Padera Therapy and Wellness

Padera Therapy and Wellness A holistic health and counseling center in Wheaton, Illinois. Talk therapy, art therapy, yoga therapy, somatic therapy, EMDR and more.
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We assist our clients with moving toward complete emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and physical wellness.

Our Padera Therapy Team Recommendations are thoughtfully curated to provide valuable resources for personal growth, ment...
05/29/2026

Our Padera Therapy Team Recommendations are thoughtfully curated to provide valuable resources for personal growth, mental well-being, and healing. Today we feature Deanna Charles' podcast choice, 10 Percent Happier.

Deanna notes, “What I enjoy about 10% Happier is that it focuses on wellness and normalizing and managing feelings. The host, Dan Harris, has experienced his own difficulties with panic disorder and brings on many professionals, including psychologists and neuroscientists, to talk about their field of practice and how it pertains to wellness and mental health. His explanations of things are easy to understand and relatable. This podcast can be helpful for others because Dan Harris breaks the stigma around 'mindfulness' and helps listeners simplify it so that it's easier to implement in everyday life. He also offers a meditation and mindfulness app with quick guided meditations called 'Happier' to help you practice."

Deanna works with kids, teens and women, specializing in emotional regulation, anxiety and life transitions. Contact us for more information about booking an appointment or 15 minute consultation with Deanna!

Learn more:
https://paderatherapy.com/deannacharles

In 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General described parental stress as a major public health concern, as nearly half of parents ...
05/22/2026

In 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General described parental stress as a major public health concern, as nearly half of parents report feeling "overwhelming stress" on most days, and 65% feel lonely. For new parents, it can be even more intense. 1 in every 5-7 birthing people experience perinatal depression and anxiety - and their partners experience it at a ratio of 1 in 10 - with most never receiving care or a diagnosis.

Parental stress is fueled by sleep deprivation, financial strain, a lack of social support, unrealistic expectations, work demands, mental load, emotional labor, and isolation - especially in early parenthood. In addition, Black, Indigenous, and Latine mothers often experience higher rates of postpartum mental health symptoms while simultaneously facing greater barriers to care.

At Padera Therapy, we have therapists specializing in perinatal mental health, stress, anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, grief, relationship challenges, identity exploration, lactation support, infertility, culturally-sensitive care, and much more. Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional Kristin Padera recognizes the importance of high-quality, comprehensive care - medical, social and psychological - when people enter parenthood.

"Finding the right support can make all the difference in navigating the complexities of both welcoming a child into your family and in helping you navigate the complex identity transformation that happens when you become a parent," she says. "It can be emotionally disorienting for new parents to navigate joy in their new role and grief at the ways their lives have changed. Many new parents feel both gratitude and resentment, fulfillment and loss of self, connection and loneliness. This transition deserves nuanced understanding and compassion. Becoming a parent has been one of the most profoundly transformative and emotionally complex experiences of my life. It is an honor and deeply meaningful to me to support other parents as a Perinatal Mental Health Counselor as they navigate this season of joys and challenges."

Learn more about how our therapists can support you as a parent:
https://paderatherapy.com/individual-therapy

Licensed Social Worker Sarah Guarini - and her therapy dog Ralph - have a rare weekly opening on Tuesdays at 10 am! Sara...
05/21/2026

Licensed Social Worker Sarah Guarini - and her therapy dog Ralph - have a rare weekly opening on Tuesdays at 10 am!

Sarah brings a calm, compassionate presence to her work with teens 13+ and adults, helping clients navigate life transitions, anxiety, grief, trauma, neurodivergence and relationship challenges. Joining her in the therapy room (with client permission) is Ralph, her mellow and affectionate poodle, who offers comfort and grounding through animal-assisted therapy. Together, Sarah and Ralph help clients experience connection, safety, and emotional support in a truly unique way.

Sarah is in network with BCBS PPO, Aetna, Anthem and Cigna/Evernorth. Learn more at https://paderatherapy.com/sarah-guarini or call us at 630-940-6828.

This month we recognize AAPI Heritage Month - recognizing the contributions and culture of Asian Americans and Pacific I...
05/21/2026

This month we recognize AAPI Heritage Month - recognizing the contributions and culture of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, especially as it relates to mental health. Unfortunately, only 25% of AAPI folks experiencing mental health issues will ever receive treatment due to cultural stigmas, shame, lack of insurance coverage and language barriers.

Anxiety and depression is rising for younger AAPI folks struggling with academic and personal pressure, and for the families of immigrants and refugees especially, intergenerational trauma can be pervasive in family systems. Now more than ever, Asian American and Pacific Islander therapists represent what it looks like to both honor your culture and family - AND to take care of yourself, without judgement or shame.

Today, we share thoughts from Licensed Clinical Social Worker Jon Matthew.

"This month—and every month—we boldly remember not only the major milestones of our history, but also the small acts of resistance that preserve our values, cultures, and traditions. My heritage is the samosas and chai my family shares on Sunday afternoons. My heritage is my mother cooking enough food to feed a small army anytime a guest visits. My heritage is the tattoos on my arms, representing the people and the places I came from. My Asian-American heritage has always been a source of complicated feelings. It’s hard to feel proud of where you come from when that very part of your identity has been a source of shame and otherism. After all, generations of xenophobia don’t get erased overnight. Nevertheless, there is undeniable value in honoring our heritage, as it preserves our connection to the generations of ancestors who survived, fought, and loved, so that we could be here today. I’ll admit, I wish I felt more proud of where I’m from, but to deny the complexity of my feelings is to deny the wonder of our history—in all its beauty and tragedy. I’d like to think I am continually reclaiming my pride in my heritage, and redefining what it means to be Asian-American. In doing so, my hope is that I am becoming my most authentic self."

Looking for an AAPI therapist? Contact us today to learn more about our diverse team of clinicians or visit us at www.paderatherapy.com.

We are excited to introduce Kathryn Pedersen - the newest therapist to join the Padera Therapy team! Kathryn sees client...
05/18/2026

We are excited to introduce Kathryn Pedersen - the newest therapist to join the Padera Therapy team! Kathryn sees clients ages 10 and up, specializing in anxiety, identity issues, self-esteem, neurodivergence, body image concerns and Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) - a new modality at our practice! DMT is defined by the American Dance Therapy Association as the psychotherapeutic use of body movement for the purpose of improving health and well-being for therapy clients. It can be beneficial in easing anxiety, processing trauma and connecting with the body.

Kathryn is accepting new clients and is in network with BCBS PPO, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna and Evernorth. She will have openings Monday-Thursday, in-person and virtual.

Learn more:
https://paderatherapy.com/kathrynpedersen

Every May is designated Women's Health Month - and this year's theme is "Prevention, Innovation, and Impact." According...
05/13/2026

Every May is designated Women's Health Month - and this year's theme is "Prevention, Innovation, and Impact." According to the Office of Women's Health, women live longer, healthier lives when supported by systems that prioritize a whole-person approach to women’s health. The theme reflects an ongoing commitment to proactive, science-based, and coordinated care and highlights the importance of moving beyond fragmented care to focus on prevention, early detection, and better health outcomes. When it comes to mental health, women are more likely to experience anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Times of hormone change also impact depression at high rates, such as pregnancy, menopause, and monthly menstrual cycles. Learn more about our therapists and how they can support your whole-body health journey at www.paderatherapy.com.

Deanna Charles, LCSW is a fully licensed clinician working with children, teens and women experiencing generalized anxie...
05/11/2026

Deanna Charles, LCSW is a fully licensed clinician working with children, teens and women experiencing generalized anxiety, stress, difficulty regulating emotions, low self-esteem, depression and more. Deanna also enjoys working with parents regarding the behavioral and emotional challenges their children are experiencing. She uses a variety of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, mindfulness, trauma-focused work, and even walk-and-talk therapy for those who feel more comfortable communicating while moving their body.

Deanna is now accepting new clients, with appointments starting Monday, June 1. She's in network with BCBS PPO, Cigna/Evernorth, Aetna, Anthem, and United/Optum. Contact us for a 15-minute phone consult or to schedule an appointment!

Learn more: https://paderatherapy.com/deannacharles

We are pleased to share that our founder Kristin Padera recently received certification as an EMDRIA Certified Therapist...
04/30/2026

We are pleased to share that our founder Kristin Padera recently received certification as an EMDRIA Certified Therapist, as well as being named an ADHD-Clinical Services Provider! This continued education demonstrates Kristin's advanced competency in EMDR therapy for trauma, as well as comprehensive training in ADHD diagnosis, non-medication treatments, interventions and evidence-based strategies for clients managing ADHD. Congrats, Kristin!

Kristin specializes in working with late-diagnosed neurodivergent female-identified, trans, and non-binary folks, as well as parents, caretakers, trauma survivors, and those deconstructing from religious or spiritual trauma. She currently hasa waitlist for new clients.

Learn more: https://paderatherapy.com/kristin-padera-ma-lcpc-ryt200

Alcohol Awareness Month offers the opportunity to reassess your personal drinking habits, make healthier choices, discus...
04/29/2026

Alcohol Awareness Month offers the opportunity to reassess your personal drinking habits, make healthier choices, discuss underage drinking with your kids, and seek support to manage substance misuse if needed. Padera Therapy has several therapists that work with clients experiencing substance use and addiction. For more information, contact us at www.paderatherapy.com.

We are thrilled to share that Jon Matthew is now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker! This is an incredible accomplishment...
04/29/2026

We are thrilled to share that Jon Matthew is now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker! This is an incredible accomplishment and we are so proud of you.

Jon specializes in working with adults navigating anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, religious trauma, or major life transitions. As a nonbinary person of South Asian descent, they are especially passionate about providing affirming mental health care to q***r communities and people of color.

To make an appointment with Jon or set up a 15-minute phone consultation, contact us at paderatherapy.com. They are currently accepting new clients, in-network with Aetna, Anthem, BCBS PPO, Cigna - and will be in-network with United/Optum soon!

https://paderatherapy.com/jon-matthew-lsw

Address

2100 Manchester Road Suite 1420
Wheaton, IL
60187

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 7pm
Thursday 8am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 3pm

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