Dr. John Coumbe-lilley, PhD, LPC, ALMFT
John works with couples and adults and has specialized training in the Gottman Method, domestic violence, and sports & injury psychology. John is committed to helping his clients navigate their life experiences and helping them cope, grow and flourish. In addition to his role at KRC, John is also a Clinical Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
John has worked in private practice, community agency and educational institutions.
Approach
“I help high-functioning adults navigate complex relationships to regain clarity, emotional strength, and confidence during some of the most challenging seasons of their lives. Clients come to me when they feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or stuck in painful patterns, often after doing “everything right” yet still feeling unheard, unseen, or depleted. My role is to help you understand what is happening beneath the surface, rebuild your sense of agency, and create a healthier, more empowered path forward. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing the fallout of narcissistic abuse, high-conflict relationships, infidelity, emotional disconnection, and chronic stress. Many of the people I work with are successful in their careers but quietly struggling in their personal lives, carrying the weight of responsibility, caretaking, or perfectionism. Together, we slow things down, make sense of chaos, and help you reconnect with your values, inner strength, and long-term wellbeing.”
“My approach blends Gottman-informed relational work, trauma-responsive care, and solution-focused strategies that draw on your strengths while addressing unhelpful cycles and emotional injuries. I offer a grounded, non-judgmental space where you can safely explore difficult experiences, understand relational patterns, and begin making practical, meaningful changes.
Clients who work with me often report feeling more emotionally regulated, more confident in their boundaries, and more capable of making decisions that protect their peace and reflect the life they want to lead. My goal is to support you in healing, rebuilding trust in yourself, and creating relationships both with others and within yourself that feel secure, steady, and satisfying.”
Clinical Interests: Couples, trauma, grief and loss, personal and professional development, team development
Specialist counseling training:
Discernment Counseling, Doherty Institute
Gottman Level 3 Trained, Gottman Institute
Domestic violence, ICDVP 40hr & 20hr Hour Partner Abuse Intervention
Psychological First Aid, National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Specialist experience:
Business
Education
Sports
Health Care
Military
First responder
Licenses held
Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. State of Illinois: 208.000971
Licensed Professional Counselor. State of Illinois: 178.017770
Education
Master of Arts in Counseling with an emphasis on couples and family from Northeastern Illinois University.
PhD in Education Psychology and a Master of Sciences in Kinesiology with an emphasis on sport psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
BA in Business, Sport and Recreation Management from Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.
Certified Mental Performance Coach
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Hobbies and interests: Family and mates. Walks with the family golden retriever. Travel and the arts. Sports and adventuring.