Therapists in Winnetka, IL

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor with over 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. I work to facilitate positive change and growth for those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship issues. I am particularly interested in the challenges and growth we experience during life transitions such as changes in relationships, career, college, health, marriage, divorce and the changes which occur during our mid life years. I work to provide a safe and supportive therapeutic environment in which the client can explore their difficulties.

I primarily work with young children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing difficulties in school/work, social and family relationships, with self-esteem, focus, regulation, grief, divorce, trauma, depression, anxiety and challenging life circumstances. My approach is insight-oriented, psychodynamic, and relationship-based. I provide play and talk therapy for children and traditional talk-therapy for adults. Additionally, I provide reflective supervision and consultation for practitioners and trainees.

It seems like you've got it together but nobody seems to realize you're floundering. They don't know what's inside: a tally of every failure, a plan for every what if, chronic worry, fear and insecurity and thoughts- so many thoughts! It's impossible to focus. You may play a lot of roles: spouse, friend, parent, employee, entrepreneur- it's crazymaking! It can be easy to lose the YOU in all of this. You were a person before you became the social chameleon you're required to be right now. The anxious feeling never goes away and you don't know what to do, so you suffer quietly. You don't have to stay here.

I work with both individuals and couples. We begin by defining your needs for therapy.Then, we work toward clarity and understanding to learn for example, why you feel stuck or why you might be successful in one part of your life and not another. My work often incorporates learning better relational skills like boundaries and effective communication as well as developing a more compassionate and helpful way of relating to yourself.

Facing life's difficulties can be experienced as a combination of confusing, scary, and at times outright overwhelming. Many of these difficulties arise when our approach to the world, while adaptive at one time, is no longer effective in our current life situation. Because emotional distress is often related to dynamics we are unaware of, we can find ourselves unable to break free from unhealthy, self-defeating patterns that prevent us from leading fulfilling lives.

Allison offers therapy to adults ages 18+ struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, PTSD symptoms (i.e. flashbacks, dissociation, and panic attacks), and has a special interest in complex trauma including childhood experiences that have long-lasting impacts on adulthood. Allison’s top priority as a psychotherapist is to create a trusting and equal therapeutic relationship in which clients can safely explore their past to make better sense of the present, and to ultimately experience more fulfilling and meaningful lives.

I work with individuals, couples, and families struggling with a wide range of issues. I have clinical experience and interest in working with clients whose challenges include conflict resolution, communication issues, anxiety, parenting issues, life stage transitions, loss and grief.

Are you looking for a safe place where you can access and explore your emotions without shame or judgment? Building relationships is crucial to my approach, which means finding your unique needs within your therapy experience. Clients can gain support addressing many life stressors, overcome depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, low self-esteem, and improve self-confidence.

No client is an island but a connected member of a family, so I often practice therapy with parents or spouses, and siblings. My style is practical, focusing on solutions. I am creative and find it essential to evaluate each client’s unique needs in the therapy office. For example, I often use hands-on therapy, such as making art or playing, to help with expression and focus. Parenting does not come with instructions. It is mysterious. But, the smallest successes can produce a profound sense of accomplishment. Helping parents find their way through counseling and walking along side of you through that journey is my mission.

My approach to therapy is active, collaborative, and conversational. I work hard to create a space where you feel comfortable and understood. Within this type of connection, you are better able to explore difficult thoughts, feelings, and experiences and you are more likely to make meaningful, lasting changes in your life.

I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist and for over 25 year, I have been helping adults and adolescents struggling with anxiety and depression feel calmer, more confident and more positively connected in their relationships and in life. Problems in life can take many forms: failed relationships, ongoing self doubt, a traumatic experience or poor coping strategies. Psychotherapy offers the safest place to feel accepted and make the changes necessary achieve fulfillment and happiness.

I firmly believe in individualized, custom care for each of my clients. Just as “one size fits all” clothing never really fits anybody there is no “no size fits all” therapy in my practice. If you are going to put your time and trust in me then the least I can do is provide customized, evidence-based care. I honor the belief that each client is an expert on him, her, or themselves. My clients are equal partners in their care. In addition to this, clients also seem to enjoy my laid-back and caring approach.

You may be seeking psychotherapy because something in your life is not going the way you would like. It could be troublesome relationships, depression, anxiety or general dissatisfaction. No matter the specific problem, it is my goal to help you understand why you are experiencing troublesome symptoms or challenges. Then we can get you back to feeling better, reaching personal goals and enjoying fulfilling relationships.

I specialize in both ongoing support for recovery from addiction and support for for those recovering from the impact of a loved one’s addiction. I am a certified grief educator helping clients heal and find peace around trauma and loss. I enjoy working with anyone seeking to overcome challenges, grow in their personal and professional relationships and lead more fulfilling lives.

Welcome to the SamaraCare Counseling, a nonprofit community organization with offices in Lake Forest, Winnetka, Wilmette, Evanston, Oak Park, Lincoln Park and Old Town in Chicago. Our therapists see adults, couples, adolescents and children over the age of six with a wide range of concerns. These include struggles with anxiety, depression, doubt, school and work performance, lack of fulfillment, grief, divorce, mid-life, career change, and other life transitions.

Life is filled with sorrow and joy, frustration and wonder, stagnation and growth, obstacles and openings. At times, our skill set and resources are not optimal for helping us adapt to the shifts and movement in our lives. I believe that art therapy and counseling can support understanding of our skills and resources that better equip us to adapt to life's changes. Art therapy allows opportunities to imagine the best, healthiest version of ourselves and permit clarifying moments where we perceive possibility and potential. My goal is to support clients in becoming active agents in developing positive, purposeful ideas towards wellness and good health.

Accepting New Clients! Sliding Scale Options! Do you feel "off" or "not like yourself" often? Have you been experiencing more bad days than good? Do you need a space to share your fears or anxieties? Is your child struggling with depressive symptoms? It can be difficult for you or your loved ones to face these obstacles alone. My goal is to provide a safe and secure environment for clients that is free of judgment and provides space for self-exploration. I hope to empower my clients to achieve their full potential through our work together.

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.- C. Rogers. I have dedicated my career to the ethical practice of Clinical Psychology. I provide a safe setting in which to carefully assess the issues that bring you to counseling. Through compassionate listening I seek to understand and give meaning to those issues. Once identified, I will work with you to address all aspects of the problem. Chief complaints may include anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, work/life balance, religious discernment, and grief/mourning.

Do you feel that anxiety, stress and panic are taking a toll on you body and the mind? My approach to therapy is to create a safe space where you can explore and heal the difficult and painful issues that are showing up in your life. Together we will move beyond problem-solving into releasing the mistaken beliefs and core unresolved issues behind your symptoms. My body-centered and mindfulness approach allows me to work directly with your nervous system to address symptoms like anxiety, racing thoughts, and irrational fears as well as feeling stuck, depressed and unavailable or unresponsive to life and relationships.