Family Therapy in Evanston, IL

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.

Do you ever feel like you're wearing a mask to cover up how you really feel? One of the challenges of personal problems is the pressure to seem like everything's fine. Many of us stifle important parts of ourselves with romantic partners; friends and family ; and even at work, fearing that doing otherwise will come at a cost. But masking our feelings often shows up as anxiety, depression, lack of self-care, or dissatisfaction in our personal or romantic relationships.

I work from an integrative approach with my clients to ensure they remain the leader of their therapy experience and receive treatment specialized to their needs and goals. I approach my clients within a systems lens, exploring all the connections one has in their life, as well as integrate feminist and interpersonal approaches that put the client’s unique experiences into focus. I am an advocate and value creating a safe space for all on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.

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

Where is my life going? How do I get back to being me after having a baby? How do I support my teenager or young adult child? Now that I am finished with college, what's next? These are questions that my clients often ask. In our work together we will make a plan towards finding your authentic self, achieve personal goals and build healthier boundaries and relationships. I am a social worker with 13 years of experience working with clients of all ages.

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.

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.

Many clients tell me that they feel safe with me and that I "get them." I love helping individuals and couples clarify issues, understand their relationships triggers and move into gratifying connection with others and themselves. I work particularly well with Highly Sensitive and Creative people. I graduated with a Masters from the University of Chicago specializing in individual, couples and family therapy . I offer both long and short-term counseling. I also provide consultation to other therapists both individually and in a group.

Each individual's journey is unique. My approach to psychotherapy is relational and supportive so people can embrace their personal story in a caring and respectful manner. Together, we can work towards identifying strengths, creating greater self-awareness, increasing fulfillment and understanding thoughts, feelings and relationships. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults with various concerns in individual, group and family settings, as well as providing neurofeedback therapy and conducting neuropsychological assessments.

Hi there! I’m Rachel (she/her) and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist . Trained in Integrative Systemic Therapy at Northwestern University, I am most passionate about working with couples and individuals (older teens, young adults, adults) presenting with various needs, concerns, and presentations. These include depression/anxiety, trauma, complex PTSD, attachment issues, codependency, life transitions, and relational conflict.

All of us -- women and men, young and old, poor, middle class and upscale folks, minorities and majorities -- have to deal with complexity. As a therapist I help heal hurts from the past, assist clients in managing present challenges, and work collaboratively to create more satisfying future lives. The people who see me for individual, couples and family therapy represent a culturally diverse group. Their difficulties range from anxiety and depression, to stress disorders, OCD/OCPD, relationship problems, employment issues, and bereavement. Many of these women and men report quick progress in better managing their personal, family , academic, and work lives.

You've been feeling distressed. Maybe it's because you're concerned that an important relationship grows more conflicted or distant no matter what you've tried. Maybe it's because you're wrestling with thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that interfere with your everyday life. Finding a good match for therapy is essential to your success; you want someone who will be a knowledgeable, caring guide. Working with your personal strengths, I will join with you to find the solutions you need. Asking for feedback, listening empathically, and answering your questions are ways I collaborate with you from the beginning.

Going through changes? Some are easier to navigate than others. Often experiences and patterns can limit your response to challenges and keep you stuck in unsatisfying relationships and situations. Together, in a safe and supportive environment, we can examine what has been working well for you and how your life might change by responding differently. We can work together to make the next stage of your life more fulfilling, empowering, and satisfying.

I help people connect and grow in relationships. I help couples and families find their way through the difficulties of being in relationship when the uncertain, the unexpected, and the uninvited threaten to unravel the very fabric that would otherwise get them through it. Things like dealing with past trauma or family issues, coming out, getting married, having a child, addiction, a diagnosis, losing a job, or an affair put strain on a couple or family . In time, it can sap all energy and leave members struggling to meet the changing needs of their relationships. I meet you in the struggle and help you figure out how to reconnect.

There are times in our lives when we face problems that can overburden us with distress and discontent. These can include struggles with troubling moods and emotions such as depression, anxiety, anger and self-doubt; challenges navigating our roles and relationships as parents, partners and professionals; and difficulties adjusting to life-altering events such as a death, a divorce, or a major transition. I specialize in family -focused counseling aimed at helping children, adolescents, adults, and couples to address these concerns in ways that lead them to cope more skillfully, connect more positively, and live more hopefully.

My goal is to provide you with a safe and comfortable space where together we can cultivate a path toward greater fulfillment. I will honor your individuality and capitalize on what is already working for you, so you can utilize this as your foundation for building greater insight and more effective skills. My style is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I consider it an honor to sit with my clients during their hardest times and witness their journey toward wellness.

I view psychotherapy as an opportunity for personal growth and greater self-understanding. While it is important to address specific issues in the here and now, often the process can also lead to broader gains in self-awareness and life satisfaction. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and tailored to each person's unique needs and goals. I will work with you to address your concerns, overcome obstacles and find greater personal satisfaction.

Change is hard. But change is necessary when we find ourselves in situations where we feel sad, anxious, angry or stuck. My ultimate goal as a therapist is to help you develop more options in life -- to help you realize your potential in love, work and play. This involves the development of new ways of thinking, feeling and behaving. I will be your collaborator in this process. I will strive to create a safe, empathic and non-judgmental environment that will allow you to identify and explore your current struggles. Working together, change is possible.

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.