Psychodynamic Therapists in Buffalo Grove, IL

Therapy can be a very emotional and rewarding experience. Treatment is most successful when you feel a strong connection with your therapist based on comfort and trust. I strive to provide a safe and supportive environment to allow you to explore deeply personal issues and patterns in your life. I use a collaborative therapeutic approach to help you gain insight, set goals, and develop realistic strategies based on your strengths to increase your overall happiness and satisfaction in life.

I have been deeply interested in the field of psychology from a very young age. My respect and commitment to this field have never wavered. For over 30 years, I have seen clients improve their lives in ways both large and small. Change may occur by learning new coping strategies, grieving a past loss, working through trauma or abuse, or by beginning to trust another.

Does it feel like you can’t stop feeling anxious, overthinking, and sometimes self-doubt, and feeling “not enough” take over your life? Self-doubt and anxiety are overwhelming. It feels that you can’t stop overthinking and thinking about everything that can go wrong. You think about the bad things that can happen, the mistakes you can make, and the negative situations that can occur. Worry and overanalyzing take over, and you end up anxious and panicked. Questioning and doubting yourself makes you feel defeated. You overthink your abilities and self-worth, which makes you feel low and defeated.

If you (or a loved one) is struggling because life has become more challenging and it is getting harder to show up and be the person you want to be, I am here to help! Our focus will be on helping you to gain the confidence, clarity and strength to feel and be your best. My experience working in a variety of therapeutic settings allows me to support those just like you, who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, social anxiety, family stressors, school/work issues, life changes, grief/loss and adjustment difficulties. Since you are here, you are probably overwhelmed and could use someone to talk to.

Therapy is not "one-size-fits-all." I believe each person is the real expert on themselves, and a therapist facilitates change as a supportive partner in the process. Whether your current concerns have to do with anxiety or mood changes, due to major life changes, are trauma-related, or you just need someone to talk about your daily life, I am here to offer the space for you to grow, discover, heal, and succeed.

Everyone experiences adversity at some point in their lives.  Often, the struggles we face overwhelm us, and we forget what it’s like to feel calm, content, focused, or safe. Luckily, hardship can become an opportunity for growth and change, if we’re given the right direction and support. I can help guide you through your difficulties when they become too much for you.

My life mission is to help individuals and couples grow and achieve their fullest potential. Since a young age, I have found myself drawn to listening to and helping others. I utilize an integrative approach to working with clients. Every client is unique, and I tailor my approach to meet the particular needs of every client. You will find a supportive and caring environment that allows you to explore your emotions, experiences, and challenges during our sessions together. My passion is to serve couples, racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, and the elderly with anxiety, depression, relationship distress, and PTSD symptoms.

Vanessa is a dedicated therapist in Chicago, holding a master's degree in Clinical Psychology and licensures as a Board Certified Dance Movement (BC-DMT) Therapist and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and is completing her doctorate in Expressive Arts Therapy. Vanessa radiates warmth and spunk. It’s not unusual for her clients to experience an array of emotions: crying, laughter, sadness, and hope; all within a single session.

Ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or just unsure what to do next? I have focused my practice on helping people identify what they want out of life and figure out what steps are needed to get there. I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults, and adults. My approach to therapy involves creating a safe, non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their feelings. I strive to create a supportive environment in which positive changes can take place. I work with mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, as well as relationship issues, identity formation, and life transitions.

Don't settle for a generic drug and alcohol therapist. You deserve help that actually helps you feel happy again. (And, that's in-network with your insurance).

Engaging in counseling is courageous. It means you are brave to not only acknowledge that life is not going the way you would hope, but you are also brave to seek help to steer the ship of your life. My goal during our time together is to give you the confidence to steer your own ship. You will feel heard, safe, and supported with me. It is important to me to learn about you your goals, your dreams, your interests, and your experiences. You are unique. In knowing you, I can know how to help you steer your ship.

Life is a journey that comes at us in waves or phases. These waves can knock us off our feet and, as a result, often feel insurmountable. I admire the bravery you show by coming to treatment and am honored to be part of your journey. By doing this, we will alleviate current symptoms and make connections between past and present. This will leave you with your eyes wide open to impending waves; thus, lessening their impact.

Heal your connection with yourself and feel like yourself again. I am a licensed clinical social worker and certified yoga therapist with over 12 years combined experience working with adolescents and adults in several settings (community mental health, healthcare, schools and private practice) coping with anxiety-related disorders, depression, PTSD, ADHD, trauma and general life stress. Personally, I enjoy helping clients develop an accepting and empowering relationship with themselves so they can feel more connected to themselves and others. I am committed to an integrative approach that reflects the client’s needs and goals.

Its very rewarding to watch a client evolve to a point where they live life to the max. Its my privilege to walk alongside and see my client progress and thrive. For more than 18 years I have seen clients with multiple presenting issues, and all age ranges. My therapy style is active and goal oriented, and I believe a client is going to get as much out of therapy as they are willing to put into it. I also use Alternative Techniques to traditional therapy such as Biofeedback and Neurofeedback and this has been immensely helpful for many of my clients who do not benefit from traditional forms of therapy or psychiatric medication.

In-person & telehealth available: Brighter Pathways, PLLC is a small group practice currently offering individual, couples, family, and group therapies. Our therapists value collaboration, education, and transparency because treatment should make sense to you. In order to best meet your needs, your therapist will strive to understand your unique circumstances. We believe in a team approach to treatment. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your personal goals and struggles. We offer a safe, supportive, and open environment for you to explore your struggles and strive for personal growth.

Cherry Hill Counseling is one of the longest-standing counseling practices in the Northwestern suburbs of Chicago. Cherry Hill has seven locations including: Lake Zurich, Vernon Hills, McHenry, Deer Park, Chicago, Grayslake, and Wheaton. Our counseling services include: individual therapy, family therapy, counseling for children and adolescents, marital and premarital therapy, group therapy, and psychological testing.

Thank you for taking the time to read about EAL. We believe you have the right to live your best life; to be your most empowered and authentic self. We believe that everyone eventually seeks meaning and purpose in their life, and finding and living this ultimate goal will bring long lasting joy and true happiness. We are a unique holistic practice that focuses on mind, body, and spirit, integrating Psychology, Spirituality, and Metaphysics to get to the root of your emotional issues that block you from experiencing peace and happiness. We help young children, teens, adults, couples, and families to help open and guide them on a path to living and enjoying life fully. We also hold retreats, seminars, and trainings (CEUs) to support the needs of our clients and our community.

If you face personal challenges or health problems, we can work together to help you better understand and manage your situation or condition. Zoom and other telehealth platforms allow you to explore your life stressors and health in the private, comfortable atmosphere of your home or workplace. I will listen to you with sensitivity and validate your feelings while offering new ideas and possibilities for your circumstances. I will often ask you questions to prompt thought and further discussion.

I am a therapist with over twenty years experience. I believe that all of us seek resolution or peace from our daily struggles; whether that be with our relationships or with work. My belief is that therapy can be an arena for change in order to achieve higher levels of personal satisfaction with life. The key to any therapeutic relationship is trust. Trust needs to be present between both the client and the therapist. My therapeutic style is warm, empathic but direct. I believe these attributes are vital to the therapeutic process.