Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Evanston, IL

I believe one of the biggest factors in creating growth and change begins with the therapeutic relationship. I strive to build a safe environment to give you the comfort and security you need to begin your path to healing. You'll find I use a client centered approach that begins with your needs first. My experience has led me to work with and meet a variety of mental health and addiction needs.

My style is collaborative and based in the belief that we all have the power to help ourselves. I provide a safe and supportive environment by consistently being warm, accepting and empathic, no matter what the issue. In therapy, we will work together to develop an objective perspective in order to identify what you want to change, and what you cannot change. We will then take action to build insight into your life situation, improve coping with difficult problems, and help you try new behaviors to reach your goal of feeling better.

Happy Camper Counseling practices trauma informed and culturally competent care. My clients are seeking an intentionally inclusive and welcoming space to experience impactful therapy. They are often expanding on what they have experienced in their yoga and meditation practices.

"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.

There can be moments or events in life that overwhelm our capacity to cope, get in the way of being our authentic selves, or being fully present in our lives. Many are dealing with the impact of the pandemic and navigating this time of social change. During challenges, people may turn to behaviors and ways of being that no longer serve them well. Perhaps this describes your situation, or maybe you are feeling stuck. I am here to help you find your way back into a meaningful life, whatever that means to you. I work with people who are dealing with depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship concerns, and trauma .

As a culturally affirming trauma therapist, my highest intention is to restore dignity to those who have been marginalized or exiled from our human community because of their traumatic experiences. I see therapy as a journey we embark on together, where I am invited not only to tread the well-worn paths of our shared humanity, but also to walk reverently into the sacred spaces of my clients' life stories. I approach this work with humility, deep respect, and a fierce commitment to my clients' well-being. I am known to hang in there when things get tough, and I enjoy a healthy dose of playfulness and humor in every relationship.

Life offers both ordinary and unexpected challenges that may leave you struggling. Using a protective, nurturing and flexible approach, I draw from a range of techniques to support individuals, couples and adolescents dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma and loss. We will work together to explore beliefs, behaviors and situations that hinder the expression of your true self, using your own strengths to support your growth and development. Every healing journey is unique- and all individuals have their own gifts to access.

Have you found yourself struggling with your relationship with your body and food? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, sadness, self-doubt, or struggling to heal from painful past experiences? Perhaps you even desire more connection with others in your life, but find it difficult to show your authentic self out of fear that you may not be “enough.” If so, know that your experiences matter and that it is possible to live a life that feels meaningful to you. As human beings we all need support and guidance in our lives and deserve a sense of peace. Therapy can be a remarkable way to heal and live more authentically.

Are you experiencing chronic stress, emotional pain, mood dysregulation, relationship problems, life transitions, grief/loss, or problematic substance use? If you have undergone trauma , childhood abuse, or even simply have wanted to address feeling “stuck” or dissatisfied, therapy can help you navigate these challenges and be a space of healing, empowerment, and growth.

We all have periods in our lives when external or internal circumstances call for support, a place to reflect, a safe environment in which we can benefit from slowing down and gaining perspective and insight about the challenges that we face. My work is direct, empathic, warm, and collaborative, with a focus on helping you find more ease, more energy, and a deeper sense of self-worth.

My passion is to help people explore their challenges, work toward their life goals, and find peace. I use empathetic listening and a compassionate approach to help people process trauma , childhood abuse and neglect, women's issues, grief, depression, relationship challenges and life transitions. Through a variety of interventions, including EMDR therapy, I can help you work through a sense of being stuck, find your strength and grow into your best self.

Psychotherapy is an opportunity to look at your deepest fears and face them with the support of an experienced and trusted therapist. At the Healing Journey Psychotherapy, I am committed to work with you and support you through a style that is relational, inquisitive, compassionate and challenging. My areas of expertise include surviving sexual abuse, domestic violence, chronic pain and the after effects of traumatic experiences in relationships.

Are you looking for a space to work through life's challenges? I would love to help! I am not your traditional therapist--I like to make therapy a fun and creative place! Because everyone is unique, I have an eclectic approach to therapy. We will work together to create a safe space for you, where we utilize things that you're interested in, while also integrating evidence based treatment approaches like EMDR and body based approaches.

My entire therapeutic practice is based on three words: I believe you. How often in life (both past and present) have individuals struggled with someone believing them? How easy it is to be judged and misunderstood. A lack of being believed, coupled with being both judged and misunderstood are often what create low self-esteem, depression, trauma , fear and anxiety: all of which can affect relationships, friendships, family life, work, school etc. With support, change and healing are realistic possibilities.

Our practice is dedicated to the health, wellness, and collective liberation of all folks. Together we will work to help you figure out what’s getting in the way of living a meaningful, fulfilling, and vibrant life. Our clinicians utilize a variety of different modalities as well as work with the nervous system to assist our clients in getting “unstuck” and offer support in recognizing old, outdated patterns that may be consciously or unconsciously holding you back. We believe that therapy is a deeply collaborative process, one that requires safety, trust, tenderness, and care.