Therapists in Lisle, IL

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.

“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” - Buddha. Are your thoughts racing constantly? Do you often find yourself believing the negative thoughts? Many people find it difficult to escape their inner negative dialogue, which often become a part of our behavioral patterns. I am a clinical psychologist who has over 14 years experience working with individuals, couples, and families struggling to quiet their thoughts, change unproductive behavioral patterns, and determine the best direction forward in their lives.

"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 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.

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.

If you desire to build a healthier relationship to your bodymind, Self and others, you are in the right place. Perhaps you've tried traditional therapy and are hitting a block or it's challenging to put into words what's going on inside of you, or maybe you have a "loud body" that aches all the time in one way or another? The clinicians at MBC are trained in a variety of modalities to help you tap into your inner resources and find harmony with your body, mind and spirit. You will collaborate with one of our clinicians to begin on your path towards optimal health and well-being.

We recognize how difficult it can be to seek help with mental health issues. Our goal is to meet you where you are in a supportive, encouraging way. We never use shame as a motivator. Instead we seek to provide a balance between giving you time and space to heal and challenging and encouraging you to move forward to a healthier place. We have a staff of over 40 therapists each with different specialties; we all possess the same single passion: to walk with our clients on the path of healing.

Life can feel heavy sometimes and I strongly believe in tailoring my approach to individual clients and their needs, making use of a variety of evidence-based treatments and techniques. I strive to make therapy an empowering and non-judgmental experience and to create an environment that encourages a sense of safety, understanding, and genuine growth. I am dedicated to fostering positive relationships while providing knowledgeable, sensitive, and ethical care.

Welcome and best wishes on your search for help. Please know that therapy is a good option that has helped many others in difficult times. I offer a compassionate, calm and supportive environment for clients to talk about their experiences, organize their thoughts and understand their emotions. You may be struggling with behaviours that you feel are unhealthy, or emotional difficulties that are impacting functioning. Maybe it’s thoughts that are not serving you well or life events that are hard to process. You do not have to go through it alone.

Just as we exist within an external system; family, work environments, neighborhoods, school community, we have a personal internal system within each of us. These two systems influence each other throughout every day of our lives. Just as our minds need to understand our external systems like the rules at our office or school, we need to understand the interaction of the parts within ourselves. This may be a difficult concept to wrap your mind around because we live in a world with such external rules. What would it be like if we lived by the knowledge of the internal and external systems ?

I bring an enthusiastic, caring and understanding approach to working with my clients. I understand that taking the step to start the healing process is not always easy. I work hard to ensure my clients feel comfortable and heard during their sessions, while also making sure that we are equals working together towards your goals. I strive to create a long term solution, not just a short term one. I will help you work at the deep rooted issues so there can be a full healing process instead of a quick “band aid repair.” I tailor my approach for each individual client to meet you where you are at.

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 an Integrative approach and help 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.

We are dedicated to helping people improve emotional, physical and spiritual well-being by focusing on personal growth. Our team of highly qualified therapists has experience in a wide variety of issues including relationship issues, depression and anxiety. However, we don't dwell on what isn't working; we help you build upon what IS working. Our approach is empowering, empathetic and non-judgmental. We help you identify and release unhealthy behavior patterns, which may interfere with your ability to experience a deeper sense of peace and serenity. We look forward to working with you and in accompanying you upon your journey.

Is your heart heavy from trauma or affected by childhood trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, depression, anxiety, and dissociation? Are you feeling alone, and stuck in the past or abusive relationships? Do you feel unsafe or powerless even after the abuse is over? Are you feeling overwhelmed by struggles that use things to try to forget/numb? I understand how trauma leads to mental and behavioral challenges. Trauma history can stop you from living life as an authentic you as trauma may create fear-based reactions and self-defeated thoughts. I’m here to help you untangle some of your thoughts to find inner peace and heal wounded parts.

I believe in the importance of each individual and in honoring your story, and it is my sole purpose to have clients feel valued and understood, within a trusting, open minded relationship. I operate from a strengths based perspective, offering hope and healing to individuals and families. Testimonial:: "My oldest son and I have worked with Karyn for about three years. She has truly been the light at the end of a very difficult and dark tunnel. Our family will forever be very grateful for her help! Karyn is truly gifted at what she does."

BZA Behavioral Health is an inclusive, highly specialized group of clinicians dedicated to the emotional and behavioral wellness of the individuals and families we treat. We value the diversity & unique experiences of each person & it is our mission to have comprehensive & individualized types of treatment options to best match those personal needs. Services we offer include (but are not limited to) neuropsychological/psychological assessment, psychiatry, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR, & art therapy. We work with clients of all ages to utilizing strength to cope with life's challenges.

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 an Integrative approach and help 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.