Meet Our Therapists
Samantha Berg MSW, LCSW, Practice Owner
Hey, I’m Sam— a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the owner of Feel It To Heal It Counseling, a dream that came to life in 2023 and continues to grow in ways I could have only imagined. I’ve been in private practice since 2020, and it’s a privilege to do work that feels deeply aligned every day.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University and my master’s degree through Aurora University. My early career included crisis intervention, community mental health, and work within the jail system, experiences that shaped my understanding of trauma, resilience, and systemic impact.
Over time, I found my therapeutic calling in trauma-focused work with adults who are ready to actively engage in their healing. I am trained in EMDR and integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS), psychodynamic insight, and somatic approaches to support nervous system regulation and deeper integration. My work is relational, experiential, and grounded in the belief that healing happens not only through understanding—but through embodied change.
Spirituality is a natural dimension of my work. While not tied to any specific religion, I hold space for connection to God, energy, nature, or one’s higher self. I believe healing often involves reconnecting to something greater than the individual mind—whether that’s understood through faith, consciousness, or inner wisdom.
My goal is to help clients come home to themselves—to build self-compassion, reconnect with their authenticity, and live from a place of inherent worth and personal responsibility. Growth is rarely easy, but it is powerful. I feel honored to walk alongside individuals who are willing to do the meaningful work of transformation.
Outside the therapy room, I find grounding in nature. I love caring for plants, walking my dog Jill along the riverwalk, tackling house projects, and have found yoga as one of my favorite forms of movement. I deeply value connection and am grateful for the friendships that keep my life full of laughter and perspective.
Whether you are beginning your healing journey or continuing along the path, I would be honored to support you.
Joely Johnson: MS in Counseling, EMDR Trained
Hello Everyone! My name is Joely Johnson. I received my bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University in Law Enforcement and Psychology in 1994 then earned my Master’s in Counseling in 2000 from National Louis University.
I believe that everyone has their own strengths and gifts. Often, we just need to be able to express how we are feeling in a safe, nonjudgmental environment to discover them. A true people person, I love helping others work through their issues, thoughts, and feelings to discover how to overcome obstacles and be their best selves.
With 15 years of counseling experience as well as having worked in the cooperate world; I have a good understanding of what balance means and I can help you achieve that as well! I worked for the DuPage County Health Department as a therapist working with children and adolescents, adults, and families. Some of the treatment modalities used are: cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, and motivational interviewing. I am EMDR trained. I also taught various illness awareness classes centering on learning coping mechanisms, anger management, emotional intensity awareness, and stress management.
Areas of expertise and experience are in:
- Depression and Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- Crisis Intervention
- Eating Disorders
- Stress Management
- School Issues
- Social Anxiety
- Self-Harm
- Emotional Intensity Training
I work with my clients on their whole self and feel there is a strong connection with our mind, body and spirit. We can often tap into strengths and coping skills by learning to become more aware of what our bodies are telling us.
I look forward to walking down the path of self-awareness, healing, strength, and courage with you!
Jill, ESA
I (Sam) adopted Jill from Anderson Animal Shelter in the fall of 2019, she was 7 years old. Jill and I quickly bonded and I can honestly say that she saved my life. Her timing into my home was perfect as we all know what everyone endured in 2020. Since then it has become clear that she is an emotional support dog in heart and spirit! Jill is attune to human emotion and always open to getting pets to give comfort. Jill typically hangs out in my office, but she will make visits to all clients who wish to see her in the practice when she gets a chance! She may even spend a session in Maxine or Shannon's office with you.