Cara Stronsky, LCPC
If you are looking to combine deep and meaningful healing with light-hearted humor and fun, you’ve come to the right place!
Therapy can be a space for both profound personal exploration and moments of lightness. While we’ll hold space for the real, sometimes painful parts of life (relationship issues, grief, anxiety, transitions, identity shifts, etc.), we’ll also make room for curiosity, laughter, and growth. My goal is to create a space where you feel truly seen, heard, and supported without pressure to be anything other than yourself.
My background in school counseling laid the foundation for my work as a therapist, but my experience in private practice has deepened my passion for supporting adults through the complexity and evolution of their own personal journeys. Whether you’re a young adult navigating independence, a new parent adjusting to profound life changes, or someone in a season of uncertainty looking to reconnect with joy and purpose, I’m here to walk alongside you compassionately and without judgment.
I primarily use Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and believe we all carry different “parts” within us. Each of these parts has a purpose, even if that purpose isn't always immediately clear since they can often cause us pain or confusion. Together we will work to understand these parts, heal the wounds underneath, and move toward deeper connection with your true self. I also support clients in deepening this connection through the use of somatic therapy, cultivating a stronger integration between the body and mind. This approach honors both the emotional and physical wisdom of the body, supporting healing from the inside out.
Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique experience. Together we will explore what’s holding you back, discover your inner strengths, and create a path forward that feels authentic and meaningful to you. So, whether you’re feeling lost, curious, hopeful, or all of the above—welcome! Let’s work through this together.
My World
I began my career journey as a high school Spanish teacher, which was a great place to foster my love for travel, communication, and experiencing diverse cultures and lifestyles. Becoming a therapist felt like a natural next step: a way to take the communication skills and cultural awareness I developed as an educator and use them to support people on a deeper, more personal level.
Today, I’m all about living a balanced life—one that makes space for self-care, meaningful moments, and the joy of being present. Whether I’m out boating, walking my dog, exploring, or just relaxing outside with my family, I feel most grounded and at peace in nature and in the simplicity of everyday life.

Location
Rising Sunlight is conveniently located in Wauconda’s downtown area on Main Street in the Lakeview building, which is right behind Nieka’s Hair Studio, Nail Polish Girl, and Lots-a-Knots Bakery. The Lakeview building can be accessed via the driveway next to the Lindy’s Landing entrance. Additional parking includes the Village Hall lot right across the street, Main Street parking, and other nearby side streets (Bangs, Maple, etc.).
110B N Main St, Suite B, Wauconda, IL 60084

FAQs
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Yes! Virtual appointments are available for all clients in Illinois and are provided on a private, HIPAA-compliant platform. I also see clients in-person in a bright and calming office space overlooking Bangs Lake in Wauconda.
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Yes! I am currently in-network with the following plans:
Aetna
Aetna Better Health
Blue Cross and Blue Shield
United Healthcare
UMR
Please reach out if you are unsure of your benefits and I would be happy to assist you in looking into it!
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If you have any questions or would like to book your first appointment, you can contact me directly in any of the following ways:
Fill out the contact form
Email cara@risingsunlight.com
Call or text (630) 408-5155
I look forward to hearing from you!