Therapists in Oak Park, IL

Hello! Hola! I’m Dr. Vanesa Cervantes, and I’m a Family and Child Psychologist. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults. I believe that every person has the potential to thrive and overcome challenges they may be currently facing. My treatment approach is collaborative, by working together we can develop healthy coping skills, strengthen your social and emotional health and empower you to understand and manage your emotions, behaviors, and social relationships. Through our work together you can expect to also learn effective coping strategies to manage life challenges.

Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.

I believe in a person-centered approach. Together, we can explore life’s obstacles without judgment, learn new ways to balance the inner self and create a more harmonious relationship with the world around us. Currently, I support individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, complex trauma, grief, and adjustment difficulties. As a lover of learning and education, I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 2013. Since then, I have committed to learning new counseling techniques and skills that help me support individuals from diverse backgrounds and those with unique life experiences.

Does your life seem to be less fulfilling and you do not know why? Look no further. Your best life is waiting. I work to provide a safe space and collaborate with clients on finding their inner strengths to utilize them in building resiliency. I work to guide children ages four and older, adolescents, adults, couples, and first responders to reach their goals and experience a happier life. Given my experience working in emergency rooms, outpatient, residential and schools, I understand how the impact of these challenges can often leave people feeling unable to participate in life roles that lead to life satisfaction.

In moments of stress or discord, everyone copes the best they have available to them. As a trauma informed and DBT focused therapist, I believe in the power shame reduction can have in peoples lives, alongside building concrete skills, and unlearning narratives that no longer serve us. I often see clients who may feel at odds with themselves and want to adapt or grow their ability to handle distress. Although change can be uncomfortable, I work alongside clients to rediscover personal strengths and help find a "core" or "root" that may have felt lost or distant. I commend you for stepping into vulnerability.

Creative people often need multiple ways to process and integrate information before things "click" and real change takes place. Studio art therapy provides an accepting space for flexible self-expression that moves beyond words into the sensory and tangible world. I focus on helping clients connect their unconscious and conscious minds to align around personal and relationship goals in fresh, creative ways. Together we can enter a space where safety and exploration are bridged, and issues of mood, anxiety, and past trauma can be safely and effectively worked through to improve overall functioning through mind-body integration.

Does your child seem "off" and "not like themselves?" Do they have a hard time calming down? Do they seem angry or worried all of the time? It can be scary and frustrating when you notice your child isn't living with ease and joy. You've tried all of the behavioral approaches, read all the books, and yet your child continues to struggle. You wish your child was available for connection and playfulness but there's something getting in the way. Your child might be feeling one way and showing something completely different to you and you want to better understand what they are going through. I hear you and I see you.

Have you been feeling overwhelmed? Are you finding it difficult to manage all of life's stressors? Are you a parent that is concerned about Covid-19's impact on you child's well-being? If so, you are not alone. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Art Therapist. My areas of focus are children and adults with anxiety, depression, mood, or behavioral issues. I have clinical experience working in a therapeutic school for children with social, emotional, and intellectual disabilities. Additionally, I also work with veterans. As a veteran, I am uniquely qualified to help navigate the issues facing service-members.

Are you tired of feeling anxious and depressed? Do you have intrusive and/or brooding thoughts that may be connected to an old memory or issue that is hard to quiet? Are you tired of feeling miserable and would like to learn tangible and useful techniques that will help take the edge and, in some instances, eliminate these thoughts and feelings? If you are ready to make that change, are open minded to learning non-traditional therapeutic methods, then please reach out to me and we’ll get started! As of now, I am taking new clients with convenient Saturday and Sunday hours. I am providing teletherapy / Skype services.