Shari Matthews Huizar (She/Her)

LCSW
Accepting Clients

When emotion and reason don’t connect and the inner voice tell you to get help. It would be my privilege to support you in that journey.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Elgin, IL

Services

About My Clients

Most of the people who walk into my office are tired. They are tired of being the strong one; staying quiet to keep the peace; and pretending the images, the anger, the guilt, or the shutdown are not following them home. You might not even have language for what’s happening. Just a sense that something is off, and you’re not where you thought you’d be by now. In sessions, I am steady, not startled by complex stories, and do not rush you to disclose more than you want to.

My Background and Approach

I have spent decades sitting with hard stories. For more than 30 years, I’ve worked closely with the Latino community. After being around first responder culture long enough, I understand the dark humor, silence, protectiveness, and skepticism. I am not intimidated by intensity, anger, grief, or bluntness. What matters to me is context. People make sense when you understand the systems that shaped them. I trained as a clinical social worker, which means I was taught to see the whole system, not just the individual symptom, including family patterns, cultural expectations, institutions, and trauma histories. When you put behavior back into context, it becomes less about what’s “wrong” with you and more about what happened around you. My approach blends systems-based therapy with practical coping skills and trauma-informed processing. I use cognitive tools when they’re helpful, especially to challenge rigid or threat-first thinking. But I never reduce your story to a diagnosis.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I believe we all have the capacity and right to to live our lives the best we can. Sometimes our beginnings did not provide us with the safety and security we needed and I believe that we sometimes we have to build that soft place to land for ourselves. I am passionate and dedicated to the wonderful diversity of our world and feel privileged to be able to support all who work toward a more just and equal society. I work with all seeking support, no matter who you are, who you love, where you come from and where you want to go. I would be humbled to support you in your journey. Message me if you think we could move forward together.

Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Out of Network
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Medicare
  • Optum
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
  • United Healthcare
  • Evernorth
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
  • AllOne Health
  • Optum Health
  • Surest (formerly Bind)
I offer online counseling in the following states:

At A Glance

  • Experience: 35 years of practice
  • Languages: English, Español
  • Rate: $80 - 160/session

Info

Email Shari
164 Division Street
408
Elgin, IL 60120

Reach out to Shari