Therapists in Ringwood, IL

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 Clinicians at Doctor Annie Therapy are a group of experienced therapists who value the collaborative relationship with patients, their families/caregivers, as well as physicians and other members of the treatment team. We offer individual, family, and group therapy as well as psychological testing. We strive to foster inspiration and encourage our youth and our community to continue to learn, create, and develop new skills that help deepen their understanding of themselves and the world to expand their perceived potential in terms of their effect on others and their environment.

Perhaps you're down or anxious - maybe you're unsure about the future of a relationship, or just feel that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Whatever your needs may be, we are here to offer support. Therapy is a process of growth and self-discovery, and in our sessions, we promote behavioral transformation by encouraging a positive outlook and the adoption of new attitudes and reactions.

We all deserve a space that is exclusively ours. A non-judgmental, accepting, and healing space where we can transform our minds, feelings, and experiences. A space to reflect and grow. I provide holistic therapy that is person-centered, strength-based, and trauma-informed. My approach to therapy is eclectic - I incorporate various treatment modalities and approaches into my work (mindfulness, CBT, DBT, etc.) and provide anti-oppressive, anti-racist and culturally responsive therapy. The identities you carry are seen, valued, and celebrated. I consider all aspects of your life, including the systems and environments that impact us.

My experience and educational background are directly related and have provided me with a well-rounded background in Therapy. I am a Military veteran with 30 plus years of experience working with patients in psychiatric hospitals, state mental health facilities, Illinois Department of Corrections, and in private practice. I am currently licensed to practice in Illinois, Kansas and Georgia. I also provide Tele-health service to Military members overseas (OCONUS).

Our goal is to serve as your guide and walk with you on your life journey. We aim to help you overcome obstacles that may be holding you back from reaching your dreams, while providing you with healthy strategies to implement in your life outside of therapy. Whether exploring the past, present, or future; discussing coping strategies; processing stressful events; building resiliency; healing from trauma; creative problem-solving, or enhancing communication within your relationship. We serve an array of culturally diverse clients, including: children, adolescents, teenagers, college students, adults, couples, and families.

At times a crisis, trauma, or series of compounding stressors can overwhelm one’s normal resilience and ability to cope. Professional therapy provides help in navigating through these difficult times, and the process can create lasting insight leading to a richer, more satisfying life. I believe as a clinical therapist, my responsibility is to provide a space where clients feel safe, valued and heard. I appreciate the uniqueness of each of my clients, and see the therapy process as a collaboration, where patterns of thinking and behavior are explored in an effort to bring about change.

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.

At some point in our lives, we will encounter challenges that can cause us to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious. We might struggle with feeling lost with no sense of direction. When we find ourselves in these situations, it can be difficult to face these obstacles alone. Through therapy you can receive the support needed to help you work through those difficult times. My mission in therapy is to provide a safe, open space to help you identify your strengths, develop skills, create goals, and work through challenges in your life.

My professional background includes working with a wide variety of clients from children to older adults. I have provided mental health and substance abuse outpatient counseling including individual, group and family therapy. I have worked with a broad range of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, adjustment difficulties, grief and loss, relationship problems, family conflict, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, thinking disorders, codependency, domestic violence, self-esteem, women’s issues, spirituality, chronic illness, chronic pain, dual diagnosis, and addictions.

I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, binge eating disorder, trauma/PTSD, addiction, women's/men's issues, domestic violence/abuse, and other socioemotional and interpersonal related concerns. Clinically, I work with clients (adolescents, teens, adults, couples, and families) primarily through a cognitive-behavioral approach, fostering empathy and authenticity in a non-judgmental, safe, and supportive environment. I also work strongly through a collaborative approach, helping clients gain a deeper understanding into their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions in order to help cultivate positive change.

My belief is that effective counseling develops from establishing a collaborative relationship with clients, as they are the experts in their lives. Through psychodynamic therapy individuals gain a self-awareness and understanding of the influence of their past on present circumstances, and enables individuals to explore unresolved conflicts and symptoms that arise from past dysfunctional relationships and manifest themselves in current issues going in their lives. My belief is that people want to be healthy and happy and sometimes just do not know where to start.

Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As solution-focused therapists, our goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

For over 15 years I have worked with children, teens and adults managing difficulties with social, emotional and behavioral difficulties. The diverse experience with each age has given me insight to share in the therapy room with you. I address each challenge with great care and energy to help move toward growth with you or your child to find understanding and greater ways of coping, being in relationships and thriving.

I believe that dealing with stressful situations can become tough and overwhelming. But, I also believe that you have the ability – with professional guidance – to unlock your own potential and solve the problems that are holding you back from a more fulfilling life. My role is to partner with you in change, create specific and achievable goals, and work together in lock-step to help you reach your full potential. My ideal client has been suffering from anxiety, depression, relationship problems, immigration and acculturation issues, LGBTQIA+, burnout, trauma, and substance abuse and is looking to make a change for the better.

Telehealth/ Video Counseling now offered. Are you in need to talk to someone right now? I'm here. I AM PASSIONATE about HELPING others with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, divorce, and life changing events. Are you going through something new, a life changing event that happened or something you have been struggling with for awhile? My goal is to facilitate clients to reach THEIR GOALS in a safe, respectful, non-judgmental environment. I believe everyone can achieve the success they want and feel better. You don't have to do it alone. I am fully trained with many techniques and experience to get you where you want to be.

I am delighted you found me here on Psychology Today. My ideal client comes from many different walks of life - children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. My ideal client is looking for change and a therapist that is going to "shoot straight" with them and do more than just nod their head in agreement. My ideal client is looking for direction and change in their lives and wants a partner in change. I work with my ideal client on anxiety, major depression, trauma, couples counseling, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD), and substance abuse, and LGBTQIA+ issues.

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.

Hello and thank you for taking the time to read my biography. I received my MS in Human Services/Community Counseling. I have over 20 years experience in MH and have been successful in working with individuals, couples and families. I have a particular clinical area of strength working with First Responders. I am also trained in EMDR level I & II, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Sex Therapy. I can also provide short-term counseling. My clinical approach is evidence based treatment as I am trained to work with various populations. We offer sessions in Libertyville, Gurnee and via telehealth.