Therapists in Oak Park, IL
Rose Mary Spizzirri
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
We have advanced training helping people with PTSD, anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, adoption and difficult behaviors with children or adolescents.
Everyone goes through times of struggle and needs someone to listen, reflect and help them move forward. We specialize in working with persons who have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect. Trauma can lead to many life issues & symptoms that we can help you manage & alleviate. Using trauma-informed attachment focused psychotherapy we provide parents with therapeutic skills to help their children heal. I have worked with families, kids, & adults for 25 of years who have various mental illnesses and emotional challenges. Everyone deserves happiness & we can help you through the healing process to restore your mind, body & spirit.
We have advanced training helping people with PTSD, anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, adoption and difficult behaviors with children or adolescents.
Everyone goes through times of struggle and needs someone to listen, reflect and help them move forward. We specialize in working with persons who have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect. Trauma can lead to many life issues & symptoms that we can help you manage & alleviate. Using trauma-informed attachment focused psychotherapy we provide parents with therapeutic skills to help their children heal. I have worked with families, kids, & adults for 25 of years who have various mental illnesses and emotional challenges. Everyone deserves happiness & we can help you through the healing process to restore your mind, body & spirit.
Michael Hawkins
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60304 (Online Only)
I have 10+ years of experience and training in a range of areas including: complex generational trauma, issues related to adolescence, issues related to foster care / adoption, school / college-related problems, parental support, family / relational conflicts, depression, anxiety, feelings of isolation, and major life transitions.
My therapeutic style focuses on safety & empowerment. I may be the clinician, but I honor the fact that you are the expert of your own life. I build trust by wearing my heart on my sleeve. I would never ask you to risk your vulnerability if I am unwilling to risk my own. I may use humor to foster hope & ease discomfort. I welcome you to question my perspectives to improve the power of our co-created insights. We will collaborate to develop ways for you to make new choices, break old patterns, and build more effective supports. Our work will help you unlock your potential for healing, and get you closer to the person you want to be.
I have 10+ years of experience and training in a range of areas including: complex generational trauma, issues related to adolescence, issues related to foster care / adoption, school / college-related problems, parental support, family / relational conflicts, depression, anxiety, feelings of isolation, and major life transitions.
My therapeutic style focuses on safety & empowerment. I may be the clinician, but I honor the fact that you are the expert of your own life. I build trust by wearing my heart on my sleeve. I would never ask you to risk your vulnerability if I am unwilling to risk my own. I may use humor to foster hope & ease discomfort. I welcome you to question my perspectives to improve the power of our co-created insights. We will collaborate to develop ways for you to make new choices, break old patterns, and build more effective supports. Our work will help you unlock your potential for healing, and get you closer to the person you want to be.
Therese M. Fitzpatrick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
I have been a social worker for over 30 years, and have worked in the areas of family service, adoption, foster care, birth parent/adult adoptee searches, substance abuse, court related issues, and law enforement.
Participation in mental health counseling is one of the greatest gifts a person can give himself or herself, at anytime, but especially during times of stress. The opportunity to meet with a therapist and explore troubling issues in a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgemental environment is an immediate stress reliever. The support and encouragement that I can provide will assist you with learning new strategies to cope with what is troubling you in your life.
I have been a social worker for over 30 years, and have worked in the areas of family service, adoption, foster care, birth parent/adult adoptee searches, substance abuse, court related issues, and law enforement.
Participation in mental health counseling is one of the greatest gifts a person can give himself or herself, at anytime, but especially during times of stress. The opportunity to meet with a therapist and explore troubling issues in a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgemental environment is an immediate stress reliever. The support and encouragement that I can provide will assist you with learning new strategies to cope with what is troubling you in your life.
Gloria M Cockerill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
My career has focused on working with children from birth through their teen years and their families. Whether impacted by trauma and attachment issues, behavioral concerns or managing difficult emotions, my goal is to help you and your family get back on track sharing laughter, joy and connection.
My career has focused on working with children from birth through their teen years and their families. Whether impacted by trauma and attachment issues, behavioral concerns or managing difficult emotions, my goal is to help you and your family get back on track sharing laughter, joy and connection.
Sheila Harris-Fitzpatrick
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC, DCC, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60302
ONLINE COUNSELING AVAILABLE! Get counseling without going out. I specialized in remote online counseling. I have immediate openings for daytime, evening, and weekend appointments. My passion is working with individuals relating to grief and other life transitions; which include, employment exit strategies, career decisions while identifying gifts and talents, finding your life calling and coaching through life altering events. I am a excellent couples counselor and whether you are preparing for marriage or married, I can help you become better communicators and partners for life.
ONLINE COUNSELING AVAILABLE! Get counseling without going out. I specialized in remote online counseling. I have immediate openings for daytime, evening, and weekend appointments. My passion is working with individuals relating to grief and other life transitions; which include, employment exit strategies, career decisions while identifying gifts and talents, finding your life calling and coaching through life altering events. I am a excellent couples counselor and whether you are preparing for marriage or married, I can help you become better communicators and partners for life.
Terri Fry Brukhartz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PCC
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
I'm a warm, experienced therapist specializing in treating anxiety, depression and relationship issues. Most of us experience these feelings at one time or another. We may even talk to friends or family members. When friends and family members aren't able to help, though, it makes sense to seek out a trained professional. I use evidence-based, best practices to help you find relief as quickly as possible. Each session consists of a dialogue in which both of us participate. When clients finish treatment, it's not uncommon for them to express feeling safe, connected, understood and supported as they review our work together.
I'm a warm, experienced therapist specializing in treating anxiety, depression and relationship issues. Most of us experience these feelings at one time or another. We may even talk to friends or family members. When friends and family members aren't able to help, though, it makes sense to seek out a trained professional. I use evidence-based, best practices to help you find relief as quickly as possible. Each session consists of a dialogue in which both of us participate. When clients finish treatment, it's not uncommon for them to express feeling safe, connected, understood and supported as they review our work together.
Vanesa Cervantes
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60304 (Online Only)
Hello! Hola! I’m Dr. Vanesa Cervantes, and I’m a Family and Child Psychologist. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults. I believe that every person has the potential to thrive and overcome challenges they may be currently facing. My treatment approach is collaborative, by working together we can develop healthy coping skills, strengthen your social and emotional health and empower you to understand and manage your emotions, behaviors, and social relationships. Through our work together you can expect to also learn effective coping strategies to manage life challenges.
Hello! Hola! I’m Dr. Vanesa Cervantes, and I’m a Family and Child Psychologist. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults. I believe that every person has the potential to thrive and overcome challenges they may be currently facing. My treatment approach is collaborative, by working together we can develop healthy coping skills, strengthen your social and emotional health and empower you to understand and manage your emotions, behaviors, and social relationships. Through our work together you can expect to also learn effective coping strategies to manage life challenges.
Jennifer F. Smith
Counselor, MA, NCC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
Chicago native, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience working with children and adults. I love helping children blossom into their own identities, empowering women through a variety of life changes and personal growth, and supporting men with self-love. As a current PhD Candidate in Organizational Leadership and Certificate in Women's Entrepreneurship, I'm able to explore the anxieties around leadership, workplace and entrepreneurial stress.
Chicago native, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience working with children and adults. I love helping children blossom into their own identities, empowering women through a variety of life changes and personal growth, and supporting men with self-love. As a current PhD Candidate in Organizational Leadership and Certificate in Women's Entrepreneurship, I'm able to explore the anxieties around leadership, workplace and entrepreneurial stress.
Kendra A Vargas
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60302
I am truly grateful when a client allows me the opportunity to play a role in the journey of their lives. I believe therapy requires a combination of compassion, humor, honesty, and stability. I recognize the importance of providing a space to safely process through life struggles and work towards change. Sometimes at the start of therapy, the goals are unclear, or there is limited awareness and understanding into the areas that may need additional support. I will work alongside with you on your journey to help you get there. This will be done through a collaborative, warm, and supportive approach.
I am truly grateful when a client allows me the opportunity to play a role in the journey of their lives. I believe therapy requires a combination of compassion, humor, honesty, and stability. I recognize the importance of providing a space to safely process through life struggles and work towards change. Sometimes at the start of therapy, the goals are unclear, or there is limited awareness and understanding into the areas that may need additional support. I will work alongside with you on your journey to help you get there. This will be done through a collaborative, warm, and supportive approach.
Katie Kamholz
Counselor, ATR-BC, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
Are you worried, sad, or stressed? Are you concerned about your child or your family? Are you wondering if counseling might help you or your family? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then let's explore further to see how I can best serve you and your family. I help young people, emerging adults, and parents learn and use creative problem solving skills to better cope with anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, trauma histories and attachment and relationship challenges.
Are you worried, sad, or stressed? Are you concerned about your child or your family? Are you wondering if counseling might help you or your family? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then let's explore further to see how I can best serve you and your family. I help young people, emerging adults, and parents learn and use creative problem solving skills to better cope with anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, trauma histories and attachment and relationship challenges.
Allie Wills
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
Waitlist for new clients
Allie Wills is a relational, person-centered, and trauma-informed therapist for adults and adolescents. She works from an intersectional, social justice perspective. In therapy, she focuses on providing a safe space and joining you to help you explore who you want to be and how you want to live. She is compassionate, non-judgmental, and collaborative.
Allie Wills is a relational, person-centered, and trauma-informed therapist for adults and adolescents. She works from an intersectional, social justice perspective. In therapy, she focuses on providing a safe space and joining you to help you explore who you want to be and how you want to live. She is compassionate, non-judgmental, and collaborative.
Steve Spaccarelli
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60302
I believe that times of crisis can also be times of transition and development. As a therapist, I strive to help clients put family and individual crises in the proper perspective, so they can begin to mobilize their own resources for change. Acceptance and insight into oneself and one's situation are powerful tools that therapy can enhance, both for adults and children of all ages. I have years of therapy experience helping clients cope with painful and difficult situations, including addiction/compulsions, damaged relationships, bereavement/loss, and abuse. The first session can be a powerful and positive step.
I believe that times of crisis can also be times of transition and development. As a therapist, I strive to help clients put family and individual crises in the proper perspective, so they can begin to mobilize their own resources for change. Acceptance and insight into oneself and one's situation are powerful tools that therapy can enhance, both for adults and children of all ages. I have years of therapy experience helping clients cope with painful and difficult situations, including addiction/compulsions, damaged relationships, bereavement/loss, and abuse. The first session can be a powerful and positive step.
Michelle Wong
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
Hello! My name is Michelle Wong (she/hers) and I’m a provisionally licensed therapist at Innovative Counseling Partners PLLC in Oak Park. I received my training and Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. My approach to the therapeutic process is integrative and I create a non-judgmental, safe, fruitful, healthy, and fun relationship. I value empathic understanding, compassion, diversity, and creativity.
Hello! My name is Michelle Wong (she/hers) and I’m a provisionally licensed therapist at Innovative Counseling Partners PLLC in Oak Park. I received my training and Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. My approach to the therapeutic process is integrative and I create a non-judgmental, safe, fruitful, healthy, and fun relationship. I value empathic understanding, compassion, diversity, and creativity.
Lisa Wiersema
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
Does your life seem to be less fulfilling and you do not know why? Look no further. Your best life is waiting. I work to provide a safe space and collaborate with clients on finding their inner strengths to utilize them in building resiliency. I work to guide children ages four and older, adolescents, adults, couples, and first responders to reach their goals and experience a happier life. Given my experience working in emergency rooms, outpatient, residential and schools, I understand how the impact of these challenges can often leave people feeling unable to participate in life roles that lead to life satisfaction.
Does your life seem to be less fulfilling and you do not know why? Look no further. Your best life is waiting. I work to provide a safe space and collaborate with clients on finding their inner strengths to utilize them in building resiliency. I work to guide children ages four and older, adolescents, adults, couples, and first responders to reach their goals and experience a happier life. Given my experience working in emergency rooms, outpatient, residential and schools, I understand how the impact of these challenges can often leave people feeling unable to participate in life roles that lead to life satisfaction.
Multicultural Counseling Associates, P.C.
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
The focus and passion of our practice is multicultural counseling using a social justice lense. We work with people who are dealing with issues around sexual orientation, race, gender identity and neurodiversity. We support you in processing how being you in our society affects how you feel about yourself and ultimately your mental health. We want our clients to learn to appreciate the unique gifts that they bring as they process past experiences and achieve their goals.
The focus and passion of our practice is multicultural counseling using a social justice lense. We work with people who are dealing with issues around sexual orientation, race, gender identity and neurodiversity. We support you in processing how being you in our society affects how you feel about yourself and ultimately your mental health. We want our clients to learn to appreciate the unique gifts that they bring as they process past experiences and achieve their goals.
Gail Zarbin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60304
I Welcome being able to help you with the challenges that are causing stress and concerns for you. I work with individuals, couple, and children. I can help you improve your parenting tools to decrease conflict. I can assist with tools to decrease anviety aboiut life challenges and transitions. I counsel individuals and couples going through the challenges of infertility and family planning choices. I am dedicated to offering support and guidance to find hope during this journey . I conduct required psychological assessment for Intended Parents, egg donors, and surrogates.
I Welcome being able to help you with the challenges that are causing stress and concerns for you. I work with individuals, couple, and children. I can help you improve your parenting tools to decrease conflict. I can assist with tools to decrease anviety aboiut life challenges and transitions. I counsel individuals and couples going through the challenges of infertility and family planning choices. I am dedicated to offering support and guidance to find hope during this journey . I conduct required psychological assessment for Intended Parents, egg donors, and surrogates.
Tracy Leman
Counselor, LCPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60302
I work with people who are recovering from religious trauma, deconstructing their faith, or reintegrating spirituality into their lives, including those from the LGBTQIA+ community who have been harmed by religious groups. I am dedicated to an anti-oppression approach and love to learn and grow with clients seeking similar values. I value working with teenagers and young adults to empower them care for themselves and grow in confidence. I have expertise in working with adoptive families and birth parents. I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health to guide parents navigating the intense life changes of pregnancy and parenthood.
I work with people who are recovering from religious trauma, deconstructing their faith, or reintegrating spirituality into their lives, including those from the LGBTQIA+ community who have been harmed by religious groups. I am dedicated to an anti-oppression approach and love to learn and grow with clients seeking similar values. I value working with teenagers and young adults to empower them care for themselves and grow in confidence. I have expertise in working with adoptive families and birth parents. I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health to guide parents navigating the intense life changes of pregnancy and parenthood.
Robert K Marshall
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60302
Success in therapy is a result of the expertise of the therapist and the participation of the client. The therapist is responsible for helping the client to participate in a way that is comfortable and promotes growth and change. For more than 25 years, I have been training doctoral level clinical psychologists. To do so, I have had to remain current with advances in the field and have benefited from the input of new ideas and techniques. Techniques are not effective unless the therapist establishes a trusting relationship with his clients. This is my first goal.
Success in therapy is a result of the expertise of the therapist and the participation of the client. The therapist is responsible for helping the client to participate in a way that is comfortable and promotes growth and change. For more than 25 years, I have been training doctoral level clinical psychologists. To do so, I have had to remain current with advances in the field and have benefited from the input of new ideas and techniques. Techniques are not effective unless the therapist establishes a trusting relationship with his clients. This is my first goal.
Rachel Port
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
I believe that emotional growth is best achieved within a non judgmental, compassionate and safe therapeutic relationship. I recognize that each person is the expert on his or her life and we work collaboratively to identify areas clients would like to address. The client and I work together to examine thoughts, feelings and behaviors; we identify patterns, develop tools, and find ways to respond differently. Understanding and strengthening relationships is also a crucial part of my work with clients. Ultimately, I focus on clients' strengths and work to empower them to promote positive change, growth, and healing in their lives.
I believe that emotional growth is best achieved within a non judgmental, compassionate and safe therapeutic relationship. I recognize that each person is the expert on his or her life and we work collaboratively to identify areas clients would like to address. The client and I work together to examine thoughts, feelings and behaviors; we identify patterns, develop tools, and find ways to respond differently. Understanding and strengthening relationships is also a crucial part of my work with clients. Ultimately, I focus on clients' strengths and work to empower them to promote positive change, growth, and healing in their lives.
Lauren Wade
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60302
Everyone wants to feel understood and validated. Whether an individual is a frustrated parent or a misunderstood child, all points of view are worthy and important. No matter if you are 6 or 60, some of the best conversations occur during a game of Connect 4, while squeezing a handful of putty, or by filling in a coloring page. My style of therapy is to meet clients where they’re at and make sure they feel heard in sharing their point of view. From there, we can explore what skill and values-based strategies clients can develop and where personal strengths can be used for further growth.
Everyone wants to feel understood and validated. Whether an individual is a frustrated parent or a misunderstood child, all points of view are worthy and important. No matter if you are 6 or 60, some of the best conversations occur during a game of Connect 4, while squeezing a handful of putty, or by filling in a coloring page. My style of therapy is to meet clients where they’re at and make sure they feel heard in sharing their point of view. From there, we can explore what skill and values-based strategies clients can develop and where personal strengths can be used for further growth.
See more therapy options for Oak Park
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Oak Park
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Chicago
- Elmhurst
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- La Grange
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- River Forest
- Riverside
- Western Springs
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.