Kat Evans, LPC (she/They)
Licensed Professional Counselor for Children, Teens, and Young Adults in Illinois
A lot of the clients I work with come in feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or unsure of how to move forward. This can look like struggling at school, feeling stuck in anxiety or self-doubt, or navigating big life transitions and identity questions. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and not judged, so you can begin to open up at your own pace.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with children, adolescents, and young adults who are feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or unsure of how to move forward. Many of the people I work with are navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, or the day-to-day challenges that can come with being neurodivergent. Whether it’s a child struggling at school, a teen feeling stuck, or a young adult trying to find their footing, I provide a space where clients can begin to feel understood and supported.
A Calm, Collaborative, and Nonjudgmental Therapy Experience
Working with me feels collaborative, calm, and nonjudgmental. Clients often come in feeling overwhelmed or unsure about opening up, but quickly settle into a space where they feel emotionally safe. I am known for my calming presence and my ability to truly step into my clients’ experiences with empathy. Sessions are tailored to each individual—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach—and clients are invited to move at their own pace while feeling gently supported and challenged when needed.
How Does Play Therapy Help Children Build Emotional Skills?
With children, I use play as a way to help them express and process what they may not yet have words for. In sessions, children might use toys, art, or creative activities to explore their thoughts and feelings in a way that feels natural to them. I create a structured and safe environment while allowing children the freedom to lead, helping them build confidence, emotional awareness, and coping skills over time.
In-Person and Virtual Counseling Services in Oak Park, Illinois
I offer in-person sessions in Oak Park, Illinois, as well as virtual therapy across Illinois. I work with children as young as 3 through young adults up to age 25, and offer both individual and family therapy. If you’re looking for a therapist who will meet you where you are, move at your pace, and create a space where you feel truly understood, I would be honored to work with you.
We may be a good fit if you’re looking for support with:
Feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed by responsibilities, or stuck in patterns like procrastination, self-doubt, or constant worry
Navigating trauma or exploring your identity, including gender-diverse experiences
Neurodiversity support for children, young adults, and families (including ADHD and ASD)
Parent coaching to better understand and support your child
Healing from traumatic childhood experiences using Trauma-Focused CBT
Play-based interventions such as sandtray and art therapy
Gender-affirming care in a safe, supportive environment
Kat is a staff therapist at Empower Family Therapy. She has received her Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Child/Adolescent Counseling from Northwestern University. Kat is a licensed professional counselor in Illinois. She is receiving direct supervision under Isabel Caisse, LMFT.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is it like to work with you?
Working with me feels collaborative, calm, and nonjudgmental. I focus on creating a space where you can feel safe to be yourself and share openly. Sessions are tailored to you, and we move at a pace that feels comfortable while still supporting growth.
Who do you help best?
I work best with children, teens, and young adults who feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck. This includes clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, or challenges related to being neurodivergent, as well as those exploring their identity.
What should I expect in the first session?
In the first session, we’ll focus on getting to know each other and understanding what’s bringing you in. You don’t need to have everything figured out—this is a space where you can start wherever you are, and we’ll take it step by step together.
How do you work with children in therapy?
With children, I use play and creative activities like art to help them express what they’re feeling. Since kids don’t always have the words for their emotions, play becomes a natural way for them to communicate and process their experiences in a safe environment.
How do you help with anxiety and overwhelm?
I help clients understand how their thoughts and feelings are connected, especially patterns like overthinking, self-doubt, and feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities. Together, we work on building awareness, coping strategies, and a sense of balance.
Do you involve families in the process?
Yes, when appropriate, I offer family sessions to support communication, understanding, and connection. I see therapy as a collaborative process and aim to create an environment that supports both the individual and the family system.