Child Therapists in Oak Park, IL

You want to reach your optimal level of emotional and interpersonal well-being: In other words, you want to feel better. But, managing chronic health conditions, feeling overwhelmed by high levels of stress and anxiety, and facing unexpected and sudden loss/grief can be enormous tasks, especially during our challenging times. Across the lifespan, we face emotional, relational, and physical difficulties that are often best navigated when we are heard, supported, and able to cultivate a natural curiosity that invites us to change

I believe that times of crisis can also be times of transition and development. As a therapist, I strive to help clients put family and individual crises in the proper perspective, so they can begin to mobilize their own resources for change. Acceptance and insight into oneself and one's situation are powerful tools that therapy can enhance, both for adults and children of all ages. I have years of therapy experience helping clients cope with painful and difficult situations, including addiction/compulsions, damaged relationships, bereavement/loss, and abuse. The first session can be a powerful and positive step.

If you, or your child , is struggling, engaging in therapy can make a difference. I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing both in-person and virtually in Oak Park, IL and Madison WI. I work with adults, children and adolescents, as well as couples & families seeking psychotherapy for a range of issues. My approach is supportive, collaborative, and interactive. I strive to create a non-judgmental environment in where we explore relationships, identify patterns, and establish new, healthier ways of living and relating.

My therapeutic approach creates an environment in sessions where clients are able to transcend their challenges by finding new strengths they did not realize they had, and by rediscovering those strengths that may have been forgotten. By redefining your sense of self, you develop insights and skills that enable you to reclaim who you are. As I partner with you on this transformative journey, you will identify the patterns of thought and behaviors that often interfere with more positive outcome. The best client comes to treatment realizing the rewards that come with putting forth effort to obtain desired results.

LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services offers services to children , adolescents, adults, couples, and families. In therapy, I tend to take a collaborative, egalitarian approach to treatment. I am open and nonjudgmental, and I take special time to tailor treatment approaches to fit each individual therapeutic relationship. I practice from a predominately existential-phenomenological framework where individual needs, meaning-making, and pursuit of happiness are emphasized. I also incorporate elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and attachment theory as needed.

Taking the first step in finding a therapist can feel overwhelming, and the fact that you are open to the idea is an accomplishment in itself. My integrative approach to therapy is customized to each client through trauma informed, strength-based, CBT and DBT work. Children often express themselves through behavior rather than words, and I use a variety of creative, play, and activity-based techniques to connect with my clients.

Seeking therapy is a courageous and important decision. As your therapist, I am honored to meet you in your current state. I am here to support you in creating meaningful change and growth in your personal wellbeing. I strive to create an environment of safety, warmth, and compassion, in order to empower you to optimize your potential and live a meaningful life. I am a licensed professional counseling intern, with extensive experience working with children , adolescents, and families in addressing needs related to trauma, anxiety, depression, and adjustment.

I have been working in the mental health field for nearly two decades, with a diverse array of clients: adults, adolescents, children , families, couples, groups, foster care, substance abuse, mental illness and more. I offer telehealth services and/or my office is conveniently located near public transportation and off street parking. I offer day, and evening appointments and will work with you, or your insurance, to assure coverage. I would like the opportunity to build a collaborative therapeutic relationship with you and provide you with the support, honesty and understanding we all need to grow.

Hello! Hola! I’m Dr. Vanesa Cervantes, and I’m a Family and Child Psychologist. I specialize in working with children , adolescents, and adults. I believe that every person has the potential to thrive and overcome challenges they may be currently facing. My treatment approach is collaborative, by working together we can develop healthy coping skills, strengthen your social and emotional health and empower you to understand and manage your emotions, behaviors, and social relationships. Through our work together you can expect to also learn effective parenting skills that can strengthen your bond and communication with your child .

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.

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.

For many years, I have been helping my clients to lead happier and more fulfilling lives. One of my main psychotherapy approaches is cognitive-behavioral therapy, a well-established, efficient and effective form of psychotherapy. It directly targets the patient's thinking, and behavior, patterns that are producing psychological problems, and teaches the patient to change those patterns. In marital and family therapy, I help the parties to communicate better with one another and to reach agreements acceptable to all. If the children have behavior problems, I often help the parents to become more effective disciplinarians.

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.

My career has focused on working with children from birth through their teen years and their families. Whether impacted by trauma and attachment issues, behavioral concerns or managing difficult emotions, my goal is to help you and your family get back on track sharing laughter, joy and connection.

Thank you for clicking here and taking a moment to learn about those available to help and support your own mental health. To tell you a little bit about myself, I have spent the past 20 years working with children , adolescents, families and older adults. I've specialized in helping people work through trauma, unexpected life changes and the challenges that day to day life presents. I've worked with people having difficulties with Depression, Anxiety and other mood disorders. I've been in practice as a social worker since 2007 and in private practice since 2011 .

Are you worried, sad, or stressed? Are you concerned about your child or your family? Are you wondering if counseling might help you or your family? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then let's explore further to see how I can best serve you and your family. I help young people, emerging adults, and parents learn and use creative problem solving skills to better cope with anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, trauma histories and attachment and relationship challenges.

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.

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.

Chicago native, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience working with children and adults. I love helping children blossom into their own identities, empowering women through a variety of life changes and personal growth, and supporting men with self-love. As a current PhD Candidate in Organizational Leadership and Certificate in Women's Entrepreneurship, I'm able to explore the anxieties around leadership, workplace and entrepreneurial stress.