ADHD Therapists in Cook County, IL

As a queer and neurodivergent therapist, I understand that systemic issues and stigmatization make reaching out for support a daunting task. I understand how difficult talking about emotions and past experiences can be. You may be yearning for someone to recognize the experience of being in your skin. My goal is to work with you to develop strategies that align with your unique strengths and challenges. As your therapist, I intend to foster a sense of safety and trust in our sessions, nurturing you into your most authentic self. I am passionate about exploring how our experiences and backgrounds shape our identities.

Asking for help isn't easy and takes a great deal of courage. I greatly respect the individuals I work with and do my best to make their experience one that feels healing and encouraging. I work with children, teens, and adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, chronic medical conditions, trauma, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. I utilize a warm and thoughtful approach to create a genuine and collaborative partnership with each individual I work with.

I specialize working with those (17+) coping with ADHD and am passionate about helping them thrive and feel empowered. I also have extensive experience and education in the fields of psychology and spirituality. I have had the privilege of working with many clients seeking the support of therapy due to painful experiences with organized religion, including those who identify as LGBTQ, former Catholic, or exevagenlical. Other areas of clinical focus include: women's issues, sexual identity (LGB community), burnout, life transitions, parenting support, anxiety, depression, career satisfaction, ACOA, and divorce.

I am Glenda Smith, PhD, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and owner of Frame of Mind Psychological Services, Inc. I have 20+ years of experience working with children and adults, addressing a myriad of concerns and helping to search for solutions. So, if you want to do something amazing but don't think you can. Or if you are feeling overwhelmed and off balanced, rest your mind in a calm space to help you find answers to what troubles you or create a different/new path.

As a leader in the neurodiversity movement, I have dedicated my work as a therapist, educator, speaker, supervisor, business owner, and writer to support major shifts in conceptualizing mental health and create lasting change for neurodivergent folks. I specialize in working with clients who are exploring ADHD, AuDHD, autism, race, creativity, artistic identity, queerness, executive functioning, and relationships through individual, couples, and family therapy. I lead with authenticity and a unique focus on language that helps my clients design a life that reflects their unique wants, interests, desires, goals, and identities.

At some point nearly all of my clients tell me that they feel stuck. For some, this stuckness may mean not living a life that is as joyful or meaningful as they would like or feeling like they are falling short of who they want to be. Feeling stuck may lead to engaging in destructive habits like misusing substances, binge watching Netflix when you should be working or sleeping to avoid. Many of my clients have a history of trauma and have been living in survival mode for years. I am passionate about helping my clients get "unstuck" and helping them move forward in a meaningful direction.

I have over 20 years of testing experience as a Licensed Diagnostician, Educational Psychologist, and School Psychologist. I specialize in psychoeducational & neuro/psychological testing for children, teens, college students, and adults. I evaluate for ADHD, executive functioning, anxiety, mood, developmental concerns, social anxiety, social difficulties, personality traits, adjustment issues, 504/IEP, learning challenges, college & graduate school testing, college career assessment profiles, & more. I worked with many school districts as a child advocate/consultant/school psychologist, including North Shore, Lincolnwood, & NSSED

I work holistically with clients to explore how their past, present, and future all impact their identity, self-expression, and quality of life. I work with youth, adolescents, emerging adults, and adults on mood (depression, anxiety, anger), identity development, LGBTQIA2S+ concerns, creativity difficulties (professional and expression), ADHD, and family of origin difficulties.

Tonya Vander, LCSW, understands what trauma and grief look like when life is severely altered, and she offers a strong, empathic ear and tools to guide clients through healing. She creates safe spaces for individuals to feel heard, encouraged, and accepted. She supports clients age six and up struggling with depression, family conflict, mood disorders, stress, and is especially skilled at treating: Trauma/PTSD: Tonya is highly skilled at treating trauma and supporting clients through the tremendous repair work needed to heal. She helps clients focus on hope and resiliency no matter what barriers they're facing.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with a background working with both adolescent and adult populations in treatment settings. My approach to therapy is collaborative and strengths based.

My role as a therapist is to be an active collaborator in your journey to reclaim your own unique vitality. I offer a variety of therapeutic methods that help you improve your quality of life, connection with yourself and others, and to develop your own internal sense of purpose and resilience.

My passion for counseling began early in my life, and I always had a curiosity to better understand the intricacies of human behavior and emotions. While I began my journey as an elementary school teacher, I soon realized I wanted to assist in helping people heal and find happiness. I am a neurodivergent-affirming counselor specializing in ADHD treatment. Drawing from my personal experiences and professional expertise, I provide a safe and understanding space where individuals can explore their unique neurodivergent identities and challenges.

The urge to not just exist, but to thrive is universally one of the toughest challenges that one can learn to navigate. It can be even harder when you may not feel equipped with the tools to prepare yourself for this massive endeavor. You may feel the need to mask, or hide your truest self in order to ‘get by’ and make things easier on yourself and others around you. I try to tell clients that they deserve to allow themselves to be the truest version of yourself, no matter what that may look like or what society may think. I am here to help guide you through the veil of uncertainty so that I can help you be your most authentic self.

Are you feeling stuck and unsure why? Not moving forward professionally, socially or relationally? Feel like stress, anxiety or depression is ruling your life? I use a non- judgmental approach in therapy to help clients find healthy ways of coping with whatever struggles life has presented. I support clients to achieve goals that we collaboratively develop and empower my clients to change distorted thinking patterns to improve their quality of life. I also use a strength based approach to therapy to improve self-esteem, decision making and to support positive relationships in my clients' lives.

We all learn and grow in our own unique ways. We have strengths and challenges, and need to understand them to be successful. The North Shore Center for ADHD and Learning offers an opportunity to learn about your unique talents and needs, in order to maximize your potential. Our biopsychosocial approach integrates an initial comprehensive assessment followed by recommendations for various treatment and educational interventions. The treatment plan can include pharmacological (medication) and behavioral approaches to ADHD and learning disorders.

In psychotherapy, I am a supportive listener who helps clients to uncover blind spots where difficulties lurk. I teach healthy coping strategies, and I coach people to try out new behaviors in their daily lives. I further help individuals, families, and couples to shore up inner resources to face life's challenges effectively and with a stronger sense of self-worth. I also guide individuals toward a better understanding of their feelings and emotional states. Finally, my approach focuses on breaking problematic interpersonal patterns and striving to be more autonomous and self-governing in one's day-to-day life.

Do you find yourself overwhelmed in a world that's not designed for you? Stop designing your life around the world. Design your life around you. The Center for Effective Artistry specializes in working with clients exploring neurodivergence, ADHD, ASD, AuDHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma, queerness, gender, race, religion, climate grief, and substance use. Our clients are tired of having therapists give them an "answer" that doesn't work. We offer an approach that is unique to each of our fantastic clients. As leaders in the neurodiversity movement, we think outside of the box, and aim to improve the field of mental health.

I utilize values-based approaches to help my clients live their most fulfilling life. With a particular interest in ACT and DBT, I work to help individuals move toward their desires and goals confidently. I provide clients with tools for empowerment and self-assurance so that they have the ability to feel their very best. It is important to me that my clients feel safe, comfortable, and cared for by creating a space that is led by compassion and understanding. I believe in the power of personal narratives and in allowing each individual to tell their story free of judgement, shame, or guilt.

Do you feel stressed out and tired of trying to do everything yourself? Have you been thinking about talking to someone, but it hasn't felt like the right time yet? And is it getting harder to set certain thoughts and feelings aside and "just not think about it?" I specialize in helping people work through stressful transitions and high-conflict situations. Through individual or couple's therapy, we can work together to find peace again and achieve the goals which you've wanted but have felt out of reach.