Therapists in Wheaton, IL

Therapy is hard work but it’s worth it because it starts with choosing yourself and being intentional about how you want to live your life. While we may come to therapy in a time of hardship, we all have strengths that we can use a foundation for growth. There’s no one-size-fits-all therapeutic approach so I use a blend of approaches including DBT, CBT, ACT, Mindfulness, Expressive Arts, and Play/Narrative therapies. I also understand how systemic forces shape our realities, and I help clients recognize these forces and develop skills to cope.

Welcome to a therapeutic space designed just for you! I specialize in working with families and individuals of all ages facing a variety of life's challenges. My therapeutic approach is as diverse as the human experience itself. Through an eclectic blend of art-based, person-centered, and empathetic therapy, I tailor each session to the uniqueness of the individual. I firmly believe that the complexity of the human journey deserves a personalized and compassionate approach. In my role as a therapist, I hold space for social justice and human rights and I believe everyone is an expert in their own life.

Let's be real, life is hard and sometimes we get lost on the way. I would like to be there to guide you through life's ups and downs. I enjoy focusing on the importance of work/ life balance and the power of self-discovery. I provide a safe space for clients to identify triggers to their feelings and apply various coping skills to address concerns. With a bit of humor and a lot of support, I am here to listen, talk and support you. Appointment booking is available through my website: https://woundedhealerscounselingservice.com/

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and owner of bWELL Counseling. I specialize in mental health services and integrative wellness for children and families.

Have you been feeling unlike yourself, disconnected, or struggling with the grief or loss of someone or something significant? Have you experienced a stressful or dangerous event? Are you experiencing distress or unwanted feelings or emotions? Have you been feeling stuck and ready to process undesirable feelings? If so, you’ve come to the right place. At every in-person or virtual therapy session, we work together to explore your emotional experiences as well as the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that may be holding you back from living the life you desire.

Are you chronically worried and/or unhappy -- and can't "snap out of it?" Maybe you're stuck. Perhaps you feel lonely and misunderstood. I'd like to give you personal attention, understand you, and provide you warm, genuine, and nonjudgmental support and guidance. Together, we can identify and understand the causes of your pain, reinstill hope, and find ways for you to cope and regain pleasure in the here-and-now. My research on loss and mother-daughter relationships strengthens my work with individuals; couples; gender issues; parenting; anxiety and depression; and adjustment to loss and overall life changes.

"Be gentle. You are meeting parts of yourself you’ve been at war with.” - Anonymous There are many reasons why you may feel you are struggling to feel like yourself or find your way as a partner or parent. I am passionate about working with children, their families, and adults to work through symptoms, build an effective tool box, and help clients grow. I adore working with angsty teens and really love helping little ones find themselves underneath their symptoms. I have a wealth of experience working with complicated co-parenting situations (e.g. division, abandonment, divorce, guardianship, foster).

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.

At different times throughout your life, there may be obstacles interfering with your personal sense of peace and well being, peace in your relationships, and/or your family’s joy and peace. You may not feel like yourself (or you may feel like your child isn’t his/herself). You may feel lost trying to identify the problems or choose a course. We can help. With compassion, insight, and expertise, we will assess the various issues and their layers, and together we will come up with a plan to help you find peace within yourself and your family.

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).

I have over twenty years of social work experience. I have worked in foster care and adoption, in a psychiatric hospital and am currently working in private practice. My patients include children, adolescents, adults and couples. I treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief issues, conflict resolution, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, OCD, addictions, issues related to divorce and family/marital conflicts. I use a variety of treatment modalities based on the individual needs of the patient. My therapeutic approach is a non-judgmental blending of eastern and western philosophies thereby helping patients develop acceptance and develop better coping strategies to deal with their challenges.

When reaching out can feel intimidating and difficult, the therapists at Authentic Growth Wellness Group will provide you with an approachable and comfortable experience. We get how hard it can be to begin and engage in this endeavor, and, therefore, we possess a deep empathy and enriched understanding from which we can professionally, ethically, and effectively support our clients initiate and engage in a trajectory of healing from which they will courageously grow.

Dr. Shirley Dorough-Carlson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in Child and Adolescent Psychology She has over 20 years of experience working with adults, children, adolescents, and their families. She has successfully worked with adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, divorce, and parenting concerns. Her work with children, adolescents, and their families include facilitating families navigating ADHD issues, school noncompliance, divorce, mood disorders, IEP issues, oppositional defiance, and helping young adults transition into the adult stage of life.