Adoption Therapists in Illinois

Figuring out our feelings and then how to handle them can be so tricky sometimes. Many of us are also doing the hard work of unpacking our own trauma and stopping the cycle of generational trauma. We are all trying our best, and I'm honored to be with my clients as they navigate through it. You are not alone, and therapy offers a safe, comfortable space for you to let it all out, for you to feel heard, and for you to learn and grow.

I am Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and founding partner of Compass Behavioral Health and Wellness, LLC, who is passionate about empowering individuals and families to achieve personal growth, improve emotional regulation and foster positive relationships. I enjoy utilizing my training on attachment and brain development to assist in coping with the effects of trauma, loss, divorce, disrupted attachments, adoption, depression and anxiety. Using a collaborative and relational approach, I strive to help individuals and couples establish and maintain healthy relationships, as well as strengthen their ability to cope with stressful life events

Therapy is unique to every person. No matter if you are a teen or an adult, there are times in our lives when we need a helping hand or person to sit with us as we process and explore our inner selves or the impact life has on us. My practice is about being there with you and offering positive regard for you and the work you are doing, and developing a space that is safe for you to explore and heal wounds. I also supervision for new counselors hoping for an integrative approach to counseling as well as focus on the client and counselor (inquire about fees).

Colleen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys collaborating with adolescents and adults in order to help them make changes that will allow them to find balance, and an enhanced quality of life. Having worked closely with adoptive families, families experiencing crisis and violence in the home, veterans, and individuals managing severe and persistent mental illness, Colleen is well versed in the treatment of trauma and attachment, mood, anxiety, psychotic, as well as personality disorders.

As a generalist clinician, I appreciate that people seek therapy for a variety of different reasons. I take a collaborative and relational approach to therapy and do my best to provide a supportive space for clients to feel heard, express themselves, and actively work toward change.

Therapy is a very intimate experience. I strive for a personal connection with my clients from the get-go. Through that relationship, I am better able to understand the motivations, hidden struggles and impulses that drive my clients, and in turn, help them to utilize their own strengths and learned techniques to successfully address the difficult issues for which they sought therapy. I have assisted clients who are going through or preparing for a life transition, experiencing depression, anxiety or mood disorders, and recovering from trauma or loss.

I specialize in working with people around issues of shame that result from addictions, co-dependency, trauma, adoption related issues and more.

I provide a warm, nurturing, collaborative environment to foster healthy emotional functioning. My goal is to assist you in creating a healthier sense of self. With over 20 yrs. experience as a psychotherapist, I am well versed in clinical practice. I incorporate a number of methods, including Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, CBT, Mindfulness, & Attachment Therapy. I'm certified in EMDR for the treatment of trauma & other painful or highly charged memories, experiences, & relationships. My use of EMDR can facilitate rapid resolution of painful memories & relationships, trauma, & change negative beliefs about yourself.

My approach to therapy is holistic and collaborative. With a listening ear, my commitment to you is to use the knowledge, insight, perspective and tools I have learned as a professional therapist to partner with you to gain greater self-awareness, manage stress more effectively and be empowered to find positive paths forward. It is my goal to help people of all ages, backgrounds and sexual orientations succeed in achieving their desired goals. I understand the importance of finding connection with your therapist. When seeking help, one often feels vulnerable. I will provide a safe space as we process struggles towards resolution.

Clients I work with often feel in-between jobs, relationships, cultures, or identities. This “in-between” feeling can show up as depression, anxiety, or difficulties with relationships and indecisiveness. I believe that peace and stability comes from finding comfort in the “in-between” and not forcing yourself out. I offer space for individuals to learn more about themselves and how they show up in the many roles in their lives so they can be more themselves in all parts of their lives. (I meet with virtually with clients residing in California and Illinois).

How we make sense of our life experiences and deal with life's challenges is important for all of us. Adoption adds a layer of complexity. Issues of attachment, trauma, loss, race/identity, behavioral regulation, self-esteem and the impact of difficult/unknown early history take on added significance as children grow and mature into young adults. At The Cradle Center for Lifelong Support, I work with all members of the adoption circle My expertise is in strengthening children and their families by improving attachment, communication and understanding through individual/family therapy, parent coaching and education.

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.

Tough starts, early trauma, and missing pieces in our life story can affect how we feel about ourselves, connect to others, and manage day to day. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I have 25 years of experience working with children, youth and families in the context of child welfare. I am trained in adoption-competent mental health and have extensive experience working with individuals with developmental trauma, including those impacted by foster care. Looking at challenges through this lens can shed new light on what is happening and what is needed to move forward with less struggle and greater connection.

People come to therapy at different times, for different reasons, and with different needs. Perhaps you need a space to process current or past events in your life, or maybe you know there is a difficult change you need to make. Maybe both, or maybe you're not sure. My approach to therapy is to provide the specific balance you need between support and challenge. As we develop the therapeutic relationship, it is my hope that you will feel safe and supported to do the kind of work that is most beneficial to you at this time.

It is my goal to work with people of all ages, and simply meet them where they are. I hope to motivate my clients to make changes that will enhance the quality of their lives, working from the most appropriate theoretical models that suit each person's needs.

I believe that, without exception, every individual carries within, the capacity required for healing to occur. As a therapist, it is my honor and privilege to help clients and their families uncover and understand the meanings and feelings associated with their symptoms. Whether the primary client is a child, adolescent, or adult, I work collaboratively with couples/parents to create a treatment plan that is right for the family as a whole. From this perspective we can then work together to discover more adaptive and creative ways to solve problems, build relationships, and live rich and fulfilling lives.

Are you looking for an experienced, local therapist for yourself or a family member? I have had extensive experience, both professionally and personally, in treating both adults and children. who have suffered loss, childhood abuse, depression and shame. I am currently offering clients a choice between teletherapy or being seen in my Oak Park office.

Hey there! My name is Alex. Life can be a tricky journey, sometimes it is full of excitement and fun, and other times it can really be tough. I don't believe we were created to walk this life alone, especially through those difficult moments. That's where therapy comes in. To be honest with you, I don't have the power to change you and that is not my goal. My job as a therapist is to come alongside you and help you rediscover yourself and your potential. With a greater understanding of who you are and where you have been, comes the opportunity for change to create a new normal.

Seeking support when dealing with difficult and challenging times in life can be overwhelming. It is my commitment as you take this step, to help guide you toward reaching your personal treatment goals. I work collaboratively with clients as I believe that treatment should be tailored to each client's personal needs in order for the client to feel comfortable and confident in reaching their treatment goals