Dr. Penny Brower, LCPC

Dr. Penny Brower uses a practical, problem-solving approach rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. She keeps sessions straightforward and focused on skills you can use between appointments. Dr. Brower aims to create clear steps for coping with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, and other pressing concerns.

She brings 34 years of experience as an IL LCPC and a doctoral degree from The University of Iowa. Early in her career she provided in-home therapy for families with complex problems and later worked in community mental health and private practice. She also spent eight years with the Air National Guard helping develop a program to reduce suicide risk and build resilience.

Dr. Brower combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and attachment-based ideas to match the moment-to-moment needs of each person. Sessions emphasize noticing patterns, testing new behaviors, and practicing small changes until they stick. She listens for what helps and what does not, and she adjusts methods based on client feedback.

Her work covers many concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, addictions, ADHD, trauma, grief, and problems that come from family history or attachment wounds. She also addresses aging and geriatric issues, communication problems, codependency, and feelings of emptiness or isolation.

People can expect a clinician who values individual differences and avoids labeling. The focus is on understanding what makes problems worse and building skills to manage them. Dr. Brower encourages collaboration so people leave sessions with practical tools they can use right away.

Approach and Online Options for Practical Change

Dr. Brower blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with attachment-informed ideas to address patterns that cause pain. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and trying practical behavior changes to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and relationship strain. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people clarify personal values and take action even when difficult feelings remain, which fits concerns like grief, addiction, or persistent worry.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. She will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. That means trying techniques, asking for feedback, and adjusting the plan so sessions feel useful and relevant to everyday life.

Online sessions are offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when discussion and visual cues matter. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for shorter check-ins. Live chat and text messaging are useful for quick prompts, brief skill practice, or when typing feels more comfortable. These options help people fit therapy into busy schedules and maintain continuity across life changes.