Therapists in Wilmette, IL

When the dark clouds come, keep going. - Charlie Mackesy

Therapy is a unique opportunity to find peace within ourselves. While it may be difficult to find the right therapist to work with, I find my warm, empathetic, friendly, straight-forward approach help my clients work through issues to find transformation and purpose in their life, as we collaboratively work to find the right approach that fits for you. I have expertise working with clients in Perinatal Mental Health, infertility challenges, all phases of pregnancy, including pre and post, and the loss of identity while in new parenting roles and different parenting challenges, which I have completed certification training.

Empathetic, but effective, Dr. Penny Levin is a clinician with more than 25 years of experience who is uniquely qualified to help you through a host of stressful situations. Dr. Levin is a psychologist and a personal trainer/nutrition specialist, Her understanding of the mind and body allow her to assist people grieving the loss of a loved one, professionals concerned with work-life balance or experiencing burnout, athletes struggling with injury or illness, and anyone simply trying to manage day-to-day stress. She has particular expertise dealing with infertility, maternal loss and Assisted Reproductive Technology.

During my past 23 years as a therapist I've worked with several clients with a variety of presenting problems, including anxiety and depression, chemical dependency, emotional abuse, sex addiction, codependency, eating disorders, and childhood trauma. I offer a supportive, confidential and safe place for you, your partner, spouse and/or family to work through obstacles, struggles, and current/past traumas to find success. It is my role to respect your values and the goal you set out to reach in therapy.

I am passionate about walking with, and supporting folks who, despite their successes, are confused by their lack of true joy or meaning in this life. So many of us wrestle with feeling deeply unfulfilled and real difficulty finding lasting and nourishing connection with others. Far too many of us then struggle privately, which rarely leads to less struggle. My mission is to create a space that feels safe and accepting where your individual struggle can be seen, accepted, understood, and worked out in a way that brings you a sense of peace.

Thank you for reaching out as you think about starting therapy. My current work focuses on adults while offering a unique speciality in parent guidance for adults who are also parenting. I use a positive, nonjudgmental approach to helping people gain insight into long standing patterns to feel less stressed and lead a happier life. As a Social Worker I strive to offer an inclusive space, and continue to work on becoming an ally and act on recognizing oppression and supporting marginalized voices in practice.

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.

I'm Justin Kozak. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 10 years of clinical experience, and I am open to working with anyone; and have a wide range of experience treating Substance Use, Behavioral Issues, Anger Management, Depression, Trauma, and PTSD. I use Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Multicultural and Solution Focused Brief Therapies during a treatment session with my clients. I believe counseling is a partnership that assists you in exploring and addressing your mental, emotional, and behavioral needs.

Utilizing a variety of approaches and styles, my passion is helping individuals and systems overcome life changes, stressors, and figuring out the “why”. I have experience supporting those of all ages with depression, anxiety, executive functioning issues, career development, and most recently, I spent 2 years leading facilities catered to those struggling with the disease of addiction. Discomfort comes from incongruence within yourself - between what is present and what you’d like to be. You are the expert on your life, and together we can make sure you are on the path to being the best version of you possible!

I believe in creating safe space for self-expression and exploration in a collaborative and affirming way. I have worked with individuals navigating gender and sexuality identity exploration, polyamory struggles and dynamics, sexual trauma – including religious trauma and family of origin trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, HIV+ status, domestic violence, ADHD, suicidality, and milestone transitions. I have also worked with couples around family of origin conflict, communication struggles, parenting, navigating polyamory and kink, gender and sexuality expansion, as well as various role changes across the lifespan.

I strive to use interventions that meet the specific needs of my clients in a safe, comfortable, and nonjudgmental way. I often use a cognitive-behavioral approach (CBT) in psychotherapy as I help my clients adjust and overcome maladaptive thinking patterns and behaviors. I also utilize dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and other therapeutic modalities as a way of teaching clients important coping techniques to manage their stress and navigate their challenges. My goal is to help my clients learning healthy ways of living and a positive mindset to overcome challenges.

Life provides us with many challenges and occasional obstacles in our path. It is natural to feel stuck or overwhelmed at times. I'm here to offer a different lens and help you create a new perspective. By offering insights and challenging the behaviors, emotions and beliefs that are no longer serving you, space is created for healthier patterns to develop. Our work together will support you in your journey to find your authentic self. As a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider, my approach to healing and wellness is a holistic one. By developing a healthy mind, body and spirit meaningful change is possible.

Our team at Couch Clarity can help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and emotions that will encourage self-awareness and can lead you to a more productive and satisfying way of life. We also walk and talk with our clients! Our goal is to destigmatize therapeutic treatment by promoting taking pride in making a positive change. We have 16 therapists on our team to meet your needs at our 2 locations: Elmhurst and Glen Ellyn. We have therapists that speak Polish and Spanish. Please go to our website to fill out our Google Form if you want to schedule an appointment!

I specialize in treating adults who are looking to create real change in overcoming the past and creating the life they desire. I utilize a supportive approach while being compassionate and interactive. I use a variety of effective therapeutic tools based on the needs of the individual. In addition, I have pursued advanced training in the Thomas Gates Healing Spectrum Method. This approach leads to a unique state of brainwave coherence which promotes a self healing response in mental and emotional areas. People often report feeling calm, blissful, and more joyful.

Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.

Accepting NEW clients. Wendy Galyen & the counseling TEAM at Thrive for Life offer VIDEO &PHONE-based counseling. Online counseling services are great for busy professionals, college students, stay-at-home moms, retirees, or other clients who do not have time for traditional in-person sessions but who would benefit from counseling support in their daily lives. Free consultation available to determine if this type of counseling can meet your unique needs. Some insurances accepted or private pay from $75-$150/session. IL team includes: Wendy Galyen, Marilyn Verbiscer (couples), Emma Flores, & Lindsey Welch (life coach).

Current openings... I support clients who are looking to understand themselves better, clarify their values and make strides towards their desired life. I have extensive experience helping clients through eating disorder recovery (including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and ARFID), body image concerns, anxiety, grief and loss, and life transitions. I believe change is possible for every individual and that it’s easier to attain with support, skills and encouragement. I value change, curiosity and compassion and strive to provide a non-judgmental space.