We are ready for curiosity, compassion and change.

What are you ready for?

  • We’re Ready Therapy Collective: a trio of therapists who blend our distinct specialties into one compassionate practice. We keep things warm, practical, and a little joyful — because healing benefits from clarity, skill, and a touch of human humor.

  • At Ready Therapy Collective we blend creativity, evidence, and real human connection. Our work includes art therapy, trauma‑focused therapies, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and executive functioning support — each offered with a relational, authentic, and supportive approach.

    What that looks like

    • Relational: Therapy is a collaborative relationship. We prioritize building trust, attunement, and safety so change happens from a secure, human connection rather than from techniques alone.

    • Authentic: We bring honest, down‑to‑earth presence — not clinical distance. You’ll get therapists who are straightforward, warm, and genuinely curious about your experience.

    • Supportive: We meet you where you are. Whether you’re stabilizing after trauma, learning new coping skills, exploring creativity, or organizing daily life, we provide structure, encouragement, and practical tools.

    If you’re looking for therapy that’s grounded in evidence and delivered with warmth, creativity, and real human connection, we’re ready to walk with you.

  • We help people at every stage of life with a wide variety of challenges — from grief and loss, to trauma recovery, to strengthening executive functioning, to navigating life transitions. Each clinician brings a unique specialty. Read our bios below to find the best match for your needs.

Who We Are

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We’re Ready Therapy Collective: a trio of therapists with distinct specialties, sharing one compassionate practice. We keep things warm, practical, and a little joyful, bringing thoughtful skills and gentle humor to support your growth.

Our Collective

“Ready for curiosity”
— Maddie

Maddie Gerig Shelly LCPC, ATR-BC

Through a supportive, authentic, and unconditional therapeutic relationship, I will join you in a process of curiosity and compassion as we explore your experiences, thoughts, and feelings. I blend person-centered therapy, mindfulness, Internal Family Systems, and art therapy to help you reconnect with your emotions, your body, and your authentic self. I respect your complexity and your pace.

I work with children, adolescents, and adults. With kids, I use play and creativity so they can show their inner world, grow strengths, learn emotional regulation, and find ways to express their needs. I specialize in trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, life transitions, and identity exploration.

I hold an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy from Lesley University, and completed clinical training at Yale School of Medicine’s Child Study Center and the YWCA Sexual Violence Support Services. Additional trainings include TF-CBT, Sexual Violence Counseling, and IFS.

Book with Maddie
“Ready to cultivate”
— Joan

Joan McDonald LCSW

I create a comfortable, supportive space for clients to express themselves. I collaborate with clients and families to understand needs, build on strengths, and set goals for healing and growth.

I am a former high school teacher (11 years) familiar with social pressures, tech use, and academic demands. I assist with academics and executive functioning—organization, time management, prioritization, and goal setting—and partner with parents to improve communication and mental health support.

I became a therapist to help others; I offer present, collaborative, nonjudgmental care to navigate life challenges, build strengths, and pursue meaningful goals. My focus areas: anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, executive functioning, parent support, grief, life transitions, self-esteem, and school stressors.

I am a relational therapist, and I use CBT, ACT, DBT, IFS/parts work, insight-oriented therapy, and evidence-based parenting strategies to tailor treatment. I help clients set short-term steps toward long-term goals, build coping, communication, and executive skills, and offer trauma-informed, empathetic support to foster insight, resilience, and growth.

Book with Joan
“Ready for compassion”
— Sophia

Sophia Cipriano LCSW

I am a compassionate and relational therapist who believes that healing happens through connection, understanding, and a collaborative effort. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, I combine the latest research with a warm, individualized approach to support clients in navigating life’s challenges. Whether you're managing anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, or just seeking personal growth, I work to foster a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel seen, heard, affirmed and empowered to create meaningful change.

I come from an eclectic background with years of experience in community mental health, integrated behavioral health systems, and higher levels of care including partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programming. I work with children, adolescents, and adults.

I provide care through a holistic approach, recognizing that each person is unique and tailoring therapy to meet your specific needs. I pull from strengths, CBT, DBT, and ACT, to help clients develop skills and cultivate resilience. I also have training in Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) and have extensive knowledge on complex anxiety and OCD. In addition, I hold a certificate in Evidence-based Practice with children and adolescents and TF-CBT. I value the therapeutic relationship believing that true growth comes from respect, trust, and compassion. I look forward to hearing how I can support you in your journey.


Book with Sophia

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, send us a note through our contact form.

  • We offer outpatient, individual therapy, typically on a weekly or biweekly basis. We offer in-person sessions at our Lake Street office, or virtual sessions to anyone residing in the state of Illinois.

  • Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call through our Headway platform—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

  • We take Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cigna, Oscar, Oxford, United Healthcare, and all Optum affiliates.

    We’re are also able to accept a few other third-party insurance carriers whose mental health benefits are administered through the larger insurance networks mentioned above.

    If you're unsure of whether your plan is in-network with us, add your insurance information on our billing platform, Headway, and use the benefit verification tool to check your coverage.