Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Aurora, IL

My clients consistently tell me what a profound positive impact our collaborative work in therapy has made on their lives, especially after they have felt "stuck" for a long time. Being able to "connect the dots," gain insights, and change behaviors can bring great relief and a sense of hope. I enjoy helping individuals, couples, or families cope with past, present, or chronic stressors and regain power and control over their lives and relationships. This is especially true for people who have experienced traumatic events and (as a result) may have symptoms of anxiety, panic, depression, and/or anger.

We all have the capacity to reach our fullest potential. Yet all too often we find ourselves stuck in negative patterns of thinking and acting, unable to see other possibilities. Therapy allows us to make meaning of our difficult life experiences and open up to new ways of thinking, feeling, and being. I strive to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can learn to identify and express their emotions effectively, develop healthy ways of coping with difficult emotions, improve the quality of their relationships, and increase their self-esteem and sense of self-worth.

roots in multiple cultures. Raised in India, educated in Britain (Warwick University) and the United States (Northwestern University's Family Institute), I specialize in treatment of families across cultures. As a licensed clinical social worker, I work in collaboration with my clients to maximize individual and family functioning. I create a safe, caring and non-judgmental environment for immigrant families facing intergenerational problems, marital discord, emotional and psychological problems, arising from adaptation to a foreign culture. I have considerable experience in community mental health and child welfare, helping people with complex multiple issues.

Transformation! We all have a story that has shaped our perspectives. Whether you are faced with issues related to anxiety, depression, couple distress, parenting, or TRAUMA- there is HOPE. It is not so much as "what happened to you", but how are these experiences processed. My desire is to help clients regain hope, heal, feel less anxious, greater security, and move FORWARD. My intention is to help my clients understand the root issues that cause emotional and psychological distress, develop a stronger sense of self so that they can live a more fulfilled life. The decision to change begins with you.

I love working with a mix of clients that range in presenting issues. I enjoy seeing parents that are navigating their child's queer or trans identity, adults exploring family of origin issues, or women struggle with self-esteem.

The decision to seek help can often be difficult and filled with uncertainty, worry, and/or fear. My approach to therapy is to meet each person where they are at, without judgment, by determining needs, goals, and a path forward. I believe that each person has the capability to build upon their strengths and resources to develop new skills, resolve the impact of potentially long-standing issues in life, and become a better version of themselves. I will be your support while gently challenging you, when needed, to reach the goals that you have set for yourself. After all, you are the expert on your life.

Are you ready to get a handle on your mental health symptoms and gain deeper insight as to why your unskillful behaviors are active in your life? My name is Cheryl, I work as a trauma therapist. Experienced with over 5 years of helping individuals transcend the effects of poor mental health and attachment injuries. My passion for this work stems from a deep commitment to supporting people on their healing journey. I understand that trauma can have a profound impact on one's mental and emotional well-being, and I am here to walk with you and support you as you learn to skillfully navigate the dumpster fire of mental health recovery.

I consider it a privilege to work with people who are motivated to change. Whether it’s feeling less anxious or depressed, improving an important relationship or learning to better control intense emotions, I am willing to join you in doing the hard work of change. Though the process is often simple, it’s rarely easy. The alternative option of staying the same, however, is usually much more difficult in the long run. Together, we’ll figure out how you can make your one life the best it can be. Isn’t that result worth the effort?

Michelle Barraco is a Master’s level psychotherapist, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She has 13 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents and adults challenged with a variety of mental health and life concerns including but not limited to depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, grief, stress, substance use, addiction, and relationship conflicts.

**New Clients waitlist** If you deal with Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Trauma history, Eating Disorders, Addiction issues, Personality Disorders, Sharon is a licensed clinical therapist that has over 15 years working experience with treating adolescents and adults. Whether you are looking to explore current issues or past deep painful ones, she provides a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss/express/process difficult emotions, thoughts, behaviors and relationships. Her therapy is an eclectic approach using DBT, CBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing.

I provide a welcoming, respectful and collaborative space for clients to come and seek to understand themselves better. On the journey of life, we all have times of transition, difficulties and relationship issues. I seek to empower my clients into greater self-awareness, trusting that each person has the answers to their questions within themselves. Through an integrative approach to psychotherapy and with the ability to integrate spirituality if important to the client, I actively listen as the client moves toward integration, healing and wholeness in mind, body and spirit.

Relationships in Crisis: We Have Several Private Couples/Marriage Workshops & Individual Sessions, in order to Rapidly Accelerate Your Healing & Your Communication Process (Traditional 45 min. sessions Simply Does Not Work). During these 2 to 4 weeks, we will see both of you Together & Individually, as well as Help each of you Learn the Art of Empathy, Sensitivity & Compassion. These Workshops are Informative & Powerful, in order to Accelerate the Healing Process & Stop any further Damage from Occurring. In Addition, Our Success RATE is 85% of Our Couples that have Successfully Completed Our Couples Workshops or Alcohol Treatment.

Everyone feels overwhelmed and troubled at times. We all carry scars from either our past or present which can prevent us from enjoying life and embracing happiness. I provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for you to explore your concerns. I promote healing from a place of empathy and understanding. I believe everyone has the inner strength and power to overcome adversity and to face the many challenges that life brings. I work from a client centered and affirming perspective using evidence-based interventions, techniques and skills drawn from a blend of therapeutic modalities.

I have 30 years working with Individuals, Couples and Families as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I am a Certified Rapid Resolution Therapist. I am passionate about helping people achieve balanced and healthy lives. I see myself as a collaborator and work along side my clients to effectively help them obtain their goals. I have a fundamental belief that people have the ability to help themselves. I believe respect for others, along with compassion and humor provide an ideal environment in which clients can express themselves.

"Making that first appointment, and asking for help, truly takes courage and is the first step to new beginnings." I believe that providing a safe and supportive space, combined with therapeutic collaboration, facilitates change. I utilize an eclectic approach and believe in using evidence based treatments, tailored for each unique individual, their specific needs, and desired goals. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families who are ready and motivated toward change, however, just aren't sure how to get there. Once given the proper tools and skills, options appear and the ability to choose a better path presents itself.

Life throws curve balls at us. A relationship disintegrates, a son or daughter goes astray, the career that seemed so promising, isn't. Life doesn't work out like we planned. But you don't have to stay stuck – in a dead marriage, a dead-end job, or constant defeat. There are better options than waiting, wishing, and hoping. Underneath whatever is wrong with you, something is actually very right. Your feelings make sense once you understand the events and people who shaped you. And with compassionate understanding your life can be transformed from the inside out.

There is hope. There is help. At the Center for Vitality and Balance we hold ground and create space to help you heal, grow and become. Time is taken to hear your whole story and help create insight into how to release the pain of your current experience and move towards a more vital and balanced relationship with yourself, others, and the world around you.

As a licensed clinical psychologist I dedicate my practice to the treatment of adolescent, adult, and older adult populations. I help clients overcome traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression, & adjustment difficulties. I combine compassion and collaborative psychotherapy with EMDR to help clients reach optimal performance and transform their lives. In addition, I appreciate the personal difficulties athletes face and assist in breaking through mental barriers that prevent them from performing to their potential.

"No problem can be solved by the same level of consciousness that created it."-Albert Einstein. Are you feeling chronically unhappy, angry, fearful, or stuck? Do you have conflicted relationships with friends/family? Come in and talk to someone in a confidential and compassionate environment who can assist you in seeing things differently. I have over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families providing psychotherapy. As a seasoned clinician, I have learned to creatively blend my listening skills with a variety of evidence-based approaches tailored to fit the needs of my clients for optimal growth.