Out of Network Therapists in Deerfield, IL

Hello and welcome! My name is Ashley, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been providing therapy services since 2015. My hope for you and your therapeutic experience is that you begin to feel empowered, validated, understood and heard. If you find that you are struggling to move forward from a conflict, a relationship, a complicated time of your life, it could be because this was actually traumatizing for you. Trauma can be difficult to understand and overcome as it so often manifests in many ways.

Do you feel that anxiety, stress and panic are taking a toll on you body and the mind? My approach to therapy is to create a safe space where you can explore and heal the difficult and painful issues that are showing up in your life. Together we will move beyond problem-solving into releasing the mistaken beliefs and core unresolved issues behind your symptoms. My body-centered and mindfulness approach allows me to work directly with your nervous system to address symptoms like anxiety, racing thoughts, and irrational fears as well as feeling stuck, depressed and unavailable or unresponsive to life and relationships.

In my practice I specialize in relational therapy for couples, families, business partners and adult males. Couples relationships are comprised of two elements, companionship and intimacy. Whenever there are difficulties in either area, the benefits of the relationship suffer. This might be from recurrent communication issues, infidelity, sexual problems, finances, etc. Deepening the connection of companionship with the joy of intimacy will create the space for lifelong, transformative partnering.

Have you been thinking that it’s time to finally stop running away from your problems, but you’re not sure how? Avoidance, anxiety, drinking, drugs, constantly working…you know they’re not the real answer, but you’ve felt like you haven’t had any other choice. You want to live a life without shame and guilt, where you can find peace of mind without hurting yourself or the people you love. I have dedicated my career to supporting those making this journey - I understand what comes next, and we'll work together through the tough choices and challenges ahead.

All of us face challenges in our lives and at times need support in finding new perspectives and tools. I believe my role is to encourage, support, and collaborate alongside you on your journey of growth and healing. My goal is to create a nonjudgmental, safe space where you feel comfortable sharing your genuine self. I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults of all ages, as well as families and couples.

When it comes to mental health treatment, our approach is simple and unique: our accomplished team of physicians and therapists work together to diagnose and treat your body, mind and spirit as a whole. We are one of the few practices combining traditional treatment with evidence-based alternative therapies, all under one roof. We are privileged to have changed the lives of many families in Chicago's North Shore, as well as out-of-state and foreign visitors. Our "whole body" approach to treating mental health conditions is supported by clinical studies. These include but are not limited to: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), diet and exercise, spiritual/social evaluation, yoga and art therapy. Many still focus only on the brain, treating symptoms, not causes. In many cases they over-prescribe medications. While our physicians do prescribe medications as needed, what sets us apart is our commitment to explore all options. We search for root causes and provide the most appropriate treatment, not merely the most convenient one. When we do prescribe, we go the extra mile to customize a plan that minimizes side effects. You and your family deserve the best in healthcare!

One of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. There is so much value, understanding, and growth in developing a healthy relationship with yourself. If you think about it, the longest and most important relationship we will ever have is the one we have with ourselves. I am here to help you begin or continue that journey. I am the type of therapist you want to reach out to if you are struggling with perfectionism or low self-esteem, situations that make you feel anxious, depressed, and easily overwhelmed, or that feeling of being completely burned out and in need of self-care.

In-person & telehealth available: Brighter Pathways, PLLC is a small group practice currently offering individual, couples, family, and group therapies. Our therapists value collaboration, education, and transparency because treatment should make sense to you. In order to best meet your needs, your therapist will strive to understand your unique circumstances. We believe in a team approach to treatment. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your personal goals and struggles. We offer a safe, supportive, and open environment for you to explore your struggles and strive for personal growth.

Do you feel that aspects of your life are out of control and unmanageable? Maybe you are noticing a pattern of avoiding people or places you once loved, or a sudden change in appetite, energy, or drive. Or maybe you know something is “off” and can’t quite put your finger on what is missing. The first step to change and healing is sometimes an overwhelming task. It takes a lot of courage to say, “it’s time to do something differently”.

Through research, education and clinical services, The Family Institute at Northwestern University is one of the nation's leading relationship-based behavioral health organizations committed to strengthening and healing the whole family system by bringing together the right partners to support children, adults, couples and families across the lifespan. As researchers, educators and therapists, we work with our clients and PARTNER TO SEE CHANGE. By weaving together 175 therapists and therapists-in-training, we create a high quality, collaborative system of behavioral health care. One that gets results.

My ideal client is someone who is ready to approach their life challenges with an open mind and open heart. With an extensive background in psychodynamic psychotherapy, I am able to offer assessment and treatment from a holistic perspective. My clients are interested in understanding the self more deeply, the origins of their difficulties and putting in the work to improve themselves and their lives.