About Me
Owner & Art Therapist
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and a Registered Art Therapist (ATR). I specialize in supporting individuals through art therapy as they navigate grief and loss, anxiety, and depression. My approach is compassionate and tailored to each person’s unique journey, using creative expression as a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery.
For the past eight years, I have had the privilege of supporting children and families through grief.
Work Experience:
Program Director at Willow House
Bereavement Counselor and Children's Grief Coordinator at JourneyCare Hospice
Art Therapist at AMITA Health Behavioral Medicine Institute Children's Center Chicago
As a queer therapist and part of the LGBTQ+ community, I approach therapy with empathy and cultural humility, particularly around issues of identity and belonging.
Lauren Raney, LCPC, ATR
My Thoughts on Grief Support
I believe that grief is a universal experience, affecting individuals of all ages. You are the expert of your grief, and my role is to companion you along the way. While grief cannot be erased, we can soften and mold our grief into something we can better hold.
Grief ebbs and flows, and all emotions are welcome here. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Support can take many forms, including exploring your personal experience of grief, gaining a deeper understanding of its impact, and finding meaningful ways to connect to your person who died.
Professional Speaking
Presentations
2025
National Alliance for Mental Illness IL State Conference
Grief in Community: Honoring Loss, Fostering Connection
2024
National Alliance for Children’s Grief National Symposium
Utilizing the Expressive Therapies Continuum for Continuing Bonds with Grieving Families, Denver, CO
Highmark Caring Place 2024 National Grief Talks Conference
Empowering Caregivers of Grieving Children: How to Apply Expressive Art Tools Used by Professionals
2022
National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) Annual National Symposium
Empowering Caregivers of Grieving Children: How to Apply Expressive Art Tools Used by Professionals, Orlando, FL
Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association Annual Conference
Expressing Grief Through Art Making
ABC7
2021
Speaking about the importance of art therapy on ABC7 during Expressive Arts Therapy Week during my time as Program Director at Willow House.
WGN
2020
Speaking about the importance of expressing one’s grief and benefits of art therapy on WGN during my time as Program Director at Willow House.
