Grief Therapists in Schererville, IN

Kristen Oberc is a National Certified Counselor and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, licensed to see residents in, Indiana and Illinois. Kristen earned her MS.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Purdue University, as well as completed education certification as an Addiction Counselor. Kristen specializes in Cognitive Behavioral-based approaches, including Mindfulness based CBT. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an action-oriented form of psychosocial therapy that assumes that maladaptive, or faulty, thinking patterns cause maladaptive behavior and negative emotions. Kristen is also is endorsed by Infancy Onward.

Life presents us with many challenges--perhaps you grieve a broken relationship, worry about a medical diagnosis, or doubt your abilities. I can help you sift through your experience on your way toward a more joyful, meaningful life. The burdens of stress, frustration, shame, guilt, and anger might make you feel really terrible now-- and you might feel very alone, unable to talk freely with those around you. Together we can pay close attention to what's bothering you and to what you need, so that you begin to develop a healthier self and more loving, fulfilling relationships.

I specialize in relationship issues usually in the context of marriage and family. Clients may be experiencing issues with marital conflict, divorce, separation, blended families, parenting, infidelity, addiction, depression, anxiety, grief , past abuse or major life transitions.

I believe in the value of the therapeutic relationship and the progress that can be made in a safe and supportive setting. My work in the school setting over the past nine years offered an invaluable experience and helped me to understand the challenges and demands our youth face today. When social, educational, and family stress seem to be increasing, therapy can offer a safe haven in which they can build on their strengths and develop new effective coping skills. Together we can work toward a more healthy and joyful self.

I welcome individuals struggling with a wide range of issues interfering with the ability to function and to feel one's best. My office is your personal space to process thoughts and concerns in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. My clients are individuals struggling with depression and anxiety that may stem from relationship issues, job stress, trauma, a sense of meaninglessness, and loss . Some clients present with a general feeling that something they cannot pinpoint needs to be explored. 40% of my clients are women and 60% are men.

I have been working in the field of counseling for 25+ years. I have had the pleasure of working with individuals from many walks of life with various issues. I have worked with very diverse populations including federal pre-trial, post-conviction and probation clients, all areas of substance abuse issues, drug testing, anger management, EAP services, rapid response emergency services, grief / loss , domestic violence, family services, marital, youth, and spiritual counseling. I have extensive experience working in the area of high conflict co-parenting-divorce issues .

My ideal client is a child, teen, or adult, who is experiencing depression, grief , problems adjusting, anxiety, relationship issues, behavioral problems, or race-based trauma. You are likely feeling alone, sad, hopeless, angry, stressed, emotionally drained, misunderstood, or desperate. You may sometimes feel as if people are not hearing or validating your feelings. You want to learn how to express your feelings without being angry or sad. You want to learn how to take care of yourself without the burden of other people's expectations. You want to learn how to care for your emotional health through the use of boundaries.

Symptoms are a story not yet told. I deeply respect this about people and believe this to be true. This is why there is value in 'the talking cure' with a trained professional therapist. While finding ‘THE’ therapist is an understandable aim, it is an impossible ideal. Finding someone with enough training, clinical and life experience who is curious and seeks to understand you as a dynamic and complex person, might instead be the goal. Just as there is no ‘perfect therapist’, there is also no ‘perfect patient'. Emotional suffering is often caused by factors outside of our awareness, and attempts of self-help can only get us so far.

My goal is to support my clients in their journey through life's challenges. All of us have times in our lives where we need the support and encouragement from someone who has the training to help us navigate every day situations and experiences. I hope to be that person for my client. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, divorce/relationship or any other life issues I will be a sounding board and support for you. I will actively listen to you with a compassionate, empathetic and strategic psychological perspective to help guide you.

Hi there. I'm so happy you found my counseling profile. I have experience with a wide array of issues including depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug issues, PTSD, personality disorders, bipolar and other mood disorders, eating disorders, trauma, and relationship issues. I have an eclectic approach to therapy using different techniques such as motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, psychoeducation, dialectical behavioral therapy, and person-centered therapy.

My approach to psychotherapy is holistic, integrating mind body and spirit, through a variety of modalities. My personal belief system influences my work. Specifically, I believe that as individuals, we continually bring forth new possibilities. People come to therapy with wounds. But it is in the wounds that the light shines in. In therapy, we learn we need not fear the places where one feels stuck, overwhelmed or enslaved. My diverse background has deepened my understanding for those wrestling with existential, spiritual and religious belonging, life transitions, sexual orientation, relational challenges and childhood traumas.

I believe that there are times in our journey through life when challenges can be overwhelming. My goal as a therapist is to meet my clients wherever they are on that journey and work together with them to understand, navigate and overcome their life's challenges. I act as a thoughtful and empathetic clinician allowing clients to openly share their problems and concerns in the safety of a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

My style is warm and natural, focusing on a client's strengths as we explore how past hurts and conflicts prevent achieving present goals.

When life's challenges threaten to overwhelm you, I seek to help you restore balance and harmony in your life. I approach therapy with the fundamental belief that we all have a unique life path which brings us the most joy and fulfillment. Together, we will develop treatment goals that help you live in alignment with your deepest values. Along the way we will uncover what blocks you from achieving your goals and living with vitality and joy.

Today is the perfect opportunity to begin moving forward. Seeking help is the first step toward a healthier and more balanced life. Begin to increase your self-esteem, boost your self-confidence, strengthen your relationships, decrease anxiety and empower yourself. We can work together toward breaking free from old habits, developing new, healthy coping skills and finding ways to respond to life's challenging situations. With 16+ years of experience in inpatient and outpatient mental health and Employee Assistance, I have much to offer. I take a strengths based approach and offer a peaceful and caring environment for my clients.

Daily life is challenging and may leave you feeling out of balance. Are you physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy? Is your relationship with your community healthy? If not, what experiences have broken your connection with these aspects of your life? What is keeping you from living a healthy, joyful life. I will help you reconnect with your inner strengths, core values, and resiliency so you can grow beyond past limitations and live the life you want. Whether you're looking for guidance through a difficult situation or looking to move in a new life direction, I can help you achieve your goals.

My focus is on each individual person's needs and I consider helping as a journey that is done together, with the client being the director. I have more than 27 years of trauma experience, working with children, teens, adults, male and female, as well as in group settings. With my training and experience, I feel that I have a comprehensive understanding of trauma, its effects and what is needed to help a survivor heal and cope. I am a certified hypnotherapist and use this technique when working with trauma

I help clients help themselves using a client-centered and strengths based approach. I provide a supportive, caring, and empathic environment. The therapeutic relationship that develops becomes an important instrument of change. In this setting, I target a client's identified area of distress. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy, working with individuals, couples, and families in a private, confidential setting. I believe in providing unconditional positive regard for clients in order to facilitate an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance. My experience covers all stress-related issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, women's issues, and conflict resolution.

I offer a relaxed and peaceful environment. I know it is not uncommon to feel stuck, unsure and wonder how to proceed in life. Yet, I believe we all hold the ability to explore these obstacles and experience life in new ways.