Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in Forest Park, IL

Photo of Jessica Carufel, MA, NCC, LCPC, CCTP
Jessica Carufel
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LCPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Forest Park, IL 60130
Trauma can make you feel like someone has robbed you of your innocence, purpose, sense of belonging, your voice, and ability to feel safe in your own body. You might be searching for a sense of control, but feeling completely powerless. You escape into activities or relationships in order to feel anything at all and other times to make the feelings stop all together. You may have developed parts of yourself in order to survive, but what would life look like if you could shed old scripts and truly live a life that’s worth living?
Trauma can make you feel like someone has robbed you of your innocence, purpose, sense of belonging, your voice, and ability to feel safe in your own body. You might be searching for a sense of control, but feeling completely powerless. You escape into activities or relationships in order to feel anything at all and other times to make the feelings stop all together. You may have developed parts of yourself in order to survive, but what would life look like if you could shed old scripts and truly live a life that’s worth living?
(708) 438-5857 View (708) 438-5857
Photo of Jessica Punzo, PsyD, Psychologist
Jessica Punzo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Forest Park, IL 60130
Waitlist for new clients
The majority of my training and work experience has specifically focused on the assessment and treatment of psychological trauma. I believe my job is to walk alongside my clients as they unpack their traumatic experiences, while providing continued safety and validation, all at their own pace. I have extensive experience in evidence based treatments for PTSD and have been successful in treating a wide variety of individuals. I have also completed specialized training in maternal mental health. I treat women dealing with mental health issues that come up during and after pregnancy, such as anxiety, depression, and OCD. I also help women navigate pregnancy loss, infertility, and traumatic births. As a mother myself, I am passionate about working with other mothers struggling with mental health issues related to pregnancy or the postpartum period.
The majority of my training and work experience has specifically focused on the assessment and treatment of psychological trauma. I believe my job is to walk alongside my clients as they unpack their traumatic experiences, while providing continued safety and validation, all at their own pace. I have extensive experience in evidence based treatments for PTSD and have been successful in treating a wide variety of individuals. I have also completed specialized training in maternal mental health. I treat women dealing with mental health issues that come up during and after pregnancy, such as anxiety, depression, and OCD. I also help women navigate pregnancy loss, infertility, and traumatic births. As a mother myself, I am passionate about working with other mothers struggling with mental health issues related to pregnancy or the postpartum period.
(708) 613-8682 View (708) 613-8682
Photo of Brett Fry, PsyD, Psychologist
Brett Fry
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Forest Park, IL 60130
Working with various populations has taught me the importance of understanding the full individual and their own unique experience in the world. I provide a supportive environment, focusing on symptom reduction while also exploring underlying roots of emotional discomfort. I encourage self-exploration, emotional processing, and self-acceptance. I try to help clients connect past experiences to their current situations, and I utilize the therapeutic relationship to foster clients' growth and self-fulfillment. I find therapy to be powerful and exciting, and I consider it a privilege to help people strive for their potential.
Working with various populations has taught me the importance of understanding the full individual and their own unique experience in the world. I provide a supportive environment, focusing on symptom reduction while also exploring underlying roots of emotional discomfort. I encourage self-exploration, emotional processing, and self-acceptance. I try to help clients connect past experiences to their current situations, and I utilize the therapeutic relationship to foster clients' growth and self-fulfillment. I find therapy to be powerful and exciting, and I consider it a privilege to help people strive for their potential.
(773) 280-8932 View (773) 280-8932
Photo of Kirsten Tesnar Svejda, PsyD, Psychologist
Kirsten Tesnar Svejda
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Forest Park, IL 60130
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist offering therapy services to adolescents and adults in Oak Park, IL. I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. In my treatment of complex issues, I provide both individual and family therapy and value collaborating with other healthcare providers for multidisciplinary care. I work from a mindfulness-based and trauma-informed lens, utilizing body-based, symptom-focused interventions and exploring interpersonal relationships as methods to encourage change.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist offering therapy services to adolescents and adults in Oak Park, IL. I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. In my treatment of complex issues, I provide both individual and family therapy and value collaborating with other healthcare providers for multidisciplinary care. I work from a mindfulness-based and trauma-informed lens, utilizing body-based, symptom-focused interventions and exploring interpersonal relationships as methods to encourage change.
(708) 885-9939 View (708) 885-9939
Photo of Katarina Berin, MA, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Katarina Berin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Forest Park, IL 60130
Welcome and best wishes on your search for help. Please know that therapy is a good option that has helped many others in difficult times. I offer a compassionate, calm and supportive environment for clients to talk about their experiences, organize their thoughts and understand their emotions. You may be struggling with behaviours that you feel are unhealthy, or emotional difficulties that are impacting functioning. Maybe it’s thoughts that are not serving you well or life events that are hard to process. You do not have to go through it alone.
Welcome and best wishes on your search for help. Please know that therapy is a good option that has helped many others in difficult times. I offer a compassionate, calm and supportive environment for clients to talk about their experiences, organize their thoughts and understand their emotions. You may be struggling with behaviours that you feel are unhealthy, or emotional difficulties that are impacting functioning. Maybe it’s thoughts that are not serving you well or life events that are hard to process. You do not have to go through it alone.
(872) 231-3268 View (872) 231-3268
Photo of Megan Wills, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Megan Wills
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Forest Park, IL 60130
Not accepting new clients
Megan Wills is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults and adolescents. She practices from a relational, trauma-informed, person-centered, and intersectional feminist lens. Megan believes that the foundation of good therapy is a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. She works to create a space where clients can experience safety, support, and unconditional positive regard, build insight into their values, and live a better life.
Megan Wills is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults and adolescents. She practices from a relational, trauma-informed, person-centered, and intersectional feminist lens. Megan believes that the foundation of good therapy is a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. She works to create a space where clients can experience safety, support, and unconditional positive regard, build insight into their values, and live a better life.
(708) 501-6268 View (708) 501-6268

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Rosina Salerno, MA, LPC, LCPC
Rosina Salerno
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60304  (Online Only)
I have specialized training in treating individuals who have experienced depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, grief, bi-polar disorder, life transitions, relationship issues, personality disorders (borderline personality disorder), and low self-esteem.
Are you feeling lost, anxious, depressed? Looking to process trauma or adverse childhood experiences? When life challenges are overwhelming, maintaining a productive, and happy life can be difficult. You deserve to feel your best. You deserve to be content, have peace, and most importantly, have self-love. My job is to help you learn and develop long-lasting, effective skills for handling overwhelming emotions, coping with distress or trauma, communicating more assertively, and feeling strong and capable in your everyday life.
I have specialized training in treating individuals who have experienced depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, grief, bi-polar disorder, life transitions, relationship issues, personality disorders (borderline personality disorder), and low self-esteem.
Are you feeling lost, anxious, depressed? Looking to process trauma or adverse childhood experiences? When life challenges are overwhelming, maintaining a productive, and happy life can be difficult. You deserve to feel your best. You deserve to be content, have peace, and most importantly, have self-love. My job is to help you learn and develop long-lasting, effective skills for handling overwhelming emotions, coping with distress or trauma, communicating more assertively, and feeling strong and capable in your everyday life.
(708) 847-9259 x1 View (708) 847-9259 x1
Photo of Janet Levitt, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Janet Levitt
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
Welcome to my profile. If you're seeking a therapist, you're taking an important step toward creating a shift into resilience, growth, and well-being. I have over 15 years of experience supporting clients using a collaborative, DBT (skills-based) approach. I partner with clients to create a safe space where they can connect more deeply with themselves, their emotions, their needs, and their potentials in order to become their most fully-realized selves.
Welcome to my profile. If you're seeking a therapist, you're taking an important step toward creating a shift into resilience, growth, and well-being. I have over 15 years of experience supporting clients using a collaborative, DBT (skills-based) approach. I partner with clients to create a safe space where they can connect more deeply with themselves, their emotions, their needs, and their potentials in order to become their most fully-realized selves.
(708) 406-2723 View (708) 406-2723
Photo of Rose Mary Spizzirri, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rose Mary Spizzirri
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
Everyone goes through times of struggle and needs someone to listen, reflect and help them move forward. We specialize in working with persons who have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect. Trauma can lead to many life issues & symptoms that we can help you manage & alleviate. Using trauma-informed attachment focused psychotherapy we provide parents with therapeutic skills to help their children heal. I have worked with families, kids, & adults for 25 of years who have various mental illnesses and emotional challenges. Everyone deserves happiness & we can help you through the healing process to restore your mind, body & spirit.
Everyone goes through times of struggle and needs someone to listen, reflect and help them move forward. We specialize in working with persons who have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect. Trauma can lead to many life issues & symptoms that we can help you manage & alleviate. Using trauma-informed attachment focused psychotherapy we provide parents with therapeutic skills to help their children heal. I have worked with families, kids, & adults for 25 of years who have various mental illnesses and emotional challenges. Everyone deserves happiness & we can help you through the healing process to restore your mind, body & spirit.
(708) 697-8009 View (708) 697-8009
Photo of undefined - Mary Vanderplow LLC, PsyD, Psychologist
Mary Vanderplow LLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301  (Online Only)
I specialize in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. My therapy is solution focused and looks to provide my clients with the tools to effectively manage the stresses of everyday life. My goal is to work closely with my clients to identify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors and help them develop healthy coping skills. Therapy is a team effort and together my clients have the support needed to make the changes that will enhance their lives.
I specialize in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. My therapy is solution focused and looks to provide my clients with the tools to effectively manage the stresses of everyday life. My goal is to work closely with my clients to identify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors and help them develop healthy coping skills. Therapy is a team effort and together my clients have the support needed to make the changes that will enhance their lives.
(312) 860-2420 View (312) 860-2420
Photo of Leo Lease, LCPC, MA , ATR-P
Leo Lease
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA , ATR-P
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301  (Online Only)
In moments of stress or discord, everyone copes the best they have available to them. As a trauma informed and DBT focused therapist, I believe in the power shame reduction can have in peoples lives, alongside building concrete skills, and unlearning narratives that no longer serve us. I often see clients who may feel at odds with themselves and want to adapt or grow their ability to handle distress. Although change can be uncomfortable, I work alongside clients to rediscover personal strengths and help find a "core" or "root" that may have felt lost or distant. I commend you for stepping into vulnerability.
In moments of stress or discord, everyone copes the best they have available to them. As a trauma informed and DBT focused therapist, I believe in the power shame reduction can have in peoples lives, alongside building concrete skills, and unlearning narratives that no longer serve us. I often see clients who may feel at odds with themselves and want to adapt or grow their ability to handle distress. Although change can be uncomfortable, I work alongside clients to rediscover personal strengths and help find a "core" or "root" that may have felt lost or distant. I commend you for stepping into vulnerability.
(708) 722-8843 View (708) 722-8843
Photo of Batool Almoshelli, LCPC, Counselor
Batool Almoshelli
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301  (Online Only)
You have decided it's time for a change and therapy is a great tool to get you there. We can work on finding your inner strength and ultimately achieve your goals to improve your quality of life. We'll work together to enhance your/your teen's strengths to help you overcome the challenges you are currently experiencing as well as helping you develop tools for your future. I believe therapy is a collaborative process in change and will be dedicated in walking through your journey with you.
You have decided it's time for a change and therapy is a great tool to get you there. We can work on finding your inner strength and ultimately achieve your goals to improve your quality of life. We'll work together to enhance your/your teen's strengths to help you overcome the challenges you are currently experiencing as well as helping you develop tools for your future. I believe therapy is a collaborative process in change and will be dedicated in walking through your journey with you.
(630) 599-7008 View (630) 599-7008
Photo of Jessica Heise, LCSW, RYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica Heise
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Riverside, IL 60546
Sometimes we struggle with unhealthy patterns and feel lost or less able to cope. Our sessions are a safe place to process relationship issues, work on making changes, & acquire tools to deal with life's stressors. We store much of our emotional past within our physical bodies; together, we'll learn to release that energy using all 5 senses to become more present. My therapy style is warm, collaborative, sexuality and gender-affirming. Since 2009, I have worked with a diversity of people in both inpatient and outpatient settings and helped many of them take the steps to turn pain into growth and regain control of their lives.
Sometimes we struggle with unhealthy patterns and feel lost or less able to cope. Our sessions are a safe place to process relationship issues, work on making changes, & acquire tools to deal with life's stressors. We store much of our emotional past within our physical bodies; together, we'll learn to release that energy using all 5 senses to become more present. My therapy style is warm, collaborative, sexuality and gender-affirming. Since 2009, I have worked with a diversity of people in both inpatient and outpatient settings and helped many of them take the steps to turn pain into growth and regain control of their lives.
(773) 570-1077 View (773) 570-1077
Photo of undefined - Mindful Behavior, LCPC, NBCC
Mindful Behavior
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NBCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berwyn, IL 60402
My name is Elisa Lee, LCPC and I provide counseling services for individuals, families and couples. I connect clients with psychiatry services via Telehealth within 48 hours. I work diligently to match clients in order to stabilize and manage their mental health needs. I also counsel and utilize CBT and reality therapy. I also integrate Mindfulness in therapy to enhance awareness of one's self. When working with minors, I incoorporate the family unit. Please give me a call to inquire further about our services and I can best help you with your psychological needs.
My name is Elisa Lee, LCPC and I provide counseling services for individuals, families and couples. I connect clients with psychiatry services via Telehealth within 48 hours. I work diligently to match clients in order to stabilize and manage their mental health needs. I also counsel and utilize CBT and reality therapy. I also integrate Mindfulness in therapy to enhance awareness of one's self. When working with minors, I incoorporate the family unit. Please give me a call to inquire further about our services and I can best help you with your psychological needs.
(773) 825-6535 View (773) 825-6535
Photo of Zak Strine, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Zak Strine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60302
In the words of James Hillman: “If the oak is in the acorn - what’s in you?” Are you struggling with self-esteem, self-worth, or self-compassion? Are you feeling as if the pain and challenges you experience are hindering you from feeling whole and reaching your true potential? If so, I am here for you on your journey toward wellness. I believe each individual is a whole and multidimensional being, and I strive to provide services that help individuals realize and unlock the wisdom and healing potential that already lies dormant within them. I am here to help you grow and change in ways that are adaptable for you.
In the words of James Hillman: “If the oak is in the acorn - what’s in you?” Are you struggling with self-esteem, self-worth, or self-compassion? Are you feeling as if the pain and challenges you experience are hindering you from feeling whole and reaching your true potential? If so, I am here for you on your journey toward wellness. I believe each individual is a whole and multidimensional being, and I strive to provide services that help individuals realize and unlock the wisdom and healing potential that already lies dormant within them. I am here to help you grow and change in ways that are adaptable for you.
(708) 742-6591 View (708) 742-6591
Photo of Katie Horan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Katie Horan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
I am passionate about helping people build a healthy relationship with self and with others. I believe that we all possess unique strengths. Unfortunately, during difficult times, we can lose sight of our positive qualities and abilities. I aim to help you identify these strengths, utilize them , and build upon them during times of struggle or conflict. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the most important component of any helpful treatment. My ultimate goal is to make the therapeutic process collaborative and individualized. I strive to create a partnership that is helpful to meeting your specific needs.
I am passionate about helping people build a healthy relationship with self and with others. I believe that we all possess unique strengths. Unfortunately, during difficult times, we can lose sight of our positive qualities and abilities. I aim to help you identify these strengths, utilize them , and build upon them during times of struggle or conflict. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the most important component of any helpful treatment. My ultimate goal is to make the therapeutic process collaborative and individualized. I strive to create a partnership that is helpful to meeting your specific needs.
(708) 406-7960 View (708) 406-7960
Photo of Alexandra Denis, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alexandra Denis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
Do you feel as though you are seen and understood in relationships? Or have you at times felt like you are "too much" or "not enough"? You are not alone. Many of us struggle to feel "normal" in a culture that pathologizes so much about who we are. This can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and the world around us. Our therapeutic relationship will offer a warm and accepting space to explore yourself and your needs. Through mindfulness and somatic attunement, I will support you in strengthening the connections between your heart, body and mind so you can feel more grounded, regulated, connected, and whole.
Do you feel as though you are seen and understood in relationships? Or have you at times felt like you are "too much" or "not enough"? You are not alone. Many of us struggle to feel "normal" in a culture that pathologizes so much about who we are. This can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and the world around us. Our therapeutic relationship will offer a warm and accepting space to explore yourself and your needs. Through mindfulness and somatic attunement, I will support you in strengthening the connections between your heart, body and mind so you can feel more grounded, regulated, connected, and whole.
(872) 278-5081 View (872) 278-5081
Photo of Elena Vassallo, MDiv, LCPC
Elena Vassallo
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MDiv, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
Elena Vassallo has twenty-eight years of experience helping people with anxiety, depression, grief, phase of life transitions, low self-esteem, feelings of meaninglessness, relationship issues and more.
Elena Vassallo has twenty-eight years of experience helping people with anxiety, depression, grief, phase of life transitions, low self-esteem, feelings of meaninglessness, relationship issues and more.
(708) 437-6996 View (708) 437-6996
Photo of undefined - Christine Carpenter and Associates, PsyD, Psychologist
Christine Carpenter and Associates
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
(She/Her/Hers) Over the years, I have built a practice devoted to improving the lives of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, struggling with a number of different issues. More recently, I have shifted my focus from clinical practice to the training of pre-licensed and early career therapists. I very much enjoy mentoring as it gives me the opportunity to share all that I have learned in my two decades of providing psychotherapy.
(She/Her/Hers) Over the years, I have built a practice devoted to improving the lives of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, struggling with a number of different issues. More recently, I have shifted my focus from clinical practice to the training of pre-licensed and early career therapists. I very much enjoy mentoring as it gives me the opportunity to share all that I have learned in my two decades of providing psychotherapy.
(773) 888-0757 View (773) 888-0757
Photo of Susan Foti McClanahan, PhD, Psychologist
Susan Foti McClanahan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60302
As co-founder of SpringSource Psychological Center, I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience. We have a fantastic team of talented doctors and therapists at SpringSource who are immediately available to help new clients in the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, infertility, and relationship issues and provide care that is grounded in evidence-based treatments (including DBT, ACT, CPT, MBCT, and more).
As co-founder of SpringSource Psychological Center, I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience. We have a fantastic team of talented doctors and therapists at SpringSource who are immediately available to help new clients in the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, infertility, and relationship issues and provide care that is grounded in evidence-based treatments (including DBT, ACT, CPT, MBCT, and more).
(773) 312-3222 View (773) 312-3222

See more therapy options for Forest Park

Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists

What is the most successful approach to treating borderline personality disorder?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is considered the gold standard of treatment for borderline personality disorder. An evidence-based treatment, it addresses the extreme emotional reactivity, the relationship difficulties, and the acts of self-harm that create so much distress for BPD patients. DBT is a comprehensive program that includes both regular individual psychotherapy sessions and weekly group sessions of skills training.

What happens in treatment of borderline personality disorder?

Treatment typically consists of weekly individual therapy sessions that last an hour and group skill-focused instructional sessions that may last up to two hours. Patients are typically given homework “assignments” in which they are asked to practice in their daily life the skills they acquire in therapy. Patients also keep a diary tracking their emotions and impulses as a way to know which situations are most problematic and to help them gain control over their own behavior. Difficult situations and feelings are typically reviewed in therapy sessions and more constructive solutions found.

What kinds of problems does BPD treatment help with?

DBT was initially developed to dampen the self-destructive impulses of chronically suicidal patients. It is now the treatment of choice for borderline personality disorder, a serious condition marked by extreme emotional reactivity, relationship instability, and self-injurious behaviors. Treatment of BPD helps patients tolerate the flux of emotions without acting on them, often with a specific focus on tolerating negative emotions. DBT addresses the core problems of BPD—fear of abandonment, low self-esteem, and impulsivity.

What is the goal of treatment in borderline personality disorder?

The goal of treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) is to relieve the extreme emotional distress that patients experience—to curb their emotional reactivity, to minimize their inclination to self-harm, and to reduce their impulsivity. Toward these ends, patients are not only taught an array of new coping skills and techniques for emotional regulation, they are given opportunities to practice them. Another major goal of treatment is interpersonal effectiveness; patients learn and problem-solve ways to effectively communicate in relationships, especially how to ask for what they need as a way to minimize hurt feelings.