Dr. Penny Brower, LCPC
Guiding intentional change through collaborative therapy
- 34 years experience
- Trauma and relationship focus
- Video phone chat messaging
About Dr. Penny Brower
Dr. Penny Brower invites people to examine where they find themselves in life and to consider new ways forward. Using vivid metaphors, she helps clients name whether they feel tossed about by sudden crises, stuck in repetitive patterns, overwhelmed by external pressures, distorted in their perceptions, or drenched by emotions while others seem unaffected. Her work focuses on understanding the choices and life events that brought someone to these moments and on developing practical skills and resources to move beyond disorienting cycles.
She emphasizes empowerment and intentional action, guiding individuals and couples to create more adaptive responses that lead to greater enjoyment and fulfillment. Collaboration and responsiveness are central to her practice - she actively asks for feedback about what is helpful and what is not so that therapeutic methods can be adjusted for the best outcome.
Dr. Brower is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - LCPC - a state license for clinical counseling, and she earned her doctoral degree from the University of Iowa. With 34 years of clinical experience, her background includes in-home therapy with complex families, work in community mental health centers, private practice, and an eight-year role with the Air National Guard developing programs to reduce suicide risk and build resilience. She approaches each person as an individual rather than a label, exploring conditions connected to difficult feelings and supporting growth in thoughtful, respectful ways.
She emphasizes empowerment and intentional action, guiding individuals and couples to create more adaptive responses that lead to greater enjoyment and fulfillment. Collaboration and responsiveness are central to her practice - she actively asks for feedback about what is helpful and what is not so that therapeutic methods can be adjusted for the best outcome.
Dr. Brower is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - LCPC - a state license for clinical counseling, and she earned her doctoral degree from the University of Iowa. With 34 years of clinical experience, her background includes in-home therapy with complex families, work in community mental health centers, private practice, and an eight-year role with the Air National Guard developing programs to reduce suicide risk and build resilience. She approaches each person as an individual rather than a label, exploring conditions connected to difficult feelings and supporting growth in thoughtful, respectful ways.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCoping with life changes
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Gottman Method Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems Systemic Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Dr. Penny Brower have?
Dr. Penny Brower has 34 years of professional experience working with individuals, couples, and families.
Is Dr. Penny Brower a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCPC, which stands for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Her license is listed as IL LCPC 180.001847.
In which languages does Dr. Penny Brower provide therapy?
Dr. Penny Brower provides therapy in English.
Where is Dr. Penny Brower located?
Dr. Penny Brower is located in Illinois.
How can I work with Dr. Penny Brower as my therapist?
You can work with Dr. Penny Brower through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Dr. Penny Brower work with international clients?
Dr. Penny Brower does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Dr. Penny Brower cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with a therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - ACT - helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and feelings without being controlled by them, then commit to actions that reflect their values. It can be useful for stress, anxiety, depression, and managing difficult life transitions.Attachment-Based Therapy explores patterns formed in close relationships and how early bonds influence current intimacy, trust, and communication. This approach is often helpful for relationship issues, abandonment concerns, and family-of-origin struggles.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT - focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, teaching practical skills to challenge unhelpful thinking and change behavior. It is commonly applied for anxiety, depression, ADHD-related challenges, and coping with addictive patterns.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Dr. Penny Brower works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as therapy progresses to ensure the best fit.
Online therapy offers flexible access to licensed professionals through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family, or mobility constraints and allow therapy to continue despite geographic limits. Many people find that remote sessions provide consistent, effective support while fitting more naturally into daily life.