Rene Stockton, LCSW

My name is Rene Stockton, pronounced Reni, and I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). It is both my honor and privilege to serve our community as a counselor/therapist and change agent. With over 30 years of social work practice in two incredible American cities, Chicago and New York, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals and families from primarily underserved populations and communities.

Throughout my career, I have encountered a wide range of challenges faced by adolescents and adults, including mental health issues, trauma, writer's block, and overall wellness. I believe in partnering with my clients to create tangible and lasting change in their lives. My counseling style is open, supportive, and person-centered, and together, we will choose the approach that best suits your unique situation. I draw from a variety of theories and concepts, including art and movement, to tailor our sessions to your specific needs.

My journey in social work has been deeply influenced by my informal education, which I gained from the experiences of growing up with a mother who was a nurse, an alcoholic father, and navigating through gang violence and racism as a young boy. Later in life, I faced my own battles with addiction and homelessness, which further fueled my passion for helping others. These experiences continue to inform my clinical practice on a daily basis.

For the past 30 years, I have dedicated my professional life to working with black and brown communities in nonprofit community-based programs in New York City and Chicago. As a black man in America, I have not only survived but thrived, exchanging knowledge and learning from everyone I encounter. I am committed to working with individuals from all communities, including individual adults, couples, and adolescents.

I have a special interest in working with creatives, as I understand the unique challenges they face in their artistic pursuits. Additionally, I am passionate about addressing cultural anxiety and culturally based PTSD. I believe in the power of therapy to support individuals in reclaiming their cultural identities, navigating cultural challenges, and finding healing and growth.

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