Couples Counseling Therapists in Evanston, IL

I work with many successful people who are struggling in a particular area such as work or marriage. I enjoy working with people to find more meaning in their careers. I also have a subspecialization in addictions. I also use my behavior change expertise to address our addiction to oil and the preservation of our planet for future generations.

My treatment philosophy rests on the belief that the relationship established between myself and my clients is the vehicle in which the various tools, strategies, and interventions of therapy are delivered and made useful. Current neuroscience research suggests that the decision to seek counseling in and of itself may set into motion hard-wired capacities for healing. And while there are myriad compelling reasons to seek therapy, it is not unusual for individuals to hold ambivalent feelings about making life changes; in short, to hold 'two minds' about addressing a significant life issue.

Carissa Francisco works with clients to create a safe and collaborative therapeutic environment. Carissa's goal in working with clients is to aid in their therapeutic process and recovery by assisting in the healing of relationship wounds or other personally identified goals. Carissa works with children and teens to identify their emotions and understand their behaviors. In her work with couples , Carissa aims to stay neutral to the relationship . Utilizing in-session exercises, clients will learn self awareness as it pertains to their relationship .

In my practice, I prioritize creating an environment that feels safe, respectful, and warm for each unique person. My goals as a therapist are to establish an authentic connection, to be aware and supportive of individual and cultural differences, and to identify strengths that can serve as a foundation for healthy coping. To facilitate the growth you'd like to see, we'll discuss your aspirations and collaboratively set goals toward finding balance. A prospective client might recognize the need for support or change in their situation and be brave enough to take the next step in connecting.

Is the stress of work or school overwhelming you? Are your relationships difficult? Are you struggling with feelings of shame or vulnerability? Do you feel unsatisfied? Everyone experiences life differently. My training and experience as a counselor has led me to a deep understanding of how we live in our worlds: with our families, within our relationships, and even how we perceive ourselves. My approach to counseling is based on helping others find the solutions that lie within themselves. Evening and weekend appointments are available.

3/20/23: 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 or family feel like insurmountable obstacles? You are not alone. Whatever you are facing, you deserve a space that is solely dedicated to you. 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.

I believe that problems are best understood in the context of relationships - with loved ones, with intimate partners, and with oneself. Perhaps you are noticing room for improvement in one or in multiple relationships, or perhaps you have a strong desire for increased understanding of yourself and others. It takes a great deal of insight and strength to even begin this journey towards greater harmony. My hope as a clinician is to help foster within you a sense of renewed curiosity, compassion, and hope as you undertake this journey.

It's a brave decision to seek therapy and the experience can be the greatest gift you give yourself. I offer a relaxing space where you can reflect and focus on personal growth and positive change. I provide positive feedback to help you address current life challenges and resolve long standing issues. Often the goal of therapy can be as simple as becoming aware of patterns and understanding how your motivations are linked to certain behaviors.

You’ve been carrying the anxiety and pain for far too long. No one really knows what it's like to be you. It feels utterly lonely. But you are at the point, where you want to find hope again and see if there is a chance that it doesn’t have to be this way. You are navigating relationships with your intimate partner and friends, and experiencing difficult lonely feelings about your life, family, health, and career. Whether you have a relationship or are starting a new one, planning a family or maintaining one, struggling at college, battling chronic pain or IBS, or moving into the empty nest syndrome, there is so much to worry about.

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.

If you are experiencing marriage or relationship challenges, a difficult divorced co-parenting situation, or stressful parenting issues, there are powerful skills, and simple shifts in thinking that can give you relief and help you find peace. I believe that the challenges we face are not failures; rather they are opportunities to grow and mature into ourselves. I specialize in relationship work, couples work, divorced co-parenting issues, family relationship work, emotions work (anger issues, anxiety and grief) and individual self-growth, including life transitions. Through my work with high-conflict divorced co-parenting, I have developed tolerance, patience, compassion and skill for working with difficult and challenging relationship dynamics.

I have been working for over thirty years to master the art of developing trusting relationships with individuals, couples and families. I use psychological theories, family systems theory and integrated spirituality to allow my relationships with people to reveal new ways to live life and function effectively in both personal and professional contexts.

The purpose of therapy is to help you get beyond a state of elementary survival -to a place where there's energy to be creative, the drive to motivate yourself, some space to take a walk, and perhaps time to attend a class. You may ask yourself constantly: "Isn't there more to life than struggle? Instead of walking in circles wouldn't it be nice to expand your horizons and gain a new perspective? Therapy is the place to do such things. It's a safe environment to become more awake and to develop more fully your genuine Self.

We all endure adversities and challenges that can cause us to question our identities, our relationships, and our lives. Navigating and processing these experiences on our own can leave us feeling overwhelmed, confused, and lonely. It is in the midst of such distress that we benefit deeply from receiving warm and empathic support. Given the unique complexity of each person’s life experiences, I emphasize multicultural sensitivity and the use of a holistic approach to therapy.

We all work hard to take care of ourselves and build positive relationships, but sometimes obstacles get in our way. For more than 20 years, I have worked with people to identify and remove those obstacles, so that they can lead fuller and more joyful lives. You may be derailed by the loss of a job or relationship ; feel depressed and not know why, or struggle as a parent. I work with individuals, couples and families to pinpoint your concerns and work toward change. My emphasis is on building honest, open relationships and on using insight to fuel change.