Therapists in Near North Side, Chicago, IL

Disorders such as depression and anxiety are often complicated by substance abuse, and vice versa. I'm experienced in treating such co-occurring disorders and other issues in a supportive, open and effective way that respects clients' autonomy and values. What this means in practice is a customized approach to each individual, based on their specific needs, that draws on different therapeutic traditions and techniques. These may include psychodynamic, looking at close early relationships and issues; cognitive-behavioral therapy, untangling connections between thoughts, feelings and behaviors; mindfulness, drawing on ancient mind-body practices such as meditation that neuroscience has increasingly validated; as well as others.

I’m grateful to have this opportunity to connect with you. The therapeutic process is a sacred journey. Here we can share in a safe, non-judgmental place. If we have suffered addiction, anxiety, depression or trauma we can uncover the aspects of ourselves that need healing. The quality of our lives is directly connected to the quality of our relationships - with ourselves and with others. When our relationships are suffering, everything is impacted. For that reason, in our therapy sessions we explore whatever is unfolding in your relationships and we discover how to bring awareness and skill to these crucial connections.

Dr. Ajmere is licensed psychologist and is widely recognized as an expert on adolescent health. She has completed a year-long course on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; studying under Mark A. Reinecke, Ph.D., Professor & Chief of the Division of Psychology, Northwestern University. She also trained in a CBT program for the treatment of anxiety disorders with Dr. Patrick McGrath, Director of Alexian Brothers Center for Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders. In addition to her clinical practice she is an adjunct professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Roosevelt University and DePaul University.

As humans, we are exposed to many environmental factors, both positive and negative, that impact how we function later in life. Issues that are problematic and negatively impact our lives are usually symptoms and not the problem. Together, we explore the symptoms to identify the deeper problems. I specialize in individual counseling, couples counseling (including premarital counseling), and family counseling. My approach to treatment is generally cognitive-behavioral therapy. I have more than 30 years as a clinician during which time I've worked with chronic psychiatric disorders, developmental disorders, and substance addiction.

With equal parts pragmatism and philosophy, I approach the process of therapy from a strength-based perspective, focusing on the potentials of reflection to bring about intentional choices. Life transitions can offer opportunities, however painful, to identify patterns and create alternatives. I deeply commit to collaboration in all aspects of my work bringing an integrative approach to multiple contexts.

Are you suffering with sadness, fearfulness, irritability, difficulty sleeping/concentrating or any other emotional distress? Tired of living with the pain & feeling "stuck"? Lacking motivation & inspiration? You have all you need within you to regain your strength & peace-I can help you move past the difficulties so you can pursue the unlimited possibilities your life can offer. I believe the goal of psychotherapy is freedom-freedom to live your life as you choose, not the way you were taught. Our psychotherapeutic work will empower you to move forward & create lasting change. Now is the time to stop hurting & start thriving.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor dedicated to helping clients empower themselves and obtain a better quality of life. I offer an individualized approach to each client, utilizing strength and evidence based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I believe that life circumstances are often out of our control, but we can learn tools to react effectively to such circumstances. I help to guide my clients in learning more productive thought and behavior patterns to 1) reach desired goals, 2) develop an improved understanding of themselves, and 3) ultimately bring about positive change in their lives.

My work is psychoanalytic, which means I attend to feelings/beliefs that emerge from one's lived experience/history and that interfere with living fully, creatively, and freely in the present. I believe that psychotherapy, at its best, is a deeply transforming experience that emerges within an intimate and private space in which you are listened to, understood, and responded to with intelligence and compassion.

I work with children & adolescents, adults, couples and families. I have been in the field of Mental Health & Law for over 20 years. I utilize a variety of treatment approaches to treat depression, PTSD, adjustment disorders, culture conflicts, LGBTQ issues and life transitions. I received my MS degree from Mississippi State University and my MJ degree from Loyola University Chicago, School of Law. I've had a solo practice for 8 years on the North Shore of Chicago. I have held several Mental Health Supervisor and Director positions in the Chicagoland area.

I specialize in working with adults who face challenges related to anxiety, depression, body image, binge eating, self-esteem issues, and trauma. My mission is to help clients find peace in their daily lives by unpacking beliefs, behaviors, and emotions that may be holding them back. For some, this may mean working through symptoms of anxiety, trauma, or depression. It can also include working through unresolved childhood wounds which may impact current relationships or self-esteem. I will help you explore with warmth, curiosity, & compassion.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* Selecting the right therapist who has the clinical training and experience to help you can be confusing. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, anger, grief, or have difficulties managing stress, I am a seasoned therapist with over 15 years of experience who specialize in these issues. I also specialize in multicultural issues. My approach is tailored to your specific needs because I see the psychotherapy as an ongoing and collaborative process between two of us. I will teach you useful skills that will help you to deal with not only the current problems but also with future problems you might encounter.

An integrative and holistic approach to change, healing, and future growth. Assessing your own being, needs, and internal control while promoting health in the mind-body-and soul. Therapy can heal relationships in your personal and professional worlds. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, communication skills, grief, infertility, eating disorders, etc., you do not have to struggle alone. As a licensed clinical therapist, I commit to diligently working in collaboration with you to bring about the change you desire. I am an experienced therapist, trained yoga instructor, and reiki practitioner.

Colleen Hawking's ideal guest is open to the endless possibilities of growth and change during the therapeutic process. For Colleen, therapy is an ongoing and collaborative process between the therapist and guest. Through the utilization of the therapeutic process, guests can obtain the skills and insight in order to achieve growth and positive change.

I am a skilled therapist, specializing in working with individuals with eating disorders, addictions. I believe entering into a therapeutic relationship takes a great deal of courage. You've been turning to a substance, even though the substance/behavior is no longer working for you, there is a great deal of shame that accompanies these illnesses that are obstacles in asking for help. These are illnesses that take the joy and anything else that is valuable to the person out of their lifes, therefore asking for help is vital, recovery cannot be done alone. I have also worked with individuals with major depression and anxiety.

My therapeutic style is strengths-based, warm and collaborative. I focus on developing relationships with clients built on understanding and trust in order to safely explore change. I believe it is an honor to work alongside you in your journey and strive to promote an environment that is both culturally sensitive and affirming.

I actively foster a collaborative alliance with clients. I provide focus and support as we work together to increase your self-awareness and identify specific strategies to help you address the challenges you are experiencing. As part of this process, I help you become more mindful of habits that might get in your way while learning new approaches to live more authentically. I draw on over thirty-five years of clinical experience with varied populations in inpatient and outpatient settings. My key areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, anger management, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, motivation, underachievement, creativity issues, and procrastination.

I enjoy working with individuals who are seeking to become their most authentic selves. I walk alongside my clients to address life transitions, anxiety, depression, or unresolved traumas, and the unhealthy coping skills we develop when these issues are left untreated. Together we work with these struggles, instead of against them, and learn to form a healthier, more whole self.

My style is open and active in an attempt to meet my client's needs. I believe that successful therapy helps the client find insight into their lives and the competence to improve their functioning. Essentially, I hope that self-awareness leads to healthy changes in various important areas of my client's lives. I also hope to facilitate awareness and use of one's personal strengths - all in a supportive therapeutic atmosphere. Many of my clients seek my assistance with mood problems such as depression, anxiety, and anger. Others look for help in dealing with difficult life transitions.