Medicare Therapists in Oak Park, IL

Hello, My name is Melody and I am a senior clinician at InTouch Mind Health. I enjoy helping clients transform their lives, and find peace, joy, and freedom. I am passionate about providing treatment through a faith-centered lens of restoration. My areas of clinical focus are as follows: • Trauma • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder • Depression • Mood regulation • Anxiety Disorder • Anger Management • Attention Deficit Disorder • Life Transitions • Grief & Loss • Substance Use & Addiction • ARC - Attachment, Regulation, Competence Spirituality. View my full profile on our company website at www.InTouchMindHealth.com.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in pediatric health psychology. In my therapy approach, I draw from evidence-based practice, while collaboratively tailoring therapy to individual needs and symptoms. The goal is always to improve daily functioning and each person's quality of life regardless of their disease status. I have extensive experience working with a variety of illnesses and symptoms (eg, chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, seizures, diabetes, obesity, epilepsy, cancer) by using a combination of cognitive behavioral approaches, mindfulness, and stress management strategies. I have a special interest in youth managing grief and loss.

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.

Welcome, I specialize in working with anxiety, anger management, depression, family and couple therapy, and negotiating life transitions (marriage, divorce, loss, career change, changes in faith). I have a directive, practical approach that balances understanding, with support, guidance and direction. I believe that in order for therapy to be meaningful, it is important to work together and create an individualized approach that is a unique match for your concerns and style. Many people who have felt little or no progress in therapy before, have made positive changes with my active, engaged approach.

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.

In over 25 years as a therapist and in writing my national column for 55,000 therapists about the latest ideas and research in therapy, I'm still convinced that good therapy comes down to this: listening as carefully as I can, trying to understand your world through your eyes, then using my knowledge and both our perspectives to help meet your goals, face your fears, grow and begin a process of learning that continues long after therapy's over. Everyone wants to connect; it begins with the first phone call in therapy and then continues outside my office.

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.

Sometimes life can be challenging... therapy may help you to process experiences, memories, relationships, thoughts or feelings that cause discomfort or pain. Perhaps you lost your balance or have a longer term issue you need to manage. We recognize the importance of the therapeutic relationship as a vehicle for positive change; and our approach is client-centered and interpersonal, yet solution focused and evidenced based. We are very empathic therapists and our safe, confidential, and non-judgmental therapies will make it easier for you to explore your world.

Higher Ground Wellness Group’s mission is to provide a safe therapeutic space for all people, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Our vision is to end stigma in BIPOC communities regarding seeking mental health services, by increasing awareness and access to mental health resources. It is a courageous choice to seek therapy and with over 50 years of combined experience, Higher Ground Wellness Group is committed to providing extensive, high quality therapeutic services for individuals, couples, families in a safe and non-judgmental environment that reinforces emotional, physical, and mental wellness.

Does anxiety, frustration, self-doubt, or feelings of sadness prevent you from getting what you want out of life? Are you dissatisfied in your relationships or feel overwhelmed with problems? Therapy offers a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential place to talk about your feelings and receive professional feedback to help you sort out your problems.

I am continually amazed by the human capacity to grow, change, and flourish in the midst of personal and societal challenges. Particularly as we grapple with the developmental challenges that emerge throughout our lives. Circumstances such as new relationships, welcoming children, career adjustments, midlife shifts, retirement, and older age are all normal and create opportunities for growth. All of this can be stressful and we often need extra support in the midst of these experiences. In a counseling relationship with me, we will walk through this journey together, focusing our work on what brings joy and contentment to your life.

You Don’t Have to Go Through Life’s Struggles Alone Often in life, our journey towards growth and happiness becomes obstructed by our past experiences. Additionally, current experiences, stressors, and traumas, can impact our mental health and well-being. Our unmanaged fear, trauma, anxiety, and depression can leave us feeling like we are not worthy of happiness or positive relationships. These underlying thoughts impact our actions and emotions and can impact our quality of life and mental health. However, you do not have to face these challenges alone.

Living with a chronic medical illness can be challenging. Depression, anxiety, fears, loss of identity, and doubt are all common, and physicians are continuing to acknowledge that how we feel mentally affects our physical symptoms. Navigating the medical system, treatments, and socializing are also stressful. We are dedicated to helping both children (5 and up) and adults navigate managing a chronic medical illness with all of the social and emotional parts that may not be addressed in your medical visits. Our team includes: Dr. Tiffany Taft, Dr. Emily Edlynn, Dr. Lori Burda, Colleen Muchowski, LCSW, and Emily Hahn, MSW.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 23 years of experience. My mission is to create a therapeutic atmosphere that provides nurturing guidance to adolescents and adults. I provide psychotherapy and coaching with the philosophy that everyone has the potential to change with honest self-evaluation, a commitment to self-improvement and solution-focused strategies. Life experience, however traumatic, does not define who we are but molds us into the stronger, better people that we can become. Strict confidentiality and respect for individual differences is held in the highest regard.

I truly enjoy meeting new people and building a trusting therapeutic relationship. To me, therapy is a celebration of your strengths, passions and unique qualities. I would love to collaborate with you to help improve your understanding of yourself, relationships with others and develop skills to help you cope with stress, anxiety and sadness. I always listen supportively to you in session and can help you process past experiences that have been difficult for you. I am particularly interested in using mindfulness based therapies, yoga-informed therapy as well as creative interventions with kids and families.