Therapists in Niles, IL

I specialize in substance abuse. I am a seasoned counselor and for the past decade my focus has been on working with individuals, groups, families, and couples who are struggling with substance use. I have led others to a life of understanding themselves and their relationships with substances. I have led many to make sense of the insanity that surrounds the disease of addiction.

Life gets complicated. You have been trying all that you know how to do to make things better for yourself or for someone you love but have run out of energy, ideas or both. You may have a relationship with someone you love but just can't seem to get along. You may be a parent trying to best figure out how to help a child or teen who is having problems. You may feel burdened by sadness, fear or stress.Or, perhaps you have old wounds that seem to keep interfering with you creating the life you want.

I believe that we humans heal in the context of relationship and that therapy is the process in which we find our way to our whole selves. In the therapy room, I join with clients to co-create their unique path to wholeness by realizing their inherent strengths and utilizing them to developing a 'tool belt' of strategies for which to work through life's struggles. Together we orient to the client's inherent capacity to gain mastery of their own functioning from the lens of their truth.

I have been helping people overcome life's challenges for 20+ years. I utilize a strength-based individual supportive approach to life stressors, family conflict, and behavioral issues. I work with adults, adolescents, and families struggling with a full range of issues, including those related to drug and alcohol addiction. I have experience with the adult and juvenile criminal justice systems, drug courts, the Health and Human Services systems, and the local school systems. I have provided individual and group therapy to the criminal justice population, as well as group therapy to those involved in out-patient substance abuse programs.

I have over 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples, families, groups and trainees in private practice and at a top academic medical center. My professional experience spans from emergency psychiatric evaluations to outpatient psychotherapy. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship, addictions or career issues, I can help you. I love to work with individuals and couples around being their best self. I also specialize in Mindfulness Training, Performance Enhancement, Sport Psych and Public Speaking. Give me a call and we can talk about what you are looking for.

Possibly one of the most overlooked yet effective approaches to taking care of yourself is the simple act of listening–listening to yourself, listening to your body, and having someone you trust listening to you. Listening is where I like to start – to ensure that before anything else, I take the time to understand who you are. Each individual takes a unique path and one of my goals is to embrace that in a collaborative and open treatment experience. I take a nonjudgmental and empowering approach to ensure that my clients are strengthening their sense of self while acknowledging the past and present challenges.

Clients I work with often feel in-between jobs, relationships, cultures, or identities. This “in-between” feeling can show up as depression, anxiety, or difficulties with relationships and indecisiveness. I believe that peace and stability comes from finding comfort in the “in-between” and not forcing yourself out. I offer space for individuals to learn more about themselves and how they show up in the many roles in their lives so they can be more themselves in all parts of their lives. (I meet with virtually with clients residing in California and Illinois).

Hi! I am a compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to bringing boundless energy to therapy. With certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and strength-based theories, I offer a positive, empathetic, and energetic approach. From children to adults, I focus on the therapeutic relationship, tailoring treatment to each unique individual. Owning my practice, Third Coast Therapy, allows me the flexibility to prioritize your needs and offer personalized care. I welcome the opportunity to support you on your journey to healing and growth!