Therapists in Cook County, IL

I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked with children, adolescents, and families for over 15 years. I have extensive experience working with a variety of emotional and behavioral concerns (i.e., adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, mood problems, low self-esteem, peer issues, identity development, parent-child conflicts, attention problems, oppositional behaviors, and behavior management). I also work with young adults, focusing on stress management, life transitions, difficulties with romantic and peer relationships, family conflict, and struggles with identity that often occur in early adulthood.

We often try to deny and reject our past instead of embracing it, sometimes leading to self-doubt, negative thoughts and memories that can hinder us. Through collaboration and self-determination, we can reignite the drive that still lies within, so that we can increase your self-esteem, replace negative thoughts with positive thinking, and process those memories together. You are not alone. April has always been passionate about helping others achieve their goals for better mental health. From assistance with daily stressors to feelings of hopelessness, each client is unique and deserves a therapeutic journey tailored to them.

My treatment philosophy helps clients gain a new perspective on the concerns that may be holding them back, which enhances their ability to focus on the things that they value most in life. I have spent many years in various roles at Northwestern Medicine Behavioral Health Services, most recently as Psychiatric Counseling Coordinator.

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.

Having lived in different countries (China, England, and the U.S.) and the life of both a “majority” and a “minority”, from marketing to mental health, I am able to connect with people in their diverse life experiences. I see therapy as a relationship between two people committed to face the deeper truths of our lives. I am here to understand your unique personal story, and support you in sorting out complex emotional and relational concerns. The goal is for you to set yourself free from limiting barriers, build emotional resilience, and develop more fulfilling relationships with others.

At Mindful Healing Counseling, we are committed to providing inclusive, affirming, compassionate, and exceptional care to help you create meaningful and long-lasting change. Our dedicated and experienced therapists have a passion for helping people work through the uncomfortable feelings and thoughts that can arise with feelings of anxiety, stress, depression, conflicts in relationships, struggling to find one’s identity, the demands of motherhood, neurodiversity, or working through one of the many challenges life can bring.

How can I help? That's how therapy begins. Whether you decided to seek therapy because you're sad, anxious, angry, struggling in your job or relationship, or because you are pursuing self-growth, choosing a therapist can be overwhelming. If you're looking for a therapist who is warm, direct, and focused on helping you be more honest with yourself and with others, then I might be a good fit for you. Ultimately, my goal is to help you live a better life.

I believe that therapy can enrich people's lives and relationships. It takes strength and courage to reach out for help, and oftentimes the first step is the most difficult. That’s why I emphasize on the development of a trusting relationship before anything else. I use a client-centered approach to help foster a warm and non judgemental environment where my clients can feel confident to explore and make changes to help improve their quality of life. I enjoy the use of play, humor, and warmth to create an enjoyable setting for the therapeutic process to occur.

You finally made it, and you’re still not happy. You graduated, landed a dream job, and have a nice home. You checked every box on the “should-do list” and while you’re not completely miserable you're not far from it. You long for Fridays and dread Mondays, not that it matters because you catch up on work on the weekends. If you feel overwhelmed by work that has taken over the other areas of your life, I can help. I help professionals learn to manage stress, feel less anxious, and set boundaries at the office without jeopardizing their job.

I provide psychotherapy to adults of all ages, creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their experiences, gain insights, and develop coping strategies. I specialize in helping clients navigate relationship concerns, life transitions, identity issues, trauma, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and academic challenges. With a genuine and authentic presence, I empower clients to reach their fullest potential. Hailing from the vibrant streets of New York City and raised in a culturally rich Nigerian-American household, I am deeply committed to enhancing mental health care within marginalized communities.

I work together with my clients on what is meaningful to them and honor the uniqueness of each person's concerns without judgment. I believe the more someone feels accepted for who they are, the more they are able to focus on their strengths and initiate change. Whether you are struggling with life transitions, healing past traumas, trying to improve your relationship or looking for parent guidance, I work hard to provide a safe space for you to reach your goals. I am versed in many evidenced-based practices: play therapy, DBT, CBT, mindfulness, ACT, and tailor therapy around your goals and needs.

In a time where the world is shifting toward isolation, I will guide you in new ways to help form closer relationships to yourself and to others no matter your orientation or relationship style. Whether you are challenged by self-esteem, emotional connection, body image, anxiety, sexuality, conflict management, (re)building intimacy, differing sexual desires, arousal concerns, or navigating the world of dating; huge transformations await you! I'll support and guide your efforts to become more aware of intruding patterns to embrace more understanding and meaning in your life and help you become closer to the people you love.

With over 20 years of experience I have worked with a range of issues and populations. My main approach to therapy is cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) in order to process thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that contribute to distorted thinking and behavior, therefore affecting emotional well-being. The goal is to challenge and reframe so that the client achieves their personal goals, to cope with life transitions and obstacles. I also utilize Attachment Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I've assisted clients with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, life transitions, and various others.

I work with teenagers, adults and relationships struggling with communication and self-esteem. I want to help anyone dealing with issues surrounding self-worth, communication, sex and intimacy, life transitions, abortion processing, depression and anxiety, and the perinatal/postpartum period to understand that they are not alone. I consider myself a relational therapist and work with any and all relationships! This includes but is not limited to couples, spouses, friendships, adult siblings, open relationships, and polyamorous relationships.

We have all had that feeling of being stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how things might turn out. It could be something from our past, something from our current daily lives, or something about the unknown future that is giving us that feeling. All we want is to move forward. I’m here to work with you on building your existing strengths and learning the skills needed to overcome those feelings and challenges.

We all want to be healthier versions of ourselves and improve our overall wellbeing. Most of the time we tend to concentrate only on focusing on our physical health. While this is important it's not the only component of well-being we should be improving. To achieve lasting health we need to understand the importance of the body, mind and soul and how they work together to build our overall wellbeing. A healthy body keeps you well and active, a healthy mind keeps you focused and engaged, a healthy soul keeps you fulfilled and content.

Life is hard and we all have a story. I believe there is profound healing in creating space to share our narratives. I am deeply passionate in helping my clients reclaim space in their own lives as they move towards their most authentic selves. I work with a diverse range of adult individuals who are experiencing challenges related to anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relationships. I have a unique passion for working with women, especially those navigating concerns related to self-worth and shame. Other area's of clinical interests include burnout, stress management, and work-life balance.

Are you feeling stuck and struggling to make a healthier change in your life? Is your anxiety crippling you or do you feel down and can’t shake it off? Many people deal with anxiety, depression in silence, especially the ones adjusting to a new identity such as parenthood. Others’ anxiety comes from challenges at work, relationships and other life stressors. I work with clients who struggle in silence and constantly ruminate on changing yet they might not have the tools nor the energy to get out of feeling stuck.

My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe environment where my clients feel accepted as they are, while also supported in moving towards the growth and change they are seeking. I work with young adults and adults seeking support with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting, life transitions, relationship difficulties, identity, and self-esteem concerns, among others. I have over ten years of clinical experience, working in public school, college counseling center, and outpatient practice settings.