Therapists in Park Ridge, IL
The Willoughby Center focuses on the use of empirically supported therapeutic treatment options geared towards increasing a client's psychological flexibility, stress management skills, and overall functionality. Therapy consists of a collaborative and individualized approach, allowing rapport to blossom and work towards the clients chosen values to achieve a life worth living. Our center provides a variety of behaviorally focused, client-centered approaches to help clients effectively cope with life's challenges and struggles to start living not just surviving.
The Willoughby Center focuses on the use of empirically supported therapeutic treatment options geared towards increasing a client's psychological flexibility, stress management skills, and overall functionality. Therapy consists of a collaborative and individualized approach, allowing rapport to blossom and work towards the clients chosen values to achieve a life worth living. Our center provides a variety of behaviorally focused, client-centered approaches to help clients effectively cope with life's challenges and struggles to start living not just surviving.
Do you feel like your relationships are a constant struggle? You may find yourself overthinking every interaction, prioritizing others’ needs, and neglecting your own—only to feel frustrated, disconnected, or unappreciated. Maybe you’re caught in patterns that leave you feeling inadequate or questioning your worth. It’s exhausting, lonely, and can make connection feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Do you feel like your relationships are a constant struggle? You may find yourself overthinking every interaction, prioritizing others’ needs, and neglecting your own—only to feel frustrated, disconnected, or unappreciated. Maybe you’re caught in patterns that leave you feeling inadequate or questioning your worth. It’s exhausting, lonely, and can make connection feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to navigate this alone.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the addiction and mental health field for 25+ years. I offer Counseling and Coaching Services to individuals and couples who are interested in personal growth. I believe in treating the whole person because integrating the mind, the body, and the community is essential in optimizing a person's quality of life. From complex trauma and addiction to learning everyday life skills, I try to help individuals find the strength and acceptance to overcome painful emotions. I strive for each client to leave sessions feeling empowered and confident in their abilities.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the addiction and mental health field for 25+ years. I offer Counseling and Coaching Services to individuals and couples who are interested in personal growth. I believe in treating the whole person because integrating the mind, the body, and the community is essential in optimizing a person's quality of life. From complex trauma and addiction to learning everyday life skills, I try to help individuals find the strength and acceptance to overcome painful emotions. I strive for each client to leave sessions feeling empowered and confident in their abilities.
Therapy can be an awkward and nerve-wracking experience, but it is also a beautifully rewarding and fulfilling process to help you live the life you want. I am a licensed professional counselor and my goal is to help clients work towards their desired goals and lifestyle. With an empathetic and warm approach, I encourage clients to identify their ups and downs and provide them with empathy, compassion, and courage throughout the process. By using a strength-based approach, my goal is to help individuals work through distressing situations.
Therapy can be an awkward and nerve-wracking experience, but it is also a beautifully rewarding and fulfilling process to help you live the life you want. I am a licensed professional counselor and my goal is to help clients work towards their desired goals and lifestyle. With an empathetic and warm approach, I encourage clients to identify their ups and downs and provide them with empathy, compassion, and courage throughout the process. By using a strength-based approach, my goal is to help individuals work through distressing situations.
I am dedicated to helping my clients on their path toward growth and healing, which looks different for everyone! I practice through a trauma-informed approach and have extensive experience with LGBTQ+, ethical non-monogamy, kink, and neurodiverse populations. I work with clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, sexual issues, couples’ issues, PTSD, C-PTSD, DID, and more. I utilize a variety of therapy techniques to customize my approach to my client's needs and learning styles. My therapeutic style is supportive, relaxed, and direct, and I will gently challenge clients where appropriate to aid in their growth.
I am dedicated to helping my clients on their path toward growth and healing, which looks different for everyone! I practice through a trauma-informed approach and have extensive experience with LGBTQ+, ethical non-monogamy, kink, and neurodiverse populations. I work with clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, sexual issues, couples’ issues, PTSD, C-PTSD, DID, and more. I utilize a variety of therapy techniques to customize my approach to my client's needs and learning styles. My therapeutic style is supportive, relaxed, and direct, and I will gently challenge clients where appropriate to aid in their growth.
Currently providing in-person and/or virtual sessions for all Medicaid plans and Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) PPO. Offices located in Park Ridge and South Barrington.
Are parts of your life starting to feel overwhelming or unmanageable? You're not alone—and change is possible. Together, we'll identify what's getting in the way, build on your strengths, and create a plan that moves you toward real, lasting change. Whether you're dealing with stress, negative thoughts, addiction, mental health symptoms, or a sense of imbalance, I offer a tailored approach to help you feel more in control and confident in your life.
Currently providing in-person and/or virtual sessions for all Medicaid plans and Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) PPO. Offices located in Park Ridge and South Barrington.
Are parts of your life starting to feel overwhelming or unmanageable? You're not alone—and change is possible. Together, we'll identify what's getting in the way, build on your strengths, and create a plan that moves you toward real, lasting change. Whether you're dealing with stress, negative thoughts, addiction, mental health symptoms, or a sense of imbalance, I offer a tailored approach to help you feel more in control and confident in your life.
I help people who have difficulty managing their feelings, organizing their time, speaking up for themselves, and issues with sleep. Seeking help with these things is not easy, although it is often needed to get past places where you feel stuck. There are ways to learn to cope better and better manage your life. Together, we work to create solutions to make the life you would prefer to live, within a warm supportive atmosphere.
I help people who have difficulty managing their feelings, organizing their time, speaking up for themselves, and issues with sleep. Seeking help with these things is not easy, although it is often needed to get past places where you feel stuck. There are ways to learn to cope better and better manage your life. Together, we work to create solutions to make the life you would prefer to live, within a warm supportive atmosphere.
Grace is a Licensed Social Worker with over 7 years of experience specializing in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Grief/Loss, ADHD, and Life Transitions/Adjustments. Grace has extensive experience counseling individuals, across the lifespan, including couples, families, and groups, in both clinical and outpatient settings.
Grace is a Licensed Social Worker with over 7 years of experience specializing in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Grief/Loss, ADHD, and Life Transitions/Adjustments. Grace has extensive experience counseling individuals, across the lifespan, including couples, families, and groups, in both clinical and outpatient settings.
I help adults explore questions of identity - who you are beneath roles, expectations, and the patterns that have shaped you over time. You might be re-examining what gives your life meaning, noticing the ways you’ve been shaped by others’ expectations, or trying to understand who you are when you’re not fulfilling a role. Together, we’ll look at how your sense of self formed and what feels true for you now.
I help adults explore questions of identity - who you are beneath roles, expectations, and the patterns that have shaped you over time. You might be re-examining what gives your life meaning, noticing the ways you’ve been shaped by others’ expectations, or trying to understand who you are when you’re not fulfilling a role. Together, we’ll look at how your sense of self formed and what feels true for you now.
When working with children, I recognize that life’s challenges and expectations may not always be friendly and accommodating to a child’s uniqueness and their development. I believe that being able to cope with these stressors, develop meaningful relationships, and live life to their fullest potential come from relationships where we feel heard and understood. When I work with children and their families, it is important to me that I provide them with this therapeutic space all through using a child’s natural language, which is their play.
When working with children, I recognize that life’s challenges and expectations may not always be friendly and accommodating to a child’s uniqueness and their development. I believe that being able to cope with these stressors, develop meaningful relationships, and live life to their fullest potential come from relationships where we feel heard and understood. When I work with children and their families, it is important to me that I provide them with this therapeutic space all through using a child’s natural language, which is their play.
Hi, and thank you for visiting my profile! I’m a Licensed Social Worker with a passion for helping individuals. My goal is to build a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship with my clients. I love to learn my clients perspective and give them unconditional support. I am committed to helping individuals develop insight into who they are and how they can feel their best self. I believe that everyone’s journey is unique, and I strive to meet you where you're at, walk alongside you to support and empower you!
Hi, and thank you for visiting my profile! I’m a Licensed Social Worker with a passion for helping individuals. My goal is to build a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship with my clients. I love to learn my clients perspective and give them unconditional support. I am committed to helping individuals develop insight into who they are and how they can feel their best self. I believe that everyone’s journey is unique, and I strive to meet you where you're at, walk alongside you to support and empower you!
Garrett R. Pluhar-Schaeffer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Park Ridge, IL 60068
We come to understand ourselves through our relationships—with partners, friends, family, and even with our therapist. These relationships shape how we see ourselves and how we move through the world. In therapy, I offer a space to slow down and reflect on these patterns—how they’ve formed, what they protect, and where they may be limiting growth.
My approach is rooted in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, which means I’m interested in the deeper emotional layers of your experience, including unconscious dynamics and the way our therapeutic relationship itself can illuminate longstanding patterns.
We come to understand ourselves through our relationships—with partners, friends, family, and even with our therapist. These relationships shape how we see ourselves and how we move through the world. In therapy, I offer a space to slow down and reflect on these patterns—how they’ve formed, what they protect, and where they may be limiting growth.
My approach is rooted in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, which means I’m interested in the deeper emotional layers of your experience, including unconscious dynamics and the way our therapeutic relationship itself can illuminate longstanding patterns.
My focus as a therapist is creating a collaborative and supportive space for children, adolescents, and adults navigating challenges like mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, autism, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, grief, and identity exploration. I also support individuals coping with chronic health issues, caregiving, aging, and crisis. My approach blends warmth with practical tools, using evidence-based techniques like DBT, CBT, attachment-based therapy, and Jungian Sand-Play to support both immediate relief and long-term change.
My focus as a therapist is creating a collaborative and supportive space for children, adolescents, and adults navigating challenges like mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, autism, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, grief, and identity exploration. I also support individuals coping with chronic health issues, caregiving, aging, and crisis. My approach blends warmth with practical tools, using evidence-based techniques like DBT, CBT, attachment-based therapy, and Jungian Sand-Play to support both immediate relief and long-term change.
Together in therapy, I strive to foster a warm and collaborative relationship that empowers clients to embrace their authentic selves, investigate complex emotions, and face challenges with both courage and self-compassion. We will work towards lasting change that aligns with your principles - in pursuit of building a life full of meaning. As a clinician, my specializations include supporting clients navigating anxiety, depression, eating disorders, identity concerns, life transitions, neurodivergence, and relational issues. Across sessions, I implement a person-centered approach combined with strategies based in ACT, CBT, & DBT.
Together in therapy, I strive to foster a warm and collaborative relationship that empowers clients to embrace their authentic selves, investigate complex emotions, and face challenges with both courage and self-compassion. We will work towards lasting change that aligns with your principles - in pursuit of building a life full of meaning. As a clinician, my specializations include supporting clients navigating anxiety, depression, eating disorders, identity concerns, life transitions, neurodivergence, and relational issues. Across sessions, I implement a person-centered approach combined with strategies based in ACT, CBT, & DBT.
Physical, sexual and mental abuse as well trauma history, domestic violence, communication and relationship improvement, problems arising from pornography, and depression are a some topics that I have focused my practice on. Success in therapy is ultimately the result of the collaboration of you and I - the client and the therapist. There are no set number of sessions. You are a unique individual and you work at your own pace. I am committed to working with your needs and timetables.
Physical, sexual and mental abuse as well trauma history, domestic violence, communication and relationship improvement, problems arising from pornography, and depression are a some topics that I have focused my practice on. Success in therapy is ultimately the result of the collaboration of you and I - the client and the therapist. There are no set number of sessions. You are a unique individual and you work at your own pace. I am committed to working with your needs and timetables.
Seeking therapy is not an easy decision to make. I am a warm, empathetic, and culturally sensitive therapist with experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults. My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals can feel comfortable exploring the reasons that have led them to seek therapy. Feeling connected and understood is crucial when working collaboratively with a therapist to help identify personal issues and moving towards a better self, marriage, or family life and improving overall functioning.
Seeking therapy is not an easy decision to make. I am a warm, empathetic, and culturally sensitive therapist with experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults. My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals can feel comfortable exploring the reasons that have led them to seek therapy. Feeling connected and understood is crucial when working collaboratively with a therapist to help identify personal issues and moving towards a better self, marriage, or family life and improving overall functioning.
I started my career at Lurie's Children's Hospital Inpatient Psychiatric Unit and Partial Hospitalization Program. I have worked at multiple private practice's in the Chicagoland area before opening my own practice, Main Street Counseling Solutions. I provide individual therapy to children, adolescents and young adults. I have a passion for prevention and advocacy work in the mental health field. My work has been featured in mainstream media such as, Good Morning America, The New York Times, The Today Show, Vice News and more. I was honored to be one of six women chosen to give a Tedx Talk in Wilmette this past April.
I started my career at Lurie's Children's Hospital Inpatient Psychiatric Unit and Partial Hospitalization Program. I have worked at multiple private practice's in the Chicagoland area before opening my own practice, Main Street Counseling Solutions. I provide individual therapy to children, adolescents and young adults. I have a passion for prevention and advocacy work in the mental health field. My work has been featured in mainstream media such as, Good Morning America, The New York Times, The Today Show, Vice News and more. I was honored to be one of six women chosen to give a Tedx Talk in Wilmette this past April.
The experience of intense and often painful emotions is a normal part of human existence, sometimes this struggle can become so overwhelming it begins to greatly impact one's ability to function, maintain and improve interpersonal relationships, and lead a valued life; leaving us feeling stuck. Therapy allows us to process these emotions, stop the experiential avoidance, and develop more constructive and adaptive ways of dealing with life's challenges and transitions. Through a collaborative, empathic, and values-based relationship, we can work towards increasing one's psychological flexibility, behavioral workability, and coping skills to live a life worth living
The experience of intense and often painful emotions is a normal part of human existence, sometimes this struggle can become so overwhelming it begins to greatly impact one's ability to function, maintain and improve interpersonal relationships, and lead a valued life; leaving us feeling stuck. Therapy allows us to process these emotions, stop the experiential avoidance, and develop more constructive and adaptive ways of dealing with life's challenges and transitions. Through a collaborative, empathic, and values-based relationship, we can work towards increasing one's psychological flexibility, behavioral workability, and coping skills to live a life worth living
Laurie Walsh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, MSOM, LAC
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Waitlist for new clients
I've found it helpful in my practice to be direct and to the point, while maintaining professional and nurturing relationships with my clients.
I believe strongly in modeling healthy boundaries, and helping clients to strengthen their own. I love what I do, and I know my clients can sense that.
I think my clients can also sense the great respect I have for them. Asking for help is never easy. Especially when one feels vulnerable.
I've found it helpful in my practice to be direct and to the point, while maintaining professional and nurturing relationships with my clients.
I believe strongly in modeling healthy boundaries, and helping clients to strengthen their own. I love what I do, and I know my clients can sense that.
I think my clients can also sense the great respect I have for them. Asking for help is never easy. Especially when one feels vulnerable.
You deserve to feel better—and I’m here to help.
Are you struggling in your relationship, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, or facing the emotional complexities of pregnancy or postpartum life? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate it alone. I help clients untangle emotional and relational challenges so they can feel more grounded, connected, and empowered.
You deserve to feel better—and I’m here to help.
Are you struggling in your relationship, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, or facing the emotional complexities of pregnancy or postpartum life? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate it alone. I help clients untangle emotional and relational challenges so they can feel more grounded, connected, and empowered.
See more therapy options for Park Ridge
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Park Ridge, IL
200+
Average cost per session
$155
Therapists in Park Ridge, IL who prioritize treating:
| 93% | Anxiety |
| 86% | Depression |
| 72% | Relationship Issues |
| 72% | Self Esteem |
| 61% | Life Transitions |
| 60% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 60% | Stress |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 94% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
| 70% | Aetna |
| 57% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Park Ridge, IL see their clients
| 77% | In Person and Online | |
| 23% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 85% | Female | |
| 13% | Male | |
| 2% | Non-Binary |