Sexual Abuse Therapists in Oak Park, IL

As a neurodiversity therapist with ADHD: We come from all walks of life and sometimes we come to a halt in the road where we feel defeated. There are so many challenges we are facing and it feels like we have no one to turn to. There are many different reasons people choose therapy, whether it is to find ways to cope with mental health issues, dealing with relationship issues, grief, or traumatic experiences. This road may be scary, but know that you are not alone. My goal as a therapist is to meet people where they are at in an empathetic way, build a collaborative relationship as you work through the challenges you are faced with.

We at Cira Center for Behavioral Health (CCBH) believe that therapy is based on research & science, both of which are incredibly important, but know that nothing is more important than feeling heard & understood without any judgment. When a strong, supportive relationship is combined with direct feedback and skill building, people change & lives improve. We primarily work with adults who are struggling with significant life changes (divorce, starting a family, moving to a new city, etc), stress, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, anger, self-esteem & trauma. We offer individual & group therapy services.

My ideal client is seeking mental health support regarding past trauma(s), depression/anxiety, workplace stressors, relationship issues, family issues... basically anything that is impacting their ideal functioning. They want to process and put forth work towards therapeutic goals to improve their daily functioning. They may be POC, LGBTQIA+, adolescents, adults, parents, high performing professionals, etc. Most importantly, they are ready and willing to participate in sessions to work towards their healing.

The majority of my training and work experience has specifically focused on the assessment and treatment of psychological trauma. I believe my job is to walk alongside my clients as they unpack their traumatic experiences, while providing continued safety and validation, all at their own pace. I have extensive experience in evidence based treatments for PTSD and have been successful in treating a wide variety of individuals. I have also completed specialized training in maternal mental health. I treat women dealing with mental health issues that come up during and after pregnancy, such as anxiety, depression, and OCD. I also help women navigate pregnancy loss, infertility, and traumatic births. As a mother myself, I am passionate about working with other mothers struggling with mental health issues related to pregnancy or the postpartum period.

From everyday struggles and family stresses to traumatic experiences, our ways of coping are constantly challenged. In my practice I support individuals in the development of their resilience to enable them to solve difficult problems and begin to thrive. With 20 years of experience my depth of empathy and skills provide the foundation for a safe, colaborative relationship. I understand that isolation debilitates and shakes people in times of distress and that connection with others is crucial to healing. I see my role as helping people discover the value of connections and supporting them as they move through the process.

My practice specializes in helping clients heal from the complicated effects of trauma. For many individuals, the ability to trust and feel safe in their relationships, can present significant challenges. My focus is helping individuals and couples overcome these roadblocks and move forward in their lives. I also work with clients to understand how they can interact with family and children to break the cycle of generational trauma, a concern for many individuals who have suffered trauma. In a collaborative environment, clients are able to learn multiple approaches to healing and overcoming the effects of traumatic experiences.

I welcome clients who see themselves aligned with values in my profile, especially those who seeking a better therapy experience grounded in emotional connection, social justice, and authenticity. Therapy has the potential to be incredibly healing, but also comes from a history of harm, having othered people on the basis of age, race, gender, sexuality, spirituality, and disability. I offer a trauma-responsive relationship through which we can explore narrative healing of your authentic self, commitments to anti-oppressive and anti-racist living, anti-adultist parenting support, and supportive community and relationship building.

Comprehensive Treatment, Convenient Hours, and Responsive Care: As one of patients, you will receive an individually tailored treatment plan informed by both my understanding of your symptoms and your essential input. I offer a safe and confidential environment along with flexible office hours to cater to your ongoing treatment needs.

Known for our dynamic treatment of trauma, violence and the effects of abusive behaviors, we base our therapeutic process on a unique treatment, The Collaborative Stage Model (CSM). Co-created by Mary Jo Barrett, MSW, the founder of the Center for Contextual Change, CSM is a solution-focused, three-stage model aimed at facilitating change through collaboration between the client and therapist; the client will experience positive shifts in their internal, relational, and environmental worlds.

For over a decade, I have been working with adults, adolescents, couples, and families. I specialize in working with those who are struggling with shame and frustration for things over which they feel powerless. For things they've done, for things done to them, for opportunities lost, and for feeling as if they have little control over how to make things better. If you're tired of feeling stuck and ready for help, I'd like to help you get where you want to go. Issues related to sex, anger, and control are areas in which I specialize.

I am passionate about helping people build a healthy relationship with self and with others. I believe that we all possess unique strengths. Unfortunately, during difficult times, we can lose sight of our positive qualities and abilities. I aim to help you identify these strengths, utilize them , and build upon them during times of struggle or conflict. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the most important component of any helpful treatment. My ultimate goal is to make the therapeutic process collaborative and individualized. I strive to create a partnership that is helpful to meeting your specific needs.

My focus and passion as a social worker is to provide therapy to people facing difficult life situations. Clients may have unexpected changes or losses to navigate or simply want perspective and insight from past challenges. I believe people benefit from exploring their thoughts and feelings in a setting where there is understanding and encouragement. This provides an opportunity to develop more effective coping strategies.

I believe that therapy is a healing process. We find the parts of ourselves that need healing to get to who we want to be and how we want to live. I believe that everyone has the ability to create those changes. In therapy, I focus on providing a safe space and joining you in this work, because I believe that much of healing needs to happen in relationship. My approach is relational, person-centered, and trauma-informed. That means I think the therapeutic relationship is a means of healing, that I allow you to lead the process, and that I am aware of how much trauma can impact our lives. I practice from a social justice lens.

It’s ok to not be ok. It’s Ok to get assistance from someone who can help you process and manages life stressors. Making change can be hard and taking the first step towards personal growth can be difficult. That's where I come in - I am here to walk alongside you, so you don't have to do it alone. I believe that your struggles don't need to define you.