Therapists in Gurnee, IL

I have worked with adolescents, children, and adults in mental health and social work for over 20 years. I have extensive experience helping those who struggle with anxiety, depression, identity development, non-heterosexuality or non-cis gender (LGBTQI+), and ethically non-monogamous (polyamorous) relationships. I also have a history working with people with substance abuse problems and women in transition, as well as those coping with grief and loss. I have supported individuals who happen to be neurodivergent in terms of their unique needs. I believe everyone is deserving of respect, care and support.

Accepting new clients, offering online/telehealth services. I practice statewide in Illinois & Florida. I provide affirming therapy to neurodiverse, LGBTQIA, trans, non-traditional relationships such as: poly, swing, kink/BDSM, open communities. In therapy with me you can expect a safe, non-judgmental, trusting space were we explore what is happening in your life. I can be direct yet empathetic and meet you were you are in order for therapy to provide you with the answers you are seeking to lasting change. I believe clients are the experts of themselves.

My strengths include making authentic connections, practicing compassionate accountability, and bringing gentle humor into therapy. I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy techniques in my sessions. I am a relational therapist and focus on developing clients' strengths while also providing support for clients to stretch beyond their comfort zones. My treatment motto has become "It's through discomfort that we change." I will provide you with the education, compassion and support needed for you to face any fears or discomfort to become a healthier and happier person.

I want to commend you for your bravery in taking the first step towards reaching out for help. Counseling can give you a non-judgmental place to vent as well as a place to learn about new ways to manage overwhelming feelings. As a therapist, my main way of understanding how people work is through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It can help us challenge our negative thoughts and utilize healthy coping skills. I primarily take a humanistic approach with my clients and make sure to address psychosocial, biological, developmental, spiritual, and cultural issues as needed since every client is unique.

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).

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.

If you have found yourself here, Thank you for your courage. In our quiet moments, we wish for a safe place to explore our darkness to discover our light within. A reduction in anxiety brings peace. Being soulful in humanness is our challenge. Often we find ourselves in confusion with negative voices in our head that pulls at our hearts. No matter what our circumstances, suppression of our true nature will result in anxiety, depression or relationship problems. Circumstances may change or even improve, yet self love eludes us. Acceptance and management of ALL feelings is the way to peace of mind.

I strive to help clients develop the self-awareness and coping skills to manage problems as they arise. I utilize mindfulness and acceptance strategies as well as cognitive behavioral skills to assist clients in making positive changes. I believe that with skills and support, problems can become manageable.

Dr. Benton strives to engage clients in a collaborative therapeutic relationship that is empathic and attuned to their thoughts and feelings. She works to see the world through their lens. In this safe and accepting environment, clients are supported as they begin to explore the reasons that brought them to therapy. Dr. Benton guides clients as they gain insight and awareness to life patterns and themes. She encourages clients to give voice to their thoughts, feelings and reactions in hopes of interrupting painful cycles and creating a greater feeling of freedom, choice, flexibility, and empowerment.

Within each of us is the ability to heal from painful emotional symptoms and to live a well balanced, fulfilling life. Coming to counseling takes courage but can lead the reduction of anxiety and depression, as well as improving relationships and finding solutions to recurring problems in our lives. With over 24 years in professional counseling psychology, I am well versed in traditional theory and treatment, but use evidenced-based alternative treatments based on client's needs.

I want to work with a wide variety of clients in group, family, and individual based sessions

For me, the ideal psychotherapy clients are people who have experienced life's challenges and are motivated to make changes. They have goals they wish to complete to improve their life. I enjoy working with clients who are ready to work with me while being fully engaged in the process. New techniques and behaviors can be scary and I am here to help my clients along the way.

When it comes to mental health treatment, our approach is simple and unique: our accomplished team of physicians and therapists work together to diagnose and treat your body, mind and spirit as a whole. We are one of the few practices combining traditional treatment with evidence-based alternative therapies, all under one roof. We are privileged to have changed the lives of many families in Chicago's North Shore, as well as out-of-state and foreign visitors. Our "whole body" approach to treating mental health conditions is supported by clinical studies. These include but are not limited to: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), diet and exercise, spiritual/social evaluation, yoga and art therapy. Many still focus only on the brain, treating symptoms, not causes. In many cases they over-prescribe medications. While our physicians do prescribe medications as needed, what sets us apart is our commitment to explore all options. We search for root causes and provide the most appropriate treatment, not merely the most convenient one. When we do prescribe, we go the extra mile to customize a plan that minimizes side effects. You and your family deserve the best in healthcare!