Therapists in 60093

My name is Melissa Pollack, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 22 years of experience helping people of all ages. My clients presenting issues and challenges vary but include depression, anxiety, social skills, relationship issues, trauma and stress management. My clients describe me as supportive, caring, and real.

It is my belief that everyone deserves the privilege of living their best life as their most authentic self! I work with all people; adolescents into adulthood to help understand the root cause of the issue. I welcome those who struggle with substance abuse and am an affirming therapist who specializes in LGBTQ+ issues.

Life can feel overwhelming when you're faced with loss or change. As much as you try to adjust, it can be scary and confusing to realize that life isn't turning out the way you had planned. Life stress -- such as divorce or relationship loss, death of a loved one, job loss, illness, caregiving -- happens to most of us at some point and it can seem nearly impossible to bounce back from such heartache.

You may be seeking psychotherapy because something in your life is not going the way you would like. It could be troublesome relationships, depression, anxiety or general dissatisfaction. No matter the specific problem, it is my goal to help you understand why you are experiencing troublesome symptoms or challenges. Then we can get you back to feeling better, reaching personal goals and enjoying fulfilling relationships.

With over 20 years of experience, I develop genuine connections with my clients and partner with them toward success. "Our thinking has a direct impact on our actions, and our families have a direct impact on our thinking." I move to the core of your thinking and actions as you progress to live the life you "Say" you want to live. I have earned a Masters in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Doctorate of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.

No client is an island but a connected member of a family, so I often practice therapy with parents or spouses, and siblings. My style is practical, focusing on solutions. I am creative and find it essential to evaluate each client’s unique needs in the therapy office. For example, I often use hands-on therapy, such as making art or playing, to help with expression and focus. Parenting does not come with instructions. It is mysterious. But, the smallest successes can produce a profound sense of accomplishment. Helping parents find their way through counseling and walking along side of you through that journey is my mission.

All people can heal, grow, and create positive change in their lives. My role as a therapist is to help you determine where you want to go and how to get there. My holistic approach is guided by meeting each client where they are at and choosing the most effective course of action. Whether we utilize CBT, DBT, ERP, ACT, talk therapy, or some other modality, I will make sure the therapeutic service you receive is tailored directly to your needs.

How many of those faulty narratives do you hold in your head, that are keeping you from moving forward? You are the one who knows yourself better than anyone else. So how does this process works? By sharing your story and being curious, I can help you connect the dots between your thoughts, emotions, impulses, behaviors and blind spots. I want to understand what shaped you and the patterns that contributed to how you see yourself. We will embrace this excursion collaboratively.

I am a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of extensive experience in business as well as clinical. My clients are often high achieving people with career and/or relationship issues. My practice includes seminars and consulting to business executives and teams on leadership issues. My purpose in life is to inspire caring and help people find and fulfill their passions.

I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist and for over 25 year, I have been helping adults and adolescents struggling with anxiety and depression feel calmer, more confident and more positively connected in their relationships and in life. Problems in life can take many forms: failed relationships, ongoing self doubt, a traumatic experience or poor coping strategies. Psychotherapy offers the safest place to feel accepted and make the changes necessary achieve fulfillment and happiness.

I act as a facilitator of change for individuals who suffer from depression, anxiety, various traumas, panic, grief/loss, stress, postpartum blues and depression, low self-esteem, and who are going through life transitions and have parenting challenges. I believe that human birthright is to experience joy in life. Individual journeys in healing and growth are the ways to achieve that.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Illinois, and a pastoral counselor. I have practiced for fifty years. I can help you change and overcome your problems. Using psychological and spiritual resources you will be able to overcome depression, anxiety, relationship problems, anger issues, parent-child conflicts, anti-social behaviors, and problems of purpose and meaning in life. I am able to be helpful to you, whatever your problem is. If you are a person with a problem and is willing to work on your problems you are an ideal client. If you have a problem please telephone me for a free telephone consultation.

It seems like you've got it together but nobody seems to realize you're floundering. They don't know what's inside: a tally of every failure, a plan for every what if, chronic worry, fear and insecurity and thoughts- so many thoughts! It's impossible to focus. You may play a lot of roles: spouse, friend, parent, employee, entrepreneur- it's crazymaking! It can be easy to lose the YOU in all of this. You were a person before you became the social chameleon you're required to be right now. The anxious feeling never goes away and you don't know what to do, so you suffer quietly. You don't have to stay here.

I believe therapy works best when built upon a foundation of genuine connection and with a goal of creating lasting behavior change. If you've developed a problematic relationship with alcohol or you've grown concerned with your social drinking, I'm here to help. Whether you're interested in abstinence, moderation management, or simply to better understand your relationship with alcohol, I can help you establish and achieve goals that fit your individual circumstance. If you're already in recovery, I specialize in developing strategies that support a lifetime of sobriety.

I have yet to learn your unique story, which I know matters. There are a million and one reasons that could have led you to be here. Your decision to reach out says more than you may think. I am committed to working with you to help meet your desired goals. I believe in meeting you where you are while ensuring you are equipped to get where you would like to be! I work with clients to address, explore, and better manage stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, ADHD, PTSD, injustices, relationship/family, women’s and young adult issues, racial barriers, parenting challenges, and various unexpected life changes.

Are you experiencing anxiety, depression or feeling lost? Are feelings of codependency, addiction or preoccupation crippling your ability to live your life to the fullest? Are you feeling overwhelmed and cannot currently identify your emotions? I am here to support you in self discovery and finding a way together to explore what may be blocking you from living your most authentic life. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I specialize in working with kids and adults who are dealing with emotional/defiant/ social challenges, trauma, abuse, and addiction.

Compassion and communication are the hallmarks of my unique approach to strengthening healthy relationships with children, adolescents and adults. I have been making a positive difference in the lives of young people for 16 years and utilize a wide variety of methods and techniques, including, but not limited to everything from play therapy to insight oriented therapy. My work strengthens and empowers people to face immediate and long term challenges independently and successfully.

Starting therapy is a turning point and I'm ready to help you take the next step in your life. Your relationship with your therapist matters a lot, and I'm committed to helping you feel safe, understood and connected as we begin our work together. I'm a caring and engaged therapist working with women, children and families. I have years of experience as a teacher, counselor and doula. I look forward to helping you find an increased sense of happiness and fulfillment as a result of the work that we do together.