24 Bronze Pointe N. | Swansea, IL 62226
24 Bronze Pointe N. | Swansea, IL 62226
Gwen Norton, MSW
Children (Ages 3+) | Adolescents
About Me
I am passionate about helping children and adolescents navigate life's challenges while building confidence, resilience, and healthy coping skills. While I enjoy working with a wide range of ages, I have a particular interest in supporting young children and their families as they learn to understand and manage emotions in healthy and effective ways.
My approach is rooted in curiosity, compassion, and collaboration. I strive to create a welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves, exploring their experiences, and developing practical tools to navigate life's ups and downs. I believe that every child and family has unique strengths, and I enjoy partnering with clients to build upon those strengths throughout the therapeutic process.
Whether a child is struggling with anxiety, emotional regulation, attention difficulties, or life transitions, my goal is to help them feel empowered while providing families with the support and guidance needed to foster growth both inside and outside of therapy.
Areas of Interest
Anxiety
Depression
ADHD
Emotional Regulation
Coping Skill Development
Self-Esteem
Social Challenges
Behavioral Concerns
Stress Management
Child and Family Support
Therapeutic Approach
I utilize a strengths-based, developmentally appropriate, and client-centered approach to therapy. I enjoy incorporating creative and engaging interventions that help clients express themselves, process emotions, and develop new skills in ways that feel natural and meaningful.
Therapeutic approaches I may incorporate include:
Play-Based Therapy
Art-Based Interventions
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Somatic-Based Techniques
Strengths-Based Therapy
Parent & Family Involvement
I view parents and caregivers as important partners in the therapeutic process and strive to approach families with compassion, collaboration, and respect. Younger clients often benefit from additional family involvement as they learn and practice new skills, and I work closely with caregivers to support progress outside of sessions.
Families are encouraged to communicate concerns, ask questions, and schedule check-ins as needed throughout treatment. My goal is to work together to create consistency and support that extends beyond the therapy room.
Education
Master of Social Work (MSW) - Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver
Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
A Little More About Me
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, gardening, and spending time outdoors on gentle hikes in nature. I am especially passionate about helping children navigate big emotions and new experiences by meeting them with curiosity, consistency, patience, and fun. I believe that meaningful connections and a supportive environment can make a lasting impact on a child's confidence and emotional well-being.