Therapist in Illinois + North Carolina

Welcome, I’m Betsy (she, her)

You deserve to feel safe, seen, and free to live as your authentic self. My commitment is to walk beside you with compassion and honesty, helping you heal what’s been heavy and create a life that feels calm, connected, and liberated.

Betsy Gilpin, therapist in Illinois + North Carolina smiling and holding a white mug with a rainbow and text.

Liberated Life Counseling was born from my own journey of healing.

I know what it’s like to grow up with emotionally immature parents, to navigate anxiety that feels all-consuming, and to hide parts of yourself just to fit in.

For years, I tried to keep everything together; performing, pleasing, and shrinking myself to feel safe.

Over time, I learned that real healing happens when you feel seen, accepted, and free to be who you are. I created Liberated Life Counseling as the space I once needed, a place where clients can feel empowered to let go of old patterns, connect with their true selves, and live with confidence and peace.

I deeply understand what it’s like to move through the world feeling “different.” I show up as my full, authentic self in every session, sometimes sharing pieces of my own experience to remind you that you’re not alone in this. The name Liberated Life reflects what I want for every client — freedom from the past, and the courage to create a life that feels genuine, fulfilling, and truly yours.

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Betsy Gilpin with colorful hair sitting cross-legged on a blue cushion, wearing a T-shirt that reads 'Mental Health Matters' and headphones.

Working with me means…

You’ll have a therapist who is genuinely present, compassionate, and fully invested in your healing. I meet you exactly where you are—with no judgment, no pressure, and no expectation to be anything other than yourself.

My approach is affirming of all identities and experiences. I celebrate all sexualities, cultures, abilities, and neurodiverse ways of thinking. I proudly support the LGBTQIA+ community and intentionally create a space where every part of you feels seen, safe, and valued.

Together, we’ll:

  • Break free from the cycles of anxiety, self-doubt, and people-pleasing that leave you drained

  • Release the hold of past trauma so it no longer defines who you are or what’s possible for you

  • Learn practical tools to soothe your nervous system and bring more peace into daily life

  • Build confidence, set boundaries that feel aligned, and trust yourself more deeply

  • Reconnect with your authentic self—the version of you that’s always been there, waiting to breathe freely again

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A woman is sitting on a white sofa, smiling and talking to a man in a therapy or counseling session. There is a large green potted plant behind her and a side table with books beside her.

Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you. You were never broken.

It’s about creating space for your healing, reclaiming your power, and walking with support as you step into a life that feels more aligned, authentic, and free.

Start Your Liberated Life Here

At the core of my work is a deep belief that healing happens when you feel seen, safe, and free to be your full self.

These values shape everything I do — from how I show up in session to how I hold space for your story, your growth, and your liberation.

my values

  • Healing begins with truth. I show up as my genuine self — honest, human, and real — so you can feel safe doing the same. Together, we create a space where you don’t have to perform, hide, or apologize for who you are.

  • You deserve freedom — from the past, from old patterns, and from the systems that taught you to question your worth. My work centers on helping you release what’s been weighing you down and live in alignment with your values, needs, and truth.

  • Change happens when we feel seen and cared for. I meet clients with warmth and curiosity, creating a space where your story is held with empathy and without judgment.

  • Therapy isn’t about fixing you — it’s about helping you recognize your strength. I’ll support you in reconnecting with your voice, trusting your intuition, and feeling confident in who you are and how you move through the world.

  • This is a space where all identities, relationship structures, and experiences are honored — queer, trans, neurodivergent, kinky, polyamorous, BIPOC, disabled, and beyond. You are welcome here, exactly as you are.

  • Healing is a process of becoming, unlearning what no longer serves you and remembering the parts of yourself that were never broken. My work is rooted in anti-oppressive values and grounded in a commitment to help you heal from and unlearn the systems — racist, ableist, heteronormative, and patriarchal — that have contributed to your pain, shame, and disconnection. I’m here to walk alongside you as you create lasting change and begin living your liberated life.

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Credentials

  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Illinois

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, North Carolina

  • Certified Master Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) Clinician

  • EMDRIA Trained EMDR Therapist

  • Years in Practice: 2012 to Present

  • Bachelors in Psychology from Illinois State University

  • Masters in Community Counseling from Argosy University

  • 40-Hour Domestic Violence Intervention & Advocacy Training

  • 40-Hour Sexual Assault Intervention & Advocacy Training

START YOUR JOURNEY
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A woman with blonde and pink hair lying down with eyes closed, holding a headset to her ear, surrounded by vinyl records and album artwork.

Fun Facts About Me

  • 🎶 I absolutely love music and will probably ask you about your favorite artists or songs.

  • 🍎 I was once a Montessori teacher — I loved the child-centered approach and carry that same spirit into my work with clients.

  • 🎤 I’ve seen over 70 different musical artists live (and counting!).

  • ☕ I enjoy exploring new coffee shops, hunting for treasures in thrift stores, and adventuring outdoors.

  • ⛸ I’m a former competitive figure skater and even skated on a synchronized skating team.

  • 💭 I love meeting new people and diving into deep, meaningful conversations about life.

LET'S CHAT

Curious About Working Together?

Let’s connect for a free 30-minute connection call. You can ask questions, learn more about the types of therapy I offer, and get a sense of what it’s like to work together. No pressure, just a chance to explore what feels right for you.

BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULT