It is such a joy and an honor to be able to present this interview to the world. Lacey Lowers is an exemplary clinician with a resilient and authentic personality. If you have the honor of being able to work with her, you will indeed be better for it. I hope you all enjoy reading this interview of Lacey as much as I enjoyed engaging in it with her. Are you ready to dig into the good stuff?

Jenn: Lacey, where did you get your Master's degree, and what is it in?

Lacey: I received my Master’s of Social Work from Illinois State University and a Graduate Certificate in Social Aspects of Aging. My Master’s concentration was focused in Gerontology.

Jenn: That sounds fascinating, Lacey, and what license do you hold?

Lacey: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. 

Jenn: Why did you choose to work at the Mental Wellness Center?

Lacey: In 2019, when I was previously looking for a therapist of my own, I ran across The Mental Wellness Center, Inc. When I began looking for a career change, I was instantly drawn to The Mental Wellness Center because I felt as if the practice’s mission was directly aligned with what I was seeking as a professional.

Jenn: Lacey, I love that so much! What excites you about being at The Mental Wellness Center?

Lacey: I am thrilled to be working for a practice that encourages authenticity and self-care for both clients and clinicians. Investing in the well-being of clinicians is also an investment in the clients and their success. The practice recognizes that at the end of the day, we are all humans who deserve respect, support, and understanding. 

Jenn: What made you want to become a therapist, Lacey?

Lacey: I have always been interested in getting to know others personally and wanting to be of help and service, so I knew fairly early on that I wanted to become a social worker. I began working at a local retirement community when I was 15, which initially started my interest in working with the aging population. I found it easy to converse with the residents and provide regular support to those who did not often have family or visitors. My personal and professional experiences allowed me to discover how I can apply my knowledge to this role as a clinical therapist. I found that it instantly sparked a feeling of “oh wow, this is it.”  

Jenn: Who are the people that you thrive on seeing?

Lacey: The first thing that comes to mind are those that feel “stuck”. You know the saying “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”? Sometimes life is pelting us with lemons, and we just don’t know how to even begin making lemonade. Whether it stems from events from childhood, current life, or fears about the future, I enjoy helping others identify their own unique strengths to break down barriers that are preventing them from enjoying the “now”. 

Jenn: Lacey, tell me what issues you just LOVE working with.

Lacey: I thoroughly enjoy working through issues related to anxiety, depression, workplace burnout, and self-confidence. I also have a passion for working with adult children and/or caregivers of older adults who may find themselves struggling with a change in family dynamics, navigating the healthcare system, or who are experiencing grief and loss.

Jenn: Lacey, I love that you work with such often underserved issues in the world.  What sets you apart from every other therapist in the world?

Lacey: Everyone has an experience that is personal and unique to them. Tuning into and listening to the individual’s needs and meeting them exactly where they allow for exploration and growth. I truly believe I can learn something new from each person I encounter – and I am here to learn and grow along with you.

Jenn: Lacey, what sets you apart from every other therapist in the world?

Lacey: Everyone has an experience that is personal and unique to them. Tuning into and listening to the individual’s needs and meeting them exactly where they allow for exploration and growth. I truly believe I can learn something new from each person I encounter – and I am here to learn and grow along with you.

Jenn:  Lacey, I agree that this sets you apart from other therapists in the world. Can you tell me what it is about working with people you love?

Lacey:  I love seeing others gain confidence and express pride in themselves, especially when it comes to situations they never thought they could overcome. I often remind clients that I can’t tell them what to do or what decisions to make, however we can work together to load up their toolbox with helpful and practical techniques and coping skills. Seeing clients apply those tools and strategies in real time is a rewarding experience. 

Jenn: That sounds rewarding, Lacey! Tell me, what modalities do you typically use when working with clients?

Lacey: I enjoy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy, and client-centered therapy. 

Jenn:  How do you best connect with your clients?

Lacey: I create a welcoming environment for my clients to come in and feel comfortable unpacking their problems. I firmly believe in the power of connection through conversation and want my clients to feel seen and validated while also feeling safe when opening up about difficult topics that can be hard to talk about - especially if it is the client’s first time seeing a therapist. 

Jenn: One of the questions all of our readers always want to know is what your go-to self-care techniques include. What do you do for self-care, Lacey?

Lacey: For someone who is not the biggest fan of insects, I have recently discovered that spending time outdoors in nature helps me decompress. It allows for a quiet space to sit, reflect, and reconnect with myself after hectic times. I also enjoy journaling, listening to podcasts, and checking out different events or shops around town with my husband. There really are so many different things to do and explore in our community! 

Jenn: Lacey, I’m sure everyone who has read this really enjoyed getting to know you better. Is there anyone else you would like them to know? 

Lacey: I am currently accepting new clients and want you to come in just as you are! IF someone wants to set up an appointment with me they can either call the office at 309-807-5077 or email the office at info@TheMentalWellnessCenter.com to schedule an appointment with me. 

If you would like to read Lacey’s bio in full please go here to read more about Lacey: https://www.thementalwellnesscenter.com/lacey-lowers