Codependency Therapists in Evanston, IL

David H. Johnson, L.C.S.W. Are you in pain either emotionally or relationally or both? Psychotherapy is a way to stop the suffering and live life more fully both personally and relationally. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and am certified and have training in the following disciplines: Addictions, Hypnotherapy, and Gestalt Therapy. I hold a M.A. degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago. For over 20 years, I have been counseling with individuals, couples, and has a specialty in mixed gender groups. I utilize a holistic approach, emphasizing healing of mind, body, spirit.

Finding the right therapist is essential in one's journey toward overcoming obstacles. I believe counseling is a collaborative and creative process where we join together to establish the change you desire. I utilize a direct, honest, and genuine communication style in our relationship. My approach combines psychotherapy and the use of experiential therapy as a means of building communication, trust, and decision-making through individual and family treatment. My treatment also involves the partnership of animal assisted therapy with my Labrador Retriever.

Approximately 50% of my clients have an addiction or are friends/family of an addicted individual. I am able to help you assess the addiction, understand how it is affecting you and your family, and help you develop a plan for recovery. If you are already in recovery, your counseling can further help you understand any underlying issues that may contribute to or drive the compulsions. This may include such things as anxiety, depression, life stressors, trauma, to name a few. I have a positive approach that focuses on strengths and success, building on those assets, more than pathology.

I vehemently believe that with the right tools, our relationships and our sex lives can be the container in which we build the very best version of ourselves. As a relationship and sex therapist, I’ve made a profession in studying those tools – ones that allow us to develop a solid, resilient sense of self that serves as the foundation for a compassionate, enduring, and VIBRANT relationship with the people we love.

Choosing the right therapist is important. I am committed to assisting you confront old and new obstacles and make meaningful changes in your life. I have the highest respect for someone who comes through my door. Together, we create a path for personal healing and growth.

My role as your therapist is to empower you with compassion and care that allows for healing. I guide you back to your inner voice to cultivate meaningful relationships. We are continually evolving because life is a creative process. I provide insight so that you better understand your relationship dynamics, allowing for the creation of new habits and patterns. Connection is essential, and it begins with the relationship to self. Increasing self-awareness, self-understanding, and establishing healthy tools for self-care empowers and equips you in navigating life's stressors.

Decisions involving the direction of your relationship aren't always easy. Maybe you've worked hard to make your marriage or relationship better, but it hasn't helped. That's why my practice is dedicated to providing a safe place to talk about your unique situation. My goal is to help you gain new tools for dealing with the challenges of confusing dynamics. Together we'll work toward better understanding your relationship and exploring your options. My style is compassionate, as I attentively listen, provide support and educate you on recognizing difficult personality traits to help you move from confusion to clarity.

I have some shocking news: being a human is hard. Which is why I enjoy helping people navigate various life transitions, overcome challenging relationship dynamics (romantic, familial, platonic, professional, etc.), and heal from trauma. My approach is strengths-based and I often incorporate psychodynamic, Jungian, and Family Systems Theory with CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and consciousness-based interventions. Therapy with me is collaborative, holistic, and eclectic. I pride myself in creating a safe, judgment-free space for people to return to their most authentic selves, ultimately leading to a more meaningful experience of life.

I assist individuals and couples in building and repairing their relationships by working to increase authenticity, honest communication, and habits that match personal values. This work not only improves relationships but also decreases depression and anxiety, improves self esteem, eases difficult life transitions, and enhances family living.

I have experienced profound change and healing in my life. I see how my most significant shifts have been due to the incredible help I have been blessed to receive. I feel called to serve as your guide, and share the gifts I've been given on my journey. I really believe in your unique process and that you have what you need to heal yourself. Support and guidance are essential for you to most deeply discover what you are seeking. I look forward to assisting you in reaching your next level of growth.

Why am I here, and what are my lessons? The hard things in life, the things you really learn from, put you at a crossroads where you feel stuck and the pressure mounting. Everything is stressful and you feel powered down by the confusion, responsibilities and commitments. Something has got to give! Fortunately pain is an excellent teacher precisely because it gets our attention. I assure you the struggle you're experiencing now is guiding you. Struggle is a bonafide indication of real and important progress. Strength is in the struggle.

The clients who are the best fit for my clinical approach tend to be people who want to build a stronger sense of self, learn how to center their own needs and set boundaries, and are open to inner child healing. The clients I work with want to change their relationship with themselves to be more compassionate and nurturing. They are recovering people pleasers, people who want to learn how to be more assertive, often have unresolved trauma, and are ready to break cycles in order to establish new patterns. They seek support from me to discuss dating, relationships, sex, childhood traumas, identity, and healing from abuse and neglect.

Are you feeling depressed, hopeless, or not sure how to work through some past hurts and traumas you may have experienced? Are you dealing with anxiety in your relationships or not sure how to uncover your own identity? If so, I would love to help you. I have extensive experience in working with trauma, relationship trauma, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and life transitions. Everyone has a story that has defined their life up until this moment. It is my commitment to help you feel empowered to be the author of your own story.

My passion for being a Psychotherapist stems from the desire to help others reach their highest potential, no matter the obstacles in life. Individual therapy creates a confidential, caring, and safe environment that promotes self-discovery and growth. My philosophy aims to meet you where you are and to guide and support you by building hope, resiliency, and self–love. I will empower you by using therapeutic strategies that instill aspiration, courage, and progress. Couples treatment provides a safe and trusting environment where we can identify issues and achieve growth.

Learning to listen to, understand, and respond in healthy, adaptive ways to emotions are often central themes at the core of therapy for many individuals, as well as the path to a happier self. I am particularly experienced in working with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and issues related to emotional regulation. I have nearly 20 years of experience in working with adolescents. I have additionally spent many years working with young adults and adults in universities, outpatient, and wilderness therapy settings. I have a specialty in adoption and attachment issues, helping people understand various challenges unique to adoption.