Couples Counseling Therapists in Evanston, IL
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Paul Giblin
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MDiv, LMFT
I often work with young
couples
, older
couples
, and dual career
couples
who are surprised and in pain over the loss of intimacy and play in their
relationship
and who struggle to make their marriage a priority.
I specialize in
couples counseling
, family counseling, counseling with men, and premarital counseling. I help clients make meaning of their struggles, articulate their desires, and collaborate to reach their goals. I normalize and interpret conflict in terms of differences, identity, connection, and power issues. Intimacy and anger, stress and time constraints, are often the focus of our work together. I tend to be fairly transparent and strengths-focused. I also specialize in the integration of spirituality and psychotherapy.

Pam Alidor Tansey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RN, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I offer individual and
couples
therapy with a specialty in grief and loss, life transitions, young adult issues, divorce and separation, mediation, parenting, aging, adult adoptees, and trauma.
"We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time" T. S Eliot I believe that self-knowledge and understanding leads to self-compassion. Gently exploring aspects of the your experience within a collaborative
relationship
with a therapist in a warm, safe, nurturing, and empowering environment can move you toward a greater sense of connection to self. This can lead to more authentic, connected relationships with others-which as human beings is what we ultimately seek.

Rachel Levitsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am a licensed clinical social worker who has provided counseling and therapy to children, adults,
couples
and families for over 20 years. My approach is psychodynamic, meaning I utilize whatever style I feel would be most effective with each individual client and situation. I give my clients the option of integrating mindfulness and hypnotherapy in order to access their own strength and resilience. I don't hesitate to use an interactive approach that may include suggestions, humor,and setting personal goals. I focus on helping clients to gain a deeper understanding of themselves so that they are empowered to make positive changes.

Shairee Lackey
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC, LMHC, CCMHC
Verified
Verified
With the right encouragement, guidance, and support, every individual possesses the strength and potential to work through their unique situation. I understand there are a lot of stressors in life that cause anxiety, depression, identity/
relationship
issues, past traumatic experiences that can cause disconnection. Sometimes we need to know how or where to start. The goal is to help clients overcome those challenges, reconnect and discover their ideal life. My approach is tailored to your unique needs and assists in learning skills and strategies to achieve goals through empowerment and identification of personal growth conditions.

Marilynn McManus, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Therapy is a significant step towards discovering your true self and to understand the issues that shape and block you from leading a more authentic fulfilling life. Through the context of a trusting
relationship
I will work with you to uncover your goals. Symptoms are messages of blockage and unbalance our way of trying to cope. Understanding the message behind the symptoms and getting past them is part of the work and require a gentle challenging partnership. I focus on attachment history, values and experiences that have shaped who you are. I work with adults of all ages and diagnosis's.

Unify Counseling Inc: Individual & Couples
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, confused, frustrated, discouraged, disappointed, lost, anxious, sad or angry, you are not alone. Most of us experience those feelings at some point in our lives. We care about the people we serve, and we believe every person is individual, authentic, and unique. We use evidence-based practice (EBP) methods for mental health to help children, pre-teens, teenagers, adults,
couples
, and families to live their best lives. We understand that therapy can seem scary and intimidating, though we know that finding the support you need is the key to starting the self- healing process.

Bonnie Fights
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified
Verified
I specialize in: women, depression, anxiety, self-esteem,
relationship
issues, parenting, grief and loss life transitions.
I offer compassionate support and the chance to be truly heard and accepted just as you are. I work within a holistic framework that encompasses many different approaches (Person Centered, Behavioral, IFS, EMDR, Mindfulness, Body/Mind). Depending on your needs and preferences, your therapy may include exploring your inner world, getting feedback and support, healing past emotional wounds, obtaining clarity and insight, finding new directions, or trying on new behaviors and skills. We will work together to find approaches that are most effective for you.

Anna Grinshpun
Counselor, LCPC, NCC, CWEL
Verified
Verified
I enjoy utilizing the Prepare/Enrich program for working with
couples
.
My specialty is couple and family counseling, and of course, I also see individuals ages 12 and up. I have significant experience working with children and families who are involved with DCFS. I have helped families deal with issues such as divorce/re-marriage, and child abuse. I also enjoy working with parents who are re-thinking their parenting style and want to work towards a more satisfying
relationship
with their child(ren).

Emily Dawson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I specialize in the treatment of adults struggling with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, gender identity, LGBTQ issues, sexuality issues &
relationship
issues.
There are many reasons you may be seeking therapy, maybe you feel stuck, or out of balance, or you want to learn new, positive ways to cope. Therapy offers hope for healing, acceptance, and growth and can help you gain new insight into yourself. We start just where you are, right now, and utilize your personal strengths, internal resources, and resilience. You are more powerful than you know. My hope is to assist you with the tools, skills, understanding, and support to help you create a life of meaning, intention, and value; a life you want to be present for.

Joellen M Hosler
Counselor, PhD, MDiv, LCPC
Verified
Verified
My work with individuals offers help for feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, discernment during transitional times, trauma or abuse recovery, and
relationship
difficulties.
I'm glad you are taking steps to find a counselor who can be a good fit for you or for someone you care for. I believe that to choose to do some therapeutic work is to make a choice for wholeness, a commitment that can enhance your life and all your relationships. I work with individuals and
couples
. I offer both counseling and in-depth relational therapy. I listen carefully to each client and seek to address what they feel is most important for their future. I strive for results in our work together that are healing and will last.

Ellen Rieger
Counselor, MA, LCPC, CADC
Verified
Verified
Grieving the death of a loved one, the loss of a
relationship
, a decline in health, or any other life transition can be a lonely, painful, and confusing time. Your friends and family may want you to be "back to normal" but you may feel anything but "normal." I can help you to heal from your losses whether recent or in the past by providing therapeutic counseling in a safe nurturing environment. I worked in hospice for 11 years as a grief therapist. I have seen people not only heal from their losses but find new meaning and hope.

Linda L. Hoff-Hagensick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified
Verified
With over thirty years of experience, I love working with
couples
and individuals who are in all seasons of the life cycle - from young adulthood to later life. I specialize in helping people resolve complicated
relationship
issues and interpersonal problems. "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results..." is a saying in 12 Step programs. If those words resonate with you, I will be glad to help you try to understand what your patterns are about and how to change them. I am especially sensitiveto understanding clients in their cultural and faith contexts.

Carrie Jean Stelnicki
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am a licensed clinical social worker who has provided counseling and therapy to children, adults,
couples
, and families for over 20 years. My approach is psychodynamic, meaning I utilize different treatment modalities that best fit the individual client and situation. My style is interactive, solution focused, and non-judgemental. This encourages a trusting
relationship
to develop which helps to empower clients to make positive changes in their lives.

Negin Motlagharani
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFT
Verified
Verified
Connection and intimacy are vital part of your survival, development and growth as a human being. My goal as your therapist is to cultivate a safe and non-judgmental space that allows you to explore, understand, and honor every part of who you are. By recognizing how each part of yourselves interact with one another, we can learn about its impact on your
relationship
and work toward addressing the pieces of your lives that just aren’t working for you anymore. By learning new ways of relating, we will lift barriers that are keeping you from reaching your goals and instead, create positive changes that last.

Julie Blackman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
It takes courage to go to therapy, especially when you feel stuck. That is why I appreciate the importance of a safe, nurturing and non-judgemental environment. There you can explore who you are, what is important to you and to repair what is keeping you from moving forward, whether it is depression/anxiety,
relationship
issues or an eating disorder. Once you have self-awareness, strategies and support, you will be able to make better choices and be the person you want to be.

Renee Surgi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
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.

Anna Walters
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I work with people around many of life’s challenges including anxiety, trauma, depression, identity development, and
relationship
issues.
I believe that an open and supportive therapeutic
relationship
is foundational to healing. I bring a collaborative spirit and non-judgmental curiosity to our work together to help create a safe space for you to get in touch with your most authentic self and grow toward your values. You are the expert in your own life, so I strive to understand how your various identities and experiences inform how you move through the world. With warmth, humor, and transparency, I work with each of my clients to co-create a therapeutic process that meets their unique needs and goals.

Jenna Musselman-Palles
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
The decision to seek therapy can be a difficult one, and I am glad you are here! My practice is rooted in social justice, trauma and healing informed frameworks. I
partner
with clients to invite curiosity about behavior patterns, reactions and the wisdom bodies' hold. I support client’s examining different identities, and how these identities are impacted by present day context and power differentials.

Laura Elk-Weist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AM, LCSW, CCTP
Verified
Verified
I will
partner
with you so you can create a more meaningful life.
3/27/23: Currently accepting new clients. Do you feel like you can’t catch a break? Are your thoughts are constantly racing? Anxiety, depression and isolation from friends and family feel like insurmountable obstacles? You are not alone. Whatever you are facing, you deserve a space that is solely dedicated to supporting your needs. I have over 15 years of experience collaborating with individuals to quiet their inner critic, establish positive habits and implement strategies to become “unstuck” and find direction in the midst of life’s challenges.

Matthew Marx
Counselor, LCPC
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
Welcome! I'm experienced in helping individual clients and
couples
address the barriers to the meaningful life they deserve. Whether it's anxiety, stress, panic, depression, a
relationship
or other concerns, I collaborate with clients to gain more insight and tools to gain relief. Clients often struggle to wade through "the noise" of everyday life to find a path to meaning or contentment. Through the years of doing this job, clients have continually inspired me in showing people's capacity for change. I am level three Gottman method trained for
couples
and marriage counseling.
See more therapy options for
Couples Counseling Therapists
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.