Self-Harming Therapists in River Forest, IL

Photo of Dr. Heidi D Schwartz, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in River Forest, IL
Dr. Heidi D Schwartz
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PsyD, LCPC
Verified Verified
River Forest, IL 60305
I have been practicing psychotherapy for 32 years. My clinical work centers around helping people develop satisfying relationships and lifestyles. We will work collaboratively to help you heal old wounds and make insightful meaning of your patterns of self-defeating thoughts and behaviors as they impact your current functioning and relationships. I will help you develop inner strength and creativity to remedy depression, anxiety, and unhappiness. Ultimately, you will ably make intentional choices about managing your life, goals, work, and relationships.
I have been practicing psychotherapy for 32 years. My clinical work centers around helping people develop satisfying relationships and lifestyles. We will work collaboratively to help you heal old wounds and make insightful meaning of your patterns of self-defeating thoughts and behaviors as they impact your current functioning and relationships. I will help you develop inner strength and creativity to remedy depression, anxiety, and unhappiness. Ultimately, you will ably make intentional choices about managing your life, goals, work, and relationships.
(708) 934-4279 View (708) 934-4279
Photo of Melissa Rowland, Psychologist in River Forest, IL
Melissa Rowland
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305
My goal as a therapist is to help people get back on track with what is truly important in their lives and let go of the unnecessary struggle that psychological pain can create. I believe that everyone can learn to take a new perspective on pain in order to prevent it from acting as a barrier to the most important parts of their lives.
My goal as a therapist is to help people get back on track with what is truly important in their lives and let go of the unnecessary struggle that psychological pain can create. I believe that everyone can learn to take a new perspective on pain in order to prevent it from acting as a barrier to the most important parts of their lives.
(312) 634-6394 View (312) 634-6394
Photo of Caitlin M Wurster, Psychologist in River Forest, IL
Caitlin M Wurster
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
River Forest, IL 60305
LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services offers services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I believe that we all must weather challenges throughout life, and sometimes we need assistance to endure and make sense of these trials in a way that helps us to grow into the best versions of ourselves. My goal as a therapist is to assist children, adolescents, adults, and familes through these times by helping them achieve better understandings of personal choices, strengths, and resilience. In this way, clients come to see themselves as individuals that are capable of change in order to live fulfilling lives.
LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services offers services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I believe that we all must weather challenges throughout life, and sometimes we need assistance to endure and make sense of these trials in a way that helps us to grow into the best versions of ourselves. My goal as a therapist is to assist children, adolescents, adults, and familes through these times by helping them achieve better understandings of personal choices, strengths, and resilience. In this way, clients come to see themselves as individuals that are capable of change in order to live fulfilling lives.
(708) 315-7372 View (708) 315-7372
Photo of Kate Giandonato & Associates, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in River Forest, IL
Kate Giandonato & Associates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305
Very rarely in our lives are we given the opportunity and the space to truly look at ourselves, where we have been, and the person we are looking to become. At Kate Giandonato & Associates, we create an environment where you can safely look at yourself, relationships, and potential barriers to achieving your goals. Our relationship-based training in Social Work + Child Development has given us the background to notice and work through the conflicting messages, thoughts and emotions present not only in the parent-child relationship, but in every relationship. We work with our clients to better understand and negotiate these most important relationships.
Very rarely in our lives are we given the opportunity and the space to truly look at ourselves, where we have been, and the person we are looking to become. At Kate Giandonato & Associates, we create an environment where you can safely look at yourself, relationships, and potential barriers to achieving your goals. Our relationship-based training in Social Work + Child Development has given us the background to notice and work through the conflicting messages, thoughts and emotions present not only in the parent-child relationship, but in every relationship. We work with our clients to better understand and negotiate these most important relationships.
(773) 888-4992 View (773) 888-4992
Photo of Tina Shrader, Marriage & Family Therapist in River Forest, IL
Tina Shrader
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
River Forest, IL 60305
Do you consider family time a dreaded activity? Do you avoid going home because you know your child is acting out and on your last nerve, your teen is spending more time in their room and becoming quiet and withdrawn, and your partner is distant and unconcerned? Maybe you've tried reaching out for help but couldn't seem to find the right therapist.
Do you consider family time a dreaded activity? Do you avoid going home because you know your child is acting out and on your last nerve, your teen is spending more time in their room and becoming quiet and withdrawn, and your partner is distant and unconcerned? Maybe you've tried reaching out for help but couldn't seem to find the right therapist.
(872) 666-9904 View (872) 666-9904
Photo of Valerie Smith Wright, Counselor in River Forest, IL
Valerie Smith Wright
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
River Forest, IL 60305
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).
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).
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Photo of Jessica Punzo, Psychologist in River Forest, IL
Jessica Punzo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305
Waitlist for new clients
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.
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.
(708) 613-8682 View (708) 613-8682
Photo of Kirsten Tesnar Svejda, Psychologist in River Forest, IL
Kirsten Tesnar Svejda
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist offering therapy services to adolescents and adults in Oak Park, IL. I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. In my treatment of complex issues, I provide both individual and family therapy and value collaborating with other healthcare providers for multidisciplinary care. I work from a mindfulness-based and trauma-informed lens, utilizing body-based, symptom-focused interventions and exploring interpersonal relationships as methods to encourage change.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist offering therapy services to adolescents and adults in Oak Park, IL. I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. In my treatment of complex issues, I provide both individual and family therapy and value collaborating with other healthcare providers for multidisciplinary care. I work from a mindfulness-based and trauma-informed lens, utilizing body-based, symptom-focused interventions and exploring interpersonal relationships as methods to encourage change.
(708) 885-9939 View (708) 885-9939
Photo of Margaret Anne Fleming, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in River Forest, IL
Margaret Anne Fleming
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305
Are you looking for an experienced, local therapist for yourself or a family member? I have had extensive experience, both professionally and personally, in treating both adults and children. who have suffered loss, childhood abuse, depression and shame. I am currently offering clients a choice between teletherapy or being seen in my Oak Park office.
Are you looking for an experienced, local therapist for yourself or a family member? I have had extensive experience, both professionally and personally, in treating both adults and children. who have suffered loss, childhood abuse, depression and shame. I am currently offering clients a choice between teletherapy or being seen in my Oak Park office.
(708) 277-6978 View (708) 277-6978
Photo of Amy Wood, Marriage & Family Therapist in River Forest, IL
Amy Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305
I view therapy as a collaborative process where we work together to disempower the challenges you are facing. Our conversations will help you clarify your hopes and identify the tools needed to overcome the problems you are up against. I bring sensitivity and curiosity to foster a therapeutic space that feels safe and productive. I work with couples to strengthen communication, build trust, heal hurt, and break undesired habits. I support mothers, families and teens. I view this work as a privilege as I share in your experience of moving towards personal and relational fulfillment.
I view therapy as a collaborative process where we work together to disempower the challenges you are facing. Our conversations will help you clarify your hopes and identify the tools needed to overcome the problems you are up against. I bring sensitivity and curiosity to foster a therapeutic space that feels safe and productive. I work with couples to strengthen communication, build trust, heal hurt, and break undesired habits. I support mothers, families and teens. I view this work as a privilege as I share in your experience of moving towards personal and relational fulfillment.
(312) 248-6599 View (312) 248-6599
Photo of Teddy Tracy, Licensed Professional Counselor in River Forest, IL
Teddy Tracy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
River Forest, IL 60305
I am an art therapist & counselor who supports humans across the lifespan, providing services to children, teens, and adults of any age. My approach is genuine, relational, collaborative, responsive to your needs, and always with a lens on how the world around us impacts our mental health and access to resources. Many people come to therapy because they feel stuck in their story. I am curious to know yours and to help you strengthen your ability to envision other ways of living. I use an anti-oppressive lens in my work and value anti-racism, disability justice, community, and gender-affirming approaches to care.
I am an art therapist & counselor who supports humans across the lifespan, providing services to children, teens, and adults of any age. My approach is genuine, relational, collaborative, responsive to your needs, and always with a lens on how the world around us impacts our mental health and access to resources. Many people come to therapy because they feel stuck in their story. I am curious to know yours and to help you strengthen your ability to envision other ways of living. I use an anti-oppressive lens in my work and value anti-racism, disability justice, community, and gender-affirming approaches to care.
(708) 740-5856 View (708) 740-5856
Photo of Rebecca Davis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in River Forest, IL
Rebecca Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
River Forest, IL 60305  (Online Only)
When we are able to truly understand ourselves and our relationships, we can build a life of genuine meaning and connection. Many people enter into therapy only to find themselves gaining small amounts of insight that produce little or no changes in their life. My therapeutic methods produce results that not only change the way we feel about ourselves in the world but change our behaviors. I am respectful of the fact that everyone's pace and tolerance to different interventions varies. My work is reflective of the care and respect I have for each and every client as individuals.
When we are able to truly understand ourselves and our relationships, we can build a life of genuine meaning and connection. Many people enter into therapy only to find themselves gaining small amounts of insight that produce little or no changes in their life. My therapeutic methods produce results that not only change the way we feel about ourselves in the world but change our behaviors. I am respectful of the fact that everyone's pace and tolerance to different interventions varies. My work is reflective of the care and respect I have for each and every client as individuals.
(773) 904-2152 View (773) 904-2152
Photo of Margaret McGonegal, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in River Forest, IL
Margaret McGonegal
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305
Life’s challenges happen suddenly. Without warning it feels like you can’t navigate through with confidence and calm. Instead, you are plagued with worry, hesitation, anxiety, and depression. At times, life feels like a ticking time bomb, and you are desperately searching for an effective means to diffuse it. But your coping skills aren’t working well enough, or maybe they weren’t that healthy in the first place. How are you supposed to get comfortable with the challenges you are experiencing, let alone feel you are responding in a healthy way, when everything around you – maybe even your person – can be so unpredictable?
Life’s challenges happen suddenly. Without warning it feels like you can’t navigate through with confidence and calm. Instead, you are plagued with worry, hesitation, anxiety, and depression. At times, life feels like a ticking time bomb, and you are desperately searching for an effective means to diffuse it. But your coping skills aren’t working well enough, or maybe they weren’t that healthy in the first place. How are you supposed to get comfortable with the challenges you are experiencing, let alone feel you are responding in a healthy way, when everything around you – maybe even your person – can be so unpredictable?
(312) 262-5173 View (312) 262-5173
Photo of Julie Nicholson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in River Forest, IL
Julie Nicholson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPA
Verified Verified
River Forest, IL 60305  (Online Only)
If you are considering therapy, you might be looking to improve your day-to-day experience, work through past issues that still bother you today, or manage symptoms that get in the way of your relationships and goals. Therapy can help you discover your inner strength and most important values, and help you find the power to guide yourself into a life you love. I work with individuals facing challenges ranging from grief, self-doubt, and relationship issues to depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. You may not know where to start, but together we can figure out the direction you want your therapeutic journey to take.
If you are considering therapy, you might be looking to improve your day-to-day experience, work through past issues that still bother you today, or manage symptoms that get in the way of your relationships and goals. Therapy can help you discover your inner strength and most important values, and help you find the power to guide yourself into a life you love. I work with individuals facing challenges ranging from grief, self-doubt, and relationship issues to depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. You may not know where to start, but together we can figure out the direction you want your therapeutic journey to take.
(708) 419-2169 View (708) 419-2169
Photo of Innovative Counseling Partners, PLLC, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in River Forest, IL
Innovative Counseling Partners, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LPC, LSW, LCPC, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
(773) 312-3612 View (773) 312-3612
Photo of Erin M Ader, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in River Forest, IL
Erin M Ader
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305
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.
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.
(773) 879-3557 View (773) 879-3557
Photo of Kendra A Vargas, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in River Forest, IL
Kendra A Vargas
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305
I am truly grateful when a client allows me the opportunity to play a role in the journey of their lives. I believe therapy requires a combination of compassion, humor, honesty, and stability. I recognize the importance of providing a space to safely process through life struggles and work towards change. Sometimes at the start of therapy, the goals are unclear, or there is limited awareness and understanding into the areas that may need additional support. I will work alongside with you on your journey to help you get there. This will be done through a collaborative, warm, and supportive approach.
I am truly grateful when a client allows me the opportunity to play a role in the journey of their lives. I believe therapy requires a combination of compassion, humor, honesty, and stability. I recognize the importance of providing a space to safely process through life struggles and work towards change. Sometimes at the start of therapy, the goals are unclear, or there is limited awareness and understanding into the areas that may need additional support. I will work alongside with you on your journey to help you get there. This will be done through a collaborative, warm, and supportive approach.
(224) 479-0116 View (224) 479-0116

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Jacqueline Posek, Counselor in River Forest, IL
Jacqueline Posek
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a breadth of experience providing psychotherapy to adolescents, teens, adults and couples. I am proficient in the modalities of DBT, CBT, mindfulness-centered therapies and ACT, and specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, self-harming behaviors, stage of life, and grief and loss.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a breadth of experience providing psychotherapy to adolescents, teens, adults and couples. I am proficient in the modalities of DBT, CBT, mindfulness-centered therapies and ACT, and specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, self-harming behaviors, stage of life, and grief and loss.
(708) 934-8433 View (708) 934-8433
Photo of Samuel Louis-Pierre, Pre-Licensed Professional in River Forest, IL
Samuel Louis-Pierre
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Forest Park, IL 60130  (Online Only)
I have always been fascinated with understanding how people think, how they have come to believe what they believe and how they have become who they are. I have come to realize that many people simply want to feel heard, understood and cared for. This is part of the reason why I became a counselor, along with wanting to help people and destigmatize mental health. Coming from immigrant parents who came to America to enable their children to live a better life than they did, to them that meant getting a practical & stable job. But with time I realized that I didn't want my life to be just practical – I also wanted it to be purposeful.
I have always been fascinated with understanding how people think, how they have come to believe what they believe and how they have become who they are. I have come to realize that many people simply want to feel heard, understood and cared for. This is part of the reason why I became a counselor, along with wanting to help people and destigmatize mental health. Coming from immigrant parents who came to America to enable their children to live a better life than they did, to them that meant getting a practical & stable job. But with time I realized that I didn't want my life to be just practical – I also wanted it to be purposeful.
(312) 854-8504 View (312) 854-8504
Photo of Lindsay Janowski, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in River Forest, IL
Lindsay Janowski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60302
Through my work as a therapist, I have seen first-hand how the therapy experience has positively influenced peoples' lives. My specialities include working with those who suffer from depression, anxiety, and/or are experiencing challenging life transisitions or relationship difficulties.
Through my work as a therapist, I have seen first-hand how the therapy experience has positively influenced peoples' lives. My specialities include working with those who suffer from depression, anxiety, and/or are experiencing challenging life transisitions or relationship difficulties.
(630) 359-5697 View (630) 359-5697

See more therapy options for River Forest

Self-Harming Therapists

How does therapy for self-harm work?

A person may turn to self-injury so that they can distract themselves from their stress, depression, anxiety, or upsetting circumstances. Therapy can address the cause of an individual’s suffering. A therapist can help a person understand why they may want to self-harm and help the person learn new methods of coping. A person may have poor emotion regulation, and treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is helpful for breaking this behaviour. In addition, treatment such as dialectical behavior therapy can help a person manage their tolerance of distress.

Which therapies are best for self-harm?

Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, and mentalisation-based therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are common approaches for people who have painful thoughts and past traumas. These therapies help an individual cope with distress, regulate emotions, and manage impulsive urges.

Does the tendency to self-harm mean the person is suicidal?

Having this urge does not mean the individual suffers from suicidal ideation. People who want to self-injure look to distract or alleviate themselves from the pain they are experiencing. People with suicidal tendencies want to end life altogether. However, this does not mean a person with the intent to self-harm will not attempt suicide.

How often and how long are therapy sessions for self-harm?

As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Clients may see improvement within 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, while others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, maybe, a six-month period. People, especially those with co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, may need to continue therapy for up to 12 to 18 months.