Therapists in Oak Park, IL

Applying theoretical application into practice varies from person to person as I assess, analyze, and evaluate the “self” through one on one counseling, therapy, observation, active listening, communication, surveys, and much more through clinical intervention and exploration. My main focus is YOU within a deep, empathic, and respectful atmosphere TOGETHER we can discover who the “SELF” truly is. Displaying a welcoming non- judgmental environment while setting the primary goal to establish a therapeutic alliance through confidentiality, empathic understanding, unconditional positive regard, respect, and dignity.

We're all just trying to make sense of this thing called life. Some of us are empowered while others struggle. No matter where you might find yourself on this continuum, I can help you. Whether we explore what it means to be more fully actualized or simply craft a space for you to catch your breath during a particular challenging time in your life, I aim to support and walk with you through whatever you present with. It takes courage and ego-strength to know when you want help. Let me be among the first to congratulate and assist you.

I received my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois and have several years of experience providing therapy to adolescents, adults, seniors, and families. I’ve worked in inpatient and outpatient settings, focusing on anger management, anxiety, behavioral issues, depression, and job stress. I specialize in utilizing a variety of effective intervention approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), strengths based, solutions focused, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing. I allow my patients to lead the sessions while providing support, validation, and insight.

Currently accepting clients in New York, Illinois, and North Carolina. Darren D. Moore, M.A.Ed., Ph.D., LMFT is an Associate Professor, Director of a Masters program in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in IL, New York, GA, AL, NC and credentialed for telehealth in FL. He has degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University, Virginia Tech University, Valdosta State University, and University of Minnesota. He has also completed the PRIDE Summer Institute program in behavioral medicine and sleep disorders research at NYU School of Medicine.

I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional, and Certified Forensic Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist. I have over 25 years of experience working with a broad range of emotional and mental problems with children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families. I offer counseling services regardless of gender, race, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

I specialize in substance abuse. I am a seasoned counselor and for the past decade my focus has been on working with individuals, groups, families, and couples who are struggling with substance use. I have led others to a life of understanding themselves and their relationships with substances. I have led many to make sense of the insanity that surrounds the disease of addiction.

Being a therapist is a huge responsibility that I do not take lightly. I know that being vulnerable in therapy can be a challenge. The change process can also be difficult. Having said that, I do this work because I have seen change and healing happen throughout my career. Before this process can begin, it is useful to know the underlying contributing factors to the problem (s); as those factors should influence therapy. It can be difficult to change something that you do not understand.

I am a firm believer that the success of a therapeutic relationship can be determined within the first two sessions. A strong alliance between the practitioner and client is essential for the success of treatment. As such, I place a strong emphasis on creating an environment that fosters comfortable conversation, safety, and openness between us as partners in the therapeutic process. By doing so, and allowing conversation to flow naturally, I believe that a more authentic alliance can begin to develop. I adhere mainly to cognitive behavioral theory to serve as the backbone for the therapeutic techniques that I employ.

I have a unique and creative way of utilizing different therapeutic tools to match my client’s needs and individual issues. My focus is to create a trusting and safe environment to enable my clients to explore their deepest feelings and thoughts. I rely on an empathetic and motivational approach, as well as on the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. As a Certified EMDR Therapist, I work with adults and older adolescents, to resolve past traumas and issues that keep them from moving forward in their lives and accomplishing their future desires and goals.

Feeling like your life is on pause, while from the very first session together, my commitment is clear – you're not just a client; you're a co-pilot in this voyage towards self-healing. Here, your voice guides our compass, and your unique story shapes the course. Getting your child the support they need to thrive in life is possible. I’ve been helping young people and their parents navigate these complex issues for over two decades. It’s time to give your child their best chance at the future they deserve.

Another day of feeling overwhelmed with anxiety. Another day of dealing with past events impacting current realities. Sometimes it feels as if you are feeling your way in the dark. The shame and guilt you face make you feel like you are drowning in the ocean. While I enjoy working with different types of people, my ideal client is someone who is able to accept me as a support throughout their journey. Together we will develop a healthy plan that works best for them, rather than looking for total direction from me.

I am passionate about working to ensure that underserved and underrepresented individuals, couples and families, have the support and resources necessary to live emotionally healthy and productive lives. I have found that through therapy, I can inspire people to deal with life as they find it and equip them with skills to make it better. I am passionate about helping people and identify their areas of opportunity for growth and guiding them to a place of understanding and action. I am able to encourage, inspire and help people move beyond the current circumstances, to a place of peace and resolve so that they may be successful.

I have extensive experience working with young adults and adults struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, ADHD, life-transitions, relationships, low self-esteem, college/grad school adjustment, communication issues, boundary issues and athletic and performance psychology. My goal as a therapist is to assist clients to develop positive and healthy coping skills that empower them to navigate current and future issues while improving self-regulation and creating a stronger and healthier mindset. I strive to create a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship where transformation can occur.

In order for us to grow, we must challenge our preconceived notions of self and experiences, as those are what shape our truths. We are not alone, even when it feels as if we are. We are connected to the thousands of lives that have touched ours and have had a hand in creating who we are. I approach my work through a systemic lens, in other words, I see the world as a huge ball of yarn. Those strings are our connectedness, the relationships we hold that connect us to our culture, our family, our history, and our future.

As one of the first in-home addiction treatment providers in the country, we are an excellent fit for those struggling with substance abuse and/or mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress who want to remain engaged in positive forces in their lives (work, family) while they recover. Our clients also value the privacy and convenience that our treatment program offers. Of course, there should not be a one-size-fits-all approach to addiction treatment, as you have unique needs and goals. To that end, our clients have a dedicated team of addiction professionals to provide psychiatry, medication, and counseling services as appropriate, over the course of an entire year. Not only are we able to more precisely tailor your recovery program than other addiction treatment providers, but we also help you learn and practice coping skills in the environment in which your sobriety will be tested.

Our goal is to serve as your guide and walk with you on your life journey. We aim to help you overcome obstacles that may be holding you back from reaching your dreams, while providing you with healthy strategies to implement in your life outside of therapy. Whether exploring the past, present, or future; discussing coping strategies; processing stressful events; building resiliency; healing from trauma; creative problem-solving, or enhancing communication within your relationship. We serve an array of culturally diverse clients, including: children, adolescents, teenagers, college students, adults, couples, and families.