Adoption Therapists in Chicago, IL

I provide a warm, nurturing, collaborative environment to foster healthy emotional functioning. My goal is to assist you in creating a healthier sense of self. With over 20 years experience as a psychotherapist, I am well versed in psychodynamic clinical practice. I incorporate a number of methods, including CBT, Mindfulness, Family Systems, and Attachment Therapy. I'm certified in EMDR for the treatment of trauma and other painful or highly charged memories, experiences, and relationships. My use of EMDR can facilitate rapid resolution of painful memories and relationships, trauma, and change negative beliefs about yourself.

I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and/or families reclaim their lives by restoring their sense of hope. I strongly believe each individual has a set of strengths and capabilities that can assist with overcoming life's challenges, and I am mindful of the role that trauma plays on current functioning. I have worked with adolescents who have struggled with thoughts of suicide and self-harm, and I understand the stressors associated with being a teen in today's world.

Showing up to therapy - wholeheartedly - takes serious courage. I meet my clients’ courage with warmth, energy, and openness. I work primarily with children, families, and young adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, single incident and developmental trauma, identity exploration, and relationship difficulties. I have advanced training in issues related to adoption and working with members of the adoption triad. I collaborate with each client to understand their unique context and to identify goals that promote clarity, healing, and deeper connection to self and others.

Therapy is a very intimate experience. I strive for a personal connection with my clients from the get-go. Through that relationship, I am better able to understand the motivations, hidden struggles and impulses that drive my clients, and in turn, help them to utilize their own strengths and learned techniques to successfully address the difficult issues for which they sought therapy. I have assisted clients who are going through or preparing for a life transition, experiencing depression, anxiety or mood disorders, and recovering from trauma or loss.

How we make sense of our life experiences and deal with life's challenges is important for all of us. Adoption adds a layer of complexity. Issues of attachment, trauma, loss, race/identity, behavioral regulation, self-esteem and the impact of difficult/unknown early history take on added significance as children grow and mature into young adults. At The Cradle Center for Lifelong Support, I work with all members of the adoption circle My expertise is in strengthening children and their families by improving attachment, communication and understanding through individual/family therapy, parent coaching and education.

Are you looking for an experienced, local therapist for yourself or a family member? I have had extensive experience, both professionally and personally, in treating both adults and children. who have suffered loss, childhood abuse, depression and shame. I am currently offering clients a choice between teletherapy or being seen in my Oak Park office.

I am a practicing and licensed psychotherapist specializing in working with children ages 1-10 and their families. My focus is on understanding the strengths and challenges of each child and then developing a treatment protocol designed to best support the child in the context of their family and larger community. While working with children in therapy, I often work extensively with the parents so that they can understand the emotional challenges beneath their child's behaviors and be an active part of their child's healing long term.

Warm wishes and kudos to you for reaching out in this time of such uncertainty. I know all too well how uncertainty in the future and loss of control can contribute to anxiety and feelings of defeat. I have over 10-yrs of experience supporting individuals and couples in the midst of crisis and loss of control. While each circumstance is unique and will vary, please be assured that you are not, and do not have to navigate this alone. Whether it’s loss of purpose, lack of direction or feeling an overall loss of control, I will partner with you to identify your goals and reach fulfillment while gaining a sense of relief along the way.

Clients I work with often feel in-between jobs, relationships, cultures, identities, or values. This “in-between” feeling can show up as depression, anxiety, or difficulties with relationships and life transitions. I believe that peace and stability comes from finding comfort in the “in-between” and not forcing yourself out of it. I offer space for individuals to learn more about themselves and how they show up in the many roles in their lives so they can be more themselves in all parts of their lives.

Worked with people who are dealing with behaviors associated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Direct Feedback, Trauma Informed Care, Skills Based Approach, Modeling and Skills Training, All Inclusive approach

I believe that we all deserve to feel our best and experience joy in our relationships and lives. The therapeutic process can help develop a deeper understanding of our true selves and ourselves in relation to others. Through this understanding growth can occur.

I am here to give support to those who have experienced racial and gender trauma, domestic and sexual abuse victims, exploration of self-identity in all aspects, and more. I practice cultural humility in order to be able to work with different cultures and intersectionality. I aim to provide a client-centered approach which I find important in maintaining this therapeutic relationship. We will work together to make this a safe and brave space for you so that you can embark on your journey to heal.

I wholeheartedly believe that everyone has the ability to heal from difficult life experiences and move forward to live a fulfilling and joyful life. I specialize in supporting children, adolescents, and adults through the healing process after they have been exposed to traumatic life events such as abuse/neglect, adoption , divorce, loss, attachment difficulties, and other life stressors. I have a passion for working with individuals who have experienced traumas, new parents experiencing peripartum/postpartum difficulties, early childhood populations, and parent-child relationship issues.

As a therapist, I believe in the power of self-awareness in helping people overcome adversity. Trained in Systems Therapy at the Family Institute at Northwestern University, my orientation is to use relationships to strengthen our understanding of one another, and of ourselves. I value the humanistic experience most of all, and strive to learn as much as possible about one's past motivations and ways of coping. I also believe that the therapeutic relationship is the key ingredient in effecting change. I use compassion and acceptance as tools to help create space for that change.