Therapists in Lisle, IL

"No problem can be solved by the same level of consciousness that created it."-Albert Einstein. Are you feeling chronically unhappy, angry, fearful, or stuck? Do you have conflicted relationships with friends/family? Come in and talk to someone in a confidential and compassionate environment who can assist you in seeing things differently. I have over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families providing psychotherapy. As a seasoned clinician, I have learned to creatively blend my listening skills with a variety of evidence-based approaches tailored to fit the needs of my clients for optimal growth.

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Illinois and Florida (telehealth only). I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Aurora University in 2006 and my Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Aurora University in 2010. I have been working in the field since 2006 in various settings including community mental health centers, residential/group homes, homeless shelters, and hospitals. I specializes in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship issues, parenting difficulties, crisis intervention, and LGBT issues. I work with clients across the life span in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor(CADC) and a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology(MCP). Much of my training has been centered in client-centered theory and I also have specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). In addition to being traditionally trained, I also incorporate​ a holistic, integrated approach toward psychotherapy which includes aspects of mindfulness and Eastern philosophy, providing individual, family and couples therapy as well as intervention work.

roots in multiple cultures. Raised in India, educated in Britain (Warwick University) and the United States (Northwestern University's Family Institute), I specialize in treatment of families across cultures. As a licensed clinical social worker, I work in collaboration with my clients to maximize individual and family functioning. I create a safe, caring and non-judgmental environment for immigrant families facing intergenerational problems, marital discord, emotional and psychological problems, arising from adaptation to a foreign culture. I have considerable experience in community mental health and child welfare, helping people with complex multiple issues.

I bring 15 years of experience working with children and families. I specialize in working with children aged 0-12 who are experiencing behavior problems, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, OCD, ADHD/executive function challenges, depression, grief and loss, poor self-concept, identity confusion, gender issues, school refusal, educational issues, PTSD/trauma, and social issues. I am adept at providing parents the guidance and support needed for them to be able to facilitate their child’s growth and healing.

If you can change your thoughts you can change your world. I believe that our day to day thoughts directly dictate our emotions and ultimately our decisions and actions. Whether it is childhood trauma, adult anxiety or postpartum depression, we can take captive every self-defeating thought and turn that negative narrative into a powerful and hopeful future. Regaining control over our thoughts and actions can provide such lasting peace and happiness. My focus is to thoroughly get to know my patients, by listening to and trying my best to understand their unique experiences, while working collaboratively toward agreed upon goals.

Reaching out to a therapist for help can be scary. As someone who has been on both sides of the couch, I understand firsthand how overwhelming the process can be. I want you to feel comfortable, safe, and supported through your mental health journey! I incorporate compassion, empathy, humor, and understanding into every session. I also have a therapy bunny, named Benny, who loves to jump into the laps of clients and beg for attention. I want you to look forward to your sessions, and I am ready to create a therapeutic bond with you.

Melanie Ochoa is a licensed social worker who has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Melanie is a graduate of Aurora University’s Master of Social Work Program. She utilizes a variety of evidence-based methods such as dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to promote positive personal growth and healthy communication. Melanie has experience treating general mental health and client concerns such as anxiety, depression, domestic violence, family conflict, transition/adjustment concerns, and behavioral management. Melanie is fluent in Spanish.

Seeking help can be scary and overwhelming, but you are not alone! I am here to offer a safe, nonjudgmental, and comfortable place that you can feel heard and validated. I believe that building strong foundations and relationships with people are imperative to the growth and healing of an individual’s mind and soul. I bring energy, compassion, and even a little humor to my work with clients, to create a collaborative environment that you can be comfortable and yourself in.

Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward and Integrative approach and have our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.

I treat children, adolescents, couples and family in a variety of therapeutic means. I have used cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, EMDR, behavioral, and eclectic therapies in addition to others. I also have experience working with behavioral, mood, anxiety, conduct and other specialties. I appreciate diversity and love working with others of various cultures, abilities and races.

My ideal client is any human struggling with the present moment, any human suffering.

Every individual experiences stress in their lives and each of us have a different way of reacting to the stress- physically, mentally, and emotionally. Sometimes stress can make us feel anxious, sad, depressed, angry, and even trigger trauma experienced in our past. These intense emotions may disturb our level of function and abilities, making us feel helpless and stuck. Further, depriving us of any energy and motivation to move forward.

Ms. Mannix's clinical practice focuses on providing cognitive behavioral therapy to children, adolescents & adults. Ms. Mannix also provides family therapy to clients of all ages. She has worked extensively with children, adolescents and adults who have Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Behavioral Problems & ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Autism, Divorce, Grief and loss, family conflicts, learning difficulties, school concerns. Ms. Mannix focuses on post traumatic stress, relational/behavioral problems in children, school difficulties, adolescences and adults as well. Ms. Mannix is also a strong advocate for persons with disabilities.

We all have the capacity to reach our fullest potential. Yet all too often we find ourselves stuck in negative patterns of thinking and acting, unable to see other possibilities. Therapy allows us to make meaning of our difficult life experiences and open up to new ways of thinking, feeling, and being. I strive to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can learn to identify and express their emotions effectively, develop healthy ways of coping with difficult emotions, improve the quality of their relationships, and increase their self-esteem and sense of self-worth.

As human beings we learn, develop meaning, and create a sense of purpose through each other and the relationships we form. In the same spirit I believe the therapeutic process is driven by the relationship formed between the client and the therapist. This is why my approach in therapy is guided by the question - "How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for their personal growth?" I strive to create an empathic, nonjudgmental atmosphere where you feel safe and empowered to work toward personal growth and creating lasting change; forming trust and leaning toward vulnerability.

My therapeutic approach is warm, casual, authentic, encouraging, and collaborative and I believe in using a strength based approach to assist clients in overcoming obstacles. I'm committed to helping clients identify goals, and provide the tools and skills necessary to reach those goals.