Brian Kelley, LCPC
Naperville Relationship and Grief and Loss Counselor

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Hello, I’m Brian. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Read on for a few helpful tidbits about me and my work to help you figure out if we’re a good match.

Outside of the therapy room, I am someone who finds balance and inspiration in the world around me. Whether I’m exploring the trails of a National Park, enjoying a good book, watching a WWII documentary or catching a Sox game, these moments remind me of the importance of perspective and staying present. More than anything, I cherish spending quality time with family, as these connections are the foundation of my own well-being.

My Credentials:

Master of Arts in Counseling: Saint Xavier University

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (IL License #: 180.007807)

When We Meet, Ask Me About...

…my favorite National Park.

…the White Sox and how I handle the Cubs fans in my life.

…who is the real hero in The Lord of the Rings?

…my favorite fantasy book series.

Brian Kelley, LCPC, Naperville relationship and grief and loss counselor

My Credentials:

Master of Arts in Counseling: Saint Xavier University

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (IL License #: 180.007807)

Brian Kelley, LCPC, Naperville relationship and grief and loss counselor standing in front of a trophy and smiling

The Art of Living Well...

...is focusing on what you can control.

I believe that everyone has the power to make positive changes in their lives. While we cannot always control the circumstances of our lives, we have immense power over how we process and respond to them. As a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), I focus on the dynamic relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. My philosophy is built on the idea that by identifying the source of your distress and the unique needs you have, we can work together to develop the tools you need to take back control of your life.

What Does Therapy With Me Look Like?

When you sit across from me, you can expect a welcoming, collaborative, safe, and encouraging environment. My style is designed to promote authenticity and growth, ensuring you feel heard and supported rather than alone in your struggle. We will work together to navigate the obstacles preventing you from living the life you want, using practical tools and reflective conversation to move forward. I’ve been known to tell a joke on occasion or find the irony in a situation because I believe that it’s good to laugh. Sometimes a moment of shared humor can help break through a wall and remind us of our own resilience.

Brian Kelley, LCPC, Naperville relationship and grief and loss counselor wearing a humorous mask and posing with a young child
Brian Kelley, LCPC, Naperville relationship and grief and loss counselor standing in front of a unique rock formation in Bryce Canyon

My Specialties

I have over 20 years of experience helping individuals navigate a wide range of challenges. My background is rooted in the understanding that mental health is not just the absence of struggle, but the presence of resilience and the tools to navigate the curveballs that life will inevitably throw at you. My areas of focus include:

Chasing Your Horizon

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. If you feel like you could use some extra support right now, I would love to chat with you and see how we can work together toward your goals. You’re not alone, and I’m here to help you take that next step!

One adult and two children walking along a beach facing away from the camera

Ready to Schedule with Brian?

Want to Learn More about Therapy?

Ready to Schedule with Brian?

Want to Learn More about Therapy?

My FAQs

Here are answers to questions I hear from clients most often!

Repetitive negative thinking is often a learned pattern that your brain returns to automatically, especially during stress. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps you identify these thought patterns and develop ways to challenge and change them so they have less impact on how you feel.

Stress isn’t just about how capable you are—it’s about how much you’re carrying and how your mind processes it. Even very capable people can feel overwhelmed when demands are high. Therapy helps you understand these responses and build more effective ways of coping.

Procrastination is often linked to stress, anxiety, or fear of not doing something perfectly. It’s less about laziness and more about how your brain is trying to avoid discomfort. Therapy can help you understand this pattern and develop more productive ways of approaching tasks.

Major life changes can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Therapy provides a space to process what’s happening, adjust to new circumstances, and develop strategies to move forward with greater confidence and stability.

Yes. Grief can affect people in many different ways, including emotionally, mentally, and physically. Therapy can help you process loss at your own pace and find ways to carry that experience while continuing to move forward.

Therapy focuses on helping you identify what’s within your control—your thoughts, responses, and behaviors—and build tools to navigate challenges more effectively. Over time, many people feel more confident, capable, and grounded in how they handle difficult situations.

Yes. We provide therapy for individuals in Naperville and throughout the western suburbs of Chicago. I work hand-in-hand with assessment psychologists and psychiatric providers to ensure your care is balanced and thoughtfully integrated at every step.

Feeling overwhelmed often happens when stress builds up faster than you’re able to process it. Even highly capable people can reach a point where things feel like “too much.” Therapy helps you break things down, understand what’s contributing to that feeling, and develop more manageable ways to move forward.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based approach that focuses on how your thoughts influence your emotions and behaviors. By identifying unhelpful patterns and learning new ways to respond, you can reduce stress, improve mood, and feel more in control of your day-to-day life.

Guilt is a very common part of grief, even when it doesn’t seem logical. You might replay conversations, wish you had done something differently, or feel responsible in ways that aren’t entirely fair to yourself. Therapy can help you process these thoughts and develop a more balanced and compassionate perspective.

Balancing grief with everyday life can be challenging. It often helps to give yourself space to process your emotions while also maintaining structure in your daily routine. Therapy can provide tools to help you manage both—allowing you to function while still honoring what you’re going through.

Emotional numbness can be a natural response to grief. It’s often your mind’s way of protecting you from feeling overwhelmed all at once. Over time, those feelings may shift and become more accessible. Therapy can help you process grief at a pace that feels manageable.

Rebuilding trust takes time, consistency, and honest communication. It involves both understanding what happened and making meaningful changes moving forward. Therapy can help guide this process and create a space where both individuals feel heard and supported.

Relationships can feel difficult when patterns, expectations, or communication styles aren’t aligned. Stress, past experiences, and day-to-day pressures can also add strain. Therapy can help you better understand these dynamics and develop ways to improve connection and reduce conflict.