Emotionally Focused Therapists in Skokie, IL

Do you feel unfulfilled, in a rut, anxious, depressed or just frustrated that your not living your life to your full potential? Do you feel dissatisfied with your relationships or with your job or career? Do you feel that there is more to life and that you wish you could get more focused and motivated and have more meaning and purpose in your life? I have helped many people with these types of struggles and challenges and I feel that I can be of help to you as well.

I facilitate those who struggle identifying the words with their symptoms, and those who want to relieve their symptoms by connecting more with their body. Combined with my perspective-expanding experiences living in the U.S., France, and Mexico, I am able to work with the cultural aspects of your experience with openness and acceptance. I’m trained in using EMDR, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Reiki, and other creative methods such as role play, art, and movement. I specialize in working with adolescents, teens, and adults, who experience symptoms of anxiety and depression due to trauma, life transitions, and other stressors.

I specialize in helping people heal from traumatic and experiences, to include: family conflicts, adults abused as children, narcissistic abuse, parental alienation and parents financially caring for adult children. You may not know what to expect from therapy, but you know you need to make some changes so you can move forward in life. Stress, anxiety, and depression are highly prevalent in our lives, and sometimes people need help and support in dealing with difficult/stressful experiences. I am a trauma therapist specializing in somatic psychology that has found success in using a mind/body approach to psychotherapy.

Life is challenging and you may have worries, sadness, grief, a feeling of frustration in your work or a lack of connection to others. Therapy may seem daunting but it doesn't have to be. It is that very special place where you look at yourself with courage, compassion, and curiosity, without judgment or blame. It is the place to grow, change, to be seen and not alone. You already have the strengths and gifts to draw on, to deal with any challenge or concern, you just need to take the time and effort to do this for yourself.

Life can be hard, but everything is easier with the right support. Maybe you’re dissatisfied with a relationship. Maybe you’re unhappy at work. Maybe you’re uncomfortable in your own skin. Having someone to talk to can make all the difference. People are extremely resilient, and I believe we all have the capacity for growth and positive change at any point in our lives. By tapping into your unique strengths, we can work together and create your best life—one that’s filled with peace, meaning and happiness.

People often search for a therapist when they feel like they've tried everything and it's just not working well enough. It can be hard to see a situation clearly when you've been immersed in it for so long. I help people to take a step back, so they can see things more objectively. Through psychotherapy, people can find internal strength and resources they didn't know were there. They can then start to see new perspectives, both of themselves and their situations, and can begin to make changes.

I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. In my work, I support my clients to regain a connection with themselves by practicing self-care, mindfulness, and self-awareness in order to live from a place of authenticity and peace. As individuals find their truth and the confidence to express it in healthy ways, relationships improve, self-esteem rises, and life becomes less stressful. Using a client-centered and strengths-based approach, the goals of therapy are determined collaboratively.

When life becomes difficult or overwhelming, reaching out for professional support can be intimidating, but worth it in the end! I'd love to be able to walk with you through this challenging time in your life. As a therapist, I am relational and tailor treatment to your unique needs. I have years of experience working with adults, couples, adolescents and children. As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist I have been in practice since 1998. I earned my doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, and trained at University of Chicago Hospitals and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

I work together with my clients on what is meaningful to them and honor the uniqueness of each person's concerns without judgment. I believe the more someone feels accepted for who they are, the more they are able to focus on their strengths and initiate change. Whether you are struggling with life transitions, healing past traumas, trying to improve your relationship or looking for parent guidance, I work hard to provide a safe space for you to reach your goals. I am versed in many evidenced-based practices: play therapy, DBT, CBT, mindfulness, ACT, and tailor therapy around your goals and needs.

I work with a variety of people with a common set of experiences-the after effects of trauma, both childhood and throughout the lifespan. Untreated trauma is often accompanied by anxiety, depression, physical problems and addictions.

Therapy can sometimes feel awkward or uncomfortable. Being curious and open about our pains is not an easy task, which is why it is important to feel comfortable with the therapist you work with. The relationship between therapist and client is fundamental to creating a safer space in which this exploration can occur.

ABBY MANDELL-KIPNIS, a Licensed Clinical Therapist and an Expert in Hypnosis has devoted her life to making sure YOU achieve your life's goals. Today, YOU can use the POWER OF YOUR MIND to create the best, most healthy, happy life possible. IMAGINE living your life the way YOU truly desire - with unlimited focus, confidence and endless possibilities to reach your goals!

I have a passion for creating therapeutic spaces for support and growth. My practice experience includes work with adults, children, adolescents, and families who are presently suffering with trauma, grief, relationship issues, divorce, parenting challenges, life transitions, depression, anxiety disorders and a wide array of life circumstances. As a seasoned psychotherapist, I blend compassion, intellectual insights, and current research to address you or your loved ones unique needs and create a space in which empowerment and hope may flourish. I welcome working with diverse clients collaboratively towards their goals.

Illinois Behavioral Health Group (IBHG) is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive, and personalized care to individuals and families across the lifespan. We emphasize the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their backgrounds and beliefs. In collaboration with you, our clinicians develop personalized treatment plans to foster lasting behavioral change and help guide you on your journey toward self-fulfillment. We are committed to providing a supportive environment to help you live a more meaningful, happier, and healthier life.

We often try to deny and reject our past instead of embracing it, sometimes leading to self-doubt, negative thoughts and memories that can hinder us. Through collaboration and self-determination, we can reignite the drive that still lies within, so that we can increase your self-esteem, replace negative thoughts with positive thinking, and process those memories together. You are not alone. April has always been passionate about helping others achieve their goals for better mental health. From assistance with daily stressors to feelings of hopelessness, each client is unique and deserves a therapeutic journey tailored to them.

"I appreciate that you are down to earth and real. You have a passion for life, for my life". If these are qualities you would appreciate in your therapist, then contact me. I will guide you through identifying and exploring your core concerns and issues, utilizing the expertise developed in 20 years of practice. My style of therapy is respectful, non-judgmental, practical, soothing and solution focused. Collaboratively we will create new, adaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to enhance the quality of your life and your relationships.

Our most important relationships are also often those we struggle with. I am an expert listener, advisor, and facilitator and, working together, we’ll turn struggles into opportunity and strife into increased connection.

Currently providing in-person and/or virtual sessions for all Medicaid and private plans. I strive to create a therapeutic environment to help others heal and explore different challenges life may bring. My goal is to provide a warm, understanding, and safe environment where my clients can process their feelings and increase self-awareness, confidence, and learn new coping skills to manage stressors. This may include current problems or long lasting patterns. I understand that life can get busy, so I will do my best to accommodate your schedule. I accept private insurance as well as Medicaid (all plans).

Christina is a passionate advocate for children, teens, and adolescents in need. By using techniques like Play Therapy, CBT, and DBT, Christina helps clients develop a diverse tool kit to achieve their goals. Christina creates unique treatment plans for each client, providing therapy specific to their personal concerns such as anxiety, depression, school struggles, behavioral concerns, or family conflicts. Clients working with Christina find her to be warm, easy to connect with and flexible. Christina also takes a compassionate and non-judgmental approach to psychotherapy, allowing clients to feel safe to explore and grow.