Teletherapy for Illinois

Hello! I've joined Affiliates In Counseling so I can continue my work using emotionally focused strategies to work with adults & teens who suffer from anxiety, depression and stress, as well as those experiencing grief, life changes, job loss and isolation, in both the northern suburbs and in Chicago. As a couples & family counselor, I've had great success utilizing these same emotional tools to strengthen and enhance more effective and long-term communication skills, helping to build more fulfilling relationships. Finally, I had the honor working directly in both the post-deployment veteran and LGBTQ communities during my training.

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." Ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao-Tzu. Let's face it: asking for help isn't always easy, but you've taken the courage to do so. Therapy is an exciting experience of self-discovery! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I work with adults, individually or as couples. I use a bilateral approach, incorporating a Strength-based practice with a focus on the mind/body connection, in particular Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). I assist clients in noticing, when automatic processes are occurring & to alter their reaction to be more of a reflection.

“Most people seek therapy because something isn’t working. Sometimes people do not feel equipped to handle life’s problems – work stress, family stress, health issues, etc. Many individuals feel stuck trying to solve problems the same way when those solutions are no longer helpful. This pain can leave someone suffering and feeling helpless.” I want to help you gain perspective and new knowledge and skills for change. Often this involves being more aware and present in the moment. Many people do not recognize the power they have to create positive change in their lives. I will help empower you to find your strengths and make change.

As a Licensed Psychotherapist, Author, and Educator, I bring 28 years of clinical expertise and 20 years of teaching experience to my practice. I firmly believe that successful therapy requires an eclectic, progressive, evidenced based psychotherapeutic approach coupled (when necessary) with a deep understanding of the healthcare system. When working with clients, I prioritize solution-oriented, effective symptom relief methods. Recognizing the complexity of individuals, I address psychological and emotional concerns within the broader context of family dynamics, self-perception, work-related stress, and physical health.

Do you feel like your life is going in the right direction? Are you feeling depressed or anxious? Is the world seemingly holding you back? Do you long for deeper relationships? I believe that every person or couple has an innate potential to reach an optimal level to get the most out of their life. Most of us have had or are dealing with perceived obstacles, past hurts, or future concerns that impede us and create a sense of being stuck. I can help you ease and alleviate your psychological pain, gain power, and get more of what you want.

I am the only fully Certified Gottman Couples Therapist in Central Illinois. This approach has been proven to be effective by empirical research. You learn skills that restore emotional communication and closeness in couples. Really hearing your partner's reality restores emotional closeness. Stop the day to day negativity as a couple. Gottman therapy targets patterns that may be impeding you in attaining your relationship goals. The therapy teaches concise skills addressing issues where the "rubber hits the ground." I am also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois. In addition to couples, I see families, children, and individuals.

Sometimes we might feel like nobody understands us or what we are going through. Life can present some major challenges, and it is hard to be trapped in what seems like an inescapable situation. I know what it is like to feel stuck. These types of situations are numerous: problems communicating with a partner, having low motivation in a job, missing a loved one that you have lost, paralyzing anxiety about making an important decision. Seeking the help of a mental health professional is the first step in getting unstuck. There is great courage in being able to ask for help. I am glad that you are embarking on this journey.

Steve is an Illinois State Licensed Clinical Social Worker that has been providing services to individuals, couples and families for over 10 years. Steve received his Bachelor's Degree in psychology from the University of Kansas in 2002 and his Master's Degree in social work from the University of Chicago in 2004. Since then he has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings as either a clinical therapist or administrator.

Therapy is a healthy resource. Everyone needs an objective, non-judgmental person to talk with in a confidential and warm environment. Sometimes you feel something is not quite right, but you can't put your finger on it. Other times, you know exactly what it is. Either way, telling your story can help figure things out by identifying your patterns of thought, behavior and emotions. Are any of them getting in the way? Together we discover the obstacles to achieving a stronger sense of well-being. Most importantly, we figure out how you can remove obstacles to leading a happier, more authentic life.

I specialize in working with individuals who may be experiencing complex relationship challenges, faith Integration & spirituality concerns, sexual addiction & urge control difficulties, and emotion management & regulation. I have experience supporting people with with anxiety & depression, family of origin dynamics, military and service member populations, as well as athletes & sports related hurdles. Additionally, I work with couples who are married, interested in pre-marital support, dating, or thinking about starting a romantic relationship.

Welcome to my profile! My name is Stephan, and I'm a licensed counselor with over 15 years of experience helping people overcome a wide range of mental health challenges. As a therapist, my approach is warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental. I believe that everyone has the capacity for growth and change, and I'm committed to helping my clients achieve their goals through evidence-based practices and compassionate support.

I believe the most significant element of successful therapy is the genuine bond between the client and therapist. My approach to therapy is interactive, nonjudgmental, and empathic. I strive to create a warm and nurturing environment so you feel comfortable to communicate the challenges you face in your life. My goal is to help you better understand your relationship with your innermost self, your needs and how the patterns of your choices affect your life. If you notice signs of depression, anxiety or strained family relationships, we can work together to sort through it and create a more solid path forward.

I graduated from Adler University with a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and hold a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois and Oregon. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals, families, couples, adolescents, and children on a wide range of issues. These include anxiety, depression, communication, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, Autism spectrum disorder, trauma, and life transitions. My approach to therapy is rooted in the belief that true change occurs by focusing our energy on building the new rather than fighting the old.

Have you had a hard time adjusting to a life change? Are you feeling nervous or sad? Have you had relationship difficulties with your partner? Have you had a difficult time "getting through" to your children? I can help! I provide individual, couple, and family therapy to everyone no matter the age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. In fact, I specialize in helping people with traumatic experiences and their family members overcome obstacles in their life!

Congratulations on talking the first steps toward recovery. Talking to a stranger about your challenges may seem awkward, but with the right therapist it becomes easier. Our work together will be unique since no single approach to therapy is best. Whatever the problem may be, taking this first crucial step is the start to placing you on the path you want to be in. I have personally traveled down this path before and have done my own personal work and transformation. This is why I respectfully feel I am in a position to guide you.

For over 40 years I have been successfully helping couples, families, and individuals change their lives for the better. My action-oriented approach begins changing unhealthy patterns of interaction immediately. It is my passion to help my clients find new strategies for dealing more positively with life's challenges in order to live happier and more fulfilling lives.

The therapeutic environment offers a unique opportunity to share, confront, and enhance parts of ourselves while exploring and discovering deeper traits and skills that we may possess. As a therapist, I believe in empowering the individual through therapeutic experiences that foster a lasting change outside of the therapy setting. I cherish the opportunity to engage in this relationship and commit myself to doing the work with you and supporting your exploration. I value modeling transparency, care, boundaries, and healthy support systems. I believe that challenging dialogue in a safe environment leads to internal growth.

I have experience working both with clients of all ages. While I am happy to work with everyone, I am passionate about helping children, teens and young adults through the joys and challenges that those years bring. I incorporate empathy, humor, authenticity and respect into my work in order to build a warm, caring environment for my clients. I have clinical experience working with and treating anxiety, depression, the stress that comes from having ADHD, low self-esteem, body image issues, family challenges, relational issues, grief and loss, trauma and life transitions of all kinds.

LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services offers services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I incorporate traditional psychology with modern approaches. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults and have a passion for incorporating pop culture into my therapeutic work. I utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Psychodynamic techniques. My style is educational, informative, and empathic. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and have worked extensively with persons who are developing their sexual identities.