Therapists in Wheaton, IL

We are a team of clinicians that specialize in the treatment of sex and love addiction, including the use of compulsive pornography, partners affected by this behavior, codependency, as well as, post-traumatic stress disorder. We appreciate what it takes to receive treatment and are collaborative, directive, compassionate, and empathic with our clients.

When life gets tough and everything is piling up, people wonder where they can turn and with whom they can talk. My patients often comment that they feel comfortable with me and that they find me "easy to talk to." However, people often postpone making an appointment with a therapist for various reasons. But most problems can get better faster when you are working with a competent professional. So why not make that call today to set up an appointment?

Asking for help is one of the bravest and most courageous things you can do. You've found your way to my profile which means you've already taken the first step in your journey toward healing. You should be so proud of yourself. Therapy can sound scary and intimidating, but I promise, it doesn't have to be! My approach to therapy is fluid and flexible to meet the specific needs of my clients. What is important to me is that you feel heard, understood and supported throughout our time together. This is a time for you finally to take care of you; your wants, needs, goals, etc., which is something we so often throw to the wayside.

Are you a person who struggles in your relationship with a parent, sibling, boss or friend who has a personality disorder? Are you an exhausted caregiver, people-pleaser, perfectionist, overachiever, or rescuer who is ready to retire your role? Perhaps you’re seeking to reweave your experiences and want to learn how to peacefully realign with an experienced guide by your side. I help sensitive souls learn to break free from reactivity to external circumstances and repair their relationships by creating compassionate insight to their inner worlds.

I believe wholeheartedly in the healing power of authentic and meaningful human connection. I believe growth and change are best fostered in an environment where you feel heard, seen, respected, safe, and valued. As a therapist, it is of the utmost importance that the therapeutic work we do together be a completely collaborative process. I feel passionate that the relationship we have with our emotions, especially the painful ones, dictates the quality of our lives. As humans, we all struggle with painful feelings, whether from loss, anxiety, illness, or changes.

I believe therapy is a space where we explore the pain and the joy of human existence in a deep and meaningful way. My approach tends to be direct but I intentionally leave space for you to feel whatever comes up for you. My therapy room is a space where you and I get to delve into the realness of who you are without shame or judgment. It can be challenging to look at our internal world and acknowledge the reality of our lived experiences, but as someone who has done (and continues to do) that work, I can say this confidently: it is truly life changing to face yourself with courage.

As a fully Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I am committed to walk along side you during your exploration of thoughts, emotions, behaviors and experiences that may be creating barriers towards personal happiness and well-being. I consider it a privilege to be part of your journey towards mental wellness. ​ During my 37 years working in the business sector, I facilitated teams, providing assistance in building communication and conflict management skills. I then took my corporate and life experiences into the field of counseling where I now specialize in addiction, adjustment issues, depression and anxiety.

I work hard to understand, diagnose and frame what the issues really are, and work gently and intelligently with my clients to help them grow into their own abilities to change the status quo and “see” what is possible for them. This is not magic -- it’s work. But hard work and a commitment by both of us to a trusting and open therapeutic relationship can produce what seems like magical outcomes. In my view, that can only happen in a place of safety and hope. I strive every day to create an atmosphere of both so that true healing and real change can actually be achieved.

I get deep satisfaction from working with couples, using best practices from training in Emotionally Focused Therapy to recreate emotional connection. I also am trained in using EMDR to help individuals experience relief from the burden of traumatic experiences. Another specialty is Discernment Counseling, a discipline in which I am fully certified and which offers couples an opportunity to gain clarity about whether they remain married, continue as they are for the time being, or commit to the challenging work of couples therapy.

I have experience in a variety of settings such as public schools, private practice, and also telehealth. I have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar, stress management, family issues, anger management, etc. The first step in the therapeutic journey can be a bit frightening for many individuals.

Everyone deserves a safe, non-judgmental space to process, reflect and heal. I am passionate about providing my clients a space to examine patterns and behaviors that are no longer serving them and move forward with their lives in an empowered, healthy way. No matter what your current challenges and needs are, we can work together to establish realistic goals for therapy that will help move you toward creating the life and relationships you want.

Client's often know what they would like to do and often just need a little help to get them to where/what they would like to do.

Growing up, mental health is not something I heard of or talked about often. Being raised Mexican for me meant that the chances of having a conversation about mental health was not likely, much less learning how to express my emotions and stress in healthy ways. The older I get, the more I learn, the more people I meet--the more I strive to help bring mental health awareness and education to not only the Latinx community but to anyone willing and ready to learn.

My goal is to create a healthier world: body, mind, and spirit by encouraging others on their journey. My hope as a therapist is to come alongside my client and provide help in their time of need. I am passionate about helping individuals make peace with their past, have victory over their addictions and challenges, and to do my part in moving them forward with hope, empowerment, and purpose.

Most people seek counseling when they have exhausted all efforts at making their pain go away, or in changing the dynamics of an important relationship, or in making a successful life change or transition. Do you find yourself feeling, thinking, and behaving in ways that you wish you could change? You know what you are supposed to do, but for the life of you you can't seem to do it! Are you discouraged and frustrated? Sad and afraid? Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, and loneliness? To find healing, "what was hurt within a relationship, must be healed within a relationship." We were created for relationship.

"We are born in relationship. We grow in relationship. We are wounded in relationship. And we are healed in relationship." - Harville Hendrix. My philosophy for counseling is to help my clients feel heard, grow in self-awareness and compassion, and heal from adversity life throws at them. As physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual beings, my goal is to come alongside you as we work together toward health, healing, and recovery.

How many times have you heard, “why can’t you just stop?” Do you find yourself wishing those around you would attempt to understand your experience and hear you? Addiction, anxiety, and depression are already so isolating and we often have a difficult time understanding our own behavior without trying to explain it to family and friends. We feel stuck, alone, frustrated, and misunderstood. Imagine what it would be like to identify the root cause of your addiction and start treating the source while learning coping skills for managing addictive behavior, anxiety, and depression.