Psychodynamic Therapists in Homewood, IL
I am passionate about working with individuals, couples, families, and teens to assist in understanding and breaking down our emotional needs. The emotions we feel and experience daily are natural and can be overwhelming. Over time we have build defenses to protect ourselves in the case of emotional harm. These defenses have helped get us to where we are not but currently is impeding our relationships with others and ourselves. Understanding the emotional pain experienced and why those defenses were developed would be the beginning of our counseling journey, that I would be honored in joining you in.
I am passionate about working with individuals, couples, families, and teens to assist in understanding and breaking down our emotional needs. The emotions we feel and experience daily are natural and can be overwhelming. Over time we have build defenses to protect ourselves in the case of emotional harm. These defenses have helped get us to where we are not but currently is impeding our relationships with others and ourselves. Understanding the emotional pain experienced and why those defenses were developed would be the beginning of our counseling journey, that I would be honored in joining you in.
With CBT/ACT/DBT & Psychodynamic principles, we'll look at how past & present experiences affect your thoughts, emotions & behavior.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples navigating trauma and complex trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, COVID-related challenges, identity concerns, corporate burnout, communication difficulties, and relationship issues. I also have experience supporting individuals living with more complex mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with a focus on stability, insight, and quality of life.
I understand what it means to perform under pressure while silently carrying emotional strain and I help clients make sense of those experiences, regain clarity, and move toward healing and growth.
With CBT/ACT/DBT & Psychodynamic principles, we'll look at how past & present experiences affect your thoughts, emotions & behavior.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples navigating trauma and complex trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, COVID-related challenges, identity concerns, corporate burnout, communication difficulties, and relationship issues. I also have experience supporting individuals living with more complex mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with a focus on stability, insight, and quality of life.
I understand what it means to perform under pressure while silently carrying emotional strain and I help clients make sense of those experiences, regain clarity, and move toward healing and growth.
On the outside, you’re holding everything together—work, family, school, and relationships. But inside, you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and stretched thin. You may be a professional, a mom, or a student trying to keep up with expectations while silently struggling. I help high-functioning women and young adults who are used to pushing through but are ready to feel more balanced, supported, and like themselves again. You don’t have to keep doing this alone.
On the outside, you’re holding everything together—work, family, school, and relationships. But inside, you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and stretched thin. You may be a professional, a mom, or a student trying to keep up with expectations while silently struggling. I help high-functioning women and young adults who are used to pushing through but are ready to feel more balanced, supported, and like themselves again. You don’t have to keep doing this alone.
It is not sadness exactly. It is more like flatness. You wake up and the day is already heavy before it starts. You go through the motions, the work, the obligations, the conversations where you say you are fine, and somewhere in all of it you are bracing. Bracing against the nothing, against the weight of existing in a body that has stopped feeling like yours. You have been pretending for so long that you are not sure anyone would recognize the real version of you anymore. You are not dramatic. You are not weak. Something genuine is wrong, and the exhaustion of carrying it quietly, day after day, is its own kind of pain.
It is not sadness exactly. It is more like flatness. You wake up and the day is already heavy before it starts. You go through the motions, the work, the obligations, the conversations where you say you are fine, and somewhere in all of it you are bracing. Bracing against the nothing, against the weight of existing in a body that has stopped feeling like yours. You have been pretending for so long that you are not sure anyone would recognize the real version of you anymore. You are not dramatic. You are not weak. Something genuine is wrong, and the exhaustion of carrying it quietly, day after day, is its own kind of pain.
My approach is trauma-informed, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based, blending insight with tangible tools clients can use in daily life.
My work is grounded in the understanding that our experiences shape how we see ourselves and relate to others. In therapy, we’ll explore those patterns with curiosity and compassion, discovering new ways to connect and grow.
I provide therapy for adolescents and individuals navigating anxiety, depression, the impact of trauma, and life transitions. I'm also interested in supporting mothers seeking balance and reconnection with their identity and sense of self.
My approach is trauma-informed, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based, blending insight with tangible tools clients can use in daily life.
My work is grounded in the understanding that our experiences shape how we see ourselves and relate to others. In therapy, we’ll explore those patterns with curiosity and compassion, discovering new ways to connect and grow.
I provide therapy for adolescents and individuals navigating anxiety, depression, the impact of trauma, and life transitions. I'm also interested in supporting mothers seeking balance and reconnection with their identity and sense of self.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor working at Balance Counseling & Wellness in Homewood, Illinois. Previously, I have worked as a registered nurse for over 20 years, while receiving training in Healing Touch and Reiki. I approach counseling from a client-centered and holistic (mind, body, spirit) perspective and hold special interest in PTSD and issues related to chronic pain and medical concerns. I assist clients in working through the therapeutic process, believing that therapy can assist in experiencing positive change during difficult life circumstances. Contact me at 708-820-8250
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor working at Balance Counseling & Wellness in Homewood, Illinois. Previously, I have worked as a registered nurse for over 20 years, while receiving training in Healing Touch and Reiki. I approach counseling from a client-centered and holistic (mind, body, spirit) perspective and hold special interest in PTSD and issues related to chronic pain and medical concerns. I assist clients in working through the therapeutic process, believing that therapy can assist in experiencing positive change during difficult life circumstances. Contact me at 708-820-8250
I'm an intern focused on Marriage, Family, and Couple track at Governors State University. Currently taking families, couples, and individuals. Practice psychodynamic techniques and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
I'm an intern focused on Marriage, Family, and Couple track at Governors State University. Currently taking families, couples, and individuals. Practice psychodynamic techniques and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
I draw from Person-Centered, CBT, ACT, Adlerian, psychodynamic, and strength-based approaches.
Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, self-doubt, or relationship dynamics they can’t quite name. Maybe you’re juggling school, work, family expectations, or a major transition while trying to stay connected to who you are. Maybe you’ve noticed that coping skills that once worked don’t work as well anymore. You want to feel grounded, strengthen your voice, and build inner resilience rooted in your core priorities. In our work together, you’ll have a safe space to sit with your emotions, understand what keeps you feeling stuck, and move toward confidence and clarity.
I draw from Person-Centered, CBT, ACT, Adlerian, psychodynamic, and strength-based approaches.
Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, self-doubt, or relationship dynamics they can’t quite name. Maybe you’re juggling school, work, family expectations, or a major transition while trying to stay connected to who you are. Maybe you’ve noticed that coping skills that once worked don’t work as well anymore. You want to feel grounded, strengthen your voice, and build inner resilience rooted in your core priorities. In our work together, you’ll have a safe space to sit with your emotions, understand what keeps you feeling stuck, and move toward confidence and clarity.
I see adult clients 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.
I see adult clients 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.
I use a psychodynamic approach to help clients uncover patterns from past experiences that influence their current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
You're a teen girl who feels misunderstood by everyone around her. A young adult stepping into the real world carrying more self-doubt than anyone sees. A woman in her early 30s who has done everything she was supposed to do — and still feels lost, stuck, or empty inside. Anxiety is loud. Old wounds keep showing up in your relationships. You've been strong for so long but quietly wonder when it's finally your turn to feel whole. You don't just want to cope — you want to heal, evolve, and become the woman you already know you're meant to be. That's exactly who I show up for every single day.
I use a psychodynamic approach to help clients uncover patterns from past experiences that influence their current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
You're a teen girl who feels misunderstood by everyone around her. A young adult stepping into the real world carrying more self-doubt than anyone sees. A woman in her early 30s who has done everything she was supposed to do — and still feels lost, stuck, or empty inside. Anxiety is loud. Old wounds keep showing up in your relationships. You've been strong for so long but quietly wonder when it's finally your turn to feel whole. You don't just want to cope — you want to heal, evolve, and become the woman you already know you're meant to be. That's exactly who I show up for every single day.
Healing Out Loud LLC was created from the belief that too often people are coping with life’s stressors and struggles in silence until that silence begins to impact their mental health. You don’t have to carry everything alone. My goal is to help stop the cycle of suffering in silence by offering a space where your story, experiences, and voice truly matter.
Healing Out Loud LLC was created from the belief that too often people are coping with life’s stressors and struggles in silence until that silence begins to impact their mental health. You don’t have to carry everything alone. My goal is to help stop the cycle of suffering in silence by offering a space where your story, experiences, and voice truly matter.
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.
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.
I believe that therapy is a dynamic experience that can be extremely helpful for lots of people. The process of changing ones life for the better is often a difficult one that requires support and understanding. In my therapy practice I strive to be that supportive guide that many individuals need to get to the next level of existence. I believe that overcoming is not an event, it is a process. Whether one is overcoming depression, relationship issues, or traumatic life experiences, support and thoughtful guidance is often key in recovery.
I believe that therapy is a dynamic experience that can be extremely helpful for lots of people. The process of changing ones life for the better is often a difficult one that requires support and understanding. In my therapy practice I strive to be that supportive guide that many individuals need to get to the next level of existence. I believe that overcoming is not an event, it is a process. Whether one is overcoming depression, relationship issues, or traumatic life experiences, support and thoughtful guidance is often key in recovery.
Are you an ambitious working mom who just feels plain exhausted? You care about your career but you also have a deep longing and need to be present with your family. Balancing career and home life can feel like an exhausting game of tug-of-war for many women. Your brain is constantly going and the mental load is overwhelming! This might show up as fatigue, chaos in your household, mom guilt, mom rage, increasing frustration related to your career, or even challenges with your partner.
Are you an ambitious working mom who just feels plain exhausted? You care about your career but you also have a deep longing and need to be present with your family. Balancing career and home life can feel like an exhausting game of tug-of-war for many women. Your brain is constantly going and the mental load is overwhelming! This might show up as fatigue, chaos in your household, mom guilt, mom rage, increasing frustration related to your career, or even challenges with your partner.
You've been the strong one for so long — the caregiver, the fixer, the one holding everyone else together while quietly falling apart inside. Maybe you're grieving a loss that changed everything. Maybe your relationship is breaking down and you don't know how to find your way back. Maybe you're a woman starting over after divorce, heartbreak, or a season that didn't go the way you planned. You're exhausted, emotionally drained, and desperately longing for peace, clarity, and someone who truly sees you. You don't need to explain yourself here. You just need to finally be heard.
You've been the strong one for so long — the caregiver, the fixer, the one holding everyone else together while quietly falling apart inside. Maybe you're grieving a loss that changed everything. Maybe your relationship is breaking down and you don't know how to find your way back. Maybe you're a woman starting over after divorce, heartbreak, or a season that didn't go the way you planned. You're exhausted, emotionally drained, and desperately longing for peace, clarity, and someone who truly sees you. You don't need to explain yourself here. You just need to finally be heard.
Hi, my name is Dr. Nikki Ruffin. My belief is that effective counseling work develops from establishing a collaborative relationship with clients. The goals of therapy are to gain self-awareness and understanding of the influence of their past on present circumstances, explore unresolved conflicts and symptoms that arise that manifest themselves in current issues going in their lives. Once this self awareness is recognized clients can examine unhealthy beliefs that lead to unhealthy behaviors and learn to change unhealthy thoughts to more realistic ones that lead to better emotional and mental health.
Hi, my name is Dr. Nikki Ruffin. My belief is that effective counseling work develops from establishing a collaborative relationship with clients. The goals of therapy are to gain self-awareness and understanding of the influence of their past on present circumstances, explore unresolved conflicts and symptoms that arise that manifest themselves in current issues going in their lives. Once this self awareness is recognized clients can examine unhealthy beliefs that lead to unhealthy behaviors and learn to change unhealthy thoughts to more realistic ones that lead to better emotional and mental health.
Do you find yourself stuck on repeat, carrying pain from the past that won’t fade? Are you ready to stop only surviving and start living more fully?
I believe we all have a “B-Side, ”the raw, unfiltered part of us that holds our real stories. While the A-side is polished for the world, the B-side carries the deeper emotions, experiences, and wounds we often keep hidden. But just like in music, those B-sides hold the real artistry and truth. Therapy is where we tune into that side together. In a warm, judgment-free space, you set the pace, and I help you process the tough parts without pressure - just truth, healing, and humor.
Do you find yourself stuck on repeat, carrying pain from the past that won’t fade? Are you ready to stop only surviving and start living more fully?
I believe we all have a “B-Side, ”the raw, unfiltered part of us that holds our real stories. While the A-side is polished for the world, the B-side carries the deeper emotions, experiences, and wounds we often keep hidden. But just like in music, those B-sides hold the real artistry and truth. Therapy is where we tune into that side together. In a warm, judgment-free space, you set the pace, and I help you process the tough parts without pressure - just truth, healing, and humor.
At Carroll Cares Teletherapy, we support those feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands and "stuck" in cycles of anxiety or burnout. You’ve been holding it all together, but you’re ready for a confidential, non judgmental space to gain clarity and move forward. Our goal is to help you regain emotional balance and set healthy boundaries. Founded by Cay Carroll Kidd, LCPC, our practice offers seasoned expertise through a dedicated team, including pre-licensed clinicians under my direct supervision. Together, we provide the high-level support you need to move from surviving to thriving.
At Carroll Cares Teletherapy, we support those feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands and "stuck" in cycles of anxiety or burnout. You’ve been holding it all together, but you’re ready for a confidential, non judgmental space to gain clarity and move forward. Our goal is to help you regain emotional balance and set healthy boundaries. Founded by Cay Carroll Kidd, LCPC, our practice offers seasoned expertise through a dedicated team, including pre-licensed clinicians under my direct supervision. Together, we provide the high-level support you need to move from surviving to thriving.
My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where patients can explore their feelings and thoughts in order to gain insight into their problems. As a therapist I seek to foster a solid alliance with my patients in order to provide them with the best possible care. My approach to therapy is rooted in my belief that the patient’s perspective is the most important one and it is important to view each person as a unique individual.
My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where patients can explore their feelings and thoughts in order to gain insight into their problems. As a therapist I seek to foster a solid alliance with my patients in order to provide them with the best possible care. My approach to therapy is rooted in my belief that the patient’s perspective is the most important one and it is important to view each person as a unique individual.
My background in the arts, education, meditation, yoga and psychotherapy provide a broad foundation for therapeutic practice. I engage with clients from many walks of life. I look forward to working with you to help you find relief from distress and to discover a way forward.
My background in the arts, education, meditation, yoga and psychotherapy provide a broad foundation for therapeutic practice. I engage with clients from many walks of life. I look forward to working with you to help you find relief from distress and to discover a way forward.
See more therapy options for Homewood
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Psychodynamic Therapists
Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?
Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.
How long does psychodynamic therapy last?
Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.
Does psychodynamic therapy work?
Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.
What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?
Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.