Grief Therapists in Homewood, IL

I offer a place where your voice will be heard. A compassionate and confidential atmosphere to discuss personal concerns. I specialized in therapeutic assistance to anyone,from all backgrounds, ages, and walks of life (families, individuals, children and teens) who are encountering adjustment problems or experiencing psychological emotional distress, such as loss , grief , sexual trauma and crisis, depression, anxiety and PTSD.

I see clients ages 12-80+, who may be dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, family problems, life stage issues, chronic illness, or grief . As we explore your situation, we will learn more about the current problem, and how it is similar to or different from experiences you have had in the past. Your usual ways of solving problems may not be working now. As we reflect on your characteristic responses to people and situations, we will consider changes you can make that will help you get more of what you are looking for in your life.

Entering an intimate space with yourself is no easy task. But with the help of someone you trust, it makes the journey a bit easier to embrace. It is my belief that my job as a therapist is to help my clients connect the dots within their lives to enhance their mental health. This is done by unpacking, exploring and examining roadblocks from our past that are preventing us from being present in the present. This type of awareness helps to foster continual growth & grants access to understanding the story behind our behaviors.

Michelle emphasizes the development of a trusting relationship to create a safe space for the therapeutic process. With a servant’s heart, Michelle takes pride in working with her clients in a collaborative effort to explore their feelings, identify their needs, and create goals. She utilizes a holistic approach to address the functional, emotional, and psychosocial health of the client.

We work with a diversity of people, all ages, who deal with a variety of life stressors. Job/school stress, mounting anxiety, persistent sadness, parent-child problems, divorce, panic, LGBTQ concerns, life transition, and grief and loss are among the issues we most commonly work with. Our approach to therapy is first to really understand you as an individual - your goals, your areas of concern, your family, your job environment, etc. Sometimes, we find diagnostic tools helpful in clarifying issues and generating therapy goals. We work to hear and understand your needs so together we can improve the problems.

Sometimes life's matters can be really overwhelming and you feel alone or unable to make it through. However, with help and support from a neutral source your healing can begin. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience in social services working with children and families. I began my career as a case worker in 1994 and decided to pursue a Masters in Counseling in 2004. Since 2008 I have been providing individual, couples and family therapy to those in need.

I see psychotherapy as a collaborative process. From this perspective, I have developed an individualized approach in which the relationship provides a safe place where feelings and behavior can be explored. Often, current struggles have developed over time so that connections can be made to past experiences. With this understanding a person can begin to make changes which lead to greater satisfaction and happiness. I bring a solid eclectic knowledge base to the process, drawing on individual dynamics, relationship dynamics, and an understanding of human development throughout the life cycle. I work with individuals, couples, and adolescents (including their families).

At some point in life, most of us face challenges that are too overwhelming or challenging to handle on our own. Counseling is a wonderful way to get support, guidance, knowledge, and perspective around these issues, and it can make the difference between struggling and thriving. As a counselor, my goal is to help people through their challenges and struggles, and get to a place where they are happier, healthier, and stronger. I provide a warm and welcoming presence where you will feel comfortable addressing your struggles, and together we can create solutions you can use to live a happier and healthier life.

A typical session with me varies depending on the person and their needs. I enjoy integrating previous conversations and current happenings to make sure the client addresses what they need to, and what they feel comfortable with that day. I plan to meet you where you are and go by your agenda. I prefer to use the first appointment to build rapport and trust. I like to set goals during the second session to get an idea of what it is you are looking for in therapy. These goals can always evolve or change as we move through therapy as needed. You are the expert on your experience, I am here to hold the tools and help you build!

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist I promote talk therapy and creative expression as methods for healing, empowerment and life enhancement. My focus is to be a conduit for compassion, grace, and healing. In therapy sessions, clients use talk therapy and/or art materials and techniques to explore emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects in order to access their innate wisdom and healing potential. By providing a safe and non-judgmental space for clients there is an invitation to enter a path into curiosity, discovery, and enrichment which presents openings for change and growth.

I strive to help clients better understand and treat thoughts, emotions and behaviors which negatively affect their overall functioning. In order to achieve this, I primarily use a Person-Centered clinical approach, which means that through empathy and non-judgment, a person is able to discover more about him/herself and find solutions that will allow the person to move forward. When it is a good fit for the client and with certain mental health issues, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which relies more on techniques and reinforcement activities.

The decision to begin a therapeutic journey can be daunting yet richly rewarding. I strive to create a safe, collaborative, and supportive space to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your experiences and personal dynamics to promote a more balanced and fulfilling life. I support my clients in their goals by utilizing a mindful, relational and reflective approach. I integrate neuroscience and somatic based practices with equine facilitated and eco-therapy (ie.. horses and nature). I am committed to a therapeutic process that fosters self-compassion, creativity, and resiliency, while valuing diversity and authenticity.

I believe change is possible even in times of turmoil. I have devoted my career to working with clients looking for new beginnings, responding to trauma, and healing. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), life transitions including death , divorce, unemployment, women and couple's issues, and motivational coaching.

Congratulations on your decision to consider psychotherapy! You are already on the road to recovery. I seek to provide a safe, nonjudgemental growth enhancing space for you to identify and achieve your goals. My practice allows adults, couples, teens and children to address their unique problems be it depression, grief , traumatic stress. Therapy clients will gain power over difficult circumstances and troubling symptoms. Learn to let go of emotional baggage that drags you down. Gain energy and motivation. You can call today!

Emotions are the core of human life and experience, and yet we often have a very difficult time navigating what our emotions are trying to tell us about ourselves, how we perceive others, and what's valued in our lives. Through the therapeutic relationship I seek to work together with clients to achieve both better mental and emotional health and greater contentment with life.

I am passionate about assisting others as they draw meaning in their lives and seek to establish relational support when faced with adversity. Oftentimes it is difficult to connect from the inside out and from the outside in when we are hurting. Many individuals are longing for someone to hear, care, and validate their feelings. I have worked with diverse populations with a myriad of mental health challenges, and have come to an understanding that hurt and pain knows no race, creed, or ethnicity; we all share in these throughout our lifetime.

As a therapist I am committed to helping others navigate life's many unexpected challenges, while always maintaining a genuine demeanor and exemplifying compassion. Through utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy and integrating various therapeutic techniques helps to enable my clients to make transformational changes in their everyday lives. By incorporating these techniques within session I have been able to help clients who has suffered from anxiety, depression, sexual assault, domestic violence, low self-esteem, stress, along with grief & loss .

I'm here to relieve the pressures of life, comb through uncertainties, and challenges. You are worth more than just "surviving" life but to "live" life! Therefore, I am here to meet individuals where they are and to take them to productive and meaningful places in their lives. As a team, we can tackle the issues/challenges and implement steps to a healthier and happier you! As a licensed mental health counselor as well as a qualified mental health counselor I can help develop skills to enhance a better self.