Emotionally Focused Therapists in Elmhurst, IL

Angry, anxious, confused, or depressed because of relationship problems? Feel your partner never listens to you? Keep having the same old fights over and over? Imago Relationship Therapy is very helpful in restoring connection, safety, and romance. As a Certified Imago Therapist I enable each partner to be heard and understood so the needs of each can be met. Usually couples experience some immediate relief from the pain of alienation and begin to rediscover the love that brought them together. If your spouse won't come for counseling, come alone! I also do individual therapy, including EMDR for trauma resolution..

I strongly believe that human growth requires non-judgment, authenticity, and the willingness to face one's challenges head on. It is a deep passion of mine to foster a space that welcomes vulnerability and self-compassion. I believe that none of us can go through our life's journey alone. In our therapeutic relationship, it is my hope that you will never feel alone on your own path through healing. I aspire to offer guidance as clients work to acknowledge their individual strengths and positives within their lives in order to achieve their personal goals.

My area of expertise is providing solution focused therapy by introducing evidence based strategies in a comfortable space where a client feels heard. My goal is to create a supportive space where a client feels confident to try a new strategy to use to regulate their emotions, further develop positive self-talk, and improve communication skills. The parent is an integral part of therapy and skills training when my client is a child.

I have been in the field of Social Work since 1989, starting my career in teaching in 1984 and quickly moved to Social Work. I have spent my career in the public sector until I opened my practice in 2007. I center my career around helping people get through challanges that life puts in our path. I offer a comfortable and supportive environment where it is safe to explore various issues that life presents. I feel it is an honor to work with individuals trying to better their life and have chosen me to assist with their journey.

"We repeat what we don’t repair." --Christine Langley-Obaug-- If you or your family member is having difficulty managing depression, anxiety, increased stress, mood changes, PTSD, or trauma, I am here for you. My focus is to assist clients in learning how to respond to challenging life events, build self-worth, improve communication, and manage emotions safely. We will work together to create a safe, therapeutic relationship, tailored to your specific concerns.

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).

As a therapist, I am here to join with you in your efforts to make positive change in your life. My goal is to partner with my clients in efforts to identify a sense of self and work towards goals that will aid in living a life that is meaningful, purposeful and fulfilling. Life is complex, dynamic and full of challenges. Many of us lose our way and need help at times to find our path forward. My motivation as a therapist is to help you find that path.

My work is deeply rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to realize their self-worth and sense of empowerment. I am dedicated to supporting women and children, with a special place in my heart for immigrant women and children. I draw on my own experiences to empathize with and advocate for those navigating similar paths. My goal is to help individuals uncover their potential and achieve a sense of fulfillment, leveraging my education and personal background to make a tangible impact in their lives. I also can provide therapy sessions in Spanish. Born in Guatemala and moved to the US at the age of six,

In person therapy or teletherapy. I have over 20 years of experience as a therapist working with adults and adolescents. My focus has been working with clients that have addictions, substance abuse issues, anxiety, depression, co-dependency, life changes/transitions, relationship issues, divorce, infertility, women's issues, mood disorders, and self-injury. I believe in identifying client's strengths to assist in a healthier lifestyle. Much of my therapy style is through CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy. I provide a safe environment of compassion and understanding, wherein each client is seen as an individual.

I have experience working with adults and teens and especially enjoy working with the LGBTQIA+ community and neurodiverse humans. I am passionate about treating anxiety, depression, interpersonal trauma, gender and sexual identity exploration, religious abuse, and life transitions. Embarking on the journey of healing can feel like traveling without a map. It is both terrifying and beautiful. I believe that no matter how difficult it may seem, every person is capable of healing, growth, and resilience.

As a therapist, it is important to me to create an environment where the child and family feel safe to share what is on their minds and in their hearts. In each session, I apply trauma-informed care for a deeper understanding of what the child or family have experienced. My goal is to work with youth ages 5 to 18-years-old to improve communication skills, expand their toolbox of safe coping skills, and build self-confidence. I support both the child and parent to find and use their strengths to work on their presenting issue(s). We are only humans, trying to do our best in life.

When is the last time someone asked the question, “how are you?” but REALLY asked you? With so many demands on our time and attention, it is easy to feel lost in a never-ending to do list where your personal needs and desires are toward the very bottom. When you think of where you are, you find yourself constantly comparing your life to those around you and where you are never feels like enough. You’ve tried sharing your feelings with friends and it somehow turns into a talk about their issues, leaving you feeling mostly unheard. The cycle of all give and no take ends here. It's time for the focus to just be on you.

I believe that life is a beautifully challenging and unpredictable experience. The ebbs and flows of life are what makes us human. When we are caught in the lows of life, we often feel this lack of control, we feel stuck, or we feel this inability to find the ‘right answer.’ I would like to show you that you have the answers within, you have the tools within, and we will work together as a team to regain a sense of direction in your life. Therapy is a vulnerable experience; therefore, I intentionally create an atmosphere that feels safe, allows your stories to be heard, and empowers you to be your authentic self.

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Mary Oliver. You are ready to stop getting by and to start enjoying your life. Your tried-and-true practices are no longer working. You want and need new coping skills to handle what you’re faced with today. Anxious thoughts or low mood are having a bigger impact on your relationships or daily routines than you thought, and it is time to make a change. Your body is sending you signals you can no longer ignore.

I am currently a LSW and PsyD Clinical Psychology Doctoral Candidate. I obtained my Masters in social work at Fordham University in New York and I am pursuing my doctorate at California Southern University. I am excited to be working with a team of highly skilled Therapists. I believe that therapy is about creating a space of healing and helping others evolve into the best version of themselves.Along, with counseling we are now offering TMS (Non-medication approach) to our schaumburg location.

I have had the privilege of providing therapy for individuals impacted by abuse and complex trauma for over ten years and practice with the intention of creating a safe and affirming space that can support healing and develop trust. I am passionate about providing therapy using a holistic lens and embracing how mind, body and emotional wellness are connected. That said, I value transparency and collaboration in finding the right fit or approach so that we can ensure your needs are met. I provide individual services and especially enjoy exploring life transitions, family of origin issues and women's issues.

I am a systemically-trained therapist who primarily works with couples and individuals. I strive to create a safe space for clients of all backgrounds including gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, relationship context, etc. Some of my clinical interests include anxiety, depression, couple conflict, general relationship struggles, family of origin, attachment issues, life transitions, self-esteem, and spirituality. My primary goal is to empower clients by helping them see through the layers of their conditioning in order to live a life that involves more freedom, courage, connection, and peace.

Feeling stuck? Feeling like you have lost control of your life? Your relationships? Let me help you get unstuck and regain control! Individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and self-esteem and couples facing a variety of life situations and/or reconfiguring as step-families have created success stories as a result of our work together. These 20+ years of success stories stem from collaborating with clients to create realistic therapeutic goals and unique plans to attain them.

My goal is to help you build a more satisfying life by creating long-lasting change and resilience. I am results-oriented. Many clients and parents report significant change in 4-8 sessions.I work with clients from many different walks of life and provide comprehensive counseling services for adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families. My approach is collaborative, understanding, and caring, as well as evidence-based. I use a state-of-the art outcome assessment to ensure that your counseling is effective and individualized. Please see my website regarding my exclusive approach for families: The Harmonizing Your Home Program.