Female Therapists in Lake Forest, IL
Hello and welcome! I am a licensed clinical social worker working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Throughout my tenure, I have practiced social work in agencies, schools, and clinical private practice. I am licensed in both IL and PA.
Hello and welcome! I am a licensed clinical social worker working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Throughout my tenure, I have practiced social work in agencies, schools, and clinical private practice. I am licensed in both IL and PA.
My passion and focus in therapy is treating individuals and family systems with complex and developmental trauma. This includes survivors of childhood trauma and caregivers who are navigating the complexities of foster care, adoption, and/or parenting with their own history of childhood trauma. I use a few different therapeutic modalities to best fit my client’s needs, and as a board certified art therapist I like to utilize art making and creativity in my sessions to deepen client’s understanding and build trust.
My passion and focus in therapy is treating individuals and family systems with complex and developmental trauma. This includes survivors of childhood trauma and caregivers who are navigating the complexities of foster care, adoption, and/or parenting with their own history of childhood trauma. I use a few different therapeutic modalities to best fit my client’s needs, and as a board certified art therapist I like to utilize art making and creativity in my sessions to deepen client’s understanding and build trust.
Life can present us with significant challenges. As a therapist, my goal is to assist you in identifying the obstacles that may be in the way of you experiencing life as you want it to be and to develop strategies that result in an increase in acceptance, contentment and success. My expertise is in providing individual and family therapy. Additionally, I have a specialization in addiction recovery, trauma work and working with mood regulation (depression, anxiety).I treat adolescents, families, couples and individuals. I see patients 18 years of age and up.
Life can present us with significant challenges. As a therapist, my goal is to assist you in identifying the obstacles that may be in the way of you experiencing life as you want it to be and to develop strategies that result in an increase in acceptance, contentment and success. My expertise is in providing individual and family therapy. Additionally, I have a specialization in addiction recovery, trauma work and working with mood regulation (depression, anxiety).I treat adolescents, families, couples and individuals. I see patients 18 years of age and up.
As a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience treating children, adolescents, adults, and families, I work with individuals exhibiting a wide variety of psychological issues. These include: anxiety-related disorders (e.g., OCD, generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, social anxiety, separation anxiety, panic disorder, etc.), depression, ADHD, behavioral issues, and parenting concerns. With experience practicing in several settings (community mental health, academic medical center, university-affiliated outpatient clinic, and private practice), I have worked with a diverse client base.
As a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience treating children, adolescents, adults, and families, I work with individuals exhibiting a wide variety of psychological issues. These include: anxiety-related disorders (e.g., OCD, generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, social anxiety, separation anxiety, panic disorder, etc.), depression, ADHD, behavioral issues, and parenting concerns. With experience practicing in several settings (community mental health, academic medical center, university-affiliated outpatient clinic, and private practice), I have worked with a diverse client base.
I am a firm believer that the greatest experiences and our most difficult moments include other people. Relationships with others are not always easy to navigate. Experiences we have with other people can have a huge impact on how we feel about ourselves and the world around us. I love to support people exploring their relationship with themselves and how that can have a positive impact on our relationship with others. I have knowledge and experience working with individuals and couples who have experienced trauma, loss, anxiety, depression, parenting, postpartum and identity issues.
I am a firm believer that the greatest experiences and our most difficult moments include other people. Relationships with others are not always easy to navigate. Experiences we have with other people can have a huge impact on how we feel about ourselves and the world around us. I love to support people exploring their relationship with themselves and how that can have a positive impact on our relationship with others. I have knowledge and experience working with individuals and couples who have experienced trauma, loss, anxiety, depression, parenting, postpartum and identity issues.
I work with individuals,adults and couples. I see each person as a unique individual with strengths and challenges. It is my goal to create a feeling of safety and compassion. It can take courage to enter into therapy and I work with each person in a way that respects their pace, accesses their inner resources, and supports and guides them as new insights and behaviors are evolving. I also use Hypnotherapy and am certified through the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. Hypnosis can enhance change, help with anxiety, depression, pain, and increase relaxation as well as other issues.
I work with individuals,adults and couples. I see each person as a unique individual with strengths and challenges. It is my goal to create a feeling of safety and compassion. It can take courage to enter into therapy and I work with each person in a way that respects their pace, accesses their inner resources, and supports and guides them as new insights and behaviors are evolving. I also use Hypnotherapy and am certified through the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. Hypnosis can enhance change, help with anxiety, depression, pain, and increase relaxation as well as other issues.
Mia is the Co-Owner and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor at MiLCounseling,PLLC who works with individuals of all ages, particularly older children, adolescents, adults, and families. Mia utilizes CBT, DBT, ERP, ACT, mindfulness, play, and art therapy in her practice, while taking a holistic view of each individual’s entire life.
Mia is the Co-Owner and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor at MiLCounseling,PLLC who works with individuals of all ages, particularly older children, adolescents, adults, and families. Mia utilizes CBT, DBT, ERP, ACT, mindfulness, play, and art therapy in her practice, while taking a holistic view of each individual’s entire life.
Sophia brings over 25 years of clinical experience working with adults, couples, families, adolescents, and children across private practice, corporate, and educational settings. A trauma specialist and trained Brainspotting practitioner, she integrates cutting-edge neurobiological methods with traditional psychotherapy and executive coaching to deliver comprehensive, results-driven care. Sophia’s holistic, client-centered approach draws from a range of therapeutic modalities, including;
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Therapies, Psychodynamic Therapy & Internal Family Systems.
Sophia brings over 25 years of clinical experience working with adults, couples, families, adolescents, and children across private practice, corporate, and educational settings. A trauma specialist and trained Brainspotting practitioner, she integrates cutting-edge neurobiological methods with traditional psychotherapy and executive coaching to deliver comprehensive, results-driven care. Sophia’s holistic, client-centered approach draws from a range of therapeutic modalities, including;
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Therapies, Psychodynamic Therapy & Internal Family Systems.
Feeling stuck in endless therapy without clear progress? I offer a different path: therapy that’s focused on real, lasting healing. My approach honors your personal beliefs & tackles mental health challenges, emphasizing holistic care for issues like Couple/MARITAL and Parenting issues, ANXIETY, Narcissistic/Emotional ABUSE, GRIEF counseling & more. I’m committed to not just guiding you but empowering you with the tools to uncover your innate problem-solving abilities for meaningful progress. Your time & investment are precious; together, we strive for autonomy, not dependency, ensuring each session is a step towards your goals.
Feeling stuck in endless therapy without clear progress? I offer a different path: therapy that’s focused on real, lasting healing. My approach honors your personal beliefs & tackles mental health challenges, emphasizing holistic care for issues like Couple/MARITAL and Parenting issues, ANXIETY, Narcissistic/Emotional ABUSE, GRIEF counseling & more. I’m committed to not just guiding you but empowering you with the tools to uncover your innate problem-solving abilities for meaningful progress. Your time & investment are precious; together, we strive for autonomy, not dependency, ensuring each session is a step towards your goals.
Our early life experiences shape how we show up in our lives and relationships. Sometimes those experiences create patterns where we feel stuck and disconnected from ourselves and our partners. Within an accepting and empathetic environment, we can explore ways to shift those patterns to create more meaningful and intentional relationship
Our early life experiences shape how we show up in our lives and relationships. Sometimes those experiences create patterns where we feel stuck and disconnected from ourselves and our partners. Within an accepting and empathetic environment, we can explore ways to shift those patterns to create more meaningful and intentional relationship
With over a decade of experience in assessment, crisis intervention, and psychotherapy, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate mental health challenges, life transitions, and goal achievement. I believe everyone has the potential to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life, and I work collaboratively with you to unlock that potential. By tailoring therapy to your unique characteristics, I will help you find the interventions that align with your personal goals, strengths, and needs. Together, we’ll explore solutions that promote growth and well-being.
With over a decade of experience in assessment, crisis intervention, and psychotherapy, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate mental health challenges, life transitions, and goal achievement. I believe everyone has the potential to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life, and I work collaboratively with you to unlock that potential. By tailoring therapy to your unique characteristics, I will help you find the interventions that align with your personal goals, strengths, and needs. Together, we’ll explore solutions that promote growth and well-being.
Life can feel heavy sometimes—whether you’re carrying the weight of anxiety, past trauma, or the stress of caring for others while trying to care for yourself. I work with individuals, couples, and families who are navigating these complexities, including challenges related to identity, grief, body image, and emotionally harmful relationships. Together, we’ll start where you are and create a therapy experience that feels supportive, authentic, and tailored to your needs. My approach is client-centered and integrative, rooted in a relational-cultural and feminist framework.
Life can feel heavy sometimes—whether you’re carrying the weight of anxiety, past trauma, or the stress of caring for others while trying to care for yourself. I work with individuals, couples, and families who are navigating these complexities, including challenges related to identity, grief, body image, and emotionally harmful relationships. Together, we’ll start where you are and create a therapy experience that feels supportive, authentic, and tailored to your needs. My approach is client-centered and integrative, rooted in a relational-cultural and feminist framework.
Wendy McCarty, PhD, LMFT -
My therapeutic focus includes treatment of Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, as well as more common issues dealing with emotional regulation, resilience, and anger management. I specialize in the treatment of shock and trauma and their relationship to depression, anxiety, addiction, and other unwanted emotions and behaviors. I use a unique blend of evidence-based treatment, Somatic Experiencing (release of shock and trauma from the subconscious and physical body), and Hypnotherapy within the therapeutic process to help release and heal emotional wounds.
Wendy McCarty, PhD, LMFT -
My therapeutic focus includes treatment of Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, as well as more common issues dealing with emotional regulation, resilience, and anger management. I specialize in the treatment of shock and trauma and their relationship to depression, anxiety, addiction, and other unwanted emotions and behaviors. I use a unique blend of evidence-based treatment, Somatic Experiencing (release of shock and trauma from the subconscious and physical body), and Hypnotherapy within the therapeutic process to help release and heal emotional wounds.
I offer therapy that helps you move forward. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, navigating the everyday challenges of relationships, or searching for a more authentic and fulfilling life, we work together to uncover the beliefs and emotions driving your struggles—and then use your unique strengths to create lasting change. My evidence-based, integrative approach draws on a decade of experience, as well as advanced analytic training at the C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago, an institution with a longstanding reputation for cultivating clinicians skilled in depth-oriented work.
I offer therapy that helps you move forward. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, navigating the everyday challenges of relationships, or searching for a more authentic and fulfilling life, we work together to uncover the beliefs and emotions driving your struggles—and then use your unique strengths to create lasting change. My evidence-based, integrative approach draws on a decade of experience, as well as advanced analytic training at the C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago, an institution with a longstanding reputation for cultivating clinicians skilled in depth-oriented work.
Every person holds a story—chapters full of joy, sorrow, conflict, and change. But sometimes, those chapters can feel too heavy to carry alone. You might be feeling unheard in your family, struggling to navigate the ups and downs of anxiety or depression, or working to make sense of a difficult transition. Maybe you are trying to stay strong, but deep down, you feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn. If any of this resonates, you are not alone—and you do not have to navigate it by yourself. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I’m here to help you work through life’s challenges with care and compassion.
Every person holds a story—chapters full of joy, sorrow, conflict, and change. But sometimes, those chapters can feel too heavy to carry alone. You might be feeling unheard in your family, struggling to navigate the ups and downs of anxiety or depression, or working to make sense of a difficult transition. Maybe you are trying to stay strong, but deep down, you feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn. If any of this resonates, you are not alone—and you do not have to navigate it by yourself. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I’m here to help you work through life’s challenges with care and compassion.
Are stress, worry, and your long to-do list keeping you up at night? Are you stuck thinking about challenging relationships, old wounds, or traumatic experiences? I have helped many like you find their version of success personally and professionally and find inner calm by empowering them to create change. Many of my clients seek a supportive space to better understand hard experiences and relationships, explore emotions, examine thought and behavior patterns, draw on strengths, and improve their ability to cope. Together, we find the solutions to feel more joy, experience fewer sleepless nights, and reinvest in life positively.
Are stress, worry, and your long to-do list keeping you up at night? Are you stuck thinking about challenging relationships, old wounds, or traumatic experiences? I have helped many like you find their version of success personally and professionally and find inner calm by empowering them to create change. Many of my clients seek a supportive space to better understand hard experiences and relationships, explore emotions, examine thought and behavior patterns, draw on strengths, and improve their ability to cope. Together, we find the solutions to feel more joy, experience fewer sleepless nights, and reinvest in life positively.
Contentment and happiness can often feel elusive in the busy, complicated lives that we lead. Sometimes, understanding the reason for our unhappiness seems just as elusive. The way we feel about our true selves as well as the meaning we give certain events in our lives can effect how we cope with the challenges that come our way. Often, we find ourselves in situations that feel beyond our control to recover from. Deep down, you are resilient, and know life could feel better than it does.
Contentment and happiness can often feel elusive in the busy, complicated lives that we lead. Sometimes, understanding the reason for our unhappiness seems just as elusive. The way we feel about our true selves as well as the meaning we give certain events in our lives can effect how we cope with the challenges that come our way. Often, we find ourselves in situations that feel beyond our control to recover from. Deep down, you are resilient, and know life could feel better than it does.
Hi, I’m Amy. I specialize in helping young adults and adults reduce anxieties and fears and navigate life’s transitions, from starting college or a career, changing careers/retiring, or managing relationship challenges. With over 20 years of experience, I offer a supportive, judgment-free space where you'll feel accepted and understood. From there, we'll work to renew your self-energy, build confidence, heal wounds, and limit suffering. We’ll set goals to work through life stressors and prioritize self-care. I offer a compassionate heart, a desire to help you feel empowered, and an opportunity to start enjoying your life again.
Hi, I’m Amy. I specialize in helping young adults and adults reduce anxieties and fears and navigate life’s transitions, from starting college or a career, changing careers/retiring, or managing relationship challenges. With over 20 years of experience, I offer a supportive, judgment-free space where you'll feel accepted and understood. From there, we'll work to renew your self-energy, build confidence, heal wounds, and limit suffering. We’ll set goals to work through life stressors and prioritize self-care. I offer a compassionate heart, a desire to help you feel empowered, and an opportunity to start enjoying your life again.
My work is centered around a strong therapeutic alliance. I am a personable, compassionate, and non-judgmental therapist who can provide a safe space for you to build a life worth living. I work best with college-aged clients, as well as clients in their 20's and 30's who are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, body image distress, and relationship and attachment issues. I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, mindfulness, and yoga therapy, and I tailor therapy to each client's specific needs.
My work is centered around a strong therapeutic alliance. I am a personable, compassionate, and non-judgmental therapist who can provide a safe space for you to build a life worth living. I work best with college-aged clients, as well as clients in their 20's and 30's who are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, body image distress, and relationship and attachment issues. I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, mindfulness, and yoga therapy, and I tailor therapy to each client's specific needs.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of clinical experience in community and private practice settings, having worked with adolescents and adults in individual, couples, and family modalities. I have extensive experience in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorders, school/academic problems, infidelity, stages of life, stress management and relationship/marital difficulties. I am fluent in English and Mandarin, and am experienced in working with clients regarding cultural adjustments, cross-generational issues in families, bi-cultural relationships and domestic violence.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of clinical experience in community and private practice settings, having worked with adolescents and adults in individual, couples, and family modalities. I have extensive experience in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorders, school/academic problems, infidelity, stages of life, stress management and relationship/marital difficulties. I am fluent in English and Mandarin, and am experienced in working with clients regarding cultural adjustments, cross-generational issues in families, bi-cultural relationships and domestic violence.
See more therapy options for Lake Forest
Nearby Female Therapists Searches for Lake Forest
- Bannockburn
- Deerfield
- Great Lakes
- Highland Park
- Highwood
- Lake Bluff
- Libertyville
- Lincolnshire
- Mundelein
- North Chicago
- Riverwoods
- Vernon Hills
Female Therapists
Does it matter what gender my therapist is?
In general, there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or because they feel more comfortable with a therapist of their own gender due to shared life experiences or perspectives. Considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender may matter or improve their therapeutic experience. The most important consideration is that a client is able to build a trusting relationship with their therapist.
Should I see a female therapist?
Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist. For women, this could be because they believe that they will be able to better connect with a woman, and that a female therapist will be able to relate to their specific challenges and personal issues. It may be particularly beneficial for women to see a female therapist, for example, for gender-specific issues, such as sexism in the workplace, relationship issues, and gender roles. The most important factor in therapy is the client-therapist connection, and a therapist's gender as well as many other factors may play an important role in this.
Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?
Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?
It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.