lori watts (SHE/HER/HERS)

Lcsw

Lori Watts is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois. Lori received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Illinois Benedictine University with an emphasis on religious and cult affiliations and her Master’s Degree in Social Work with a School Social Work endorsement. Lori believes in unconditional regard and acceptance of the client as they navigate the changes and stressors of life. Lori creates a calm, warm and safe environment in which clients feel free to explore private concerns and experiences. To lighten the journey, humor is always welcome.

Lori has worked for 20 years as a Clinical and School Social Worker in a variety of settings including residential emergency foster care, schools and hospitals and has done diagnostic work for The Department of Children and Family Services. She has experience working with students with mood disorders, emotional and behavioral dysregulation, attachment issues, trauma, homelessness, suicide and self injury, chronic mental illness, divorce, Autism Spectrum Disorders, victims of Munchausen By Proxy, and victims of physical and sexual abuse. She is trained in the connection of diet and nutrition to mental health.

Lori is currently a school social worker at Oswego East High School but spent many years as a social worker in a therapeutic day school setting. Lori also has extensive experience with psychiatric hospitalizations and psychotropic medication management. Lori has conducted School Success Groups with an emphasis on reducing symptoms of anxiety, teaching ways to connect with others, and teaching social skills through Play Therapy. Lori has also worked with and supported students and families in the LGBTQIA Community. She has worked closely with other professionals such as Speech and Occupational Therapists to address the emotional impact of chronic health conditions and physical impairment. 

Treatment modalities include ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution Focused techniques, and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). 

"The universe is made of stories, not of atoms"-Muriel Rukeyser