Emotionally Focused Therapists in Dolton, IL
Hello, I’m Sonya, a therapist who believes healing doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time. I bring an open mind and genuine curiosity to every session, because your story deserves to be heard without judgment. While we’ll dig deep into the challenges you’re facing, I also use humor to remind you that growth can be lighter. My approach is all about helping you discover your own resilience and power, even when it feels out of reach while giving you the tools that create the changes you want in your life. Together, we’ll build a path forward that feels authentic, balanced, and empowering. Warmest regards, Sonya
Hello, I’m Sonya, a therapist who believes healing doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time. I bring an open mind and genuine curiosity to every session, because your story deserves to be heard without judgment. While we’ll dig deep into the challenges you’re facing, I also use humor to remind you that growth can be lighter. My approach is all about helping you discover your own resilience and power, even when it feels out of reach while giving you the tools that create the changes you want in your life. Together, we’ll build a path forward that feels authentic, balanced, and empowering. Warmest regards, Sonya
I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy and trauma-informed approaches, while working at a pace that allows for both safety and meaningful depth.
I work with couples who are experiencing significant challenges in their relationship, including those who may be on the brink of divorce. They may be dealing with communication breakdowns, emotional disconnection, unresolved conflicts, or the impact of past traumas. I also work with individual clients who may not have an obvious history of trauma but may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or other challenges that make it difficult to thrive. They might feel overwhelmed by daily stressors, experience low self-esteem, or struggle to manage their emotions and maintain a positive outlook.
I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy and trauma-informed approaches, while working at a pace that allows for both safety and meaningful depth.
I work with couples who are experiencing significant challenges in their relationship, including those who may be on the brink of divorce. They may be dealing with communication breakdowns, emotional disconnection, unresolved conflicts, or the impact of past traumas. I also work with individual clients who may not have an obvious history of trauma but may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or other challenges that make it difficult to thrive. They might feel overwhelmed by daily stressors, experience low self-esteem, or struggle to manage their emotions and maintain a positive outlook.
Hello! I am delighted to introduce myself to you. My name is Li Drummond. I have worked with many different presenting issues including adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, suicide risk, stress, loss, trauma, struggles with drugs and alcohol, family problems, child welfare, family problems, offenders, and relationship difficulties. I feel comfortable working with clients ranging in age from children to adults and feel especially well-equipped to work with clients facing discrimination and marginalization including members of various immigrant communities, LGBTQIA+ clientele, black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC).
Hello! I am delighted to introduce myself to you. My name is Li Drummond. I have worked with many different presenting issues including adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, suicide risk, stress, loss, trauma, struggles with drugs and alcohol, family problems, child welfare, family problems, offenders, and relationship difficulties. I feel comfortable working with clients ranging in age from children to adults and feel especially well-equipped to work with clients facing discrimination and marginalization including members of various immigrant communities, LGBTQIA+ clientele, black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC).
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My ideal client includes adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, identity shifts, or life transitions. They’re thoughtful, resilient, and ready to grow, but feel stuck. They want more than relief; they’re seeking lasting change. They want to understand themselves, break harmful patterns, and show up more fully in their lives and communities. My role is to support them in reconnecting with their own wisdom so deeply that they eventually become a healing force in the spaces they care about most.
My ideal client includes adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, identity shifts, or life transitions. They’re thoughtful, resilient, and ready to grow, but feel stuck. They want more than relief; they’re seeking lasting change. They want to understand themselves, break harmful patterns, and show up more fully in their lives and communities. My role is to support them in reconnecting with their own wisdom so deeply that they eventually become a healing force in the spaces they care about most.
I respect the human experience and have a firm belief that every individual has the capacity for growth, healing, and self-discovery. I view therapy as a collaborative process—an intentional relationship where safety, empathy, and authenticity are essential for change to occur. One of my core values as a therapist is unconditional positive regard.
I strive to create a nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen and accepted as they are, while also being gently challenged to explore their patterns, choices, and inner narratives. I believe that real healing begins when people feel deeply heard and respected.
I respect the human experience and have a firm belief that every individual has the capacity for growth, healing, and self-discovery. I view therapy as a collaborative process—an intentional relationship where safety, empathy, and authenticity are essential for change to occur. One of my core values as a therapist is unconditional positive regard.
I strive to create a nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen and accepted as they are, while also being gently challenged to explore their patterns, choices, and inner narratives. I believe that real healing begins when people feel deeply heard and respected.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed? Does it sometimes feel like your to-do list is never ending no matter how many things you cross off? I help clients experience a sense of “légèreté”—feeling lighter and freer in their lives. I create a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients reconnect with their inner knowing, gain clarity, and feel empowered to express their needs and desires.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed? Does it sometimes feel like your to-do list is never ending no matter how many things you cross off? I help clients experience a sense of “légèreté”—feeling lighter and freer in their lives. I create a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients reconnect with their inner knowing, gain clarity, and feel empowered to express their needs and desires.
Challenges in life are unavoidable, but I believe that with the right therapist in the right environment, people can move in a positive direction. My philosophy is to empower my clients and help them discover the tools they need to move them forward in a productive, beneficial way.
Challenges in life are unavoidable, but I believe that with the right therapist in the right environment, people can move in a positive direction. My philosophy is to empower my clients and help them discover the tools they need to move them forward in a productive, beneficial way.
I'm passionate about supporting clients as they navigate the turbulent inner and outer landscapes of being human. Rather than positioning myself as the expert or "fixer," I see my role as a trusted companion in the process of self-discovery. I trust the wisdom each client brings into our work together, and I believe you are the expert on your own inner world. In difficult seasons, I help clients practice turning inward — a very different experience than reaching outward for distraction or staying busy to cope.
I'm passionate about supporting clients as they navigate the turbulent inner and outer landscapes of being human. Rather than positioning myself as the expert or "fixer," I see my role as a trusted companion in the process of self-discovery. I trust the wisdom each client brings into our work together, and I believe you are the expert on your own inner world. In difficult seasons, I help clients practice turning inward — a very different experience than reaching outward for distraction or staying busy to cope.
My work is grounded in a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach and informed by evidence-based practices, including Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT).
I support clients in clarifying goals, processing lived experiences with care and structure, and strengthening emotional connection in their relationships.
I am committed to empowering my community and offering a culturally responsive space where clients feel seen, respected, and supported in their healing process.
My work is grounded in a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach and informed by evidence-based practices, including Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT).
I support clients in clarifying goals, processing lived experiences with care and structure, and strengthening emotional connection in their relationships.
I am committed to empowering my community and offering a culturally responsive space where clients feel seen, respected, and supported in their healing process.
I use EFT, attachment theory, and parts work to help individuals & couples create secure bonds.
You might be neuro-spicy, queer, partnered, poly/ENM, or simply tired of repeating the same painful patterns. Maybe trauma, CPTSD/PTSD, anxiety, depression, or racial stress lives in your body and relationships. You want communication that feels safer, sex and intimacy that feel authentic and shame-free, and connections that actually work for your brain and heart. You’re ready to understand your attachment story, heal old wounds, and build relationships rooted in choice, pleasure, and trust—not survival.
I use EFT, attachment theory, and parts work to help individuals & couples create secure bonds.
You might be neuro-spicy, queer, partnered, poly/ENM, or simply tired of repeating the same painful patterns. Maybe trauma, CPTSD/PTSD, anxiety, depression, or racial stress lives in your body and relationships. You want communication that feels safer, sex and intimacy that feel authentic and shame-free, and connections that actually work for your brain and heart. You’re ready to understand your attachment story, heal old wounds, and build relationships rooted in choice, pleasure, and trust—not survival.
Hi! I’m so grateful you’re here and took the first step in acknowledging the importance of mental health wellness in your life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in perinatal mental health, traumatic birth, grief, medical secondary trauma, and caregiver fatigue. I love working with women experiencing infertility, stressed out mamas, and hospital employees who are experiencing burnout. I am passionate about taking care of caregivers by providing a gentle and supportive landing to put down the heaviness that we carry as helpers and empaths.
Hi! I’m so grateful you’re here and took the first step in acknowledging the importance of mental health wellness in your life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in perinatal mental health, traumatic birth, grief, medical secondary trauma, and caregiver fatigue. I love working with women experiencing infertility, stressed out mamas, and hospital employees who are experiencing burnout. I am passionate about taking care of caregivers by providing a gentle and supportive landing to put down the heaviness that we carry as helpers and empaths.
I believe it is a privilege to hear someone's story, as it takes courage to share our most vulnerable selves with another. Our basic human need for relationships and authentic connection has been the foundation for my empathetic and compassionate service. It fuels my dedication to walking beside you through life transitions, relationship challenges, grief, depression, anxiety, or trauma. I strive to create a safe and supportive space centered on your needs and goals.
I believe it is a privilege to hear someone's story, as it takes courage to share our most vulnerable selves with another. Our basic human need for relationships and authentic connection has been the foundation for my empathetic and compassionate service. It fuels my dedication to walking beside you through life transitions, relationship challenges, grief, depression, anxiety, or trauma. I strive to create a safe and supportive space centered on your needs and goals.
Are you struggling to communicate with your partner, navigating life’s challenges, or feeling disconnected? I specialize in couples therapy and offer evidence-based tools from Gottman Level 1 and Level 2 training to help you strengthen communication, resolve conflicts, and deepen emotional intimacy. I believe in the power of individuality, authenticity, and resilience. Whether you're seeking to set meaningful goals, overcome challenges, or embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, I’m here to guide you. Together, we’ll work to uncover your inner strength, enhance self-love, and achieve clarity.
Are you struggling to communicate with your partner, navigating life’s challenges, or feeling disconnected? I specialize in couples therapy and offer evidence-based tools from Gottman Level 1 and Level 2 training to help you strengthen communication, resolve conflicts, and deepen emotional intimacy. I believe in the power of individuality, authenticity, and resilience. Whether you're seeking to set meaningful goals, overcome challenges, or embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, I’m here to guide you. Together, we’ll work to uncover your inner strength, enhance self-love, and achieve clarity.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist providing individual & couples psychotherapy for late adolescents to older adults. My approach is rooted in creating a collaborative, compassionate, and safe environment to explore reasons for distress and practice ways to process, cope, and heal from them. My work is holistic and integrative, meaning that I draw from various theoretical approaches to tailor therapy to each person's unique needs. I aim to link current stressors with past events to provide insight and corrective emotional experiences while empowering clients to build on their innate strengths.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist providing individual & couples psychotherapy for late adolescents to older adults. My approach is rooted in creating a collaborative, compassionate, and safe environment to explore reasons for distress and practice ways to process, cope, and heal from them. My work is holistic and integrative, meaning that I draw from various theoretical approaches to tailor therapy to each person's unique needs. I aim to link current stressors with past events to provide insight and corrective emotional experiences while empowering clients to build on their innate strengths.
I assist people explore and heal emotional and relational trauma, manage burnout, and reconnect to their emotions, values, and voice. Many of the clients I work with are navigating a disconnect - whether that’s from their relationships, their bodies, their creativity, or even their own emotions. Often, they’re caregivers, professionals, or deep feelers who’ve learned to push through - but are now realizing that what’s worked for survival isn’t sustainable for thriving.
You don’t need to have all the words or a clear reason for starting therapy. If something in you is asking to be seen, heard, or held - you're in the right place.
I assist people explore and heal emotional and relational trauma, manage burnout, and reconnect to their emotions, values, and voice. Many of the clients I work with are navigating a disconnect - whether that’s from their relationships, their bodies, their creativity, or even their own emotions. Often, they’re caregivers, professionals, or deep feelers who’ve learned to push through - but are now realizing that what’s worked for survival isn’t sustainable for thriving.
You don’t need to have all the words or a clear reason for starting therapy. If something in you is asking to be seen, heard, or held - you're in the right place.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or disconnected from yourself and the life you’re trying to hold together. On the outside, you’re functioning. Inside, something feels heavy or tense. You might be carrying anxiety, low mood, chronic stress, relationship strain, or the lingering impact of past experiences that haven’t fully healed. What you want most is care that feels human, compassionate, and collaborative. You want a therapist who meets you where you are, honors your lived experience, and helps you build practical tools for daily life while also addressing deeper patterns that keep you stuck.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or disconnected from yourself and the life you’re trying to hold together. On the outside, you’re functioning. Inside, something feels heavy or tense. You might be carrying anxiety, low mood, chronic stress, relationship strain, or the lingering impact of past experiences that haven’t fully healed. What you want most is care that feels human, compassionate, and collaborative. You want a therapist who meets you where you are, honors your lived experience, and helps you build practical tools for daily life while also addressing deeper patterns that keep you stuck.
Appointments for new clients are available now! Do you need help with relationship struggles? I provide a warm and open approach to counseling individuals, families, and couples. I have experience helping with parental conflicts, self-esteem, and parent-child relationships.
Appointments for new clients are available now! Do you need help with relationship struggles? I provide a warm and open approach to counseling individuals, families, and couples. I have experience helping with parental conflicts, self-esteem, and parent-child relationships.
You’re tired of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in the same frustrating patterns. Maybe you find yourself overthinking everything, struggling in relationships, or carrying experiences from the past that still affect how you feel today. On the outside it may look like you’re managing everything, but inside it feels exhausting trying to hold it all together. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. Therapy can be a place where you finally have the space to slow down, make sense of what you’ve been carrying, and start meaningful change,
You’re tired of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in the same frustrating patterns. Maybe you find yourself overthinking everything, struggling in relationships, or carrying experiences from the past that still affect how you feel today. On the outside it may look like you’re managing everything, but inside it feels exhausting trying to hold it all together. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. Therapy can be a place where you finally have the space to slow down, make sense of what you’ve been carrying, and start meaningful change,
As a mental health worker and interdisciplinary artist, I am committed to empowering individuals and fostering emotional wellbeing through a holistic and trauma-informed approach. My practice is rooted in creating a compassionate, nonjudgmental space that encourages self-discovery, honors lived experience, and supports the development of meaningful, sustainable routines. Trained in thought- and emotion-based modalities, I draw on evidence-informed practices that promote mindfulness, resilience, and positive transformation.
As a mental health worker and interdisciplinary artist, I am committed to empowering individuals and fostering emotional wellbeing through a holistic and trauma-informed approach. My practice is rooted in creating a compassionate, nonjudgmental space that encourages self-discovery, honors lived experience, and supports the development of meaningful, sustainable routines. Trained in thought- and emotion-based modalities, I draw on evidence-informed practices that promote mindfulness, resilience, and positive transformation.
The most common phrase I hear when I ask new clients to describe themselves is "not good enough." As a result of invalidating life experiences, many of us come to believe that we are unworthy of acceptance. In order to avoid potential rejection, we suppress aspects of our identities that others might view as unacceptable, and we present a fragmented or incomplete version of ourselves to the world. While this can be advantageous in some environments, it also can become a barrier to intimacy. Many of my clients struggle to be vulnerable and find it challenging to embrace their full, authentic selves.
The most common phrase I hear when I ask new clients to describe themselves is "not good enough." As a result of invalidating life experiences, many of us come to believe that we are unworthy of acceptance. In order to avoid potential rejection, we suppress aspects of our identities that others might view as unacceptable, and we present a fragmented or incomplete version of ourselves to the world. While this can be advantageous in some environments, it also can become a barrier to intimacy. Many of my clients struggle to be vulnerable and find it challenging to embrace their full, authentic selves.
See more therapy options for Dolton
Nearby Emotionally Focused Therapists Searches for Dolton
- Blue Island
- Calumet City
- Chicago Heights
- Evergreen Park
- Flossmoor
- Glenwood
- Hazel Crest
- Homewood
- Lansing
- Oak Forest
- Olympia Fields
- South Holland
Emotionally Focused Therapists
Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.