Cheryl Zaabel, M.S., is a LCPC Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor providing psychotherapy for adults and couples age 20 and above. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science and her Master’s degree in Human Services: Counseling from National‑Louis University.
Cheryl began her clinical work in 1993, serving as an intern co‑facilitating recovery groups for adult children of high‑stress families under the supervision of a seasoned family‑systems clinician. This early experience deeply shaped her understanding of relational patterns, communication dynamics, and the healing potential of experiential and systems‑based work.
She went on to work in behavioral health across a wide range of settings. Cheryl served as a Hospital Behavioral Health Intake and Referral Specialist, conducting psychiatric assessments, coordinating admissions, supporting emergency department staff, and determining appropriate levels of care for patients in crisis. She later expanded her work across hospital‑based programs, residential treatment, intensive outpatient services, and traditional outpatient settings. Cheryl has also worked in group practices and continues to serve clients as an independent contractor clinician. Her background includes crisis assessment, diagnostic evaluation, treatment planning, and long‑term therapeutic work with individuals and couples.
Cheryl’s clinical approach is warm, steady, and insight‑oriented. She integrates Relational Life Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, psychodynamic therapy, CBT, motivational interviewing, and trauma‑informed practices. She specializes in helping individuals and couples navigate relationship challenges, communication patterns, emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and the impact of early experiences on adult functioning.
With a long history in substance use disorder treatment, Cheryl completed the College of DuPage CADC program and provided addiction‑focused therapy for many years. Although her CADC is currently inactive, she continues to support clients and families affected by substance use patterns. Cheryl also completed training and certification as a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) through the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) in 2012. While she is not currently certified, she maintains extensive experience working with compulsive sexual behavior and related relational concerns.
Clients describe Cheryl as grounded, compassionate, and easy to talk to. She values creating a safe, collaborative space where people feel understood and supported in making meaningful, lasting change.
In her free time, Cheryl enjoys long hikes with her dog, connecting with family and friends, and learning about multiple areas of interest, hobbies, and activities.
Favorite Quote: “Communication is to relationships what breath is to life.” — Virginia Satir
