Couples Counseling Therapists in Oak Park, IL

I have been working for over 20 years as a therapist and utilize the therapeutic relationship as a vehicle for change- this remains the bedrock of my work. As a result, if the client does not feel we are the right fit on the first session I do not charge the client for the initial visit. I feel it is important for my clients to determine if I am the right fit for him/her.

Therapy is about helping people recognize unproductive patterns, connecting past issues with current dynamics, and coping with life-changing events. When working with my clients, I actively engage with them to assess their problems, deal with barriers, and work through issues that require both change and acceptance.

Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist providing individual and couples psychotherapy for late adolescents to older adults. My approach is rooted in creating a collaborative, compassionate, and safe environment to explore reasons for distress and practice ways to process, cope, and heal from them. My work is holistic and integrative, meaning that I draw from different theoretical approaches to tailor therapy to each person's unique needs. I aim to link current stressors with past events to provide insight and corrective emotional experiences while empowering clients to build on their innate strengths.

Each of us encounters struggle in our lives: the essential element of my approach to psychotherapy involves the sharing of these struggles in a therapeutic relationship . Once this foundation has been laid, we progress toward mutually agreed upon goals. My patients often find that problems bringing them into therapy are connected to other parts of their lives. We work together to uncover these elements and open doors to greater satisfaction and self understanding.

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.

One of the most challenging steps in the therapeutic process is making the first call. People are often concerned about the stigma that surrounds therapy but seeking out services in itself shows a high level of courage and strength, as well as an interest in growth and change. I will support and encourage you throughout your journey. I believe that therapy is a unique path that you should not have to go through alone.

I provide a gentle, encouraging environment to help clients work on relationship challenges & infidelity, eating disorders & obesity, as well as career & life transitions. I guide individuals through the dating process into healthy relationships. I have specialized clinical experience in helping people recover from addictions of all kinds (food, alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, codependency).

My goal as a therapist is to create a space where you feel comfortable and at ease. Building a trusting relationship is key. Within this accepting and empathic setting personal introspection and growth can take place. Whether you have been in therapy previously or are new to the journey, seeking therapy is not always easy. I understand that taking this first step can often be one of the biggest challenges. I will work with you in a partnership to identify what is currently working in your life and what may be holding you back.

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.

"When the winds of change blow, some people build walls. Others build windmills." ....... Change. It is unavoidable. All people share this truth. Whether we choose it or not, life will change. We live. We adapt. We learn. Yet life teaches us another truth; that we are not alone. We are inherently social, loving beings. Our lives are embedded in many kinds of relationships. Sometimes those relationships are swimming happily along and sometimes not so much. The good news is that these truths about change and relationships enable us to grow. Whatever stage we are in, wherever our world is at, we aim to live with richness and joy.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Board Certified Art Therapist. I have 10 years of professional experience in providing individual and family therapy services to children, adolescents, and adults. My experience is in out-patient services working with depressive and mood disorders, anxiety, self-esteem, parenting, and life transitions.

I specialize in the assessment and treatment of behavior problems in children and adolescents, as well as depression and anxiety in individuals of all ages. I also specialize in the treatment of relationship problems and the psychological management of acute and chronic medical disorders, particularly cardiovascular disorders and encopresis. I help people gain insights into their difficulties and teach them skills that will facilitate the resolution of their difficulties. When requested, I confer with attending physicians and, in the case of minors, with their teachers and/or school social workers. I am on the medical staff of Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.

On the journey throughout the lifespan, we inevitably encounter challenges and obstacles along our way. My role as a psychologist is to help you cultivate awareness and compassion in the process of exploring your experience and your relationships with others, and facilitate your ability to harness your innate resources for growth. I work with people at all stages of the lifespan: in the beginning relational dance between parents and infants and throughout childhood, to adolescence when families help their children launch, with young adults navigating the world, with couples learning how to be intimate partners, when separation or divorce occurs, and throughout adulthood.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with more than two decades of experience treating children, adolescents, adults, couples , biological families, foster families and adoptive families. I provide home-based and in office therapeutic services. I have found that the home is a wonderful place to observe, diagnose and treat interpersonal dynamics and conflicts. Home-based therapy is also beneficial for individuals who feel more comfortable addressing personal issues in the comfort and privacy of a home setting, are homebound due to illness or disability, have limited transportation options or have young children at home.

The road to healing and self-discovery is a lot like building your dream house –– you know how you want it to look and feel but have no idea where to start or how to build it on your own. My approach to counseling is holistic, strengths-based, and person-centered. I view therapy as an opportunity to practice authenticity and receive unconditional acceptance. I prioritize exploring your unique challenges, history, and values to help you set goals, treat yourself with compassion, and make change that is meaningful to you.

Do you feel stuck in patterns that cause you to feel lonely, misunderstood, or stressed? Do you long for more intimacy with those you care about most? I am a caring, compassionate and knowledgeable therapist who can help. For over 25 years, I have helped individuals and couples improve their lives. In individual therapy, we will work together to increase your self-understanding and enable you to discover real and workable solutions.

I love to work collaboratively to explore one’s personal experiences and identity to help facilitate healing and self-growth. I have experience working with clients who have struggled with a wide range of mental health disorders including PTSD, substance use, and positive identity formulation. In addition to art therapy interventions, I use other counseling techniques in an eclectic approach, integrating mindfulness, CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic theory. As an art therapist, I also identify as an artist. This provides my clients many opportunities to learn more about themselves while also learning art skills.

Therapy is an incredible honor of journeying alongside clients as they work towards healing and empowerment in their everyday lives. I partner with my clients in a compassionate manner where they can feel heard, valued, and encouraged to create meaningful change. I believe all clients have a unique and complex story to tell and that all can benefit from taking time to focus on their emotional/mental well-being. I am committed to helping clients learn about themselves in new ways so as to be able to tap into their own unique abilities to overcome life’s obstacles and stressors.