Autism Therapists in 60647
Mary Donner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60647 (Online Only)
Specialties: LGBTQ+ issues; ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergence; PTSD/CPTSD; Diverse family structures/sexual expression/BDSM/kink; Polyamory/non-monogamy/monogamy; Impact of high-conflict, entitled, antagonistic personality styles on human relationships; Religious trauma/cults; Sex work; Substance use; Grief/death/loss; Aging; DBT, ACT and EMDR.
My role as a therapist is to be an active collaborator in your journey to reclaim your presence in this life and unique vitality. I offer a variety of therapeutic methods that help you improve your quality of life, connection with yourself and others, and to develop your own internal sense of purpose and resilience.
Specialties: LGBTQ+ issues; ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergence; PTSD/CPTSD; Diverse family structures/sexual expression/BDSM/kink; Polyamory/non-monogamy/monogamy; Impact of high-conflict, entitled, antagonistic personality styles on human relationships; Religious trauma/cults; Sex work; Substance use; Grief/death/loss; Aging; DBT, ACT and EMDR.
My role as a therapist is to be an active collaborator in your journey to reclaim your presence in this life and unique vitality. I offer a variety of therapeutic methods that help you improve your quality of life, connection with yourself and others, and to develop your own internal sense of purpose and resilience.
At Balanced Life Counseling in Chicago, I specialize in working with adults going through life transitions and those with autism, ADHD, anxiety and depression.
It is inevitable that at some point in your life, you will experience challenges. And when you’re struggling, it is important to have the support you need to move forward. Whether you are a parent or guardian looking for therapy for your child or an adolescent or an adult dealing with anxiety, depression, or experiencing a life transition, we can work together to meet your goals. I work with children and adolescents at Pediatric Therapy Practice in Hoffman Estates and adults at Balanced Life Counseling in Chicago.
At Balanced Life Counseling in Chicago, I specialize in working with adults going through life transitions and those with autism, ADHD, anxiety and depression.
It is inevitable that at some point in your life, you will experience challenges. And when you’re struggling, it is important to have the support you need to move forward. Whether you are a parent or guardian looking for therapy for your child or an adolescent or an adult dealing with anxiety, depression, or experiencing a life transition, we can work together to meet your goals. I work with children and adolescents at Pediatric Therapy Practice in Hoffman Estates and adults at Balanced Life Counseling in Chicago.
Whether you have specific goals in therapy, or are simply struggling to keep your head above water, therapy can be a space to slow down and allow yourself the opportunity to sit with your experiences and feelings. I love working with queer and trans folks, people exploring their gender and sexuality for the first time, as well as people with Autism and ADHD, and people who are exploring the possibility that they may be neurodivergent. I also enjoy working with people with complex trauma histories, religious trauma, complicated family dynamics, as well as people struggling with anxiety and mood disorders.
Whether you have specific goals in therapy, or are simply struggling to keep your head above water, therapy can be a space to slow down and allow yourself the opportunity to sit with your experiences and feelings. I love working with queer and trans folks, people exploring their gender and sexuality for the first time, as well as people with Autism and ADHD, and people who are exploring the possibility that they may be neurodivergent. I also enjoy working with people with complex trauma histories, religious trauma, complicated family dynamics, as well as people struggling with anxiety and mood disorders.
You might have been diagnosed with ADHD or autism later in life or always felt things were harder than they should be. Maybe you've tried to fit into a mold that doesn't work for you, leaving you overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward. I work with people like you, invested in making positive changes in their lives. With years of experience working with school aged and young adult individuals, I focus on sensory processing, self-regulation, and communication. My goal is to help you feel more competent and capable in daily life through improving sensory modulation, executive functioning, and social skills.
You might have been diagnosed with ADHD or autism later in life or always felt things were harder than they should be. Maybe you've tried to fit into a mold that doesn't work for you, leaving you overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward. I work with people like you, invested in making positive changes in their lives. With years of experience working with school aged and young adult individuals, I focus on sensory processing, self-regulation, and communication. My goal is to help you feel more competent and capable in daily life through improving sensory modulation, executive functioning, and social skills.
Daniel Essenpreis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60647 (Online Only)
If you problem is like a mountain, I can't carry you up it. But I can walk with you every step of the journey. Hi, I’m Dan. I’m a licensed psychotherapist with experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. I have also worked as a school counselor and as a behavior therapist for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I believe in making therapy as easy as possible and creating a therapeutic environment in which my clients feel comfortable; sessions with my clients are always a safe space.
If you problem is like a mountain, I can't carry you up it. But I can walk with you every step of the journey. Hi, I’m Dan. I’m a licensed psychotherapist with experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. I have also worked as a school counselor and as a behavior therapist for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I believe in making therapy as easy as possible and creating a therapeutic environment in which my clients feel comfortable; sessions with my clients are always a safe space.
I work with individuals, couples, and teenagers on a variety of issues, including relationship issues, emotional regulation, anxiety, life transitions, identity issues, trauma, and executive functioning issues. Additionally, I work with infidelity, polyamory, the queer community, the kink community, and family systems. I have experience working with people across their lifespans, ranging from adolescents to older adults, individuals with developmental disabilities, and people of various cultural and economic backgrounds. I specialize in working with adults with ADHD and autism, couples, and trauma.
I work with individuals, couples, and teenagers on a variety of issues, including relationship issues, emotional regulation, anxiety, life transitions, identity issues, trauma, and executive functioning issues. Additionally, I work with infidelity, polyamory, the queer community, the kink community, and family systems. I have experience working with people across their lifespans, ranging from adolescents to older adults, individuals with developmental disabilities, and people of various cultural and economic backgrounds. I specialize in working with adults with ADHD and autism, couples, and trauma.
Courtney Vilimek
Counselor, LCPC, BCBA
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60647 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work with a wide variety of young children, adolescents, and families who are in need of support due to behavioral concerns, social skills deficits, anxiety symptomology, attention deficits, autism spectrum disorder, adjustment to divorce, and parent training. I practices from a collaborative approach, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships with both the child and family to generalize skills outside of the therapeutic environment. Further, I work diligently with schools, physicians and other members of the child’s community to provide consistency of support to the child and family.
I work with a wide variety of young children, adolescents, and families who are in need of support due to behavioral concerns, social skills deficits, anxiety symptomology, attention deficits, autism spectrum disorder, adjustment to divorce, and parent training. I practices from a collaborative approach, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships with both the child and family to generalize skills outside of the therapeutic environment. Further, I work diligently with schools, physicians and other members of the child’s community to provide consistency of support to the child and family.
Together we will identify your strengths and build up the parts of yourself you see as weak. The parts of ourselves we see as weak and vulnerable are often our greatest strengths. I am passionate about working with adolescents and the LGBTQIA+ community. As a non-binary, queer identified person, I am committed to helping my clients navigate the stressors that uniquely effect gender and sexual minorities.
Together we will identify your strengths and build up the parts of yourself you see as weak. The parts of ourselves we see as weak and vulnerable are often our greatest strengths. I am passionate about working with adolescents and the LGBTQIA+ community. As a non-binary, queer identified person, I am committed to helping my clients navigate the stressors that uniquely effect gender and sexual minorities.
Do you identify as neurodivergent, such as autistic, ADHD, or otherwise? Do you notice key differences in the way you process information, communicate, and problem solve? Our therapists are well-versed in neurodivergent and LGBTQ issues, and are committed to creating a warm and welcoming environment free of judgment or pretense. They are skilled at validating differences, supporting clients to create meaning, and helping to uncover their purpose and potential. You will be invited to speak candidly and explore your desires outside the bounds of rigid binaries and external expectations.
Do you identify as neurodivergent, such as autistic, ADHD, or otherwise? Do you notice key differences in the way you process information, communicate, and problem solve? Our therapists are well-versed in neurodivergent and LGBTQ issues, and are committed to creating a warm and welcoming environment free of judgment or pretense. They are skilled at validating differences, supporting clients to create meaning, and helping to uncover their purpose and potential. You will be invited to speak candidly and explore your desires outside the bounds of rigid binaries and external expectations.
James Searing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60647 (Online Only)
My own healing journey has taught me that life gets hard and healing is messy. You don’t have to go through this alone. Sometimes the journey leaves us in many pieces, scattered thoughts, overwhelming tasks, grief, and broken dreams. It can feel like looking at a whole mountain before you. Yet, the view from higher up is worth every step. I'm here to travel with you-challenging, cheering, and celebrating your wins along the way. Little by little, you can turn your dreams into reality. The world is now full of new problems from endless tabs, too much scrolling, and coping with collective existential stress.
My own healing journey has taught me that life gets hard and healing is messy. You don’t have to go through this alone. Sometimes the journey leaves us in many pieces, scattered thoughts, overwhelming tasks, grief, and broken dreams. It can feel like looking at a whole mountain before you. Yet, the view from higher up is worth every step. I'm here to travel with you-challenging, cheering, and celebrating your wins along the way. Little by little, you can turn your dreams into reality. The world is now full of new problems from endless tabs, too much scrolling, and coping with collective existential stress.
Hello! I am a licensed social worker who specializes in working with children and adolescents experiencing the impacts of trauma, grief, loss, attachment wounds, anxiety, depression and/or behavioral challenges. My therapeutic approach is warm and direct with an emphasis on building your understanding of your thoughts, strengths and desires. I believe healing is relational and contextual, affirming your unique identities. My background as a school social worker gives me insight in collaborating with schools to meet your child's educational and social-emotional needs.
Hello! I am a licensed social worker who specializes in working with children and adolescents experiencing the impacts of trauma, grief, loss, attachment wounds, anxiety, depression and/or behavioral challenges. My therapeutic approach is warm and direct with an emphasis on building your understanding of your thoughts, strengths and desires. I believe healing is relational and contextual, affirming your unique identities. My background as a school social worker gives me insight in collaborating with schools to meet your child's educational and social-emotional needs.
15 Second Videos
El Rector
Emma Cheski
James Searing
Cindy Iniguez
Lisa Abu-Bakr
Michal Rosenberg
Sara Kirkpatrick
Willis Counseling and Consulting
Laura Young
I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating complex life challenges, including the effects of incarceration and significant transitions like starting a family, entering college, or going through a divorce. I specialize in supporting parents and families of children with complex behavioral issues, helping them create nurturing environments. I provide compassionate care to the loved ones of those struggling with addiction or incarceration, offering guidance and support through their journeys. My approach is evidence-based, focused on understanding and supporting clients and their families every step of the way.
I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating complex life challenges, including the effects of incarceration and significant transitions like starting a family, entering college, or going through a divorce. I specialize in supporting parents and families of children with complex behavioral issues, helping them create nurturing environments. I provide compassionate care to the loved ones of those struggling with addiction or incarceration, offering guidance and support through their journeys. My approach is evidence-based, focused on understanding and supporting clients and their families every step of the way.
Ginny Nikiforos LCSW, ADHD, ASD Certified Provider
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ADHD-CC, ASDCS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60647
Waitlist for new clients
There is a powerful connection between emotional wellbeing and behavioral change; I strive to create a balance where both can be nurtured and understood. I believe in establishing a safe space where you can better understand your values, your own unique set of strengths and challenges, and recognition of your thought and behavioral patterns that align to your values. I strive for a collaborative relationship where you can both set and attain goals and work towards creating increased fulfillment in your life. I am responsive, timely, and look forward to supporting your journey towards understanding, growth, and healing!
There is a powerful connection between emotional wellbeing and behavioral change; I strive to create a balance where both can be nurtured and understood. I believe in establishing a safe space where you can better understand your values, your own unique set of strengths and challenges, and recognition of your thought and behavioral patterns that align to your values. I strive for a collaborative relationship where you can both set and attain goals and work towards creating increased fulfillment in your life. I am responsive, timely, and look forward to supporting your journey towards understanding, growth, and healing!
Stephanie Kaloustian
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60647 (Online Only)
Have you been feeling overwhelmed with emotions and the depth with which you experience them? Do you feel the world doesn't understand your sensitivity? Have you been feeling isolated by how you feel? Do you feel like you’re burdening others when you share and are looking for a place you can openly express yourself? Do you feel like you experience the world around you differently from others? If you feel like you can relate to these questions, you are not alone and you are in the right place. Wherever you are right now is a great place to start.
Have you been feeling overwhelmed with emotions and the depth with which you experience them? Do you feel the world doesn't understand your sensitivity? Have you been feeling isolated by how you feel? Do you feel like you’re burdening others when you share and are looking for a place you can openly express yourself? Do you feel like you experience the world around you differently from others? If you feel like you can relate to these questions, you are not alone and you are in the right place. Wherever you are right now is a great place to start.
My role as a licensed psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience is to collaborate with you to reach your goals with an actionable plan; while simultaneously guiding you to delve deep to increase insight and arrive at lasting change. In my practice, I have successfully helped clients address difficult life circumstances, improve relationships, decrease anxiety and depression, tackle sleep problems, and increase self-esteem and coping capacity. Additionally, I have supported parents in understanding their young children's temperament, development, and behavior; as well as more effectively respond to behavioral challenges.
My role as a licensed psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience is to collaborate with you to reach your goals with an actionable plan; while simultaneously guiding you to delve deep to increase insight and arrive at lasting change. In my practice, I have successfully helped clients address difficult life circumstances, improve relationships, decrease anxiety and depression, tackle sleep problems, and increase self-esteem and coping capacity. Additionally, I have supported parents in understanding their young children's temperament, development, and behavior; as well as more effectively respond to behavioral challenges.
I am a queer and neurodivergent therapist committed to creating a warm and welcoming environment free of judgment or pretense, where you may feel empowered to voice thoughts, express feelings, and be curious about yourself in a way you may not have elsewhere. I believe that each person has the ability to create their own meaning in life, and I am passionate about helping my clients uncover their unique purpose and potential. Together, we will work to address any limiting beliefs or patterns, as well as examine how past experiences and cultural factors have shaped your worldview and prevented you from living a more fulfilling life.
I am a queer and neurodivergent therapist committed to creating a warm and welcoming environment free of judgment or pretense, where you may feel empowered to voice thoughts, express feelings, and be curious about yourself in a way you may not have elsewhere. I believe that each person has the ability to create their own meaning in life, and I am passionate about helping my clients uncover their unique purpose and potential. Together, we will work to address any limiting beliefs or patterns, as well as examine how past experiences and cultural factors have shaped your worldview and prevented you from living a more fulfilling life.
We are all in a perpetual state of changing and growing throughout our lives; it is my belief that we may as well pay attention and guide our growth in a purposeful way. I truly believe that psychotherapy changes lives by creating opportunities for people to become who they should have been all along. By illuminating and examining your viewpoint in a very genuine and thoughtful manner, new perspectives arise naturally through the psychotherapeutic process. It is our job in therapy to together seize upon a new understanding and incorporate it into who you are becoming.
We are all in a perpetual state of changing and growing throughout our lives; it is my belief that we may as well pay attention and guide our growth in a purposeful way. I truly believe that psychotherapy changes lives by creating opportunities for people to become who they should have been all along. By illuminating and examining your viewpoint in a very genuine and thoughtful manner, new perspectives arise naturally through the psychotherapeutic process. It is our job in therapy to together seize upon a new understanding and incorporate it into who you are becoming.
Trevor Pontillo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCATP
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60647 (Online Only)
As a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), I am committed to helping adolescents and young adults navigate the challenges and transitions of life. My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, respect, and understanding, creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions freely. In my practice, clients are the experts of their own lives. I collaborate closely with adolescents and young adults to set personalized goals, explore their values, and work towards creating positive change.
As a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), I am committed to helping adolescents and young adults navigate the challenges and transitions of life. My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, respect, and understanding, creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions freely. In my practice, clients are the experts of their own lives. I collaborate closely with adolescents and young adults to set personalized goals, explore their values, and work towards creating positive change.
Your brain may be buzzing with worry, feeling overwhelmed with day to day tasks, or the urge to run away from what is making you feel this way. You could even be feeling afraid or scared of the thoughts that are coming up in your mind, making the sadness harder to carry or making you feel more tired. It can be exhausting to hold that pain alone but you deserve a reliable, affirming space so that you can let it all out, get steady and find balance.
Your brain may be buzzing with worry, feeling overwhelmed with day to day tasks, or the urge to run away from what is making you feel this way. You could even be feeling afraid or scared of the thoughts that are coming up in your mind, making the sadness harder to carry or making you feel more tired. It can be exhausting to hold that pain alone but you deserve a reliable, affirming space so that you can let it all out, get steady and find balance.
Life rarely goes as planned. When we stumble on our journey it can often be difficulty to get back up on your feet without a little extra help– and that’s what I’m here for. Counseling with me is a deeply collaborative process. Together we will explore your values, meaning, and goals in life to help you live the way you desire. You are the expert of your own experience. I will help you to gain insight, make helpful changes, and express yourself in ways that make you feel heard and authentic.
Life rarely goes as planned. When we stumble on our journey it can often be difficulty to get back up on your feet without a little extra help– and that’s what I’m here for. Counseling with me is a deeply collaborative process. Together we will explore your values, meaning, and goals in life to help you live the way you desire. You are the expert of your own experience. I will help you to gain insight, make helpful changes, and express yourself in ways that make you feel heard and authentic.
See more therapy options for 60647
Autism Therapists
What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has come to be considered the standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder, and research has confirmed its effectiveness for many children. Therapists trained in ABA techniques work with children (and their parents) on developing social skills, communication and learning abilities, and everyday habits of hygiene and grooming. The clinician will tailor their program to the child’s particular need but the overarching goal will be to help them advance as far as possible toward independence based on their level of symptoms and decrease the need for additional special services. Families should seek a mental health professional specifically trained in ABA, and holding special certification in the technique, who has extensive experience not only with the approach but in using it with children with the same level of symptoms as the child who needs care.
How does ABA work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, which typically focus on positive reinforcement, can be intensive, lasting two or more hours several times a week, and continuing for two years or more. Therapists can also be expected to ask parents to take an active role in reinforcing lessons. Research has found that the technique can lead to major improvements that decrease the need for additional special services.
How does treatment for autism work?
Therapy sessions based on Applied Behavior Analysis will likely be frequent, intensive, and highly structured. After a thorough assessment, a therapist will help a child understand and develop skills in a range of areas, including communication, motor skills, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills, as well as routines of daily living like hygiene. Typically, the therapist will help a child break down the components of a behavior—often referred to as the antecedent (what prompts an action), the behavior, and the consequence(what immediately follows)—and then reward the child at every step, while also asking parents to reinforce the lessons, and the rewards, throughout the day. This core therapy may be supplemented by occupational or speech therapy, and antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific severe symptoms.
How long does therapy for autism take?
Some people with autism spectrum disorder may be engaged in some level of therapy for many years, but research shows that treatment will be most effective if it is begun early and delivered intensively. When therapy begins by age 3, children tend to be better able to grasp and adopt the skills needed to manage everyday life, including attending school and establishing social relationships. This type of early-intervention treatment regimen is highly structured, typically involving 20 to 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week, along with additional hours of engagement managed by parents, for a period of two years or more, although the duration of treatment is dependent on the child’s level of symptoms and pace of progress.