Family Systems Therapists in River Forest, IL

Welcome; I enjoy helping people cope with anxiety, depression, anger management, couples issues, and transitions in life. (divorce, loss, career change, family relationships) I have a directive, practical approach that balances understanding and support with guidance and direction. I believe that in order for therapy to be meaningful, it is important to work together and create an individualized approach which is a unique match for your concerns and style. Many people who have felt little or no progress in therapy before, have made positive changes with my active, engaged approach.

I have 25 years of experience as both a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor/teacher. I work with people with a wide range of emotional issues including: depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma, and early attachment difficulties. I believe psychotherapy is powerful tool and works best with people who are committed to deepening their understanding of themselves and their relationships. I will work collaboratively with you and listen closely as we examine both old and emerging ways of being and managing life's challenges.

Hello. You are probably reading this as a result of an issue that has been on your mind and are hoping to find some peace or come to a resolution. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a personable, down-to-earth approach willing to partner with you through your current struggle. I support a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic environment to discuss the thoughts and feelings that may be troubling for you. I have helped individuals, couples, and families with a vast array of mental health issues using a psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, or a family systems approach.

I help individuals and couples develop clear strategies to reduce feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness. Those coping with marital or relationship difficulties, career transitions and parenting issues find my gentle directness helpful in improving the quality of their lives. In a calm, neutral environment, I offer clients the opportunity to understand themselves in a manner that leads to more satisfying family, marital and work relationships. I utilize family systems and cognitive behavioral therapy to help individuals and couples improve their communication skills and navigate the uncertain waters of change.

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.

When we are able to truly understand ourselves and our relationships, we can build a life of genuine meaning and connection. Many people enter into therapy only to find themselves gaining small amounts of insight that produce little or no changes in their life. My therapeutic methods produce results that not only change the way we feel about ourselves in the world but change our behaviors. I am respectful of the fact that everyone's pace and tolerance to different interventions varies. My work is reflective of the care and respect I have for each and every client as individuals.

The teenage years are a whirlwind of change, growth, and discovery. As beautiful as this phase is, it's also when many challenges surface—be it emotional, social, or psychological. Tweens are not far behind in experiencing these changes, often feeling caught between childhood and adolescence. Recognizing the need for support during these crucial years, our practice offers a warm, engaging, and understanding space for your child to navigate their emotions and experiences.

I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who brings over a decade of experience in outpatient mental health. I graduated with a Master's in social work from Dominican University. Since 2013, I have been serving individuals and families.Specializing in the well-being of children, adolescents, and older adults. My extensive background includes working with clients with anxiety disorders, depression, grief, loss, post-traumatic stress disorder, and major life changes.

Feeling stuck? A Chicago Social Worker of the Year (National Association of Social Workers). Published, award-winning author in the field. 25+ yrs experience. English, Spanish. AAMFT clinical member/supervisor. Respectful, skilled, organized, friendly, approachable. Model based approach. LGBTQIA. Goal based, non-pathologizing strength-based model. Highly recommended as humanistic, safe, therapist, trainer and consultant. Popular TEDx Talk: Secrets of a Couples Counselor: 3 steps to Happier Relationships available to watch on Youtube, through my website or google Susan Adler TEDx. www.susanLadler.com

Knowing which steps to take when your child or your family is struggling can be challenging. You may worry about your child’s well-being, their ability to thrive, and your family’s overall functioning and sense of harmony. You should not have to navigate these challenges and feelings alone – I can help you and your child throughout this process. I am passionate about helping create safe spaces for children, parents, and families to process, learn, and grow.

I have been practicing psychotherapy for 32 years. My clinical work centers around helping people develop satisfying relationships and lifestyles. We will work collaboratively to help you heal old wounds and make insightful meaning of your patterns of self-defeating thoughts and behaviors as they impact your current functioning and relationships. I will help you develop inner strength and creativity to remedy depression, anxiety, and unhappiness. Ultimately, you will ably make intentional choices about managing your life, goals, work, and relationships.

As the parent of a struggling child or teen, you may wonder what you can do to help them feel better. I’m here to provide you and your family the support and guidance that will help you gain a deeper understanding of your child, and feel more connected to them. I am passionate and experienced in helping children, teenagers, and their families overcome life's challenges. I have seen many children and teens struggle to express or articulate their emotions. That’s what I am here for. I find playful ways to help children express their inner world while guiding parents to also be curious to what is under their behavior.

Adult life is complex, full of many responsibilities and accompanying stressors. Difficulties balancing work and home, communicating with others, tensions between relationships and personal goals and achievements. These complex feelings can lead to anxiety, depression, and feeling overwhelmed. I work with adults in all career settings and relationships, as well as with young adults transitioning from adolescence to college and navigating steep life changes. Together we will examine your early life experiences for insight into who you are and to shape your personal values toward realizing contentment.

Finding a therapist you feel connected to and understood by is the key to a successful therapy experience. I pride myself on being an authentic, non-judgmental therapist, who is down-to-Earth & not afraid to use humor or a gentle nudge in my approach. Therapy is a partnership and my style is active, collaborative, and empowering. We will focus on finding solutions together by utilizing your strengths and fostering insight in a relaxed and safe environment. I especially love working with & empowering introverts and Highly Sensitive People!

No matter what challenges you may be experiencing, you are valid in seeking support. Being a child, teenager, young adult, or parent is hard. Every stage brings new obstacles, relationships, hopes, and fears. I am here to hold a space for you, your child, and your family to explore and process whatever you need. You can count on me to provide an environment that encourages honesty, vulnerability, and resiliency. I am passionate about supporting my clients in their pursuit of growth and connection.

I see adults for both individual and couple's therapy addressing many common areas of concern, including: stress; anxiety; depression; relationship issues; intimacy & communication; self-esteem & identity issues; work & life satisfaction; meaning & purpose; and general unhappiness. My style is direct and collaborative. I use a flexible approach that is adapted to each individual or couple. My approach is especially effective at getting to the root of issues, sorting through the conflict and confusion, and portraying what the trouble is in a clear new light.

I provide therapy for adults, couples and families. Clients frequently are struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief and loss. My clients are often going thru a medical crisis, managing chronic pain or are dealing with a family member's illness. I also help clients who are grieving or who have issues with aging parents and need a plan and to deal with feelings of sadness. I am a registered nurse as well as a clinical social worker and have advanced training in medical family therapy. I am a very good listener and assist my clients in finding their strengths to help them move forward in life.

Do you consider family time a dreaded activity? Do you avoid going home because you know your child is acting out and on your last nerve, your teen is spending more time in their room and becoming quiet and withdrawn, and your partner is distant and unconcerned? Maybe you've tried reaching out for help but couldn't seem to find the right therapist.

Very rarely in our lives are we given the opportunity and the space to truly look at ourselves, where we have been, and the person we are looking to become. At Kate Giandonato & Associates, we create an environment where you can safely look at yourself, relationships, and potential barriers to achieving your goals. Our relationship-based training in Social Work + Child Development has given us the background to notice and work through the conflicting messages, thoughts and emotions present not only in the parent-child relationship, but in every relationship. We work with our clients to better understand and negotiate these most important relationships.