Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists in Lake Bluff, IL

The author J. K. Rowling states: 'To hurt is as human as to breathe.' The good news is this: your pain doesn't have to last forever--there is a way through it. Every person's process of growth is unique, and I draw from multiple therapeutic models to help my clients find a more life-giving way of being in the world. I've taken this journey myself, and I look forward to accompanying you as you take yours.

My integrative therapeutic approach emphasizes empathic receptiveness and mindful observance. I strive to create a safe and productive environment with patients generating a strong therapeutic alliance. My goal is to utilize my patient’s strengths and weaknesses to assist them in generating a healthy well-being and reaching the identified therapeutic goals and expectations. I exercise a variety of perspectives through which patients will gain mindfulness, the ability to empower oneself and self-acceptance in their identity. Emphasis is given to maintaining changes so they exist long term.

My ideal patients are adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, self-esteem, body image, eating disorders and/or disordered eating behaviors. I focus on targeting patterns while highlighting underlying causes for behaviors, and helping patients work towards healthier relationships with themselves and others. My approach is patient-focused and evidenced based, incorporating techniques from CBT, ACT, and DBT. I incorporate a multitude of techniques depending on the individual needs, and promote positive change for patients to accomplish their goals.

Licensed as a Clinical Psychologist in Illinois and registered to provide telehealth psychotherapy to clients in the state of Florida (www.flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/). If you are having difficulties adjusting to any of the many challenges of life, feel stuck in your current situation, or feel dissatisfied with your relationships or quality of life, I can help. I have experience and expertise treating depressive and anxiety disorders, trauma including PTSD, ADHD, and the emotional effects of chronic illnesses, burnout, and immigration.

Discover a renewed sense of hope and well-being with White Stone Counseling Resources! Since 1997, we've been Chicago's trusted Christian Counseling practice. Dive into personalized sessions tailored for individuals, couples, and families—encompassing adults, teens, and children. At White Stone, we believe in a true partnership. Your journey is unique, and our dedicated counselors are here to walk beside you, profoundly understanding your story and crafting a transformative roadmap for a brighter, more fulfilling tomorrow.

Compassion-focused psychological care is available to you, now. I am committed to strengthening your psychological health, and believe it is a critical part of your overall wellness. As a guardian of your psychological wellness, I listen to you and partner in your care to address psychological and relationship challenges using science-based approaches to therapy that are accessible for your life, and bring about real, lasting change.

I am a licensed professional counselor who specializes in working with individuals and couples experiencing life transitions, anxiety, depression, chronic illnesses, grief and loss, and issues relating to meaning and purpose. I have experience working with those diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers, from early diagnosis to end-of-life. I work with adults of all ages, with additional training in working with older adults. Whether it be navigating life transitions like launching, job changes and retirement, or finding meaning and purpose, I utilize a caring and understanding approach in helping my clients find a way forward.

My passion as a counselor is to journey alongside you to help create balance, meaning, and authenticity in your life by simplifying, inspiring, and offering insight. It feels like the majority of us approach our lives like we are playing the game of chess, overwhelmed and tirelessly reacting to the many pieces around us. What if we changed the game and approached life more like a game of checkers? What if instead of reacting, we picked a clear direction, only stopping when we need to decide if we go through or around the obstacle that stands between us and our goals?

We all experience emotional, physical, and psychological difficulties in our lives. If we cannot find relief, or achieve change on our own, professional help is appropriate. My approach to therapy is insight-oriented, with an emphasis on exploring patterns in clients' belief systems, emotional experiences, and behaviors. My ideal clients are those that desire to truthfully investigate themselves. With a further understanding of yourself, you inevitably increase your opportunities for growth and positive change. I offer assistance in beginning and continuing this process.

When it comes to mental health treatment, our approach is simple and unique: our accomplished team of physicians and therapists work together to diagnose and treat your body, mind and spirit as a whole. We are one of the few practices combining traditional treatment with evidence-based alternative therapies, all under one roof. We are privileged to have changed the lives of many families in Chicago's North Shore, as well as out-of-state and foreign visitors. Our "whole body" approach to treating mental health conditions is supported by clinical studies. These include but are not limited to: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), diet and exercise, spiritual/social evaluation, yoga and art therapy. Many still focus only on the brain, treating symptoms, not causes. In many cases they over-prescribe medications. While our physicians do prescribe medications as needed, what sets us apart is our commitment to explore all options. We search for root causes and provide the most appropriate treatment, not merely the most convenient one. When we do prescribe, we go the extra mile to customize a plan that minimizes side effects. You and your family deserve the best in healthcare!

All of us -- women and men, young and old, poor, middle class and upscale folks, minorities and majorities -- have to deal with complexity. As a therapist I help heal hurts from the past, assist clients in managing present challenges, and work collaboratively to create more satisfying future lives. The people who see me for individual, couples and family therapy represent a culturally diverse group. Their difficulties range from anxiety and depression, to stress disorders, OCD/OCPD, relationship problems, employment issues, and bereavement. Many of these women and men report quick progress in better managing their personal, family, academic, and work lives.

I am an experienced clinician and teacher who treats and teaches adults, adolescents and couples using a mindfulness based counseling model. I specialize in working with those who struggle with anxiety, depression, chronic illness and pain. I also teach classes in meditation and yoga.

Are stress, worry, and your long to-do list keeping you up at night? Are you stuck thinking about challenging relationships, old wounds, or traumatic experiences? I have helped many like you find their version of success personally and professionally and find inner calm by empowering them to create change. Many of my clients seek a supportive space to better understand hard experiences and relationships, explore emotions, examine thought and behavior patterns, draw on strengths, and improve their ability to cope. Together, we find the solutions to feel more joy, experience fewer sleepless nights, and reinvest in life positively.

Dr. Paul Smiley is a board certified psychologist who has been independently licensed in the State of Illinois since 2008. He is on staff at Lake Forest Hospital, and manages Parkside Psychological Services, which is dedicated to serving people of all ages and needs. The team of talented providers is committed to understanding the root of client’s concerns and working with them to bring about effective changes for recovery. We are currently accepting patients with a wide spectrum of symptoms, with flexible hours from Monday-Saturday including day and evening appointments. We look forward to being a trusted provider with you!