Couples Counseling Therapists in Downers Grove, IL

I feel that the most important component of every successful therapy outcome is the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client. Trust, safety, empathy, and authenticity should be experienced within the relationship. These relationship qualities create an environment conducive to working on life’s issues and feeling comfortable throughout the process of change. I take a collaborative approach to therapy to meet the goals presented by my clients. My style is interactive and my treatment orientation is tailored to each individual client to meet their individual needs and to fit with their unique personalities.

Are you navigating through personal or relationship issues that are holding you back from living the life you want? Perhaps you are seeking to learn tools and strategies to feel less anxious or depressed. Maybe you seek a space to tackle the barriers that are keeping you stuck and preventing you from achieving your goals. You may have tried on your own to fix what is troubling you but it has been difficult to find relief. I know starting therapy can seem intimidating, but sometimes the healing process simply starts by showing up and investing in yourself.

Often, there are mental health complications that arise during major life transitions such as relationship and career changes, marriage, divorce, pregnancy and birth. I enjoy working with people during these difficult and stressful periods. I believe in creating a safe and comfortable space for clients as they confront challenges in life. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois and earned a Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Chicago. I have worked in a variety of mental health organizations and have completed advanced certification and training in perinatal mood disorders.

To me, therapy is a collaborative experience with the intent to promote real change and liberation. I place great value in the therapeutic relationship that is fostered through honesty, warmth, acceptance. Through the therapeutic relationship, I hope to establish a safe and non-judgmental environment that encourages vulnerability and change. Working together, we construct effective coping techniques, communication skills, healthy boundaries and behaviors, and improved life functioning.

Taking the leap into therapy can be scary, and finding a therapist that fits your needs can be overwhelming. I am here to make that process a little bit easier and more comfortable. My goal as a therapist is to meet each person where they are on their journey, by recognizing and understanding their reasons for coming to therapy. Whether it be difficulties with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, negative body image/eating disorders, or trauma, I’m here to help support you as you navigate these concerns. My goal is for you to leave therapy with the growth and tools that you are looking for.

Hello! I am Jessica Larson, the owner of Nest Counseling LLC. I graduated with my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2007. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Illinois and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Colorado. I have passionately helped individuals, couples, and families for over 15 years. My professional experience includes working with adults, children, and adolescents both individually and in family settings. I have extensive experience working with couples in all stages of their relationship including dating, premarital, and in conflict.

My therapeutic purpose is committed to helping people suffering from everyday life-stressors such as relationship problems, family conflicts, work issues, behavior problems in children and adolescents as well as more complex mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood disorders. My goal is to help others find empowerment and self-determination through solutions such as self-care, self-acceptance and effective modalities for change to help resolve problems. My services are aimed at meeting each individual where they are currently at in their process of changing and growing towards self-improvement.

Providing culturally competent and client centered therapy is an important part of my job which is to help you feel safe and heard. I specialize in working with clients who want to understand the emotions and behaviors that impact their daily lives.

I believe therapy is a great tool to explore ourselves and heal emotional wounds. I have a welcoming personality and work to create a safe space, so clients feel comfortable exploring different areas of their lives and any emotions that come up. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, it is my focus to help clients identify ways their family history, culture, and community have impacted their view of the world and relationships. I believe the way we are raised impacts the way we show up with our partners. My goal as a therapist is to empower my clients and work collaboratively to achieve their goals.

As the founder of DGCW, I have dedicated myself to helping people heal, grow and thrive for almost 15 years. Through work with individuals and couples, I have learned that an interactive, client-centered and collaborative treatment approach is most effective. I provide an empathic, non-judgmental and solutions-focused experience that promotes clarity and goal-setting, encourages introspection and creates strategies to rapidly identify and overcome life's challenges.

I welcome you to my practice site. If you are here at this site I make the assumption that you are secure enough to know that you deserve to feel better and have good relationships. With a comfortable match up of therapist and client, both of us work towards understanding the challenges you face, getting some clarity about what can be changed, and learning how to take action. Getting comfortable involves feeling listened to and understood by me and developing trust that I will be knowledgeable about your subject and I will be supportive and non judgmental in this therapeutic relationship.

There comes a point in all of our lives that we could use the help of a professional when we are lacking the proper tools for success. This is also true when seeking support for your mental health. Finding a mental health provider to assist you in finding better ways to cope and manage whatever you are struggling with is a brave move and this is the first big step in your journey toward mental wholeness.

I approach the therapy relationship from an open and collaborative perspective. I predominantly use interpersonal, mindfulness, and family systems theories in my clinical work. My commitment is to actively listen with compassion; to witness your growth; to learn about your worldview and experiences; and to provide support as we work towards your goals. I want my patients to feel immediate relief with self care, education, and some skill building. Long term maintenance of growth tends to include deeper self reflection, exploring coping and relationship patterns, and emotional awareness.

You have a right to have a passionate and fulfilling relationship. You may not be sure if it’s their fault or yours but you do know that you miss feeling that spark. You feel frustrated that your needs go unmet or that you are constantly being nagged to meet your partners. The resentment is invading every area of your life together. Communication has broken down, you’re constantly irritated and snippy. You can’t remember the last time you had fun together, let alone had great sex. You know there has to be more to life than this. You want to feel connected, energized and satisfied. You dream of being desired and wanted again.

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. I specialize in providing treatment of depression, anxiety, relationship issues, eating issues, addiction, and women's issues. My approach to therapy is individualized to your specific needs. My style in interactive and direct and my goal is to help people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs find solutions to personal, relational and family problems. I work with a variety of other professionals, including psychiatrists and physicians, to provide a team approach to treatment.

Life is full of transition and change. In times that are difficult, you may feel like you need a professional to help you process this time in your life. With over 25 years experience as a therapist, I work with individuals as well as couples on relationship issues, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, self-esteem and body image disorders. I am goal-oriented and client-centered. As we talk, you will begin to understand why certain things may be happening in your life and learn tools and new ways of thinking that will allow you to leave therapy feeling more in charge of your life with the changes that you came in looking for.

Do you want to feel better? Do you want to make changes in your life, and you just don't know where to start? Having someone to talk to and problem solve with can make a big difference and be a huge stress relief. If you are ready to make that step and do something different, then I am here to help.

Tamakisha is passionate about being of service to others. She makes it her business to meet her clients where they are and work as a team to accomplish their therapeutic goals.

Your relationship is unraveling before you. You never imagined things could get this bad or that you would ever deal with such painful issues. You’re feeling invalidated, misunderstood, confused, hurt, and angry on a regular basis. All you want is to be happy again. You find yourself doubting the relationship and yourself on a regular basis. You've even considered what it would be like if you weren't together anymore. Other times you want to do everything you can to fix the problems but your efforts just aren't getting you the long term results you want. Your head is constantly spinning. Things were supposed to be different.