Family Therapy in Elmwood Park, IL

I believe that times of crisis can also be times of transition and development. As a therapist, I strive to help clients put family and individual crises in the proper perspective, so they can begin to mobilize their own resources for change. Acceptance and insight into oneself and one's situation are powerful tools that therapy can enhance, both for adults and children of all ages. I have years of therapy experience helping clients cope with painful and difficult situations, including addiction/compulsions, damaged relationships, bereavement/loss, and abuse. The first session can be a powerful and positive step.

I assist adults, adolescents, families and couples to reach emotional, mental health, relationship and achievement goals. The process is a collaboration between client and therapist. At the first meeting we explore the nature and history of issues and previous attempts to address them. We work together to understand the reasons for difficulties. We then develop an approach for change that includes plans for follow-through. The aim is a better quality of life.

Do you need a space to discover and activate your strengths and help you or your family attain the lasting changes you seek? Many experience challenging issues in their lives that cause them to reach out for help. At Starks Therapy Group, LLC we help individuals and family using techniques from psychotherapy and spirituality. We help folks through these issues and support their process of learning to thrive. We are committed to addressing you as a whole and unique person and taking a creative and strengths based approach.

For many years, I have been helping my clients to lead happier and more fulfilling lives. One of my main psychotherapy approaches is cognitive-behavioral therapy, a well-established, efficient and effective form of psychotherapy. It directly targets the patient's thinking, and behavior, patterns that are producing psychological problems, and teaches the patient to change those patterns. In marital and family therapy, I help the parties to communicate better with one another and to reach agreements acceptable to all. If the children have behavior problems, I often help the parents to become more effective disciplinarians.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Illinois with two decades of experience, specializing in stress management, anxiety, life transitions, low self-esteem, career coaching and professional burnout.  My mission is to partner with my clients in their personal and professional growth using an approach that attends to the mind, body and spirit. My focus is on serving those who seek balance and meaning in the diverse roles they play throughout the lifespan, from parenthood to professional life and everywhere in between.

My primary goal in working with clients is to provide a compassionate, accepting, mindful space to create an opportunity for clients to work towards the person they would like to be. I support individuals and families who are chronically distressed with a commitment to honesty and compassion. I am experienced with depression, anxiety, interpersonal conflict, adjustment difficulties, family conflict, and trauma. My training is in psychodynamic and family systems therapy, and I utilize modern approaches as well to individualize treatment to client's needs.

“The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness." - Abraham Maslow

I help adults who have experienced symptoms related to depression, anxiety and adjustment disorder, amongst other things. I provide a safe space for those who are hoping to gain insight into their experiences and develop adaptive coping skills to adjust to their struggles. Among the other issues I have assisted clients with are: Struggles with ADHD and other learning disabilities, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, sexual abuse, adjustment disorder, issues related to struggles in the work force such as burnout and Vicarious Trauma, working through relationship issues, and issues related to systemic oppression.

Life is all about relationships--beginning with the one you have with yourself. My goal is to provide a safe place for you to explore your underlying feelings leading to a better understanding and acceptance of who you are and who you can be. I will provide you a supportive relationship as you re-gain control of your life. Changes within often change relationships with others and that can be challenging, even frightening, yet rewarding. We will work together to strengthen emotional bonds with loved ones, cope with grief and loss, deal with trauma, and maintain a sense of inner balance.

Prescribing Psychotropic Medication, Neuropsychological testing, and counseling.

I specialize in the assessment and treatment of behavior problems in children and adolescents, as well as depression and anxiety in individuals of all ages. I also specialize in the treatment of relationship problems and the psychological management of acute and chronic medical disorders, particularly cardiovascular disorders and encopresis. I help people gain insights into their difficulties and teach them skills that will facilitate the resolution of their difficulties. When requested, I confer with attending physicians and, in the case of minors, with their teachers and/or school social workers. I am on the medical staff of Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.

I truly enjoy meeting new people and building a trusting therapeutic relationship. To me, therapy is a celebration of your strengths, passions and unique qualities. I would love to collaborate with you to help improve your understanding of yourself, relationships with others and develop skills to cope with life's stressors. I hope we can work together to experience joy, connection and expressing our authentic selves in the world. I specialize in treating stress, anxiety, panic and depression. I have worked extensively with individuals navigating life transitions such as finishing college, divorce, grief and career changes.

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.

I support individuals, couples, and families under stress. Together, we uncover contexts and patterns of thoughts and behaviors that are causing challenges. Often, you as the client may already know the answers but could use support in living those answers out. The end goal is growth; the client should be able to look back at our work together and see a difference.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with seven years of experience in the mental health field. I received my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from George Washington University, and since this time have received specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing,) an exciting form of therapy which can target trauma, addictions, anxiety disorders, and can improve performance in work and recreational tasks.

Are you searching for a therapist who offers a nontraditional approach? Do you find yourself grappling with feelings of stagnation or unfulfillment? Whether you're navigating a significant life transition, wrestling with professional challenges, or seeking support in managing past traumas, I'm here to assist you in reclaiming the sense of control you crave in your life. My aim is to empower you to make meaningful life changes and adjustments that enhance your overall satisfaction and propel you toward achieving the goals you've set for yourself. Together, we'll navigate the complexities of your experiences.

We all have words in our heart that are difficult to speak. Therapy is a great opportunity to bring voice to those words and make sense of their meaning so we can have a greater understanding of who we are and our place in this world. I view therapy as a unique opportunity to know and understand yourself in more profound and meaningful ways so as to allow true clarity, purpose, and healing in everyday life. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable to you, and, ultimately, we will work together to bridge your inner emotional life to past and current experiences to then provide a renewed and hopeful understanding of yourself.

Allie Wills is a relational, person-centered, and trauma-informed therapist for adults and adolescents. She works from an intersectional, social justice perspective. In therapy, she focuses on providing a safe space and joining you to help you explore who you want to be and how you want to live. She is compassionate, non-judgmental, and collaborative.

We all want to live happy and productive lives and we all have strengths that help us do this. Strengths lie in our relationships and inside of us. Sometimes blocks keep us from being able to use our strengths. I'm not currently accepting new clients, but at Chicago Center for Relationship Counseling, we have many excellent therapists who are available to help access strengths and lift blocks.