Therapists in Downers Grove, IL

Helene Jacques is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor who has been in practice since 2000. She sees adolescents and adults for individual and family therapy. Helene has extensive experience working with clients dealing with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, adoption concerns, relationship problems, stress management, medical and health concerns, and post-abortion issues. Helene was trained in an eclectic model of therapy and relies on this knowledge base to select effective treatment approaches for each client or family.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has devoted my clinical work to assisting adult individuals with a broad spectrum of concerns. I provide warm and caring support to those struggling with life's challenges. Specifically, I enjoy working with individuals in the following areas: depression, anxiety, substance abuse, life transitions, low self-esteem, communication, and relationship concerns.

I received my Master of Counseling Psychology Degree from Trinity Christian College and continually work to keep myself familiar with new therapies and methods in the field. I will create interventions that are made specifically for a certain person, and are a combination of evidence-based strategies and creative interventions. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and have experience working with a wide range of ages, disorders, and cultural backgrounds.

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.

Feeling stuck in a web of stress, frustration, anxiety, hurt, depression, and loneliness can be difficult and unsettling. Like a gas gauge, it is important to identify what empties us and what fuels us. With understanding, knowledge, and humor, I assist my clients in identifying what empties them, such as stresses, worries, roadblocks, and other means of "stuck-ness." We also explore what fuels us and fills us, such as change, self-care, acceptance, balance, empowerment, and new beginnings.

Are you considering making changes in your life but aren't sure where to begin? Do you feel anxious about things going on in the world around you? Do you think you or a loved one might have a problem with alcohol or drugs? Whether this is your first time visiting a therapist or you've done this before, my initial goal is to help create a safe space where you feel comfortable talking with me about any issue. I want to help you find hope and develop new skills to manage life's challenges. We will work collaboratively so that you can take small steps toward meeting your goals and making changes to live a more fulfilling life.

I have always held a passion for the therapeutic process and understand the power of therapy. I believe the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist is essential for progress to be made. There is no one size fits all therapist! I take a person centered approach as well as recognizing the need for coping skills and mindfulness. I strives to create a safe environment through authenticity, trust, directness, and of course a little humor. Through this, I believe that one can achieve a state of contentedness and peace that we are all constantly searching for.

Often we have barriers in our life that get in the way of us embracing the life we want to live. We may feel stuck or held down by life transitions and circumstances that we are uncertain on how to approach it. Together, we will work on exploring your barriers, challenges, and personal goals to find clarity. As a therapist, I provide a safe and therapeutic environment for you to heal, recover, and process your inner thoughts and feelings, develop coping skills, and build towards a meaningful life that you want to live.

Let's talk! Sessions are confidential, safe and non-judgmental. You can share your most personal concerns. Feeling helpless and stuck? We will get you moving again by talking, offering suggestions, helping you take advantage of your (and my) available resources, and also skills training. Contact me. Please leave a message so I know you're serious (I get many telemarketing calls). I will get back to you asap. I do in-person sessions in Evergreen Park, IL. I do phone sessions from Downers Grove, IL and welcome potential clients from all over the state.

There are countless methods for healing & moving forward. Commitment to my clients begins with a firmly held belief in the ability of individuals to advocate for themselves & choose their own path. Emotions & feelings are a gift; they are the natural barometer for navigating our lives. Often we fear or misinterpret those emotions & fall into a holding pattern as to how to move forward. The best work is done when we are honest and open about who we are, and where we want to be. Interventions are guided through your ideals & values.

Welcome! Looking for support, healing, or to make life changes?! Do you want to find out how your diet is affecting your mental health & your overall wellness?! Nutritional Psychotherapy is the way to go! What we eat either supports our wellbeing or hinders it! Mood follows Food! I am a multi-disciplinary licensed clinical psychotherapist. I use my knowledge of psychology, health, nutrition, & bodywork to help people reconnect with their best selves and flourish! I focus on a mind & body connection. My passion is to work with people on their therapeutic journey and help them overcome emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues.

My method is wholistic and compassionate counseling for individuals and couples. I try to create a safe harbor for change for adults dealing with life issues such as self-esteem, relationships, grief or loss, goal-setting and anxiety. I try to get people in touch with their own truth in a safe, non-judgmental, empathetic environment. I enjoy giving couples tools for resolving conflict and learning to fight fairly.

In therapy, I enjoy collaborating with clients to increase their self-knowledge and utilize their strengths to facilitate change towards living a more rewarding and fulfilling life. I am committed to identifying and implementing an individualized approach for each client to support them in achieving their therapeutic goals. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults using an integrative therapeutic approach, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills.

My therapeutic approach is compassionate, validating, and empathic. I believe that everyone wants to feel heard, understood, valued, and validated and I work with you to gain an understanding of who you are and what you want. I believe therapy is a very personal journey and I strive to ensure every client feels incredible support. I believe that therapy is a healing process. We find the parts of ourselves that need healing to lead us to a better quality of life. I work with all races, sexual orientations, and genders. A favorite quote that I relate to therapy is, "Be messy and complicated and afraid and show up anyway."

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.

Although there are times when we feel broken, hopeless, and unsure of the future, there is hope. Stone Catchers Counseling will help you take the first step to finding meaningful change. We are not defined by our worst moment, or even by a series of hard times. Regardless of how long you have been struggling, Stone Catchers Counseling can help. Your recovery can mean atonement and redemption; but, mostly freedom. Freedom to feel joy again, to live the life you want. We tailor an exclusive approach for every client based on individual needs. We honor and respect the uniqueness of each person we treat.

Michele enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families of all ages and backgrounds to help clients with anxiety, trauma, spiritual issues, depression, life transitions and relationship issues. She works to provide a safe space for clients to work through their difficulties and pain while not feeling alone. A warm, encouraging, and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship is essential for growth and healing to take place.