Teen Therapists in Oak Park, IL

If you’re struggling to cope with past traumas, I can help you identify how this is showing up in your present and offer the tools that will create the path to your desired future. Trauma impedes our natural ability as humans to be able to identify and reach goals, and connect and form relationships with others. I know that this can all be worked through with a positive therapeutic relationship and guidance to rediscovering the inner knowing you possess about what you truly need to thrive. My personal approach to therapy is what allows for others to connect with me- I am laid-back, direct, funny, caring, and non-judgement.

My ideal client is a teen , young adult, or adult facing challenges related to life transitions and change. These individuals may be feeling overwhelmed by the changes they are experiencing and struggling to find their footing in a new stage of life. They may be dealing with anxiety, stress, and depression, and feeling unsure of how to move forward. They want to feel confident in their abilities and empowered to take on the challenges of change and transition with greater success. I am here to help them achieve these goals, and provide a safe and supportive environment where they can explore and address their thoughts and feelings.

Current openings for daytime availability. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist offering therapy services to adolescents and adults in Oak Park, IL. I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. In my treatment of complex issues, I provide both individual and family therapy and value collaborating with other healthcare providers for multidisciplinary care. I work from a mindfulness-based and trauma-informed lens, utilizing body-based, symptom-focused interventions and exploring interpersonal relationships as methods to encourage change.

LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services offers services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I am a bilingual (Mandarin) Clinical Psychologist. My style is warm, practical and straightforward. I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, autism, substance-related disorder, ADHD and trauma. I have worked extensively with culturally diverse school-aged children (5-18), and I also enjoy working with and providing support and coaching for the parents/caregivers. I use a collaborative approach with clients of all ages to help develop treatment goals that are observable and developmentally appropriate.

Supervising since 2005, and the Director of Training since 2017, with over 20 years of experience, I consider it a privilege to offer meaningful work for children, adolescents, adults, couples, parents, and families. Through a genuine caregiving, positive lens I provide support to others. Through the relationship-oriented, Inner Humanism approach, I offer an understanding of development across the lifespan. The care individuals receive is characterized by achieving an inner well-being and happiness that remains stable and conflict free regardless of life obstacles, family changes, and daily ups and downs.

LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services offers services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I am co-owner and have worked extensively as an adolescent , adult, and couples therapist. My style is empathic, warm, and informative. At times, I am direct and challenging with clients in order to facilitate growth and insight. I draw upon relational, systems, and cognitive-behavioral approaches and tailor my treatment to each individual/couple's unique needs. My background/training, helps foster connections with people from various ethinicities, religions, and cultural identifications. I work with common adjustment concerns as well as with serious mental health issues.

LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services offers services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. In therapy, I work to create an empathic, open, and collaborative atmosphere to treat issues such as trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. Identity development, grief and loss, relationship problems, and domestic violence and abuse are other concerns that I help people address through therapy. I practice primarily from a psychodynamic approach and also use cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and interpersonal therapy to enrich the therapeutic process.

Psychotherapist Irvin Yalom once said, "It's the relationship that heals." I am a firm believer that the relationship with my clients is key, and I wouldn't trade the therapeutic relationship for anything. My primary approach is rooted in deep empathy for my clients. Each client is deserving of and will receive my unconditionally positive view of them. I believe that each client is the best expert on themselves, and I allow them to take as much lead in session as is appropriate. I assume a collaborative view of therapy, actively working with my clients, be they child, adolescent , or adult.

I received my Master’s degree from the University of Illinois – Chicago’s Jane Addams College of Social Work. I have an extensive background of working with teen women and young adults with a passion for those in need. I have a history of working with those who may struggle with anxiety or depression due to a variety of complex traumas or various life circumstances. I’m passionate about meeting people where they are, helping them create goals, figure out how to overcome obstacles, and celebrating them in their victories!

Pam is a graduate of Governors State University With a Masters in Community Counseling, Pamela has a diverse background in working with people in Mental Health and also holds a full time position with as a Therapist and group facilitator at Ingalls Hospital. Pam specializes in working with adolescents, teens, adults and couples providing evidence based treatment to help assist with challenges you may face. She understands that like adults children, teen and adolescents have many challenges in life. She also is Gottman trained to assist couples with challenges in their relationships and marriages,

LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services offers a range of services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I am co-owner and have worked extensively as a child, adolescent , and family therapist. I believe that effective treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment so that an individualized plan can be mutually developed. My style is warm, supportive, and educational. Parents often come to me when they are having difficulties understanding and responding to their child's behavior. Children enjoy my developmentally appropriate style which helps them gain mastery over their anxiety, impulsivity or depression. I work closely with parents to ensure treatment success.

As an individual, adolescent , couple, and family therapist, I use a collaborative, creative, and holistic approach to therapy. My work focuses on your inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences—and how that influences the various relationships in your life. We will work together to uncover patterns in your thoughts and behaviors that are serving as obstacles getting in the way of fulfilling relationships and a satisfying life. We will balance reflecting on the deeper dynamics and structures of your self and relationships, as well as finding practical and creative solutions to the day-to-day problems you face.

Do you consider family time a dreaded activity? Do you avoid going home because you know your child is acting out and on your last nerve, your teen is spending more time in their room and becoming quiet and withdrawn, and your partner is distant and unconcerned? Maybe you've tried reaching out for help but couldn't seem to find the right therapist.

Sometimes children and adolescents feel sad, anxious, and overwhelmed by changing life situations, which may impact the development of their full academic, emotional and social potential. Sometimes a home can be a seat of conflict instead of refuge, because of stressful situations, such as divorce, financial difficulties, or stage-of-life changes. Understanding and working through the complex emotional issues confronting children, adolescents and their families is the focus of my training and my practice. Our goal in treatment is empowerment through strategies that build resilience, strength and hopeful perspectives.

I am a psychotherapist and owner of VMA Psychotherapy practice. We believe that the most important trait in connecting with a therapist is comfort. As a whole, the clinicians at VMA Psychotherapy share the common mindset of developing authentic connections, utilizing innovative approaches, and asking the questions of what is each individual seeking in their lives and how can they get there. The foundations at VMA Psychotherapy involve psychodynamic theory, art/creativity and the development of one's own life philosophy. The pathway through adolescence and adulthood is much easier with a guide to offer support along the way.

FEELING DISTRESSED AND LOOKING FOR WAYS TO COPE. It can be difficult when you become exhausted from facing life's challenges. Perhaps I can help. I'm passionate about working with clients who are dealing with depression, trauma, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, stress, troubles in your marriage, relationship conflicts, anger and teen issues. I also provide parent coaching and family interventions. We can work together to develop a plan of action that will get you to a better place to achieve your personal goals. I have been working with families, couples and individuals for 9 years.

As a parent, you want your child to be happy and successful. You want a calm, peaceful home where everyone feels safe and comfortable. If your child is sad, irritable, withdrawn, isolating, not sleeping, complaining of stomachaches or headaches, not getting the grades you know they can achieve or they just don't seem like themselves, our team of child and adolescent therapists will do everything in their power to help your child get back on track and feel better. Our therapists are easy to relate to and they get good results.

As the parent of a struggling child or teen , you may wonder what you can do to help them feel better. I’m here to provide you and your family the support and guidance that will help you gain a deeper understanding of your child, and feel more connected to them. I am passionate and experienced in helping children, teenagers, and their families overcome life's challenges. I have seen many children and teens struggle to express or articulate their emotions. That’s what I am here for. I find playful ways to help children express their inner world while guiding parents to also be curious to what is under their behavior.