Teletherapy for Illinois

As a couple and family therapist, I am interested in learning more about your struggles and challenges from a systemic and relational framework. Approaching these from an antiracist lens, we will work collaboratively to uncover some of the contexts in which you may have learned to relate to others, and how your own family of origin stories and experiences continue to shape how you communicate and work through conflict in your relationships. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming, and enjoy working with couples, adolescents aged 6-12, teens, and families of all formations.

Are there parts of your story you wish you could forget? Do you feel like no matter how much you try, you’re never enough? Does your anxiety, shame, and trauma feel crippling? This is a painful place to be, but you don’t have to do this alone. I provide an exploratory space where you can unpack and heal from some of the most difficult parts of your story. As a black, male therapist, I understand how your background and unique context impacts your life. As we explore your story, I’ll help you move from trauma to healing, shame to self-compassion, and anxiety to freedom.

Having issues with anxiety, past traumas, or just not feeling like yourself? Let us work together on a path to heal restoratively. I believe in the power of restorative practices and that each and every one of us has a story and I believe in the power of having our stories heard. I also believe that we all deserve a space where that story can be heard without judgment, fear or trepidation. I want to hear yours and walk beside you as you share your story and work through your journey of healing and restoration. I won't ever perceive to be the expert in your life but I will always be honest, receptive and give you my best.

BZA Behavioral Health is an inclusive, highly specialized group of clinicians dedicated to the emotional and behavioral wellness of the individuals and families we treat. We value the diversity & unique experiences of each person & it is our mission to have comprehensive & individualized types of treatment options to best match those personal needs. Services we offer include (but are not limited to) neuropsychological/psychological assessment, psychiatry, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR, & art therapy. We work with clients of all ages to utilizing strength to cope with life's challenges.

You deserve a balanced, happy and successful life. Whether you are questioning what to do, who you are, struggling to find motivation/strength, or just not sure how to attain what you want, there is a safe & non-judgmental space for you. You will learn how to become the "you" that you have always wanted to be. Through empowering work, you will challenge thoughts and uncover negative and sabotaging patterns to help overcome barriers.

I work with many types of clients, but specialize in working with queer and trans people, couples, and other forms of relationships (triads, polycules, open, polygamous, etc.). I deal primarily with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief and loss, transitions, stress management, trauma, sex-related issues and traumas, kink and BDSM, behavioral and substance addictions, and chronic pain and chronic illness. I tend to work with adults. I love working with clients that bring their whole self to therapy as I do too. I always encourage feedback to ensure the therapeutic process feels affirming and healing.

My clients tell me I’m warm, supportive, down-to-earth, insightful, approachable, and genuine. Some of my common areas of interest are working with young adults experiencing life transitions, those who identify with "people pleasing" or "perfectionist" tendencies, individuals having relationship issues, dads, parenting, and self-esteem issues. My goal is to collaborate with you where you are at to begin to process these experiences and develop skills and awareness about yourself for you to grow. I believe every person deserves to be validated and have a safe space to feel and be heard.

While there are many quick-fix therapies in the world of mental health treatment, I believe that depth-based work is essential to creating change that truly sticks. As such, I view it as important for us to develop a strong, trusting & meaningful working relationship early in our work together & for us to use our relationship as the foundation for our successful work together. One of the gifts that therapy offers is an opportunity to be truly heard & supported. That foundation of support can be a powerful addition to one’s life when it is effectively developed between a client & therapist. Every client is different.

I am a licensed professional counselor dedicated to supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds as they navigate various challenges. I work from an integrative therapy approach, informed by existential therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. My experience as a psychotherapist includes treating issues such as social isolation, relationship conflict, grief, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I hope to create a safe space where you can confront and address the complexities of life. In about 8-10 sessions, clients often gain a greater sense of empowerment and self-efficacy.

Most clients come into therapy because of their current difficulty resolving a "presenting problem". That problem could be grief. It could be relationship troubles with partners, peers, or parents. It could be tied to substance abuse. Or trauma. Or both. It could be work-related. It could be a million things. Whatever the presenting problem, it tends to give the client physiological and psychological discomfort, which leads to the search for answers and relief, which often leads to counseling.

It takes courage to face your challenges head on, and I want to congratulate you on taking this first step. I believe strongly you are a uniquely gifted individual who is capable of determining your own goals and direction. My role is to provide feedback, guidance, and support as you navigate this process. I believe when you are better able to identify and understand what causes you to think and feel the way you do, you will see a shift in how you respond to stressors in your day to day life.

The author J. K. Rowling states: 'To hurt is as human as to breathe.' The good news is this: your pain doesn't have to last forever--there is a way through it. Every person's process of growth is unique, and I draw from multiple therapeutic models to help my clients find a more life-giving way of being in the world. I've taken this journey myself, and I look forward to accompanying you as you take yours.

As the parent of a struggling child or teen, you may wonder what you can do to help them feel better. I’m here to provide you and your family the support and guidance that will help you gain a deeper understanding of your child, and feel more connected to them. I am passionate and experienced in helping children, teenagers, and their families overcome life's challenges. I have seen many children and teens struggle to express or articulate their emotions. That’s what I am here for. I find playful ways to help children express their inner world while guiding parents to also be curious to what is under their behavior.

Throughout our lives we go through experiences that help us define who we are. These moments of connection and isolation, fulfillment and confusion are foundational events that make us, us. These can be life altering experiences; societal forces, traumatic events, difficult relationships, or a series of distressing events that we carry for the rest of our lives. Working through these experiences can be scary. Therapy can help us unpack these moments and lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives. In our sessions, we will explore who you are; your world, beliefs, and values.

The therapeutic relationship and the experiences it fosters serves as a type of mirror—it’s a safe space to explore oneself. My role is to hold space, ask pertinent questions, and listen to you completely. My approach is one of collaboration. I might be an "expert" in mental health, but you're the expert of YOU. We'll co-create therapeutic goals, partner together in devising a plan to achieve your goals, and give space for your expansion and evolution.

Alexander Bauman is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) based in Illinois. Holding an MSW from the University of Kentucky and a BSW from Northeastern Illinois University, Alexander has amassed experience working with dual diagnosis substance abuse mental health clients in inpatient settings. His diverse therapeutic expertise includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and more.

You deserve a life of hope and healing! If you're here, it's probably because you or someone you care about is being weighed down by life. Conflict in relationships, transitions in life, trauma, and everyday stress can chip away at our joy and vitality. Trust me - it doesn't have to be this way. Yes, counseling is hard work. Making that first, courageous step of getting started can be intimidating. I'll do everything I can to make you feel heard, seen, and accepted. I want you to have a safe, comfortable, and healing environment as we journey together.

Relationships and systems can be as uplifting and liberating as much as they can be minimizing and painful. Humans have a beautiful tendency to feel a lot of things which can lead to issues in communication, understanding, anxiety, and depression but it is our capacity to develop relationships with these different parts of ourselves through curiosity, compassion, and empathy that help us heal. Within those feelings there is growth and opportunity to find ourselves and our needs. Therapy is a way to find our interconnected parts and how we relate to ourselves and others.

Welcome. Are you struggling in your relationships? Do you feel alone, frustrated, or overwhelmed? Perhaps distance, criticism, or conflict have taken over and you no longer feel connected to yourself or your partner(s). You may worry that confusion, anger, grief, and loneliness are the new normal in your life. Perhaps you feel something special has been lost, and you want to find it again. Whether you are going through a major change like having a baby, struggling with your career and identity, or simply facing the challenges of everyday life, you may find yourself longing for a feeling of wholehearted, authentic connection.