Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in Evanston, IL

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Photo of Terry Ann Dornak, Psychologist in Evanston, IL
Terry Ann Dornak
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Some of the common issues I help my clients address include chronic pain, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, trauma, and LGBTQ+ related issues.
It is my goal to provide you with a safe, therapeutic space to unload and explore your needs, worries, and fears whatever they may be. The path to healing is unique for each of us. We will work collaboratively towards meeting your goals and needs, and in doing so, make your life more comfortable and satisfying. It is my hope that each person who meets with me feels accepted, as I respect each individual's culture, gender, race, religion, and sexual identity.
(847) 613-4055
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Evanston, IL 60201
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Photo of Krista Mersino, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Evanston, IL
Krista Mersino
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
I have experience in working with borderline personality disorder, depression, self-esteem challenges, anger, and generalized anxiety.
I utilize a growth-oriented approach to empower people to problem solve and make changes to pursue the life they envision. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) strategies are used in my practice, with an emphasis on the use of trauma-sensitive mindfulness, to equip people with the skills needed to overcome life’s stressors and challenges. In dialectics, we acknowledge the opposing sides of each experience and work together to synthesize the two. I prioritize developing a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship that will meet you where you are at in your journey, and will come alongside you to cultivate your strengths.
(773) 922-9010
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Office is near:
Evanston, IL 60202
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Photo of Dr. Jonah Waseberg, Licensed Professional Counselor in Evanston, IL
Dr. Jonah Waseberg
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD
Verified
Verified
Currently sessions are conducted virtually- Dr. Waseberg is a psychotherapist and professor of counseling psychology. He helps individuals and couples struggling with relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, grief, alcohol/drugs, abandonment, anger, OCD, social anxiety, phobia, bipolar/ borderline and other psychological issues. He digs deep into the roots of your underlying issues in a safe non-judgmental space with empathy. He has rich experience providing counseling in private practice settings as well as Inpatient Residential Treatment, Partial Hospitalization-PHP, and Intensive Outpatient-IOP settings.
(773) 974-6274
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Office is near:
Evanston, IL 60202
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Photo of Edward Patzelt, Psychologist in Evanston, IL
Edward Patzelt
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
The people I work with sense a shift could be important. Their relationships seem to have a lot of ups and downs, they feel like they cannot control their emotions, and they sometimes experience unwanted mood swings. Specialized evidence-based treatment can generate a shift. They feel more centered in themselves, are less likely to be taken over by emotions, and can more quickly recover from intense feelings. Their relationships with themselves, and with others, improves. They gain a stronger sense of purpose, increased ability to communicate, more often avoid misunderstandings, and can resolve conflicts more quickly.
(773) 232-6984
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Evanston, IL 60202
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Not accepting new clients
Photo of David M Brooks, Psychologist in Evanston, IL
David M Brooks
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD
Verified
Verified
In our contemporary society it is easy to be content and even glad for medications that soothe symptoms, but healing comes from working through our underlying inner conflicts in a textured human relationship in which we can feel what we truly feel and become who we truly are. I believe distressful symptoms, whether depression, anxiety, anger, hurt, a sense of meaninglessness, a sense of emptiness, addictions, or behavior problems are signs. They are signs that it is time to grow our mindfulness of our underlying needs, feelings, and thereby gain choices for living more contently within our communities and families.
(312) 624-6260
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Office is near:
Evanston, IL 60201
Not accepting new clients
Photo of Jodi Novick Okner LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Evanston, IL
Jodi Novick Okner LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Hello and thank you for taking the time to read my profile. It would be an honor to get to know you. I see myself as a coach working with you to reduce anxiety. Our work together will help you identify the unique patterns of communication specific to you and your family. You will start to make sense of how these patterns permeate every aspect of your life in all significant relationships. Do these patterns help you function more effectively or keep you stuck? Five years ago I took the plunge and opened my own clinical practice. I am passionate and committed to my clients as they share, in confidence, the stories of their lives.
(224) 279-6518
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Evanston, IL 60201
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Photo of Stella Kiser, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Evanston, IL
Stella Kiser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, LCSW
We do the best we can with the histories and resources we have. Our experiences and relationships shape/influence us, sometimes leaving us hopeful and nourished and other times leaving us stuck, depleted, anxious, sad, confused/overwhelmed. With a safe space and support, we can draw on our inner resilience to confront, manage and transcend our challenges, freeing us to live more authentic and fulfilling lives. My work is trauma-informed. My process is collaborative and interactive. I approach each therapy encounter with an open mind, recognizing that you are the expert in your life and know what works and what you need from therapy.
(773) 825-6820
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Evanston, IL 60201
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Photo of Addie Nelson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Evanston, IL
Addie Nelson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Does your anxiety take over at the worst possible moments of your day? Do you feel like you try harder and harder to change unhelpful habits but don’t seem to follow through on? Getting stuck in this cycle is exhausting, feels shameful, and depleting. What if you were to try different and not harder? My goal is to help people manage difficult experiences before it leads them to flake on friends, use substances, or have conflict in relationships. I work with adults and young adults to empower themselves to deal with life on life's terms.
(312) 728-3436
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Evanston, IL 60201
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Photo of Amy Bailey, Counselor in Evanston, IL
Amy Bailey
Counselor, LCPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
“I am accepting new clients. My goal is to help you better understand your thoughts, behaviors and relationships so you can build the life that you always wanted. I approach every client as a unique individual who needs compassion and care to achieve balance and learn the skills necessary for growth. “I believe in the strength of each individual, and their resiliency. I use humor and empathy as we work through difficult times in your life, and provide challenge to help you on your path. “I use an integrative approach, drawing from a psychodynamic and systems-based framework, mindfulness, CBT, DBT and trauma-informed treatment.
(847) 649-6741
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Evanston, IL 60201
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Photo of Jaya Vanga, Licensed Professional Counselor in Evanston, IL
Jaya Vanga
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified
Verified
I believe in a simple principle that “an individual is aware of the solution to their problem; they just need someone to listen, validate and bring their own solutions to their awareness”. I am dedicated to providing non-judgmental, supporting, safe and self-aware environment to clients, who are capable of healing their trauma, managing emotional distress with new knowledge on their situations, utilizing new coping skills, self-compassion, self-forgiveness, setting boundaries, developing their self-esteem and trusting their capabilities of reaching goals, while finding meaning and balance in their lives, in work and relationships.
(872) 469-7348 x1026
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Evanston, IL 60201
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Photo of Alison R Toback, Counselor in Evanston, IL
Alison R Toback
Counselor, LCPC, MAPC, MA
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
Difficult times in life are opportunities for growth and change. I specialize in exploring identity, relationships, and transitions, mindful of the interplay between our formative experiences and current ways of being in the world. Through the therapeutic process, we understand and address anxious and depressed feelings; recover from losses and addictions, and manage work and family related stresses. I facilitate my clients' innate movement toward healing and authenticity.
(847) 242-8939
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Evanston, IL 60201
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Photo of Sarah A. Schroeder, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Evanston, IL
Sarah A. Schroeder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
It's important that you find a therapist that is a right fit for you. I strive to create a safe holding environment where clients feel understood and encouraged to take their next step. I utilize a developmental framework and family systems approach, while viewing each client as a unique individual. I specialize in working with young children and families, providing individual, family, couples, and group treatment.
(872) 244-6873
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Evanston, IL 60201
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Photo of Isabelle Reiniger, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Evanston, IL
Isabelle Reiniger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I help my clients lead less burdensome, more joyful, and more emotionally connected lives. Together we can: find new tools to deal with challenging situations; uncover the reasons you are feeling down and rekindle excitement in your life; break patterns of fear and develop coping mechanisms to make success possible; work through feelings of low self-esteem and build confidence; move past the obstacles that prevent you from fostering deeper connections with others; identify the causes of obsessive thinking and help transcend the problem; and break free of destructive patterns and develop new skills to improve your life.
(773) 295-6803
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Evanston, IL 60201
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Photo of Jing Han, Licensed Professional Counselor in Evanston, IL
Jing Han
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I believe we’re naturally good and unfortunately taught to feel shame, worthlessness, inadequacy, and the ideas of “bad” and “wrong”. I’m dedicated to providing a non-judgmental environment to support clients, explore their situations, and achieve their goals. I strive to hear and understand your feelings, past and current experiences, as well as to provide information and new coping strategies to help you deal with your concerns, difficulties, and struggles. We will sort out what’s going on in your life and sort it out together.
(872) 246-9669 x1010
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Evanston, IL 60201
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Photo of Nancy K Smith, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Evanston, IL
Nancy K Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSAT, CIRT, C-EMDR
Verified
Verified
Most therapists are trained in one or two therapy methods. I believe that a single approach is not always the best fit for every issue. I've been trained in several therapeutic approaches so that I can offer you a variety of ways to resolve your problems. This helps us to find the right fit for each issue. My multi-leveled knowledge and experience in treating problems with relationships, addictions, trauma, depression, anxiety etc. has led to clients experiencing significant life changes. And my clients are always helped to develop effective tools that they can use on their own.
(312) 548-7882
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Evanston, IL 60202
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Photo of Su-Mai Lin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Evanston, IL
Su-Mai Lin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
There can be moments or events in life that overwhelm our capacity to cope, get in the way of being our authentic selves, or being fully present in our lives. Many are dealing with the impact of the pandemic and navigating this time of social change. During challenges, people may turn to behaviors and ways of being that no longer serve them well. Perhaps this describes your situation, or maybe you are feeling stuck. I am here to help you find your way back into a meaningful life, whatever that means to you. I work with people who are dealing with depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship concerns, and trauma.
(847) 242-2482
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Evanston, IL 60201
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Photo of Tak-Seng Lodro, Psychologist in Evanston, IL
Tak-Seng Lodro
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I'm highly skilled in working with a wide variety of relational and individual issues involving adolescents, families, couples/relationships, parenting, stage-of-life concerns, addiction, meditation and yoga, and business managers/executives. As your clinical psychologist, I'll help you identify the core issues behind your problems, determine the changes that you want to make, and support you every step of the way as you courageously move toward a happier and more fulfilling life.
(312) 854-2116
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Evanston, IL 60201
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Photo of Jennifer Black, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Evanston, IL
Jennifer Black
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, LBS1, MSEd
Verified
Verified
Private Psychotherapist & Consultant, licensed as a clinical professional counselor and learning behavior specialist with 15+ years experience, serving people on the gifted, twice-exceptional (2e), professional, public-figure, straight, LGBTQIA+, anxiety, depressive, bipolar, obsessive, asexual, monogamous, ENM (e.g., polyamorous), ADHD, autism, & other neurodivergent spectrums. If you’re overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, depressed, stuck, misunderstood, out-of-control, lonely, lost, angry, etc.—or simply desire a professional who facilitates more optimal functioning and genuine wellbeing—then please call to schedule an appointment.
(224) 830-9800
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Evanston, IL 60201
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Photo of Paige LaCava, Counselor in Evanston, IL
Paige LaCava
Counselor, PhD, LCPC, CGP
Verified
Verified
In therapy, you will have a private place to examine what troubles you, and you won't have to do it alone. I can help you explore your difficulties, come to understand yourself more fully and make changes in your daily life and relationships if that is what is needed. Many of the people I see in therapy are struggling with depression, anxiety, communication problems, loneliness, grief, and life transitions. I have seen individual adults and teens, couples and families move from feeling blocked, frustrated, depleted to a place of some resolution - finding adaptive solutions or greater sense of peace.
(847) 416-6787
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Evanston, IL 60201
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Photo of Rick Tivers, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Evanston, IL
Rick Tivers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CGP
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I believe the therapeutic relationship is the crucible within which clients are helped to heal their pain. I take an active role in the therapeutic process by engaging with the client so he or she feels understood, respected, and seen. The feelings of shame, fear, anxiety and other painful emotions are worked through so the client feels taken care of. The clients I treat often come into therapy in a survival mode. I help people in moving from survival to a life of thriving and self love. Dysfunctional behaviors creates people who feel inauthentic, even to themselves. I assist people in developing true authenticity and a real self.
(847) 383-0228
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Evanston, IL 60202
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Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists

What is the most successful approach to treating borderline personality disorder?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is considered the gold standard of treatment for borderline personality disorder. An evidence-based treatment, it addresses the extreme emotional reactivity, the relationship difficulties, and the acts of self-harm that create so much distress for BPD patients. DBT is a comprehensive program that includes both regular individual psychotherapy sessions and weekly group sessions of skills training.

What happens in treatment of borderline personality disorder?

Treatment typically consists of weekly individual therapy sessions that last an hour and group skill-focused instructional sessions that may last up to two hours. Patients are typically given homework “assignments” in which they are asked to practice in their daily life the skills they acquire in therapy. Patients also keep a diary tracking their emotions and impulses as a way to know which situations are most problematic and to help them gain control over their own behavior. Difficult situations and feelings are typically reviewed in therapy sessions and more constructive solutions found.

What kinds of problems does BPD treatment help with?

DBT was initially developed to dampen the self-destructive impulses of chronically suicidal patients. It is now the treatment of choice for borderline personality disorder, a serious condition marked by extreme emotional reactivity, relationship instability, and self-injurious behaviors. Treatment of BPD helps patients tolerate the flux of emotions without acting on them, often with a specific focus on tolerating negative emotions. DBT addresses the core problems of BPD—fear of abandonment, low self-esteem, and impulsivity.

What is the goal of treatment in borderline personality disorder?

The goal of treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) is to relieve the extreme emotional distress that patients experience—to curb their emotional reactivity, to minimize their inclination to self-harm, and to reduce their impulsivity. Toward these ends, patients are not only taught an array of new coping skills and techniques for emotional regulation, they are given opportunities to practice them. Another major goal of treatment is interpersonal effectiveness; patients learn and problem-solve ways to effectively communicate in relationships, especially how to ask for what they need as a way to minimize hurt feelings.