Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Arlington Heights, IL

Are you feeling disconnected or overwhelmed in your relationships? Perhaps you're struggling with communication barriers, trust issues, or navigating significant life transitions. If so, you're in the right place. Here at our practice, we specialize in supporting individuals like you through the complexities of relationship difficulties.

Depression, anxiety or stress can keep you stuck with negative thoughts and behaviors. I can work with you to identify the obstacles in your way. I view therapy as a collaborative experience where you will develop new patterns and make positive changes in your life.

We hired another therapist, so we have openings at ArtWell! My goal as a therapist is to create a trusting, non-judgmental environment in which you can feel safe during your treatment. I work from numerous theoretical approaches, including CBT, Art Therapy and Narrative Therapy, while focusing on your growth and comfort level. I am a registered, board certified art therapist with over 17 years of experience and training in the expressive therapies. I look forward to helping you identify your strengths while challenging negative thought patterns, allowing you the freedom to grow and expand upon the positive areas in your life.

Are you having difficulty in some aspect of your life – maybe feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness or recurring problems in your relationships? You are not broken, you are doing your best cope with an often chaotic and complex world of relationships, feelings, and intentions. But what you’re doing isn’t working for you. I listen to your story with care and an utmost desire to understand your perspective and also share my ideas about how I see and understand the problems you are describing. Together we work to resolve the difficulties you are having.

We all go through life difficulties that affect us deeply and can leave us feeling alone or ashamed and off the path to fulfilling our hopes, dreams, and life goals. The "get over it" and "move on" mentality may leave you feeling temporarily more comfortable, but inevitably, the heavy weight of your struggles overflows into your daily life affecting you and your loved ones in ways that you never wanted or intended. No longer do you need to remain held back by your anxiety, depression, or other life difficulties.

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over ten years of experience working with individuals, couples, families and children, contending with a wide range of issues, from mild adjustment difficulties to more chronic issues. I believe that a successful therapy experience occurs within a unique therapist-client relationship that is safe,collaborative, empowering and person focused. I draw from a range of treatment approaches to tailor treatment based on the presenting problem, current research, and the specific life circumstances and personal attributes that are unique to my clients.

The therapeutic relationship and the experiences it fosters serves as a type of mirror—it’s a safe space to explore oneself. My role is to hold space, ask pertinent questions, and listen to you completely. My approach is one of collaboration. I might be an "expert" in mental health, but you're the expert of YOU. We'll co-create therapeutic goals, partner together in devising a plan to achieve your goals, and give space for your expansion and evolution.

Why do relationships seem so hard? Are you feeling hopeless about your situation? The good news is - you don't have to face life's difficulties alone. Everyone struggles at times, and friends and family may not be of help. You need an objective, emotionally supportive therapist to help you look at what works and what doesn't. We won't change what is already working, instead we will identify and build on your existing strengths. Then use your strengths to modify behaviors, thoughts, and emotions, that get in your way. Collaboratively, we will design a treatment plan for you.

I help children, teens, parents, couples and families to solve and cope with the challenges that life presents to all of us. I'll listen to you with empathy and caring, and offer my education and long years of experience to help you along your path to change.

I am passionate about walking with, and supporting folks who, despite their successes, are confused by their lack of true joy or meaning in this life. So many of us wrestle with feeling deeply unfulfilled and real difficulty finding lasting and nourishing connection with others. Far too many of us then struggle privately, which rarely leads to less struggle. My mission is to create a space that feels safe and accepting where your individual struggle can be seen, accepted, understood, and worked out in a way that brings you a sense of peace.

I believe that every individual has the ability to achieve their personal goals and live the life they aspire to lead. Often individuals find themselves in a situation that has them stuck in one place, I can help you move forward. I help my clients identify the challenges that are preventing them from achieving their goals, help create a unique and specific plan for each individual, and assist with any obstacles that might get in the way. Committing to change can be challenging, but you do not have to do it alone.

My main goal as a therapist is to see my clients grow and to help them recognize their abilities and strengths as an individual, so that they can feel they’re leading the life that they want. I approach each client with respect and compassion and motivate them to reach their own personal goals, so that they can continue to see self-growth. I have experience working with clients struggling in new phases of life, as well as ones who have a history of working through mental illness. As your therapist I will guide you to get on the path to get to know yourself better and help you to move in the direction you would like.

I specialize in working with couples & individuals. My approach to therapy is tailored to meet the needs of each individual & help them recognize their full potential & possibilities. I enjoy working with couples, & find it gratifying when they overcome their difficulties & develop a connection of real love & intimacy. Many baby boomers are caring for their aging parents. I recognize the stress & anxiety this creates for the entire family, & the vital need for support & counseling to make this time with loved ones fulfilling & meaningful. My objective is that my clients are able to achieve personal growth & live their lives more successfully by learning to understand & accept themselves.

How did you end up here? Are you struggling with relationship problems, school, finances, anxiety, depression, or all of the above? Perhaps you've developed addictive ways to cope with problems, and you want a better solution. Fortunately, research suggests that therapy/counseling with a professional works! Clients achieve ultimate happiness when they change how they think, feel and behave. When you change yourself, you will find that your relationships, mood, and overall life circumstances dramatically improve!

As a Spanish- and English-speaking, bicultural mental health counselor, I aim to empower you to find your voice without giving up who you are. I use a culturally sensitive approach that involves collaborating with you to help you remain true to your authentic self as you pursue your healing and growth path.

Annie believes that providing a non-judgemental and collaborative space is essential to supporting individuals and couples in reaching their full potential and personal goals. She provides a safe and empowering environment for clients to explore ways to improve their life, relationships and everything in between. In therapy, she aims to provide you with the skills and strategies to use in real life situations for years to come.

"Your Comfort and Your Health" is always a priority with me. My goal as a psychologist is to provide meaningful, compassionate, and successful therapy. Successful clients have reported that I have provided them with a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment for treatment, which allowed them to grow and develop new strengths. I utilize a number of strategies to engage individuals and families in treatment, including but not limited to cognitive behavioral (CBT), client centered and family therapies. I believe in and facilitate a strength-based approach to treatment, allowing the individual to develop and recognize their personal strengths.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. Are you feeling overwhelmed with life? Anxious, sad, stressed? Engaging in therapy is an opportunity to uncover your strengths, learn how to cope effectively with stress and emotional pain while improving your relationships. It is a time to reflect and process the past so you can become the best version of yourself. Working side by side, I will guide you on a journey of writing the next chapters of your life story.

We all have the capacity for meaningful change and are deserving of a life of fulfillment. Sometimes we find that it can be difficult to make those changes and engage in daily living in ways that feel good to us. Barriers can show up in our lives in many ways. Maybe you have concerns with your relationships; find your mood is difficult to manage; are engaging in thoughts or behaviors that are no longer serving you; or having difficulty recognizing the positive within you. I am committed to providing a non-judgmental, compassionate and collaborative space for us to address what is getting in the way of the life that you deserve!