Experiential Therapy in Buena Park, Chicago, IL

If you feel unsuccessful, unproductive, unloved, overwhelmed by your own or other people expectations; stressed at work, home, or feel professionally and socially inadequate; or if you are going through sudden crises, trauma, loss, disruptive transitions such as job loss, divorce, and migration, then these problems could be addressed, transformed, and healed through counseling process. My extensive counseling experience has helped many clients to re-build their self-confidence, regain lost hope, and transcendent barriers. I am confident that together we can transform adversities into potentials and weaknesses into strengths.

Hello, and welcome to my page! I work with people who have a wide variety of conditions stemming from relational and environmental stress. I believe that we are naturally programmed to heal, but often we rely on past coping skills that are no longer functional, and this blocks the path to healing. I think every symptom once served a purpose and that change can occur by looking at how and why these symptoms developed, while at the same time trying new behaviors.

Do things in your life not seem to be working anymore? Are you feeling more disconnected, down and isolated, and unwilling to engage in the things you used to enjoy? Or are you feeling so anxious about life that it no longer seems manageable? Maybe you're drinking more, eating less (or more), or finding it difficult to get out of bed. Perhaps you find the meaningful relationships in your life lacking. Sometimes life throws us curveballs that we don't believe we can recover from. And you know what? That's okay. Because you can get through this.

Are you feeling like your emotions are just too much to handle on your own? And do you bottle things up because you don't want to be a burden? All of that built up pressure can be a lot to carry. I want to help you untangle yourself from the heaviness of your experiences. Let’s work together to figure out how to express your unresolved emotions and reach the healing that you deserve. There is nothing wrong with getting some extra support to figure things out and get back on track. When you are ready, I am here to support and empower you along your journey.

Feeling like your life is on pause, while from the very first session together, my commitment is clear – you're not just a client; you're a co-pilot in this voyage towards self-healing. Here, your voice guides our compass, and your unique story shapes the course. Getting your child the support they need to thrive in life is possible. I’ve been helping young people and their parents navigate these complex issues for over two decades. It’s time to give your child their best chance at the future they deserve.

Have you ever noticed yourself shutting down or feeling overwhelmed in stressful situations? Or you might notice yourself focused on thinking about how to change things without anything actually changing. I enjoy helping adults, families, and children safely stay anchored in the here-and-now as they authentically reconnect to feelings, learning how to become more comfortable along the way. I appreciate hearing how you experience life and interact with others. For children, I create a safe, and non judgmental place through the use a play and family therapy to allow change to occur.

Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a M.S in Child Development & Family Studies, specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, from Purdue University. I specialize in working with couples, parents and co-parents, families, teens and Adults. My systemic approach goes beyond the individual and addresses problems within the context of people's relationships and environment. I believe relationships form a key part of health & well-being and strive to help people work through/resolve their emotional injuries to achieve happiness & harmony internally (within one's self) and externally (in relationships).

Costa holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from DePaul University and a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Certified Professional Coach. Costa utilizes a variety of therapeutic and motivational approaches (including CBT) to help his clients cope with depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, and a variety of life transitions and stressors. He also has spent many years helping clients navigate career development goals and achieving greater career success.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, whether you come in alone, with a partner, or with your family. Together we explore your therapeutic goals. I firmly believe in the power of relationships to foster resilience and healing. In my work, I strive to cultivate connection and curiosity in an active, direct, and compassionate manner as you explore life's challenges -- deepening your understanding of yourself and learning to connect more meaningfully with others.

I specialize in working with sexual desire discrepancy and intimacy. Sexual desire discrepancy is when one person in a relationship wants sex more or differently than their partner(s). It is very common and occurs in otherwise happy and healthy relationships. Although common, desire discrepancy can lead to severe relational discord. Through a combination of psychosexual education, deep couple's work, and a compilation of the leading sexual desire discrepancy theories, I have designed a way of addressing desire discrepancy that offers you and your partner(s) a new way to be sexual together. It is not easy work, but it is rewarding.

I offer therapeutic interventions with warmth and compassion, focusing on strengths to help identify opportunities for change and actualization. My primary areas of experience include depression/anxiety and other mental health concerns, substance use/recovery, and concerns related to gender or sexuality. I see therapy as a journey aiming to get deeper understanding of oneself, relationships, and the world around us.

A break-up, loss, anxiety, or adjusting to a life transition are common issues addressed in therapy. Most people go through difficult times; therapy helps you to gain better insight into your struggles and make lasting changes. Therapy can truly change how you see yourself, how you feel, and how you experience life. I work to create a judgment free, safe environment using a strength-based, holistic approach to meet your individual needs. I have extensive training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, though this is just one of the tools in my toolbox. I believe therapy is a collaborative process that is tailored towards you. My style is

I’m a big believer that therapy doesn’t have to be buttoned-up or artificial. It should be comfortable and real. I prefer to facilitate a casual, collaborative, & affirming environment where we can openly discuss anything that’s on your mind and empower you to explore who you are and how you relate to others. I specialize in working working with athletes (professional and amateur), e-sports athletes, musicians, poly relationships and fellow therapists in individual, relationship, and family contexts.

Do you feel held back from achieving your full potential? Trapped by feelings of anxiety or depression? Your story doesn't end here. Let me help you write the next chapter.