Janet Craig , LCSW

Janet Craig is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois with 35 years of experience in social work, advocacy, and counseling. She has served in diverse settings including child welfare, hospice, and schools, and brings a broad background to work with people at many stages of life. Janet helps clients explore what causes them pain, what motivates them, and how they can develop practical ways to take better care of themselves.

Janet has particular expertise supporting parents, especially those raising teenagers, guiding families through the changing terrain of adolescence and offering concrete strategies for communication and boundaries. As a bereavement counselor she has supported individuals and families through loss, helping them sort through overwhelming emotions and the practical aftermath that often follows bereavement. She is experienced in stress and anxiety management and assists clients coping with depression, bipolar disorder, trauma and abuse, ADHD, sleep problems, anger, and career concerns.

Her therapeutic approach centers on compassion, attentive listening, and collaborative goal setting. Janet emphasizes acceptance, respect, and kindness in her work and believes people have the capacity to heal with the right support. Her life motto is "Human kind (be both)," a reflection of the warmth and steadiness she brings to therapy.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Care

Janet draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, client-centered methods, and mindfulness practices to support clients in online sessions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without being controlled by them, then clarify personal values and take committed steps aligned with those values - it is often helpful for anxiety, avoidance, and adjusting to life changes.

Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathetic listening and respect for each person’s perspective, creating space for clients to find their own solutions; this approach can be especially useful for building self-esteem, navigating relationships, and coping with transitions. Mindfulness therapy teaches present-moment awareness and simple attention skills to reduce reactivity and manage stress, which can benefit sleep, mood, and emotional regulation.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Janet collaborates with each person to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors interventions over time so therapy remains practical and relevant.

Online therapy with Janet is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and life situations. These options can make it easier to access consistent care from home, work, or while juggling caregiving and other responsibilities.