Adoption Therapists in 60202
Parent coaching, adoption, LGBT issues, and adults struggling with their adult children are areas of specialization, as well as couples, families and seniors.
I bring 47 years of experience to my work. I earned my doctorate from Loyola University of Chicago in 1977, following a three-year internship at the Loyola Guidance Clinic. Prior to that, I received a Master of Arts in Teaching from Northwestern (1973) and a Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) from Harvard (1972). For 18 years, I was with the department of psychiatry at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco. From 2008 to 2024 I was with the Family Institute at Northwestern, where I wrote the popular Family Tip of the Month and the Couples Tip of the Month and produced the Talking to Kids You Love video collection.
Parent coaching, adoption, LGBT issues, and adults struggling with their adult children are areas of specialization, as well as couples, families and seniors.
I bring 47 years of experience to my work. I earned my doctorate from Loyola University of Chicago in 1977, following a three-year internship at the Loyola Guidance Clinic. Prior to that, I received a Master of Arts in Teaching from Northwestern (1973) and a Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) from Harvard (1972). For 18 years, I was with the department of psychiatry at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco. From 2008 to 2024 I was with the Family Institute at Northwestern, where I wrote the popular Family Tip of the Month and the Couples Tip of the Month and produced the Talking to Kids You Love video collection.
Unify Counseling Inc: Individual & Couples
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60202
Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, confused, frustrated, discouraged, disappointed, lost, anxious, sad or angry, you are not alone. Most of us experience those feelings at some point in our lives. We care about the people we serve, and we believe every person is individual, authentic, and unique. We use evidence-based practice (EBP) methods for mental health to help children, pre-teens, teenagers, adults, couples, and families to live their best lives. We understand that therapy can seem scary and intimidating, though we know that finding the support you need is the key to starting the self- healing process.
Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, confused, frustrated, discouraged, disappointed, lost, anxious, sad or angry, you are not alone. Most of us experience those feelings at some point in our lives. We care about the people we serve, and we believe every person is individual, authentic, and unique. We use evidence-based practice (EBP) methods for mental health to help children, pre-teens, teenagers, adults, couples, and families to live their best lives. We understand that therapy can seem scary and intimidating, though we know that finding the support you need is the key to starting the self- healing process.
I see therapy as an opportunity to know yourself better, care for yourself better, and better understand your life choices. Additionally, therapy can assist you in better understanding your most important relationships, past and present. We will work together to create a safe and supportive environment for this exploration and self-understanding. With this deepened awareness you can make the life choices that best suit and serve you, and can live your life with more intention.
I see therapy as an opportunity to know yourself better, care for yourself better, and better understand your life choices. Additionally, therapy can assist you in better understanding your most important relationships, past and present. We will work together to create a safe and supportive environment for this exploration and self-understanding. With this deepened awareness you can make the life choices that best suit and serve you, and can live your life with more intention.
Change is hard. But change is necessary when we find ourselves in situations where we feel sad, anxious, angry or stuck. My ultimate goal as a therapist is to help you develop more options in life -- to help you realize your potential in love, work and play. This involves the development of new ways of thinking, feeling and behaving. I will be your collaborator in this process. I will strive to create a safe, empathic and non-judgmental environment that will allow you to identify and explore your current struggles. Working together, change is possible.
Change is hard. But change is necessary when we find ourselves in situations where we feel sad, anxious, angry or stuck. My ultimate goal as a therapist is to help you develop more options in life -- to help you realize your potential in love, work and play. This involves the development of new ways of thinking, feeling and behaving. I will be your collaborator in this process. I will strive to create a safe, empathic and non-judgmental environment that will allow you to identify and explore your current struggles. Working together, change is possible.
My approach is warm, authentic, and nonjudgmental. I aim to honor the uniqueness of each person and tailor my approach to best facilitate individual journeys and goals. It takes time to build trust, and it is my privilege to be your partner in personal growth; I am continually awed watching my clients heal and transform. I work with adults, adolescents, and couples on a wide range of issues including anxiety, low mood, trauma, relationship concerns, transitions, and family conflict.
My approach is warm, authentic, and nonjudgmental. I aim to honor the uniqueness of each person and tailor my approach to best facilitate individual journeys and goals. It takes time to build trust, and it is my privilege to be your partner in personal growth; I am continually awed watching my clients heal and transform. I work with adults, adolescents, and couples on a wide range of issues including anxiety, low mood, trauma, relationship concerns, transitions, and family conflict.
Dr. Traci Williams
Psychologist, PsyD, ABPP, CFT-I
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60202 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I support busy professionals and their families by providing a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space. Featured in The New York Times, Parents, Forbes and more, I help kids, teens, and adults move from surviving to thriving. As a professional with a family of my own, I understand how difficult it can be to balance all aspects of your life. Whether you hope to address a specific issue, or you just want to improve the quality of your family’s lives, you're in the right place.
I support busy professionals and their families by providing a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space. Featured in The New York Times, Parents, Forbes and more, I help kids, teens, and adults move from surviving to thriving. As a professional with a family of my own, I understand how difficult it can be to balance all aspects of your life. Whether you hope to address a specific issue, or you just want to improve the quality of your family’s lives, you're in the right place.
To "know thyself" - to wake up to yourself, is the most worthy of quests. I work with mind, body, and spirit to bring you back to yourself. The body never lies. When we tune into the body we find our own truth, wisdom, and guidance. This happens when we calm down, relax, and pay attention. There are often emotions or experiences that have waited years to be acknowledged and expressed. It doesn't work to close the door on the past. Until we review, process, and open to healing we tend to re-capitulate the events in our past.
To "know thyself" - to wake up to yourself, is the most worthy of quests. I work with mind, body, and spirit to bring you back to yourself. The body never lies. When we tune into the body we find our own truth, wisdom, and guidance. This happens when we calm down, relax, and pay attention. There are often emotions or experiences that have waited years to be acknowledged and expressed. It doesn't work to close the door on the past. Until we review, process, and open to healing we tend to re-capitulate the events in our past.
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.
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 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 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.
As a therapist, I work well with individuals and families who are curious about themselves, our work together, and the possibilities for a healthier future. Clients often find that I am a warm, patient, curious, humorous, kind, and supportive person on their journey toward self-improvement. I am passionate about my work with clients who are LGBTQ* and I love working with gender expansive youth and adults.
As a therapist, I work well with individuals and families who are curious about themselves, our work together, and the possibilities for a healthier future. Clients often find that I am a warm, patient, curious, humorous, kind, and supportive person on their journey toward self-improvement. I am passionate about my work with clients who are LGBTQ* and I love working with gender expansive youth and adults.
My clients tell me that I really listen to them, am a down-to-earth person, and am able to help them through very difficult times of their lives. I am an energetic and positive person, yet can calmly help clients find creative solutions to tough problems and areas where they feel stuck somewhere in their lives.
My clients tell me that I really listen to them, am a down-to-earth person, and am able to help them through very difficult times of their lives. I am an energetic and positive person, yet can calmly help clients find creative solutions to tough problems and areas where they feel stuck somewhere in their lives.
15 Second Videos
Rachael S. Sytsma-Ramos
Tigist Taylor
Sarah A. Schroeder
My preference is to work with adults and couples, and to meet them where they are emotionally. From there we explore what their struggles are in their daily lives, the pain that brings them into my office, and typically use insight and a focus on their past conflicts and hurts to bring peace and resolution into their present lives.
My preference is to work with adults and couples, and to meet them where they are emotionally. From there we explore what their struggles are in their daily lives, the pain that brings them into my office, and typically use insight and a focus on their past conflicts and hurts to bring peace and resolution into their present lives.
As a therapist, I aim to develop a strong and positive working relationship with my clients. My clinical approach is collaborative, active, respectful and genuine. I strive to create a warm therapeutic atmosphere where you will feel understood and comfortable exploring your concerns openly and effectively. As a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience, my practice draws on insight-oriented, cognitive-behavioral and solutions-based approaches as well as other well established therapy models. In addition to depression, anxiety and relationship/interpersonal concerns, I specialize in addressing life transitions, identity development, self-esteem, resilience after setback, work/study impasses and career concerns.
As a therapist, I aim to develop a strong and positive working relationship with my clients. My clinical approach is collaborative, active, respectful and genuine. I strive to create a warm therapeutic atmosphere where you will feel understood and comfortable exploring your concerns openly and effectively. As a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience, my practice draws on insight-oriented, cognitive-behavioral and solutions-based approaches as well as other well established therapy models. In addition to depression, anxiety and relationship/interpersonal concerns, I specialize in addressing life transitions, identity development, self-esteem, resilience after setback, work/study impasses and career concerns.
I believe that every problem or life challenge offers an opportunity for growth and development. With the support of a positive and safe therapeutic relationship, you can find strength to address and overcome difficulties within your immediate family, in the workplace/school, with a present/past partner, and begin to feel a deeper sense of fulfillment, find or maintain more satisfying relationships, or begin to heal from a loss or crisis. With over 20 years experience as a psychotherapist, I have successfully helped adults, adolescents, and children develop more productive coping strategies, better communication skills, and a sense of resilience.
I believe that every problem or life challenge offers an opportunity for growth and development. With the support of a positive and safe therapeutic relationship, you can find strength to address and overcome difficulties within your immediate family, in the workplace/school, with a present/past partner, and begin to feel a deeper sense of fulfillment, find or maintain more satisfying relationships, or begin to heal from a loss or crisis. With over 20 years experience as a psychotherapist, I have successfully helped adults, adolescents, and children develop more productive coping strategies, better communication skills, and a sense of resilience.
Alison R Toback
Counselor, LCPC, MAPC, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60202 (Online Only)
Difficult times in life are opportunities for growth and change. I specialize in exploring identity, relationships, and transitions, mindful of the interplay between our formative experiences and current ways of being in the world. Through the therapeutic process, we understand and address anxious and depressed feelings; recover from losses and addictions, and manage work and family related stresses. I facilitate my clients' innate movement toward healing and authenticity.
Difficult times in life are opportunities for growth and change. I specialize in exploring identity, relationships, and transitions, mindful of the interplay between our formative experiences and current ways of being in the world. Through the therapeutic process, we understand and address anxious and depressed feelings; recover from losses and addictions, and manage work and family related stresses. I facilitate my clients' innate movement toward healing and authenticity.
My passion is to help people explore their challenges, work toward their life goals, and find peace. I use empathetic listening and a compassionate approach to help people process trauma, childhood abuse and neglect, women's issues, grief, depression, relationship challenges and life transitions. Through a variety of interventions, including EMDR therapy, I can help you work through a sense of being stuck, find your strength and grow into your best self.
My passion is to help people explore their challenges, work toward their life goals, and find peace. I use empathetic listening and a compassionate approach to help people process trauma, childhood abuse and neglect, women's issues, grief, depression, relationship challenges and life transitions. Through a variety of interventions, including EMDR therapy, I can help you work through a sense of being stuck, find your strength and grow into your best self.
I am a highly experienced, culturally sensitive, collaborative therapist that will engage you in your journey of navigating the difficulties and stressors that you may be struggling with.
I am a highly experienced, culturally sensitive, collaborative therapist that will engage you in your journey of navigating the difficulties and stressors that you may be struggling with.
Monica Isaac
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60202
I help people connect and grow in relationships. I help couples and families find their way through the difficulties of being in relationship when the uncertain, the unexpected, and the uninvited threaten to unravel the very fabric that would otherwise get them through it. Things like dealing with past trauma or family issues, coming out, getting married, having a child, addiction, a diagnosis, losing a job, or an affair put strain on a couple or family. In time, it can sap all energy and leave members struggling to meet the changing needs of their relationships. I meet you in the struggle and help you figure out how to reconnect.
I help people connect and grow in relationships. I help couples and families find their way through the difficulties of being in relationship when the uncertain, the unexpected, and the uninvited threaten to unravel the very fabric that would otherwise get them through it. Things like dealing with past trauma or family issues, coming out, getting married, having a child, addiction, a diagnosis, losing a job, or an affair put strain on a couple or family. In time, it can sap all energy and leave members struggling to meet the changing needs of their relationships. I meet you in the struggle and help you figure out how to reconnect.
Welcome! I'm glad you're here. I’m glad you have taken a step toward your health. Whether you're feeling the increased stress from the pandemic, struggling with new or chronic anxiety and/or depression, obsessive behaviors or destructive thought patterns, severe anxiety, dealing with recent loss or change, struggling with past trauma and/or recent traumatic events, you have come to the right place! I meet you where you're at, and work in partnership with you to identify, explore and understand your current difficulties, strengths, resources, barriers, and goals in order to develop and implement a plan to get you feeling better.
Welcome! I'm glad you're here. I’m glad you have taken a step toward your health. Whether you're feeling the increased stress from the pandemic, struggling with new or chronic anxiety and/or depression, obsessive behaviors or destructive thought patterns, severe anxiety, dealing with recent loss or change, struggling with past trauma and/or recent traumatic events, you have come to the right place! I meet you where you're at, and work in partnership with you to identify, explore and understand your current difficulties, strengths, resources, barriers, and goals in order to develop and implement a plan to get you feeling better.
Choosing the right therapist is important. I am committed to assisting you confront old and new obstacles and make meaningful changes in your life. I have the highest respect for someone who comes through my door. Together, we create a path for personal healing and growth.
Choosing the right therapist is important. I am committed to assisting you confront old and new obstacles and make meaningful changes in your life. I have the highest respect for someone who comes through my door. Together, we create a path for personal healing and growth.
See more therapy options for 60202
Adoption Therapists
Does my adopted child need therapy?
Not every adopted child needs therapy. However, many can benefit from seeing an adoption-informed therapist, especially if they were victims of abuse or neglect, appear withdrawn or disconnected, have behavioral or developmental issues (which may or may not be related to their adoption), are struggling with feelings of grief or loss surrounding their birth parents, or find it difficult to establish an identity, a challenge that often becomes most apparent during adolescence.
When should adoptive parents seek therapy?
Prospective parents can benefit from therapy even before an adoption—for example, to voice worries and fears; to reconcile infertility struggles, if relevant; or simply to prepare themselves for parenthood. After the adoption, parents who are struggling to bond with their child; are unsure how to talk about adoption or related issues, such as race; or whose child is dealing with developmental, behavioral, or psychiatric concerns can address these and other issues with the help of an adoption-competent therapist.
Is family therapy appropriate for adoptive families?
Family therapy can be invaluable for strengthening the bond between adoptive parents and children, helping the latter feel more secure in their place in the family. Family therapy can also help adoptive families navigate complex communication issues—for example, parents who feel uncomfortable discussing race with their child, who in turn feels invalidated by their silence, or a child who has questions about his birth parents but avoids asking them out of fear of hurting his adoptive parents’ feelings.
What therapy is not appropriate for adoption issues?
A discredited therapy known as “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy” or “rebirthing therapy”) should not be used to treat adopted and foster children, though it was largely designed for this population. Attachment therapy involves restraining, coercing, and punishing the child in order for them to “release” negative emotions and attach to their new caregivers—techniques that are abusive and dangerous and have even proven fatal in some cases.