Who I am

Holistic. Intuitive. Supportive.

For over 27 years, I’ve walked beside individuals on their healing journeys—helping them move through emotional pain, navigate life’s transitions, and rediscover their inner strength. My early work as a licensed therapist was deeply meaningful, providing clinical support to those facing mental health and substance use challenges.

After 12 years in the non-profit world I felt called to step away. I released the “cookie-cutter” models, and began creating something that felt more whole—more me.

In 2013, River’s Journey Counseling was born: a compassionate, affirming space for growth and transformation, no matter where someone found themselves on their path.

I have felt honored to hold space for others’ pain and shadow and support transformation.

Yet, over time, something in me began to stir.
I realized there was a part of my work—and a part of me—that I couldn’t fully bring into the therapy room. The world of traditional talk therapy, while powerful, often left out what I felt was essential: the soulful, intuitive, and energetic dimensions of healing.

So, I listened to that inner calling.

As my own evolution continued, my work expanded beyond the clinical to embrace the spiritual and energetic—and River’s Journey Counseling naturally evolved into River’s Journey Wellness. Here, I blend intuitive guidance, energy work, and holistic practices with grounded support, helping women reconnect to their inner wisdom and restore balance in their lives.

  • I am an empath who loves empowering other empaths.

  • A highly sensitive woman who helps other sensitives create soothing, sustainable rhythms.

  • A lifelong helper devoted to helping other helpers reclaim their light.

My passion is guiding women to come home to themselves— to cultivate self-love, compassion, and daily practices that honor their whole being: body, mind, heart, and spirit.

A woman standing on a leaf-covered trail in a forest during fall, smiling, wearing a beige blazer, floral blouse, dark jeans, and black shoes.

I am so excited the Universe guided our paths to cross!

Mary  

(she/her)

P.S.   I believe in equality.  I believe diversity is what makes life so beautiful and rich.  

All sexual orientations, gender identities,  and expressions are welcome to join my offerings. 

I believe we are stronger; together.  And you are stronger than you realize. 

You have a place in this world that is uniquely yours and I am so honored you decided to share your path with me. 

Hands holding a bouquet of mixed flowers including daisies, dahlias, and various greenery.

Lovingly curated services:

  • Melding strategies that support the holistic wellness of the mind, body and spirit.

  • Embracing the intuitive side of care. (Spiritual/Metaphysics)

  • Utilizing and teaching Energy work (Reiki, Meditation, Mindfulness, Tapping, etc.).

  • Incorporating ancient Earth/Nature practices into my services. (Moon Meditations)

  • Teaching and supporting a practice of self-care and  well-being to achieve personal growth,.

  • Providing supportive  coaching  strategies to release pain and anchor in change. 

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Land Acknowledgement: *

This land, now known as the Fox Valley area of Kane County, has long been home to Indigenous peoples who lived in relationship with it for thousands of years. It is the ancestral homeland of many nations, including but not limited to the Council of the Three Fires — the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi —the long-standing Anishinaabe alliance whose presence, care, and ways of life shaped this area long before European exploration, settlement, and exploitation.

Though traditional stewards of this land were forcibly removed through the 1833 Treaty of Chicago, their descendants remain connected to and stewards of this land, carrying forward their cultures, teachings, and resilience.

This acknowledgment honors the enduring relationship between Indigenous peoples and the land, recognizes the ongoing impact of colonization, and affirms a commitment to learning, healing, reconciliation, and reconnection — in right relationship with the land and with one another.

*I consider this a living document. As I continue to unlearn, learn, grow, and change this document will hopefully reflect that as well.

A landscape featuring a bison herd grazing in a grassy field, with a background of green trees under a cloudy sky at Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve.

ENERGETIC & COACHING/MENTORING SPIRITUAL SERVICES DISCLAIMER

The services provided by Mary Madsen-Heskin, offered individually and through River’s Journey Wellness, LLC are not performed in the capacity or practice of Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). As such, diagnosis formulation, clinical psychotherapy, mental health treatment planning, medication management or psychiatric referrals, and other psychological-related treatment interventions are not performed. Services rendered by Mary Madsen-Heskin, River’s Journey Wellness, LLC are not billable to medical insurance or reimbursable through HSA/FSA plans and are not intended to be utilized in place of the respective interventions for mental or physical health conditions.

Services provided by Mary Madsen-Heskin, as the sole agent and representative of River’s Journey Wellness, LLC, are performed through her education and expertise in the areas of clinical counseling psychology, including energy psychology; spirituality, energetic, and intuitive modalities; stress management modalities of breathwork, meditation, and mindfulness.

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Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you!