Therapists in Lake In The Hills, IL

My work is focused on empowering my clients to feel both motivated and capable of achieving their goals. People have a natural tendency to heal and grow, but sometimes the work of self-exploration can be uncomfortable and difficult. I meet my clients where they are and we move at a pace they are comfortable with. This does not mean I won't challenge you to expand your comfort zone, only that I won't push you into the deep end of the pool without knowing you can swim. I find I do my best work with people who struggle with depression, anxiety, boundaries, communication, self-esteem, stress and time management, and mindfulness.

I believe my skillset is best suited with adolescents, adults and elderly both male and female as well as couples, searching for someone to actively listening to coach them through life's challenges. If you are looking for someone to support you through adjustment issues, to guide you working through debilitating anxiety and stopping paralyzing depressive thoughts as well as unhealthy behavior patterns my patient centered approach can be just what you need. Let's talk and see if I can help you to spice up your life again.

Asking for help can be hard. For lots of us, there can be an automatic thought that encourages us to handle things on our own. Maybe that's how you have felt up until this point... maybe you have been overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, or battling addictions that do not seem to stay at bay. Know that taking this step and exploring the options out there for you and your mental health is a huge achievement. My hope is that you can find a space which allows you to reflect, examine your current challenges, and face them with courage and intention.

Melissa Downey is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2022. She has an M.S. Ed in Counseling. Melissa believes in taking a holistic, person-centered approach, focused on each person's strengths as a way to personalize their experience. She strives to work together with clients on achieving those goals through realistic goalsetting, drawing from strengths each person already has within them, combined with new skills learned in session together. Melissa truly believes that everyone has within them the ability, potential, and drive to achieve their goals.

All relationships have chaotic or lonely times where you may feel incapable of approaching each other. Couples need a place to turn when they don't know what to do or have no support system. I help couples stuck in conflict gridlock begin to reengage with each other. I specialize in working with couples who experience: high levels of conflict; inability to communicate; emotional & physical distance or disengagement; infidelity; transitioning to parenthood; infertility/pregnancy loss; difficulty overcoming family of origin or cultural differences; and difficulty making the decision to divorce or separate.

I have a passion for working with younger people who are experiencing many of life's firsts: first love, first heartache, first time leaving home, etc. I have taught a court ordered class on Parenting Through Divorce for more than 20 years and have helped many children and adults through that intense life transition. More recently I have worked with people who are struggling with a different life transition--those who are entering their "third act" of life and considering developing new meaning and satisfaction in life after they have launched their children.

I take an individualized approach to therapy. No two people are the same and not every therapeutic approach works for everyone. I encourage each person to identify their goals for a therapeutic relationship. I have an extensive history of acute crisis management and had worked for a Amita Health System for more than 16 years. I am comfortable working with people of all ages, couples, families. I have worked with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, addictions, impulse control disorders and trauma work. I have a strong believe in a holistic approach to wellness, Healthy Mind, Healthy Body and Healthy Spirit.

My name is Kyle Garifo and I have been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor since 2001. I enjoy the process of therapy and helping individuals and couples navigate through rough waters to a brighter future. Sometimes the path that needs to be taken is different than the obvious one in front of us and I help shine the light on that different path. No one person knows what it is like to be in our clients' shoes therefore we must work together to gain a greater understanding of the challenges that exist and the answers within.

We all struggle from time to time. You, are not the only one out there struggling. It happens to everyone and from time to time we all need someone to talk to. I am committed to healing and restoring balance to those who have been impacted by mental health, trauma, relationship issues, grief and loss, addiction and life event's. I provide a collaborative, safe, non-judgmental, empathetic environment in which you are free to discover your true authentic self while developing meaningful and lasting solutions to emotional, behavioral and relational struggles.

I welcome all clients by inviting them to create a partnership where we grow together, mend wounds and restore health. My focus is to use an open mind, acceptance, patience, collaboration, reflection, and humor to cultivate a deep understanding and a meaningful relationship. Experienced in working with children with disabilities, teens and adults, I continue to explore your strengths to build resilience and open the door to self-reflection, transformation and satisfaction.

I have been in the field of mental health for over 25 years. My extensive background has allowed me to help clients with many different types of problems or issues. My goal is to help you achieve your goals and to overcome any obstacles you might face. In therapy, I tend to be very direct and empathic. I am involved in the therapuetic process and use a cognitive behavioral approach to help you understand your issues better and to find ways to overcome them and to enrich your life.

When struggling with symptoms that result from life transitions, anxiety and/or trauma, it can make daily functioning not so easy. Thoughts start to race, sleep gets disturbed, and eventually you’re finding it difficult to stay present in your day to day life. Our efforts to manage these symptoms can lead to us feeling more irritable, exhausted, and misunderstood. When the body and mind are overwhelmed with thoughts and feelings, it is a sign that something needs to change. Therapy is a brave and healthy step towards that change.

My ideal client is a person who responds to my questions in an articulate manner and provides me with clear, succinct information that affords me an opportunity to best treat his/her specific condition. My ideal client doesn't exist. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, my goal is to rise to the challenge to provide best treatment with each client. I can effectively treat people suffering from severe anxiety or depression, those who may be physically ill due to poor nutrition, substance abuse, or those in a family environment where he/she does not receive nurturing support and encouragement.

Many people go through times when they have trouble with even the simple tasks in life. Relationships, work, family and life purpose can become overwhelming at times. Imagine if you didn’t have to feel that way. Connect to your joy and sense of worth. Counseling is a conversation about thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and the collaboration between counselor and client to co-create goals for change. I will work with you to help you change the way you think and feel about yourself and the world. By exploring what you value we will collaborate to overcome the difficulty you have been facing.

Do you feel like no matter what you do, you find yourself stuck in the same, inescapable cycle? You may be tired of the same words going through your head, the same doubts and fears that keep you from experiencing life as you want? Maybe you have always felt this way, and are simply hoping for relief from the never-ending worries that bombard you. One thing is certain, however. You are ready for some relief. You are ready to combat those worries, fears, and doubts so they diminish. You're ready to buckle down and kick those worries, fears, and doubts to the curb so you may conquer them and live life away from your crippling anxiety.

I can help you save your marriage! Change a behavior and you change your life.

We have been providing psychological services to McHenry County for nearly two decades. Our therapists have a diverse range of experience and evidence-based approaches, which allows them to connect with our clients. We pride ourselves on being flexible, creative, and "out of the box" thinkers in order to meet the needs of individuals in a very personalized manner. We believe treatment is a team approach and we are here to walk with our clients on their path to wellness. Additionally, we pride ourselves on having a calm, comfortable, and collaborative environment where clients feel safe expressing themselves.

Struggling from time to time with life's stresses is something we all have in common. I'm easy to talk to, practical, down to earth and good at what I do. I specialize in helping people just like you discover meaningful and lasting solutions to emotional, behavioral and relational struggles.

While I enjoy working with all clients, I am passionate about working with adolescents, young adults, women and elders; specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and parenting, to create a more fulfilling life. I look forward to embarking on the journey towards better mental health with you