Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Therapists in Evanston, IL

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.

Life’s most difficult experiences can provide seeds for change. On our own, it can be challenging to see their potential. When given a safe space and tools, we are best able to cultivate meaningful growth from these experiences. As an individual therapist, I aim to create a non-judgmental, authentic, and warm environment to build insights and skills to more effectively navigate life experiences. I often work with emerging adults and those experiencing life transitions. I also support those experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and/or the impacts of trauma.

In practice for over 40 years, I have a great deal of experience with adolescents, adults and couples. Area of specialization working with perpetrators of and family members impacted by domestic violence. Anxiety and life adjustments are also an area of specialty. Retired as high school social worker, I've worked with hundreds of adolescents and families. It is my belief that emotional energy is finite and that helping you in achieving balance can be so very helpful in finding solutions to emotional distress. Jazz trumpet is my avocation and I work to pass along the lessons I have learned relating to persistence and mindfulness.

After practicing law for a few years, I realized I was more drawn to the human experience than the legal one. Now I have the privilege of working with people to discover their unique strengths and gifts, gain a better understanding of what motivates their behavior and make positive changes consistent with their goals. I am an empathic and supportive therapist who listens without judgment while also challenging my clients to seek growth. Through genuine connection and collaboration, I hope to empower my clients to face challenges using their existing strengths and to make positive changes in their lives.

I’ve been practicing psychotherapy for the past 40 years. One of the great joys of my life is working with individuals who have mood and anxiety disorders. I specialize using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT ) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). CBT is a type of treatment that helps identify and change thoughts and behaviors that may be holding you back from reaching your goals. MBCT will help you use the wisdom of your mind and body to deal effectively with the inevitable stresses of life. I also specialize in treating fears and phobias using Psious Virtual Realty.

You matter. I seek to highlight & build upon your unique strengths with a focus on overall wellness in mind, body, spirit & community. I believe we all have the tools to reach our highest potential. I aim to understand what might be getting in the way of you being your most authentic, talented self. I specialize in helping others access & heal their pain by engaging the nervous system to unlock trauma & emotions to release them. Body integration allows us to feel alive & open to get more of life. I blend evidenced-based practices such as somatic, breathwork, mindfulness, EMDR, CBT , & EFT under a psychodynamic therapy lens.

Dr. Steve Yousha is a Psychologist and Senior Consultant who has been practicing since 1990. In addition to his clinical practice, he is Principal at Strategic Talent Management Consultants LLP. As a Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Steve Yousha specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, adjustment and relational problems, providing both individual and couples therapy. He also has extensive experience with multicultural populations. He is published in the areas of depression, adjustment difficulties, and performance enhancement.

I offer various therapeutic interventions including, but not limited to, DBT, CPT, and motivational interviewing. In addition to therapy, I also conduct neuropsychological and psychological assessments that are helpful to address concerns related to diagnosis, cognitive functioning, emotional concerns, and learning disorders. I enjoy working with all age groups, though I specialize in adolescents.

Do you feel unfulfilled, in a rut, sad, anxious or just frustrated and unfulfilled that your not living your life to your full potential? Do you feel dissatisfied with your relationships or with your job or career? Do you feel that there is more to life and that you wish you could get more focused and motivated and have more meaning and purpose in you life? I have helped people with these issues and I feel I can be of help to you as well.

Life is complicated and seldom straightforward. We are often left facing challenges that are surprising and difficult to navigate. It may be a new role, a disappointment at work, a problem in a relationship, or some lasting echoes from the past that still show up, that causes us to feel anxious, angry, sad, confused and “stuck”. We try our best to manage by using coping strategies that turn out to be more problematic than helpful. We are then left thinking, what happened? Will I ever feel like my old self? Why can't I just get over this? If you are anxious, struggling to focus, overwhelmed by work or family, I am trained to help

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.

I treat adolescents and adults across the life span, with a special interest in helping 18- to 30-year-olds navigate young adulthood. My style derives from psychodynamic, family systems, relational and cognitive schools of psychotherapy. As an individual and family therapist, I offer a warm, compassionate, accepting environment where clients can safely explore personal issues and family members can learn new ways of understanding each other and being together. My aim is to my help clients deepen their self-awareness, change self-defeating patterns and beliefs, and develop new ways of thinking, feeling, and relating to others.

My approach involves helping children, adolescents, and young adults harness their strengths to create lasting and meaningful change in their lives. I use cognitive behavioral strategies to enhance coping skills and help people grow. Through a collaborative relationship, I help people define their goals, discover what strategies work for them, and work towards the next phase of their life. Plus, I think everyone needs to have a sense of humor and I bring this attitude to my work.

With over 15 years of experience working with children and their families I bring a wealth of knowledge and resources to my work. My experience includes helping children improve communication and problem solving skills, cope with anxiety, and building confidence in relationships. The family work focus's on parenting and communication skills and strengthening relationships. In addition to individual and family therapy I have expertise in social skills groups for children 3-11 years old. I help children with no formal diagnosis who experience social and behavioral challenges as well as children with Asperger's, learning disabilities, ADHD, and Anxiety.

Through individualized care and a strong therapeutic relationship, I believe clients can better understand their unique strengths and feel empowered in their lives. Using trauma-informed care and harm reduction strategies, I want clients to feel safe, affirmed, and well-informed when making the best choices for themselves.

In my practice I strive to make people feel comfortable and safe in both body and mind. Life can be challenging, and sometimes during those challenging times we may forget what it’s like to feel like our true selves or to feel happy. Allow me to help you through this journey. Nobody should have to suffer alone. I have 18 years of clinical experience as a therapist. I work primarily with adults and teens. I utilize a combination of Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, as well as Mindfulness and Meditation in my practice.