Therapists in Wilmette, IL

Moving intentionally in the direction of change isn't always as straight-forward as we would like. You, your child, or your family may be facing a period of difficulty and struggling with coping, connection, and the way forward. My role is to assist by walking alongside you and guiding you and your family in seeing things that may be too overwhelming to face alone. Together, we will work on making sense of what happened, is happening, help you find clarity, and (re)build a sense of internal agency and purpose as well as relational cohesion and safety.

Life is hard. There is no way around it. The question is - what are we going to do about it? How will we handle the challenges of our lives, whether it be the loss of a loved one, debt, a sense of meaninglessness, our own health conditions, or the struggles of raising children? Each of us has our own burdens to face and often the answers are hard to come by. Sometimes we need a little extra support to get through. Whether you need to be heard, to be seen, to cry, to find answers, to understand, or to make meaning out of your life, there is help.

I have been assisting individuals, couples, groups and families navigate the difficulties that accompany Substance Abuse/Dependence, Dual-Diagnosis, Narcissistic Abuse Survivor Recovery and relationship difficulties for over 20 years. My experience supporting and guiding clients through theses life experiences has taught me that what we can usually expect to find beneath these presenting behaviors can be a mix of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, betrayal, trauma and stress. This is what creates unmanageability. Together we will design healthy coping skills and boundaries in order to create awareness and restore manageability.

Being human is messy and the relationships we have with ourselves and others can often feel even messier. However, you, through your lived experiences, have a significant amount of important data about what is working for you versus what is not. Together we can use that data and determine what variables have been supportive as well as what elements may need a revised approach. Therapeutic work with me involves a deep respect for consent – you get to choose our direction, our focus, and where we are headed. I may gently steer us down a path, but ultimately you are the captain of our journey.

Where we are can often feel like an impossible place to start, but you don’t have to start alone. It takes an enormous amount of courage to open up and share oneself, and it is my privilege to listen. How we are raised and socialized has lasting effects, but we need not be bound to this. We can change, grow, and choose to live differently. I am here to partner with you to help you achieve your goals and live a fulfilling life.

I am here to give support to those who have experienced racial and gender trauma, domestic and sexual abuse victims, exploration of self-identity in all aspects, and more. I practice cultural humility in order to be able to work with different cultures and intersectionality. I aim to provide a client-centered approach which I find important in maintaining this therapeutic relationship. We will work together to make this a safe and brave space for you so that you can embark on your journey to heal.

Do you find yourself caught in a cycle of self-criticism, leading to persistent feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness? Do your emotions sometimes overwhelm you, resulting in reactions that feel disproportionate to the situation? Navigating relationships can become even more challenging when affected by family dynamics. Maybe you have been having concerns with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/ loss, life transitions, career/school stress, self-harm, and relationship challenges. Perhaps you’ve become discouraged by your attempts to help yourself. That’s what I’m here for.

We specialize in complex trauma/C-PTSD, PTSD, depression/anxiety, relationship issues, dissociative disorders, personality disorders, life transitions/adjustment, anger management, obsessive-compulsive behaviors/OCD, self-esteem/shame, oppositional defiance in children, substance abuse, ADHD (children and adults).

Do you, your child, or a loved one suffer from brain related issues such as ADHD, autism, learning disorders, concussion, dementia, stroke, anxiety, depression, or other issues? If so, I can help. As a clinical psychologist and board certified neurofeedback specialist, I have the expertise and skill set required to assess and improve brain functioning. My assessment services include neuropsychological assessment and quantitative EEG (qEEG) brain mapping, and my treatment services include psychotherapy, neurofeedback and photobiomodulation for a wide variety of issues. (I am no longer accepting psychotherapy clients at this time).

Here at According to Sykes, assistance and guidance is offered through individual, family and group therapy, couples therapy, as well as Professional Development and Training Opportunities. As a group of healing practitioners, we recognize and understand the complicated and complex ways that trauma influences all parts of someone’s life, body, and brain, and make treatment decisions based on that framework. We realize that most people have lived through some type of trauma because trauma is so common and understand treatment through that lens. View our therapist profiles at www.accordingtosykes.com.

I collaborate with adults in individual and relationship counseling. Typical issues we work on together are depression, anxiety, grief, addictions, eating disorders, LGBT concerns, ACOA issues, stress, men's issues, and if it a specific client request - spirituality concerns. I offer Wednesday, Friday and Saturday appointments by telehealth exclusively. Due to the convenience and popularity of telehealth, I hold all sessions via telehealth and no longer offer in-person office sessions.

We specialize in the treatment of: complex trauma/CPTSD, adult-onset trauma/PTSD, dissociation/dissociative disorders, depression/anxiety, attachment/relationship issues, ADHD (adults, adolescents, children), OCD (adults, adolescents, children), shame/perfectionism, anger management, life transitions/adjustments.

With all the stressors in our society today, you may benefit from a caring clinician who can be a main source of support and offer effective therapeutic treatment. I believe the most important element in a therapeutic relationship is empathy and rapport. I try to understand your world and the experiences that you have had, because only then can we process your emotions and perspectives together. I hope to help you reach your goals while offering a supportive and safe environment.

My clients are hard-working and desire a better quality of life. They are willing to be challenged, trying new techniques to move forward. I use information about normal developmental transitions to move people when they are stuck. The focus is on identity and spirituality as themes I weave into my work. This does not mean organized religion, rather concepts such as connections, acceptance, peace, and letting go. If you choose to combine religion and spiritualuity, for your own growth, that is your choice.

Welcome! My approach is rooted in the concepts of radical acceptance and self-sovereignty. My goal is to provide a safe and affirming space where you can explore your complex inner world with curiosity and compassion rather than fear or judgement. I believe we are all natural storytellers, however sometimes the stories we tell ourselves are not always grounded in reality and can be a source of great pain. Additionally, our bodies also store traumatic experiences at a subconscious level and this can have a profound impact on the way we relate to ourselves, others, and the world.

I am a licensed professional counselor with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University. I have worked in a variety of settings such as inpatient, residential, nonprofit, domestic violence, and private practice which have provided a substantial amount of knowledge about appropriate levels of care. I have worked with presenting concerns such as mood disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD.