Therapists in Elmwood Park, IL

Life’s challenges happen suddenly. Without warning it feels like you can’t navigate through with confidence and calm. Instead, you are plagued with worry, hesitation, anxiety, and depression. At times, life feels like a ticking time bomb, and you are desperately searching for an effective means to diffuse it. But your coping skills aren’t working well enough, or maybe they weren’t that healthy in the first place. How are you supposed to get comfortable with the challenges you are experiencing, let alone feel you are responding in a healthy way, when everything around you – maybe even your person – can be so unpredictable?

As a bilingual (Spanish and English) Licensed Social Worker, I am aware of the impact culture influences in one’s life. In therapy, I strive to create a safe, compassionate, non-judgemental and supportive environment. I tailored my therapeutic approach unique to each person utilizing an eclectic, holistic and trauma-informed approach. I’ve experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families. I specialize in anxiety, depression, adjusment difficulties, grief, trauma, etc.

There is hope and healing; even though it might not feel like it. I have experience working with children, teens, and young adults dealing with everything from anxiety and relationship issues to trauma and sexual abuse. It would be a privilege to work with you or your child towards healing, tailoring the counseling process to best fit your needs.

All of us need help at some time. My clients tell me they feel understood but not judged when they meet with me - and that their own understanding of themselves and their challenges grows. But I know that effective therapy work must go beyond being cared about and understood. I bring a commitment to helping people change problems in their lives.

As a bicultural and bilingual (English & Spanish) therapist part of my practice involves examining the cultural and social factors affecting individuals. I recognize that therapy is not one size fits all, so I attempt to tailor my approach to help empower each client to make changes that align with their values and goals. I enjoy partnering with individuals who are interested in broadening their understanding of difficult emotions and experiences to find new ways to cope and regain a sense of stability.

Are you looking for an experienced, local therapist for yourself or a family member? I have had extensive experience, both professionally and personally, in treating both adults and children. who have suffered loss, childhood abuse, depression and shame. I am currently offering clients a choice between teletherapy or being seen in my Oak Park office.

I offer trauma-informed psychodynamic therapy through a leftist/feminist theoretical perspective. I am passionate about serving those who have felt let down by the mental healthcare system or disempowered by past providers, and welcome skepticism about the healthcare system in late-stage capitalism. I draw from IFS, developmental and evolutionary psychology, and more. I reject the hierarchical nature of traditional Western healthcare and encourage collaboration to achieve empowerment. I know effective therapy requires trust, and that I have to earn yours. My goal is to decolonize and destigmatize mental health.

If you can change your thoughts you can change your world. I believe that our day to day thoughts directly dictate our emotions and ultimately our decisions and actions. Whether it is childhood trauma, adult anxiety or postpartum depression, we can take captive every self-defeating thought and turn that negative narrative into a powerful and hopeful future. Regaining control over our thoughts and actions can provide such lasting peace and happiness. My focus is to thoroughly get to know my patients, by listening to and trying my best to understand their unique experiences, while working collaboratively toward agreed upon goals.

I've acquired an extensive knowledge of mental illnesses and symptom management through the usage of different therapeutic modalities obtained by working with patients from different cultures and backgrounds. My experience comes from treating patients with mental, emotional problems, and with different types of addictions in both clinical and residential settings. I will provide a safe, compassionate, and professional environment for each patient that will best help him or her on the road to healing and recovery.