Grief Therapists in Oak Park, IL

At some point, we all experience changes that are difficult to adjust to. They throw us off balance and everything can seem more confusing, upsetting, and overwhelming. These are life events that prompt processing and healing. I specialize in working with individuals who are feeling dissatisfied in their relationship and/or in the relationships in their life, contemplating a break-up/divorce, those who are struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one, as well as those who are having a hard time adjusting to recent changes and life events.

My specialty is providing therapeutic services to children and adults. I utilize a client centered approach to join with my clients in the therapeutic process and offer gentle, non-judgmental support through the journey of therapy. I meet you where you are.

Starting on a course of healing takes courage, but it is one of the most rewarding things we can do for ourselves. We have all been hurt at different times, and those hurt parts of ourselves are very grateful when we give them some loving attention and start the healing process. We unconsciously create blocks to our own health, but we can also learn to gently release those blocks. We are actually hard-wired for loving ourselves, believe it or not, even those parts we don't like, are afraid of, or are embarrassed about, and that self-love is healing. Therapy is not an instant process, but is very worthwhile.

I provide therapy for adults, couples and families. Clients frequently are struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief and loss . My clients are often going thru a medical crisis, managing chronic pain or are dealing with a family member's illness. I also help clients who are grieving or who have issues with aging parents and need a plan and to deal with feelings of sadness. I am a registered nurse as well as a clinical social worker and have advanced training in medical family therapy. I am a very good listener and assist my clients in finding their strengths to help them move forward in life.

Our practice serves clients 18 and older. I am passionate about working with adults of all backgrounds and identities who are coping with symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief , difficulty adjusting to life's transitions, or navigating complex relationships with family members and others. I have a certificate in gerontology and enjoy working with older adults as much as working with younger and middle-aged clients. I believe individuals are the experts on our own lives . . . and that each of us can, at times, use a fresh perspective to help reexamine, and sometimes challenge, our old assumptions.

I bring 25 years of experience in using the effective and compassionate approaches of EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Gestalt and Hakomi Somatics to heal trauma, grief , stresses of illness, depression, anxiety and relationship difficulties. I see my work as helping you bring clarity out of confusion by understanding the dynamic issues that hold you back and thus influence your future planning. This often results in reclaiming parts of yourself in order to come into your inherent wholeness. I adapt a unique blend of body/mind approaches to your specific needs, at a pace that's comfortable for you.

I believe in a person-centered approach. Together, we can explore life’s obstacles without judgment, learn new ways to balance the inner self and create a more harmonious relationship with the world around us. Currently, I support individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, complex trauma, grief , and adjustment difficulties. As a lover of learning and education, I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 2013. Since then, I have committed to learning new counseling techniques and skills that help me support individuals from diverse backgrounds and those with unique life experiences.

Are you finding it hard to concentrate? Feeling sad and down in the dumps? Do you find it hard to rest at night? It's possible that you may be dealing with some level of depression or anxiety. I would love to help. You deserve a life that is meaningful and satisfying. I provide a safe space for you to process your feelings and to gain an understanding of how to better manage your life.

I work with kids and adults who are struggling with overwhelming emotions, meeting demands of everyday life and feel confused about how to feel better. If your anxiety is overwhelming or your child has big feelings or challenging behavior, I offer a mix of understanding and new skills. I balance deep listening with honest feedback and evidence based interventions. I use creativity and clarity to help you to calm the chaos. I am committed to providing therapy that honors your strengths, is guided by your values and goals, and helps you find joy and hope.

ONLINE COUNSELING AVAILABLE! Get counseling without going out. I specialized in remote online counseling. I have immediate openings for daytime, evening, and weekend appointments. My passion is working with individuals relating to grief and other life transitions; which include, employment exit strategies, career decisions while identifying gifts and talents, finding your life calling and coaching through life altering events. I am a excellent couples counselor and whether you are preparing for marriage or married, I can help you become better communicators and partners for life.

We often find ourselves unable to move forward due to the enormity of the situations that are presented to us. We may feel stuck, tired, and at times, hopeless. So we armour ourselves to face the world. This armouring occurs in the form of addictions such as overeating; using drugs and alcohol; isolating and repeating patterns of toxic relationships. As a result our hearts become numb. We move through life with an armored exterior, fearful of experiencing our feelings and emotions. By creating a safe environment, I help unlock and release pain.

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is foremost in creating a safe space for clients to explore issues, identify patterns of relating, resolve conflicts, find meaning and seek answers. I believe strongly that this relationship coupled with each client's unique history, needs and strengths will help serve as a guide to treatment. I have nearly 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families.

What on Earth are you doing here? Things were going along pretty well, then perhaps something happened. How did your life go off the rails? And, more importantly, how can you get back on track? Kudos to you for Googling your way here looking for assistance. Anxiety, depression, grief , family conflict, relationship issues, stress… If there were easy answers for the issues causing your suffering you’d have found them yourself by now. You realize that you need to find a therapist – not just anybody, but someone you can trust, someone who really gets you and speaks your language. That’s where I come in.

I believe intently in the power of your narrative, the beauty of your lived experience, and enjoy the privilege of working within the intersectionality of identity, human need, and complex emotions. My expertise includes working with adults and teens experiencing depression, anxiety, difficulties in their romantic partnerships, and grief along with navigating daily life.

I am a Clinical Psychologist and Master Mindset Coach with 25 years of experience. My mission is to teach you how to shift your mindset from self-judgment, self-sabotage and emotional trauma, to learn strategies to heal, release emotional strongholds and let go of limiting beliefs to manifest a better life for yourself that you are so worthy and deserving of living. I believe everyone has the power within to change with honest self-awareness, a commitment to self-improvement and solution-focused strategies. Strict confidentiality and respect for individual differences is held in the highest regard.

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.