Therapists in Northfield, IL

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.

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.

I believe in everyone's uniqueness, authenticity, resiliency, and strength. I will guide you through the process of self-discovery, self-growth, self-love, and clarity. I assist individuals in setting personal goals and visions and working toward desired results and healthy life. Also, I work with couples who may need some guidance and support while navigating their relationships. My goal is for these couples to leave therapy feeling more connected and secure in their relationships. When working with families, I look at the family as a whole, and address transitions, divorce, trauma, grief, and marital/financial problem.

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PsyD) and the founder of Breakthrough Psychotherapy, LLC located in Northfield, Illinois. I work with children (starting at age 5), adolescents, adults, and families with a wide range of mental health and family relationship concerns, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Tourette's, adjustment problems, noncompliance, anger/aggression, trauma, disruptive behavior, and family relationship difficulties. My approach is warm and collaborative and I view all of my clients as equal partners in the treatment process.

I am passionate about helping children, adolescents, and adults who are in need of a warm, authentic, non-judgmental therapist to foster growth and change. I strive to create a safe, collaborative, and trusting therapeutic environment for my clients. I strongly believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship as the foundation for meaningful change, and I look forward to getting to know you and understanding how I can help. I welcome clients of any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and ability.

I have worked with children, adults and families for more than 20 years. Using an integrative perspective, I apply a range of techniques, including those based in attachment, family systems, and cognitive behavioral theories. Prior to establishing my private practice, I worked in a variety of settings from inner-city neighborhoods of Washington DC, Baltimore and Chicago, to small towns in North Africa.Throughout my career, I have sought to demystify mental health and psychotherapy by actively involving my clients in the intake and therapy process.

I have been working for 20+ years with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I am a certified alcohol and drug counselor. I also focus on depression, anxiety, ADHD, adolescent turmoil, adoption issues, healthy parenting, and family/relationship issues. My passion also includes working with young adults and adults on exploring personal growth and life management issues. I have created an alternative to suspension program in numerous local high schools.

As a firm believer in the power of genuine human connection, the dynamic between my clients and I is of my highest priority. A professor and mentor once said, “The question should not be, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ But rather, ‘What has happened to you?’” This quote shapes every conversation I hold with my clients. I am dedicated to breaking down the stigma of traditional talk therapy, particularly for young folks, by empowering my clients to rewrite their own narrative and understand their neurological roots, to become the best version of themself, for themself, their relationships, and their future.

Sometimes even day to day activities can feel overwhelming. Whether you are a child just starting school, an adolescent going through changes, a young adult navigating being on your own for the first time, or a parent who is struggling with understanding your child, know that you are never alone. Taking that first step in asking for help and seeking out therapy is understandably difficult, even if it isn’t the first time, but can make a world of difference. Therapy is a way to better understand you and/or your child’s experiences, while also creating healthy coping skills, boundaries, and sense of self.

I believe that progress in therapy should be a collaborative endeavor in a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere. Therapy with my clients is driven by their goals as we explore feelings, beliefs and relationships in a comfortable and confidential atmosphere. My practice specializes in anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, anger difficulties, and family relationships in children and adults. I utilize evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Activation Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Solution-Focused Therapy as well as mindfulness-based practices to meet the specific needs of each client.

My ideal client is anyone looking to make a positive change. Anybody, in any situation, can benefit from therapy.

If you are dealing with a relationship concern, a health issue, or you are caregiving for someone with a health issue, we can help. Living with a challenging relationship or health condition can make you feel like you've tried everything and nothing is working. You may feel like you're the only person who has faced your specific struggle and aren't sure what to do. Your friends and family try to help, but their feedback seems biased, or they don't understand.

Children, teens, and adults each approach their problems from differing levels of life-experience and developmentally varied problem-solving skill sets. They also have differing neurological availability to the resources and strategies that their brains can employ. At Collaborators, Inc., we work with people where they are in time, place, development, neurology, and life space. Hearing people process their experiences in this way, and joining with them in making sense of challenges, relationship issues, conflicts, and family history issues makes for a context where people can find new ways to explore their world with confidence.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has a deep passion for helping both teens and adults overcome life's obstacles. I value in-depth communication and strengths-based approaches toward problem-solving. My 10+ years experience also includes a Master's in Community Counseling with a focus on developmental, multicultural, and trauma-focused lenses.

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.

In my 45 plus years of practice, I have found that most patients, before coming to see me may have tried to the best of their abilities to solve their problems. They may have consulted other psychotherapists or other allied professionals before coming to see me. The central task is for us to identify the nature of their psychological puzzle, and to find ways to collaborate in finding solutions to them. I have a particular interest in people who may have neurocognitive deficits. Also, I have an interest in children and adolescents whose parents are in the divorce process.

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.

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.

Choosing a therapist for yourself or a family member can understandably be a very difficult decision. Reading bios and looking at photographs of therapists can be helpful, but I believe it is essential that you feel as comfortable as possible before committing to working with any therapist. Without commitment or fee, I invite those interested in therapy to speak on the phone or meet with me in my office and talk about their concerns. My intention is to provide you with the best assurance that I am understanding of your needs and can be of help to you or your family member.