Mary Ellen Gillam

About Mary Ellen Gillam

Mary Ellen Gillam is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, relationship concerns, and emotional challenges. She is passionate about helping clients better understand themselves, build confidence, and develop practical tools to navigate life’s difficulties.

Education & Background

Mary Ellen earned her Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Austin and her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois.

Before becoming a counselor, Mary Ellen spent over eight years working as a public school and special education teacher. This experience gave her a deep understanding of child development, learning differences, family dynamics, and the challenges many children, adolescents, and families face both in and outside of school.

Mary Ellen has experience providing individual counseling, group counseling, and school-based mental health services. She also works with adults navigating anxiety, stress, relationship concerns, and major life transitions.

Areas of Focus

Mary Ellen supports clients experiencing:

• Anxiety and excessive worry
  ● Emotional regulation challenges
  ● Social skills and relationship difficulties
  ● School-related stress and academic pressures
  ● Life transitions and adjustment challenges

Mary Ellen works with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She values meeting clients where they are and creating a therapeutic experience that feels individualized, collaborative, and supportive.

Therapeutic Approach

Mary Ellen utilizes evidence-based and developmentally appropriate interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, strengths-based approaches, mindfulness practices, play therapy techniques, and social-emotional skill development.

Mary Ellen believes that therapy is not about “fixing” people, but about helping individuals better understand themselves, recognize their strengths, and develop the tools needed to navigate challenges with greater confidence. She values building strong therapeutic relationships and believes that feeling safe and connected is an essential part of the counseling process.

More About Mary Ellen

Outside of therapy, Mary Ellen enjoys crafting, exploring local coffee shops, attending live music events, spending time outdoors, and spending time with her dog. She believes creativity, curiosity, and connection are important parts of a balanced life and brings those values into her work with clients.