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.
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.
As a mom of two young children, I bring patience, empathy, and presence into my work. Parenthood has given me a deeper understanding of life’s transitions—and of grief itself. Experiencing motherhood without my own mom has shaped how I hold space for loss, love, and healing in my practice.
Lauren Raney,
LCPC, ATR
My Specializations:
Grief & Bereavement
Anticipatory Grief
Non-Death Losses
Anxiety
Trauma
Depression
Coping Skills
Mindfulness
Life Transitions
Children ages 3 - 17
Adults 18+
Therapeutic Approaches:
Art Therapy
Talk Therapy
Person-Centered
Adlerian
Attachment-Based
Family Systems
Trauma Informed
LGBTQ+ Safe Space
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
More About Me
School:
Adler University - Masters of Art in Counseling and Art Therapy
Illinois State University - Bachelors of Science in Studio Arts: Painting
Credentials:
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois
Registered Art Therapist in Illinois
Featured on Psychology Today
Member of National Alliance for Children’s Grief
Interests:
Mama of two littles
Nature / Flowers / Cool breezes
Art! (Is this one obvious?)
Dancing & Yoga
Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Professional Speaking
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National Alliance for Mental Illness IL State Conference
Grief in Community: Honoring Loss, Fostering Connection
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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
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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.
