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Dr. Rachel Kinison

Dr. Rachel Kinison, LCPC, LMHC

Therapist in Illinois

Compassionate practical therapy for life challenges

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Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementDepression

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Narrative TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

20+ years

Credentials

Illinois, Florida

Languages

English

  • Trauma-aware support
  • Practical coping skills
  • CBT and narrative methods

About Rachel

Dr. Rachel Kinison welcomes people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, or major life changes. She writes in a straightforward way and focuses on practical steps that can help people feel steadier. Rachel has close to 20 years of counseling experience and holds a doctorate in Pastoral Community Counseling as well as a master’s in Counseling. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - LCPC in Illinois and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor - LMHC in Florida.

Rachel uses clear, problem-focused conversations to help people notice small changes that make daily life easier. She often draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. She also uses trauma-focused approaches and narrative techniques when those fit the situation.

Her background includes work in community counseling agencies, a hospital behavioral health unit, and adult probation programs. She has led individual and group therapy and has training in post-traumatic stress. She also practices relaxation methods and teaches practical skills for coping with difficult moments.

Rachel is open about living with mild cerebral palsy, dystonia, and migraines, and she draws on that lived experience when supporting others. Outside of work she enjoys cooking, travel, and quiet evenings with her Basset Hound and Beagle. She encourages people to try one small, positive change and see what follows.

How Rachel’s approaches translate to online work

Rachel frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. CBT is practical and goal-oriented, which often fits problems like anxiety, depression, and stress. She also draws on Trauma-Focused Therapy to address the impact of traumatic events, using techniques that help people process difficult memories and reduce upsetting reactions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Rachel will discuss the options with clients, consider their goals and preferences, and adapt methods as needed. She aims for a collaborative process where the client helps decide what feels most useful and manageable.

The therapist biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm session types before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow for brief check-ins when schedules are tight. It also lets people use relaxation and cognitive skills in the environments where they live and work, which can speed learning and make new habits stick.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?

She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem issues, addictions, relationship and intimacy concerns, parenting and anger, and mood disorders among other topics.

What is the therapy style like in sessions?

Sessions are straightforward and skills-focused with an emphasis on setting small, doable changes. Rachel blends cognitive-behavioral techniques with narrative and trauma-focused approaches when appropriate.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has nearly 20 years of counseling experience working in community agencies, a hospital behavioral health unit, and adult probation programs.

What credentials and location apply to this therapist?

She holds a doctorate in Pastoral Community Counseling and a master’s in Counseling, and is an Illinois LCPC and a Florida LMHC based in Illinois.

Which languages and international options are supported?

Sessions are offered in English, and she accepts international clients.

What session formats are available?

The original profile does not specify session formats. Confirm current session options with the service before scheduling.

How does cost and billing work?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I start a first session?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist’s availability.

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Dr. Rachel KinisonReview online therapy options on BetterHelp.

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