Therapists in Saint Charles, IL

I enjoy helping those on a journey toward better self-awareness around their emotional life, satisfaction in relationships, and getting through what seems stuck. Counseling is a place to feel safe to explore difficult relationships or past or current trauma. I want my clients to feel advocated for, and to find a deeper understanding of self and gain insight into how our past affects present relationships and struggles. Finding your true-self is so important. Skill building and assertiveness training are also a part of the therapy I do. My experience for the last 22 years has been in individual therapy with kids, teens, and adults.

I believe that therapy works best as a process of uncovering our truest selves. Oftentimes life hands us burdens of stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, and pain that weigh us down and make it difficult to encounter the world in ways that we would like. I believe each individual has a unique and important story to tell, and I find joy in walking alongside clients as they begin to peel away the layers of life’s burdens to uncover the light of their authentic selves. I strive to offer a safe space for clients to author a personal narrative that feels genuine, and I operate from a gentle, trauma-informed, strengths-based perspective.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I have been practicing as a psychotherapist for over forty years of which twenty-one years have included working as an Animal-Assisted therapist in counseling (equines, dogs, cats, pigs, ducks, donkeys, and a lamb). My expertise ranges from counseling individuals, children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and organizations with various issues, including anxiety, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, and so forth. I practice from a strengths-based theoretical orientation. My goal is always to help clients recognize and utilize internal strengths for growth and change.

Sarah has extensive experience treating binge eating/disordered eating, addiction, anxiety, depression and PTSD. Sarah's biggest passion is helping client's affected by narcissism in childhood or in adult relationships that involve gas lighting, scapegoating or avoidant patterns of the narcissist's enabler that keep an individual stuck or apologizing for reasons thought to be out of one's control. Sarah is focused on those who are motivated for change by teaching the importance of boundaries w/out guilt and refocusing on items such as lifestyle choices, expectations, non negotiables and consequences.

I have obtained my PsyD from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, an APA accredited program. I am currently working towards licensure. In my clinical work I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families alike. I am currently most interested in the treatment of disorders and issues related to identity, attachment, relational problems, depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, grief and loss, behavioral problems, parenting issues, and adoption.

Our mission is to help individuals improve their emotions, thoughts, and physical state to grow in a safe, positive direction while improving lifestyle and relationships. This is accomplished through working together with other family members and medical providers if necessary. We believe in customizing types of therapy and techniques according to individual unique life circumstances. Most importantly, we respect the belief that each person is empowered and has the ability to heal or find the way to happiness. Our role is to assist you in finding your "best" self. Thus, the saying "Consider Yourself!"

I emphasize guidance over control, utilizing therapeutic techniques to foster healing and self-discovery. I encourage individuals to unearth insights themselves, with humor and perspective easing the journey. Central to this approach is empowering self-determination, viewing the speaker as a fellow traveler, journeying alongside with empathy and solidarity.

I have created a supportive environment that services clients that struggle with all facets of eating disorders that include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and emotional eating while addressing the mood components that occur along side disordered eating from a self-regulatory position. When struggling with disordered eating it is difficult to find treatment that will fit your needs wherever you are on your journey. If you are new to treatment, continuing on your treatment journey or if you have recently been discharged from treatment I offer individual and group services to meet you where you are at.

What's on your mind? Are you experiencing relationship problems, family troubles, money issues, health concerns? Do you feel anxious, scared, sad or stressed? Whatever it may be - it is, likely, consuming you; you are feeling out of touch, lost; as if your entire world is spinning out of control! What if you were to, for a moment, forget the destination you believe your life is headed and instead, focus on your journey? For only in the process of living your life completely and meaningfully, will you come to find its true purpose, joy, and fulfillment.

My orientation towards psychology was born out of my own difficulties in life; I want to make sure that those who seek help are able to get it. That said, I do best with clients who are at their worst, rock bottom. Fear of death and existential concerns, intrusive thoughts and urges, powerful and intense emotions, chronic stress and fatigue, loss of sense of self, lack of meaning and purpose in life, not being able to tell what's real and what isn't, regardless what it is. Whatever is your breaking point is the point at which you can change your life forever, I can help you through that process. The only way out is through.

I am passionate about helping individuals navigate through the healing process of trauma and the different symptoms that trauma brings to an individuals’ life, such as depression, PTSD, anxiety disorder, low self-esteem, and substance abuse, to name a few. If you are struggling with the journey of infertile and infant loss, please know that you are not alone and that there is help for you and your family.

I realize that for some clients, the decision to enter therapy is made during a stressful time. However, I believe that these times can be useful in serving as a catalyst for change that leads to a happier, healthier life. I am strongly committed to helping my clients achieve satisfaction in all areas of their lives. I use a practical and skillful approach to problem solving that enables my clients to identify and overcome obstacles impeding their personal growth. I assists my clients in embracing their potential and building on their strengths so that they may experience improved interactions with others and their environment.

I have over 30 years of clinical experience. Having been around for this long I have significant experience treating a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, OCD, Panic Disorders, ADD, addictions, relational difficulties, family turmoil, life transitions, parenting skills, physical health problems, and sexual dysfunction. I treat every client and condition with dignity and respect. Most importantly, I get results. When a client comes to see me they quickly begin to experience a sense of hope. I have the unique ability to create a safe environment where transformational change can and does occur!

I use an empathetic and empowering approach and favor interventions that focus on deepening your relationship with yourself, increasing your self-awareness and improving your relationships with others. I work with emotions, helping you to understand what, why and how to manage them and how to discover the wisdom they hold. I use a variety of strategies including cognitive/behavioral, psychodynamic, solution focused, dialectic behavior therapy and mindfulness meditation. I help you seek the sources of support available to you, both internal and external, and to create a balanced life that enables you to achieve your goals.

I enjoy treating individuals who feel "stuck" in their lives. There are many obstacles in life that create dismay and life dissatisfaction including phase of life issues, grief and loss, issues with intimacy and attachment, career dissatisfaction, unresolved family of origin issues and impulsive/compulsive coping behaviors to name a few. I enjoy helping people getting back to thriving and feeling generally content with themselves and their lives.

Are you burdened by guilt, shame, or rejection? Feeling isolated and alone? It's okay. You're not alone in this journey. I understand the exhaustion of trauma. But remember, you're stronger than your struggles. It's time to peel back the layers of past traumas, welcome the peace of authenticity, and nurture your emotional well-being. You're ready for transformation and resilience. You're worthy of wellness. Let's take that first step towards your healing journey, together.

I believe we are not meant to go alone through life's challenges. Loss, grief, and unexpected changes; sense of purpose or meaning; questions of identity, gender, or sexuality; aging or illness; the role of spirituality in our lives - all of these can feel too overwhelming to sort through alone. In my practice, I offer space and support to bring fears and questions out of the darkness and into a shared, safe environment where they can be faced. I work with adults, teens, and youth ten and older, with a client-centered, strengths-based approach to help you find your best path forward.

With over 9 years of experience in private practice, I am dedicated to helping individuals overcome life's challenges and regain control of their emotional well-being. I specialize in addressing a wide range of issues, including: Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, Intrusive Thoughts, Anger Problems, Codependency, Personal Boundary Issues, OCD, and Interpersonal Distress. My mission is to create a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we will work towards your personal growth, emotional resilience, and discovering your personal strengths.

At Clear Path Counseling, we believe everyone deserves the chance to unlock their full potential and enjoy brighter days ahead. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the following, we want to help: Anxiety, Depression & Mood Disorders, Life Transitions, Stress Management, Relationship/Communication Issues, Divorce/Family Conflict, Low Self Esteem, Grief/Bereavement, Emotional Regulation, Behavioral/Social Skill Concerns, ADHD, Substance Abuse/Addiction, Trauma, Anger Management. Feel free to check out our website to learn more about our clinicians! We also provide services in Spanish!