Healing Pathways, PLLC
Instilling Hope and Guiding clients toward emotional and personal growth
Our approach
Healing Pathways is owned and operated by Alix Kavran who is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Her drive to help support those experiencing some of the most difficult times in their lives came from a healing journey of her own. The focus of the practice is to provide a space where client’s can develop a trusting relationship with their counselor to facilitate growth and emotional well being. We strive to provide evidenced based therapeutic techniques and to stay informed on the leading forms of treatment for those we support. We are a small intimate office located in Loves Park, Illinois. When arriving at the office, you will be greeted by your counselor who will guide you through the first steps in supporting you through your journey. We are always open to suggestions for improvement and strive for change to continue growing in ways that will best support those we serve.
Providing you with a safe space to relax
All your appointments will take place in our soothing office environment with calming music as you walk in, complimentary tea and water, and individualized care.
In-person and remote options
Our office is located in Loves Park, Illinois at 7310 N Alpine Road. North of Rockford and along the Rock River in Northern Illinois. It is close to Machesney Park and Roscoe and has easy access to I-90.
Our Providers work specifically with Teens and Adults providing both Individual and Family Therapy services. We provide the following types of therapy and specialty areas.
Trauma Processing
Our Providers have a passion for supporting those who have experienced various forms of trauma. Therapist’s have both professional experience as well as, specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brainspotting to help process trauma stored in the body and lower emotion brain rather from a top down approach, which processed from logic brain first. The two forms of therapy rely on bi-lateral movement (eye movement, tapping) allowing the brain to reprocess trauma. The types of trauma Therapist’s have experience in treating at Healing Pathways include but are not limited to the following: Sexual Abuse/Sexual Assault, Childhood Abuse and/or neglect, Attachment- Based Trauma, Survivors of Domestic Violence, Acute Traumatic events ( Medical trauma, unexpected and/or traumatic loss of a loved one, car accident, natural disaster) etc. Therapist’s also provide support for others within the field or in other professions who experience vicarious trauma including doctors, nurses, teachers, therapist’s, and first responders.
Grief and loss
Therapist’s have specialized training in supporting client’s through the loss of a loved one. We know and understand that as a part of the loss of a loved one there are additional secondary losses that the individual may also be grieving. Loss can lead to many complex emotions and reactions. It is important that we support our clients in understanding the emotions they are experiencing and the reactions they may have. It is important to have a safe space where they can express what they are experiencing without judgment. Alix has received Specialized training and Certification in Grief Counseling through Pesi and additional training through AIHCP a nationally recognized program.
Mood and Anxiety Disorders
There are many different types of anxiety and mood disorders clients can experience and many factors that can contribute. We focus on providing Psycho-education first so that our clients better understand the symptoms they are experiencing and understand that they are not defined by their diagnosis. We help them to learn coping skills to and how to regulate their nervous system using relaxation techniques and skills that stimulate the vagus nerve to support to move from fight, flight freeze to rest and digest. A calm nervous system allows clients to learn other skills such as cognitive restructuring to challenge and reframe negative beliefs. Therapist’s may utilize a range of models and interventions to support clients. A Cognitive Therapy approach may be combined with other approaches including EMDR or Brainspotting depending on specific underlying factors.
Our Team
Alix Kavran
Owner/Therapist
Alix has around 15 years of experience in the field and has a passion for what she does. It is truly such a gift to not only be their for client’s during the most difficult times, but also to be there through many new beginnings.
Alix is both the owner and therapist at Healing Pathways. When she is not at the office, she enjoys spending time outside, lifting weights and walking, golfing, or spending time with her husband and daughter.
She provides individual and family therapy to teens and adults. She has specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, a Grief Therapy Certification from Pesi and continued training from AIHCP a nationally recognized training program. She also has training in the areas of anxiety disorders and mood disorders.
TherapistEileen Westerman
Eileen offers a calming and grounding presence for the clients she supports. She has a passion for the work she does and is truly a beautiful soul. She celebrates clients wins and is there for them and holding space through the challenges they encounter. She is a wonderful addition to Healing Pathways. Specializing in women's mental health needs, Eileen supports each client to identify and meet her specific needs in order to promote healing, self-growth, breaking negative life cycles, and the achievement of her goals. She has specific focus and training in the areas of trauma/EMDR therapy, anxiety, depression, relationships, life purpose, grief/loss, attachment, and family systems. Whether it's healing deep areas of trauma and loss or managing daily life stress, Eileen walks alongside her clients as they journey towards healing and making positive life changes.
While Eileen helps her clients to balance their own self-care with everyday life, she also works to do the same and enjoys spending time with friends and family, creative hobbies, traveling/exploring new places, reading, and anything outdoors.