Therapists in Oak Forest, IL

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who works with adults, adolescents, children and families who have experienced various forms of traumatic events, substance use, depression, grief and loss, and anxiety. Understanding that people experience major life altering events, I have made it my personal goal to assist individuals in becoming better equipped to manage their difficulties and increase their functioning, mental health, and well-being by helping them to recognize and use their inherent strengths to be their best selves. Among others, my specialties include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Child Parent Psychotherapy.

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I specialize in working with individuals, couples and families. I provide a calming atmosphere for my clients to feel safe to share their innermost thoughts and feelings. Counseling is most effective when there is a good human connection between therapist and client. Deciding to receive counseling is a source of strength to address things that affect an individual(s) from having an enjoyable life. My strengths as a counselor lies in my accessibility, follow through, patience and clinical skills. Collaboration with other services providers ensure continuity of care for clients.

Many of the people that come to see me have in someway either lost their way in life and are tired of settling for the crumbs. Some come because of their lives have become out of balance and in some cases out of control in the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual areas. Others, because they are in a tremendous amount of emotional pain. My goal is to help you find a healthy way of dealing with whatever the issues, in effective ways, that are keeping you from reaching your highest potential and to heal the obvious and not so obvious wounds that might be preventing that from happening.

Amy has been providing counseling to children, adolescents, families and couples for over 20 years. Her experience both as a private clinical psychotherapist and a school counselor, has given her expertise in providing a more holistic and integrative approach to therapy. She helps clients find their inner strength to address issues surrounding depression and anxiety, relationship conflicts, divorce crisis, post-divorce recovery, parenting struggles, trauma, autism and ADHD. Parents need to know they are not alone in this process and she helps to link parents to other resources that can help make them feel less alone.

I believe in the importance of meeting people where they are in the moment and not asking you to feel, look, or act like someone you are not. My therapeutic approach is centered around providing a caring space where you can safely share your thoughts free from judgement. I invite you to slow down and explore your values, emotions and life experiences to help gain a deeper understanding of yourself and relationships, including recognizing patterns that contribute to stress and anxiety. Together, we can begin the process of increasing self-awareness, practicing self-acceptance, and building practical skills to cope with life’s issues.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING You may not feel tough right now, but deep down you know you have the strength to tackle the problems you are facing. These problems may be extraordinary stressors, life transitions, combat fatigue, post-partum depression, unexpected/expected loss of close relationships, trauma, abuse, or relationship problems. I can be part of the team that assists you in strengthening the resources that you have inside. RELATIONSHIPS AND FAMILIES CAN BE LIKE DOMINOS Families and couples are linked. If part of that link is broke or off balance, other members involved can be affected.

"Working on one's self is the first step to a better life." Decide what you want in life!

I value the human heart, soul, and spirit. I am a seasoned psychotherapist with 25 years of clinical practice. I am aware that we all experience times of darkness, and deep sorrow. We all experience anxiety, and struggle with certain life transitions. We heal by way of sharing our stories, feelings, and experiences. I care deeply about each of my clients, and I look forward to watching each person grow to their fullest potential. I will listen with a compassionate heart, and I have a genuine interest in each person that I work with.

Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light. - Albus Dumbledore... Daily stress, challenging events, successes and failures all shape our sense of self and how we interact in relationships. I am available to join you on your journey of understanding, coping with, managing and enjoying your life.

You may feel a little uncomfortable reaching out for help; I get it! however, now may be the time to move forward. Online or in person, I can assist you with gaining insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while applying new and effective strategies. I have intensive clinical background working with clients' dealing with a variety of challenges, which include anxiety, depression and relationship issues.

I believe people often become stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior just because they have not learned another way. Many clients have strengths and abilities they have overlooked. These are the gems we will discover to aid empowerment, growth and achievement of life goals. Effective communication and coping skills are incorporated into treatment giving clients the tools to make positive changes. Therapy often includes alternative modalities such as guided visualization,writing, art and relaxation techniques. Each client is honored as an individual, with therapy adapted to their specific needs and comfort levels.

I believe that all people have the potential to overcome whatever obstacles are in their life path, and our relationship is very important in helping you overcome those obstacles. So with that in mind, I will initially spend time just getting to know you and helping you feel comfortable and understood. You can expect a compassionate listener who will help you express issues that sometimes are uncomfortable to talk about. I will also help you establish goals for our work together that will be clear from the beginning of your treatment until the end.

"With hard work, support, and a little bit of humor; change can happen. Too many of us get wrapped up in the stressors of life that we forget what resources we have right in front of us. With support and hard work, we can utilize those resources, including humor, resiliency, determination, and persistence." Dr. Anderson provides individual psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and young adults. Additionally, Dr. Anderson provides psychological testing for people of all ages.

You feel like you're going through the motions but never really getting anywhere. Maybe you're completely stressed out and worried about your future or your family members' futures. Or maybe it's a struggle to set healthy boundaries for yourself and your loved ones. You've likely been debating seeking help for months, if not years. We're so glad you've taken the courageous step of being here. We're confident that together, we can work to help equip you with the necessary tools to help you face and overcome these challenges.

Are you experiencing feelings of frustration from various situations and people, struggling with a rollercoaster of emotions, and feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands? Counseling can help in exploring these feelings and other areas in your life that may be hindering you from moving forward. Collaborating with a therapist who is motivated in helping to explore emotions, strengths, and develop realistic strategies can be beneficial.

Do you feel stressed out about the anxieties of life and you're using alcohol and/or drugs to cope, or you're depressed and feel like you can't find your way? These feelings and behaviors are not as uncommon as you may think. I can work with you to help you identify these negative feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, that have been preventing you from living your best life.

After finding a bump in the road, you may be struggling at work, with parenting, or in relationships. You need some temporary guidance getting back to feeling like you.

I am a Master's level psychotherapist and I also hold a doctorate degree in transpersonal psychology. I am certified in Critical Incident Response, in Prolonged Exposure Therapy provider for PTSD, in Clinical Hypnosis and Meditation Instruction. I offer experience in the field of mental health and spiritual development. Additionally, I specialize in primary and secondary trauma experienced by other mental health professionals, first responders, law enforcement officers in particular, veterans, survivors of suicide, victims of violent crimes and their families, Concealed Carry Licence holders, and psychically-gifted persons.

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) with a specialization in children and adolescents, focusing on systemic therapy in which may include anyone in your system from significant others to family members and spouses. I have 15+ years of experience working with families and children from all different demographics, backgrounds, and cultures. Some of my experience of working with families and children include but are not limited to therapy, teaching, tutoring, and homeschooling. Although my main focus is through a systemic lens, I also focus on individual therapy aspects such as exploring coping skills, triggers, and symptoms.