Reality Therapy in Carol Stream, IL

Joey is a compassionate and dedicated therapist excited to support individuals ages 16+ on their journey towards healing and personal growth. Joey offers a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their emotions and challenges. Additionally, he values the power of humor in therapy, using it as a valuable tool to create a warm and supportive atmosphere. He also utilizes an empowering, upbeat, and personable approach to therapy that is tailored to each client’s specific needs. Joey has experience working with anxiety, depression, OCD, LGBTQ+ issues, life transitions, and self-esteem issues.

When people feel isolated or alone in their situation, they need someone else to help them gain a new perspective, feel differently, or at times escape the state at hand. My philosophy is to view therapy as if it were a "tune up" to help people keep operating through life. Just like cars need regular tune ups and oil changes to keep running smoothly, people also need regular check-ins and support for internal issues. This is especially important for people of color and minority populations because they face additional societal challenges (including microaggressions) that may or may not be overt but are often painful.

Check out more about me & my practice by clicking the website link found on this page (www.livinfreetherapy.com). I'm a laid-back, real-as-it-gets kind of human. Looking to connect with other humans, and if I may be of any assistance in the cultivation of whatever changes and goodness you're seeking in your life, well that would be quite an honor!

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression.

We recognize how difficult it can be to seek help with mental health issues. Our goal is to meet you where you are in a supportive, encouraging way. We never use shame as a motivator. Instead we seek to provide a balance between giving you time and space to heal and challenging and encouraging you to move forward to a healthier place. We have a staff of over 40 therapists each with different specialties; we all possess the same single passion: to walk with our clients on the path of healing.

With over 9 years of experience in private practice, I am dedicated to helping individuals overcome life's challenges and regain control of their emotional well-being. I specialize in addressing a wide range of issues, including: Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, Intrusive Thoughts, Anger Problems, Codependency, Personal Boundary Issues, OCD, and Interpersonal Distress. My mission is to create a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we will work towards your personal growth, emotional resilience, and discovering your personal strengths.

If you can change your thoughts you can change your world. I believe that our day to day thoughts directly dictate our emotions and ultimately our decisions and actions. Whether it is childhood trauma, adult anxiety or postpartum depression, we can take captive every self-defeating thought and turn that negative narrative into a powerful and hopeful future. Regaining control over our thoughts and actions can provide such lasting peace and happiness. My focus is to thoroughly get to know my patients, by listening to and trying my best to understand their unique experiences, while working collaboratively toward agreed upon goals.

Well here we are! You’re here looking for help and it’s exhausting . I know, I’ve been there! Who doesn’t want to feel better, happier, and more in charge of their life? I want you to make the dreams of your life a reality and we can help. Feeling stressed, depressed, overwhelmed, or pain from life’s experiences can rob you of your joy and damage relationships. One size does not fit all. Your story is unique and your approach to change should be too. Drawing from a variety of approaches, I help you work through those things you want to change.

Licensed in Texas and Illinois. As we navigate our unique journey in life, sometimes additional support is needed along the way. My interactions with clients are grounded in compassion, respect, empathy, and an understanding of cultural impacts. My role as a therapist is to help educate and empower clients so that they develop the insight and skills necessary to overcome their own personal and situational challenges. Examining the core of your presenting symptoms can be challenging but you are worth the life changing experience. I work with couples, families, & individuals including adults and adolescents ages 14+.

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Illinois and Florida (telehealth only). I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Aurora University in 2006 and my Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Aurora University in 2010. I have been working in the field since 2006 in various settings including community mental health centers, residential/group homes, homeless shelters, and hospitals. I specializes in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship issues, parenting difficulties, crisis intervention, and LGBT issues. I work with clients across the life span in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Unfulfilled in your relationships? Struggling to manage anxiety? Daily life can bring endless challenges. In therapy, we will broaden the perspective beyond daily encounters, delving into patterns, underlying causes, and systemic influences. We all perceive the world through our individual lenses, and I understand that treatment for similar symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. I'm dedicated to creating a welcoming space that embraces LGBTQ+ people and trauma-informed care. Expect lots of empathy, open chats, and a sprinkle of humor to spark meaningful conversations.

Counseling is a collaborative process in which you should feel supported in navigating life's roadblocks, stressors, and transitions. The counseling relationship is a unique experience that propels individual flourishing by providing a safe and nurturing environment in which you can develop and practice skills to cultivate resiliency and personal growth. I believe in strength-based counseling, in which individual strengths and resources are developed and utilized to facilitate well-being and client collaboration to promote and achieve personal goals. The framework I utilize favors a cognitive approach with behavioral, mindfulness, and psychodynamic interventions to address specific areas of distress.

We all need help from time to time. I envision my practice as a mental health community where all people are capable of change. Far too often, people are seen as deficient and lacking what it takes to be healthy and happy. I understand that everyone is unique and different and that people are shaped by their experiences and circumstances. You are the expert in your life and I am just here to assist you. You have the answers within you. Sometimes we just need a little help to eliminate negative thoughts and destructive behavior that can become an obstacle in our lives.

The relief you seek is inside of you…let’s find it and make it stronger than the problem! You may be fed up with using/abusing substances to cope with other issues (anxiety, depression, post-trauma, etc), feeling a happier life will always be out of your reach or tired of looking in the mirror and seeing shame, guilt, or discontent. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. You’re ready to relieve yourself of the control substances seem to have over you . You’re ready to regain the confidence in yourself you once had. Most of all, you’re ready to flourish in life rather than just live (survive).

New Availability Limited Spots Open Wednesdays and Fridays 10 am - 12 pm! I understand that life transitions, making decisions, and feeling comfortable with who you are can feel isolating and I want you to know you are not alone. I focus on creating a meaningful, therapeutic, and authentic relationship. Seeking support can feel overwhelming, so I commit to fostering a space that is non-judgmental, empathetic, and validating. My approach to psychotherapy involves creative exploration through person-centered and strength-based techniques.