
Our Services
Empowering People Since 1998
In-person services in Elmhurst, Il
Tele-Health Services available in Illinois & North Dakota
Therapy Intensives | Speaking | Pop-Up Workshops | Retreats
Therapy: Individual | Couples | Family & Groups
For Therapists: Clinical Supervision
Therapy Intensives
Transform your healing journey in days instead of months. Our Intensive Therapy Sessions provide deep, focused healing work in a condensed timeframe, allowing you to make significant progress on issues that might take months in traditional weekly therapy.
Benefits
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Profound breakthroughs in a shorter time period
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Deep dive into core issues without interruption
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Effective for trauma, anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges
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Lasting change through immersive experiences
Format
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3-6 hour sessions with scheduled breaks
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Consecutive days or spaced sessions
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Personalized approach combining discussion, exercises, and reflection
What to Expect
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Deep focus on your most pressing challenges
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Some moments of discomfort as you work through difficult emotions
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Continuous support and guidance throughout the process
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A comprehensive plan for maintaining progress after your intensive
Speaking Engagements
Casandra Townsel, LCSW brings over 25 years of clinical expertise to dynamic, impactful presentations on mental health and social justice topics. Her engaging speaking style combines professional insights with practical strategies, leaving audiences both informed and inspired to take action.
Topics
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The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Side of Adolescents & Gaming
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Love Should Not Hurt: Teenage Dating Violence
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Navigating the Journey with Neuro-Diverse Teens
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Human Trafficking 101
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Guarding Our Teens: Human Trafficking Prevention
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Cultural Competency in Mental Health
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Trauma-Informed Care for Organizations
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Building Resilience in Challenging Times
Benefits
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Increased awareness and understanding of crucial mental health topics
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Practical, actionable strategies for individuals and organizations
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Engaging presentation style that maintains audience interest
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Customized content to address specific community needs
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Evidence-based information delivered in accessible language
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Opportunities for meaningful Q&A and discussion
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Follow-up resources for continued learning
Individual Therapy
Blossoming Hope provides a supportive space where you can explore your challenges, process emotions, and develop strategies for healing and growth. Our approach blends evidence-based techniques with culturally sensitive care to address your unique needs and lived experiences. We believe in empowering you to reclaim your narrative and cultivate resilience as you move toward authentic self-expression and emotional well-being.
Some of the Topics We Address
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Anxiety
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STRESS
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Depression
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Trauma and PTSD
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LGBTQ+ Affirming Care
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Relationship Challenges
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Cultural Identity and Racial Trauma
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Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion
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Substance Abuse
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Women's Issues
Benefits of Therapy
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Gain powerful self-awareness of patterns and beliefs holding you back from living authentically.
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Develop coping skills to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and emotional regulation.
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Get meaningful personal growth as you align your actions with your core values and true self.
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Create lasting positive change through guided support and accountability in a non-judgmental environment.
COUPLES COUNSELING
My Couples Therapy sessions help patients develop positive attitudes towards life’s most complex and challenging circumstances, within relationships. If you are seeking ways to help you talk to each other more, premarital counseling, or even address the trauma of infidelity. We're here to listen and help. Couples therapy will address key components such as agreements, communication, and yes, sex.
Some of the Topics We Address
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Communication Barriers
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Trust and Intimacy Issues
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Infidelity and Betrayal Recovery
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Premarital Counseling
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Conflict Resolution Skills
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Parenting Differences
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Cultural and Identity Differences
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Financial Stress and Planning
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Grief and Loss as a Couple
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Balancing Independence and Togetherness
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Navigating Extended Family Relationships
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Rebuilding Emotional Connection
Benefits of Couples Counseling
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Enhance communication patterns to express needs clearly. Learn to resolve conflicts by truly understanding each other's perspectives.
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Rebuild trust through structured conversations. Deepen emotional intimacy by fostering vulnerability and authentic connection.
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Identify harmful relationship cycles that create distance. Replace them with healthier patterns of interaction that bring you closer.
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Strengthen your partnership by developing shared goals. Create a meaningful vision for your relationship's future together.
Family & Group Therapy
Family dynamics and group interactions play a crucial role in our emotional well-being and personal development. Our family and group therapy sessions provide a supportive environment where multiple perspectives can be heard and understood. Through guided discussions and structured activities, we help families and groups improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their relationships.
Some of the Topics We Address
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Parenting challenges and family transitions
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Blended family integration
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Grief and loss within the family system
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Managing family roles during major life changes
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Sibling relationships and rivalry
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Family boundaries and healthy attachment
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Cultural identity and family values
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Addiction's impact on family dynamics
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Building supportive family or group environments
Benefits of Couples Counseling
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Gain perspectives from multiple family members or group participants. Develop empathy and understanding for different viewpoints.
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Break unhealthy communication patterns that perpetuate conflict. Build new ways of expressing needs and listening to others.
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Address shared challenges together rather than in isolation. Create collective solutions that honor everyone's needs and contributions.
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Strengthen bonds through shared therapeutic experiences. Develop lasting skills that improve how you function as a family or group.
'Talk-It-Out' Pop-Up Workshops
Our monthly "Talk It Out" Pop-up Workshops offer engaging, interactive conversations on mental health and social topics that impact daily life in familiar, comfortable settings. These workshops create welcoming spaces where people can connect with others, engage in important discussions, and gain practical tools for personal growth—all without the barriers of traditional therapy.
Benefits
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Access mental health support in an informal, stigma-free environment
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Connect with others facing similar challenges in your community
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Learn practical tools and strategies you can apply immediately
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Explore sensitive topics in a safe, guided setting
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Address real-world issues that affect your daily wellbeing
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Gain insights from both professionals and peers
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Overcome barriers to traditional therapy (cost, accessibility, stigma)
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Join a supportive community focused on growth and healing
Transformative Retreats
Our Transformative Retreats offer a unique opportunity for individuals, couples, and professionals to step away from daily routines and immerse themselves in environments conducive to healing and self-discovery. These retreats combine therapeutic workshops, experiential activities, and holistic practices to promote emotional wellness and personal growth. Participants often find these retreats to be life-changing, providing clarity and renewed purpose.

Services for Therapists
Clinical Supervision
Clinical supervision is vital for social work licensure in Illinois and North Dakota. Master's-level graduates need 3,000 supervised hours, while PhD/DSW graduates require 2,000 hours. Illinois also offers an alternative path of 6,000 total supervision hours instead of the ASWB exam.
Quality supervision builds your professional identity, ethical practice, and clinical confidence for independent practice.
Benefits
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Expert guidance from an experienced LCSW with 25+ years in diverse clinical settings
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Targeted preparation for the ASWB licensing exam
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Gain the ability to handle complex cases with confidence and competence
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Development of culturally responsive and trauma-informed clinical approaches
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Growth in your unique therapeutic style while adhering to ethical standards
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Supportive environment to process challenging cases and prevent burnout
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Expanded clinical toolkit with evidence-based interventions and techniques
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Networking opportunities and professional community building
Rooted & Rising
"It's the bridge I wish I had" - Casandra Townsel
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Rooted & Rising offers emerging professionals a 12-week guided experience with practical tools, supervision hours, and supportive community to bridge classroom theory and real-world practice.
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Our transformative program provides the guidance and support every new mental health professional needs but rarely receives. Through live sessions, expert guest talks, and a beautifully crafted workbook, you'll develop confidence in your clinical skills while building connections with peers facing similar challenges.
Whether you're working in clinical settings, schools, nonprofits, or community organizations, Rooted & Rising helps you establish strong foundations for a sustainable and impactful career.
Benefits
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Earn 22-30 documented indirect supervision hours toward licensure
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Develop practical skills for real-world clinical challenges
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Build confidence in your therapeutic approach and decision-making
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Connect with a supportive cohort of like-minded professionals
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Learn sustainable self-care practices to prevent burnout
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Receive guidance from experienced mentors in the field