A smiling woman with wavy brown hair, wearing a beige sweater, sitting indoors at a cafe or restaurant.

Ilene Kastel, M.A, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor & Life Coach

Reiki Master, Intuitive Healer, Somatic RESET Breathwork Facilitator in progress (Spring 2026).

What Sets Me Apart

My work blends science and soul. I combine evidence based practices such as CBT, ACT, attachment work, and trauma informed care with a holistic, intuitive, and spiritual thread that is always adapted to your beliefs. Our work may include intuition-building, energy healing, guided visualization, or noticing synchronicities. This fusion creates clinical depth, intuitive clarity, and grounded support for lasting transformation.

What It’s Like to Work With Me

Clients describe me as warm, relatable, and intuitive, with a compassionately direct style and gentle humor when it fits. I take time to truly understand you: your history, your values, what feels heavy, and the vision you hold for your life. Our work is active and intentional, shaped around what you need most in each session.

I ask meaningful questions, help you navigate emotions and choices, and together we create real movement through practices that regulate the nervous system, strengthen coping, deepen intuitive awareness, and release what’s no longer aligned so you can make confident, authentic decisions.

“Ilene has a natural ease about her. She is warm, compassionate, easy to talk to. She really listened when I spoke. Actually I think she listened so well that she was sometimes able to sense my feelings/emotions better than I could… I wouldn't be as happy and healthy as I am today if it weren't for Ilene.” Emily K

Beyond MMC

I value intentional living. My husband, our two dogs, and I split our time between Chicago, San Diego, and Wisconsin, each place supporting us in different ways. I love travel, scuba diving, being active, live music, a good latte, spiritual practices and living authentically and with purpose.

I’m also a multipreneur. Before creating MMC, I built and sold a successful group counseling practice when I knew it was time to let go of what was so something new could emerge. I also co-own two additional businesses which reflect my entrepreneurial spirit.

Education & Experience

My professional path spans counseling and coaching in schools, universities, and wellness programs. I’ve taught undergraduate psychology, supervised and trained clinicians and clinical supervisors, and mentored new business owners. My spiritual training adds a holistic dimension, offering clients deeper insight, meaningful coping tools, and a greater sense of connection. Each chapter continues to shape how I understand healing and growth

Let's Talk

What clients are saying…

"Ilene made me feel understood from the very first session. She helped me make changes I had been avoiding."
"Working with Ilene felt like having a therapist and a guide in one. I left with tools and also a deeper connection to myself."
“Ilene has a natural ease about her - warm, compassionate, patient, and completely nonjudgmental. She listens so deeply she can often sense feelings before you can name them yourself. I wouldn’t be as happy and healthy as I am today if it weren’t for Ilene.” - Emily K.
After fruitlessly seeking a therapist with a "good fit" for two years, I found Ilene... She helped me become more confident, trust myself and define my personal values to guide me. I attribute my happiness, my mental health and my emotional growth to her support and care. I've encouraged a number of my own friends seeking therapy to see Ilene and those who have shared my enthusiasm. I honestly can't recommend her enough. - Victoria S.
“Ilene’s intuition is incredible, she picks up on things quickly and accurately, making you feel deeply seen and understood. Her approach is sharp, insightful, and truly guides meaningful change. As a business owner, Ilene has helped me bring my ideas to life without ever asking me to compromise what matters most.” - Dr. Rasheed

Ilene Kastel, M.A, LCPC

"Ilene made me feel understood from the very first session. She helped me make changes I had been avoiding."

"Working with Ilene felt like having a therapist and a guide in one. I left with tools and also a deeper connection to myself."

“Ilene has a natural ease about her - warm, compassionate, patient, and completely nonjudgmental. She listens so deeply she can often sense feelings before you can name them yourself. I wouldn’t be as happy and healthy as I am today if it weren’t for Ilene.” - Emily K.