Journey Well Therapy and Coaching

Devin Dierks is licensed to practice independent, clinical social work in Illinois and Iowa. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor of science degree in Psychology and Master of Social Work degree with a clinical concentration. She has received extensive training in working with adult clients who are dealing with the aftermath of childhood trauma. Devin has also received additional training in professional self-care and burnout, organizational psychology, evolutionary psychology, teaching, and trauma-informed therapy methods. Devin lives in Northwest Illinois and has worked throughout the state of Illinois as well as several counties in Northeast Iowa. She works with a limited number of individual clients in therapy, teaches Introduction to and Developmental Psychology, and is the sole provider of Journey Well's many services. She's an award-winning professional committed to the de-stigmatization of mental illness and the accessibility of knowledge and mental health skills.  Devin's goal for you is to become emotionally independent. In other words, through therapy, you will learn the skills you need in order to manage the up's and down's that come along with life. While there are things happening around us that we can't always control, we do have control over how we deal with those obstacles. Most of us, however, never learned healthy ways to get through. We survived in the ways that we figured out on our own, some effective, and some not-so-effective. Devin utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which is a way of working with you that focuses on building skills, particularly in mindfulness practice, and setting goals that actually mean something to you. Devin has training in and often integrates yoga, breathwork, and meditation into therapy sessions to familiarize you with these tools, as you'll then be empowered to utilize them at home. While there is some effort put into understanding how the past still impacts you today, Devin's focus is on living in right now, and closing the gap between who you are behaving like today, and who you want to be. In therapy, you'll have the benefit of speaking with someone who is trained to hear your concerns, experiences, and hopes, and provide you with guidance, free from judgement. This is different than talking with a friend because it's objective, as Devin won't know you in any other context, and because Devin is equipped to listen to the hard truths that you may not feel comfortable sharing with others. With friends and family, you can find meaningful support and a listening ear, and with therapy, you can find clarity and solutions. Both are helpful and needed in your journey to wellness.  ​You will not be pressured into taking psychotropic medications, such as anti-depressants. If Devin thinks you would be an appropriate candidate for meditation, she will discuss it with you and how it might be helpful, though it will ultimately be your decision. Similarly, Devin will make recommendations for any nutrition, supplements, or body movement that she believes would be beneficial in your healing, but these will be options for you to choose or not.  There is no "one size fits all" mental health treatment. Similarly, there isn't any single intervention that will cure you of your symptoms. Journey Well takes an integrative, holistic approach to mental health and will encourage you to work towards healing of both body and mind.  Journey Well is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and can bill them for your sessions. If you have a BC/BS plan, you may be covered. Prior to your first session, it is imperative that you check with your plan and have an understanding of your coverage, and what your financial responsibility will be. You may have a co-pay, co-insurance, and/or deductible to consider. Any costs incurred in therapy will be your responsibility.  ​If you have another insurance carrier and would like to work with Devin, we can provide you with a special receipt, called a Superbill. You may be able to submit a claim on your own, and in some cases, they may reimburse you for part of the session fee. You can check with your insurance to see if you have any Out-of-Network coverage.  ​For the time being, and until it's safe to be together again, all sessions are conducted via Simple Practice Telehealth, a HIPAA-compliant video chat service. It's easy to use, confidential, and convenient. In the future, appointments may be held in-person again.