Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes, even the strongest people need help to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Whether you struggle with anxiety, burn out from your job, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, low self-esteem, or any other issue, you should know that there is hope for a better tomorrow. Are you ready to try a comprehensive approach to your mental health? I specialize in supporting individuals in their desire to experience optimal mental and physical wellbeing to meet their life goals.

I really enjoy working with teens and adults. My ideal client is likely one who is struggling with food and weight issues and motivated to heal. I am a nationally certified specialist in eating disorders and have years of experience in this area.

WELCOME! Therapy is a journey of self-awareness, introspection and discovery. Seeking therapy takes courage! Admitting that life or parts of your life are not working the way you would like is a humbling experience. Anyone brave enough to take that step deserves tremendous respect and support. I'm here to provide an open and supportive therapeutic environment where growth and solutions can occur. Areas of focus in my work include Depression, Grief/Bereavement, Post-Traumatic Stress, Anxiety, Relationship and Communication issues and dealing with difficult life transitions.

Since I've received my master's degree I have provided mental health services in the Northern IL and Suburban Chicago as a Licensed Social Worker for over 30 years. I use cognitive/ behavioral therapy to provide, I found most current studies indicate that cognitive/ behavioral therapy is to be most effective for many mood disorders and panic disorders. I listen,interact, and provide you with the proper "tools" and education to help you help yourself to a more efficient, happier lifestyle.

I am interested in helping individuals who not only have specific problems such as anxiety, depression, substance use, and self-harm behaviors but are also looking to build on their strengths to not only reduce their identified problem but also to increase their capacity for joy. I have a perspective of being "relentlessly hopeful", but also understand that change comes with awareness, time and practice.

COURT ORDERED EVALUATIONS and RISK ASSESSMENTS: Violence risk & threat assessment 1)Workplace & school violence consultation services 2)Fitness for duty evaluation 3)Psychosexual risk to reoffend. Dr Cushing is also qualified to complete FOID Mental Health Certification Evaluations.. He has considerable training and experience in forensic evaluations and expert witness testimony. Dr. Cushing has worked with prosecutors and defense attorneys in both the state and federal systems. He has been recognized as an expert in courts in the following states: Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and New York.

I work with clients of all ages. I feel that it is very important for prospective clients to get the correct diagnosis the first time in order to develop a well suited treatment plan. If psychological testing is warranted, I am an effective and efficient evaluator that will focus on the appropriate treatment to get you on your way faster. My goal is to empower each person I come in contact with and to help them realize their potential.

Behavioral health counseling for individuals, couples and families. Substance abuse evaluations and treatment including the DOT SAP protocol. Common presenting issues include various forms of depression, anxiety, relationship problems and post traumatic stress disorder. Specialities include clients with simultaneous mental health and addiction problems as well as issues particular to men.

I specialize in individual counseling, couples counseling, family counseling, case management and leadership development. I offer a highly personalized and collaborative approach for children, adolescents, and adults dealing with a broad range of challenges across the lifespan.Issues such as relationship discord, parenting struggles, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, and anger can leave you feeling stressed out, overwhelmed, and sometimes even hopeless. Regardless of what you’re facing right now, there is hope.

Taking the step to attend therapy is a difficult. I help clients feel comfortable and at ease while focusing on the issue. You will be heard, listened to and taken care of while working on short term or long term problems. I work with many types of problems; including anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, assertiveness training, parenting, managing stress, infertility issues, grief and loss, phobias, depression, life transitions, and much more. My office has 5 other therapists on staff. Our team of professionals work together to insure you and your loved ones receive the highest level of care.

Feeling disconnected? Are you tired of the same old conflicts and arguments? Do you feel unsupported, misunderstood or unloved? Has infidelity or another major issue threatened your bond? I can help you restore the connection; rebuild trust; renew fun, safety and intimacy; and teach you the relationship skills that can make your love last a lifetime. I specialize in marriage-friendly counseling, couples therapy and the Imago Couples Dialogue. Your relationship is worth saving and I provide the best and most effective ways to help you get there.

Available in person and online. Feeling a little overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, depressed, and tired, ...? You're not alone. In this day and age we are consumed with incoming information from our environment, but our brains are not equipped with the processing speeds of a computer so we end up feeling overwhelmed and symptomatic. If your goal is to reduce symptoms and find some peace, I can help you to achieve this. I utilize current brain research with evidence-based practices to provide you with knowledge, support and motivation to live a more enjoyable and meaningful life.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by sadness or anxiety? Fed up with family issues? Gripped by job stressors? Are you struggling with a divorce? Having conflicts in your relationship or going through a break-up? Getting triggered by old traumas? The people that I work with want more from life: joy, happiness, and satisfaction. I can help you achieve your goals & find peace and joy again.

Exploring strategies for life change is a fascinating endeavor. I partner with clients to help them create significant transformations, i.e. help change their point of view about problematic concerns, change behaviors that need to be increased or decreased and change longstanding destructive patterns to new life enhancing choices. I rely heavily on scientific findings to facilitate human change. There are varieties of effective traditional and modern psychological treatments such or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Cognitive behavioral therapy is the gold standard for anxiety, depressions, phobias and fears.

Quarantine, Lock Down, and Pandemic have all become big words lately! Our routines, habits, and jobs have changed significantly. You may be feeling afraid, anxious, or depressed. Maybe you've become overwhelmed by the ongoing social isolation. Or maybe you're feeling pressured by the constant interaction with family members. Whatever you may be feeling, your Mental Health is important now more than ever. Do you have the necessary skills to keep your Mental Health in a healthy place?

I am experienced in treating those struggling with emotional instability, self-harm, low self-esteem, self-judgment, relationship discord, anxiety, depression, personal trauma and loss, grief, and career transition. I have been intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and am certified thru the DBTNCAA. I focus on using evidence-based therapies without judgment to assist people to effectively manage life's challenges and transitions.

Accepting online clients, also I work with the Enneagram (which is increasing in popularity). If this is a time of difficulty - I listen with empathy to help you sort through what is happening in your life. Many people are interested in spirituality, as well as help with relating, emotions, and behavior patterns. I teach mindfulness and breathing practices when it is helpful. I present to groups and coach with individuals using the Enneagram, 9 personality archetypes (for something so ancient, it is surprisingly practical).

As a Clinical Professional Counselor and Art Therapist, I strive to make my practice as comfortable and creative as possible. I help find positivity and strengths in each of my clients. I am there to support and help during life's victories and discouragements. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and groups.

We are hard-wired to thrive. Each of us has within us the capacity to grow, heal, & flourish. Yet, we all face circumstances on our journey that hinder us. We can & will grow given the right conditions of safety, respect, guidance, and understanding. Our approach is to join with our clients on a journey of self-discovery to understand what holds them back, to lean in to their strengths and resources, and to help them create a fulfilling & meaningful life. The team at Forest City Counseling is passionate about partnering with you to help you achieve your goals!