversations surrounding faith while honoring each individual’s personal beliefs and worldview.
Areas of Expertise
Stephanie has experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults navigating mood disorders, personality disorders, depression with psychotic features, grief, trauma, and a wide range of mental health concerns. She enjoys helping children build emotional awareness and regulation while partnering with parents to strengthen connection and communication. Stephanie’s work also includes guiding young adults as they explore identity, life direction, and personal values, as well as supporting older adults through retirement and other significant life transitions.
Therapy Approaches
Person-Centered Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Play Therapy
Special Interests
Identity Development
Emotional Regulation and Resilience
Adjustment Disorders
First-time Therapy Clients
HOW IT WORKS
Start Your Healing Journey in Three Easy Steps
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Browse our team to see who feels like the best fit for you. Each of our therapists brings their own strengths and specialties—so whether you're looking for support with anxiety, trauma, relationships, or life transitions, you’ll find someone who gets it.
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Get support in a way that works for your life. We offer both secure video sessions and in-person counseling at our comfortable offices located in either Dixon or Rock Falls Illinois. Choose what feels best, and switch anytime if your needs change.
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Whether you know which counselor you want or if you don’t have a preference, we’ll check when we can schedule an appointment for you. Contact us today to see what’s available.
Through counseling, we provide education on managing symptoms and developing healthy coping skills. Our goal is to help you and your loved ones reach your full potential.
FAQ
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We recommend reading through each team member’s bio to get a feel for their experience, personality, and specialties.
If you’re unsure, contact us—we’ll help you find a counselor who fits your needs and goals.
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Our Counselors use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. Each session is tailored to fit your individual needs.
If you don’t know what type of therapy approach would be best for you, that’s fine. Contact us and we can help you figure it out
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Absolutely. A strong therapeutic relationship is important. If at any point you feel your counselor isn’t the right match, we’ll work with you to find someone who better aligns with your preferences.
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Yes. Our diverse team offers therapy for individuals of all ages—including children as young as 7, teenagers, adults, and couples—covering a wide range of mental health needs.
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Each of our counselors is highly trained and licensed, with years of experience in the mental health field. Many have special certifications in trauma, addiction, EMDR, and more.
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While we don’t offer pre-session consultations with all therapists, we provide detailed bios to help you make an informed choice. Once matched, your first session is a chance to begin building that connection.
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Yes! We offer flexible therapy options, including in-person sessions at our Dixon and Rock Falls offices. Plus, secure, HIPAA-compliant tele-health appointments to fit your lifestyle.
Contact today for more information on how it works.
Join Our Team
Are you a licensed therapist who’s passionate about providing compassionate, client-centered care?
At Roberts Counseling, we believe in creating a welcoming, non-judgmental space where people feel safe to heal and grow. If you value empathy, collaboration, and supporting people from all walks of life, you may be a great fit for our team.
Fill out the form today to learn more about joining our supportive and purpose-driven practice.
Explore Our Blog & Free Resources
Looking for guidance between sessions—or not sure where to start? Our team regularly shares helpful insights, tools, and encouragement through our blog and free resources.