Clinician Spotlight: Rachel Casey-DeRue, MS, LMFT

by | Therapy FAQ

 

Learn more about Clinical Director Rachel Casey-DeRue, MS, LMFT!

 

1. What inspired you to enter this field? I became inspired to enter this field because I have always had a love for helping others! Knowing that I am positively impacting someone’s life keeps me motivated to continuously help others. Additionally, my parents went through a difficult divorce when I was ending high school and about to go to college. This allowed me to better understand my own family dynamics, and want to help and support those experiencing similar situations. 


2. Where has been your favorite place to travel and why? Oh! This is a tough decision. I personally love Arizona and California, but I would have to say La Jolla in California. I went there when I was in high school. At that time, I was going through difficult experiences, specifically with friends. When I went to La Jolla, I found a sense of serenity and calmness that I have never experienced before. It was a transformative trip for my mental health, and it will always hold such a special place in my heart. 


3. Do you currently hold any specialties or certificates? Or are there any you would like to work towards getting? Yes! I am currently certified in: 

 

  • Gottman Level 1 and Level 2
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy
I plan to receive a certification in Prepare and Enrich which helps couples through premarital therapy. Additionally, I am extremely passionate about helping those who have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This is an area that I want to continue being trained in, and eventually receive certifications in. 

4.  What is your favorite thing about living in Chicago? Unfortunately, I do not live in Chicago, but I do live in the near suburbs. Although, it would be an absolute dream to live in Chicago. I love the sociability aspect of Chicago, as well as the abundance of activities between restaurants, museums, coffee shops, retail shops, etc. You will never be bored!

5.  What are some tools you use to decompress? I like to decompress by playing with my Yellow Lab, Buster, spending quality time with my wonderful husband, Chris, shopping, and I cannot forget my absolute favorite…napping! I kid you not, I nap daily. LOL!

6.  Do you have any mentors? Who inspires you and why? Oh gosh! I have SO many mentors. My graduate school supervisors, clinicians I met through my internship, my incredible boss, Katie Fleming, who has helped me become more confident in who I am as a therapist, and has taught me SO much about how to excel as a therapist. I have grown more than I ever knew was possible since working at Fleming Family Therapy. Katie has always believed in me, which helped me to believe in myself too! Additionally, my best friend, Hollie Schmid, who is also a Marriage and Family Therapist. Hollie is one of the most incredible couples therapists that I have ever had the privilege of working with. The work that she does inspires me to continue pushing myself to be the best therapist that I can be. 

7.  How would you recommend a client prepare for a session? I love this question! I would say to prepare yourself by finding a comfortable space, if through TeleHealth, that feels safe to share with a clinician, as well as writing down what you would like to talk about during the intake appointment. It is SO important for us to hear and understand what brings you into therapy to be a support system for you. Lastly, bring something to write on and write with during the appointments to take any notes that you would find useful.

8.   How do you keep up to date on industry trends and news? I keep up to date on industry trends and news by reading articles, watching news videos, and having necessary conversations with others. This allows me to better understand the industry and its impact that it has on my work as a therapist. 

9.   What are you most looking forward to for summer? I look forward to summer evenings/nights where I can sit outside either in my backyard, or at a restaurant. I find it to be extremely calming! Plus, I tend to have more plans in the summer, so I cannot wait to continue spending time with those that I love. 

Ahora ofreciendo nuestros servicios en español, Now offering our services in Spanish

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