Therapists in Lake Villa, IL

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.

My strengths include making authentic connections, practicing compassionate accountability, and bringing gentle humor into therapy. I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy techniques in my sessions. I am a relational therapist and focus on developing clients' strengths while also providing support for clients to stretch beyond their comfort zones. My treatment motto has become "It's through discomfort that we change." I will provide you with the education, compassion and support needed for you to face any fears or discomfort to become a healthier and happier person.

Are you in a place where you have done all you can, but are still unable to make the necessary positive changes you would like? Often times you may feel as if you have done everything possible, but change is still out of reach. I am a firm believer in the thought that all the skills necessary for change already lie within you, but could use the help of another to bring forth that change. By working together I believe that I can help you to acknowledge your dominate positive attributes in order to facilitate that much needed change.

Do you feel stuck or unhappy with yourself or with someone in your life? And it just feels like you haven't been on the same page with them? Maybe you’re struggling with people-pleasing with a partner, friend, or family member. Or you’re struggling to trust again after betrayal or infidelity by a past or current partner. I can help you make sense of your feelings, improve communication, set healthy boundaries, and embrace your strengths. I work with individuals to strengthen self esteem and self love, resolve conflicts in relationships with self and others, and improve their health and wellness.

I have worked in the mental health field for over a decade in many different capacities. I have specific training around the areas of trauma and abuse, although I take a holistic approach to counseling. I work with clients to meet the goals that they have for their lives, whatever those may be. My goal is to foster a strong trusting relationship with clients so they feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment so they can work through the change process. I work to empower clients to utilize their strengths to overcome the challenges that bring them to counseling.

Do you have a hard time being calm and alert? Overloaded with worry, sadness, or anger? Having a hard time focusing, making decisions, or getting along with people? Are you easily distracted, feeling overwhelmed, or experiencing extreme body tension? Do you have low energy, get lousy sleep, or can't shake troubling thoughts? At times, you don't feel like yourself? If any of these describe you, I want to help you.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I use an empathic approach to create a safe and healing space for my clients. I am passionate about guiding adolescents and adults through difficult or painful life events such as relationship loss, the transition from high school to college, school-related anxiety, divorce, marriage, parenting and relationship issues. My clinical experience and interest areas include eating disorders and disordered eating, OCD, school refusal, mood disorders, self-harming behaviors and parent coaching.

If you have found yourself here, Thank you for your courage. In our quiet moments, we wish for a safe place to explore our darkness to discover our light within. A reduction in anxiety brings peace. Being soulful in humanness is our challenge. Often we find ourselves in confusion with negative voices in our head that pulls at our hearts. No matter what our circumstances, suppression of our true nature will result in anxiety, depression or relationship problems. Circumstances may change or even improve, yet self love eludes us. Acceptance and management of ALL feelings is the way to peace of mind.

Happiness is our natural state of being... if you're not happy, then you're not in alignment with your natural state. So the question is, "Do you want to be happy?" I will work with you to help identify your values; which are the foundation for your decision making. Decisions that stem from your values will bring you peace and clarity. Decisions that stem from fear or old unhealthy patterns will bring you conflict and confusion. It's that simple... Happiness is a choice and a practice, despite the labels we may have been given along the way.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, as well as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I use a strengths based approach and have worked with clients of all ages. My specialties include behavioral disorders, substance use, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I have also worked with clients that have experienced trauma ranging from physical and sexual abuse, assault, and experiencing and witnessing violence and negligence. I do not believe there is a one size fits all approach to therapy and believe that every client is the expert on themselves.

North Star Counseling Group was founded on the idea that all people will find themselves in need of guidance and support at some point in their life. Various concerns can lead a person to counseling services. Stephanie Ardagh, LCSW works with children ages 3-18. She is experienced in addressing issues of: self esteem, self injury, body image, school refusal, adjustment to divorce and loss, social skills, and significant behavior disorders. Stephanie sees parents as a valuable resource and ally when working with children. She works well with other providers, such as school personnel, to get to know her clients and their unique needs.

Life can be difficult and overwhelming at times. I am passionate about helping you where you're at within the context of a safe therapeutic environment. Have you had feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, or depression? Or are feeling stuck, wondering about life and where you fit in? Maybe you're struggling in a relationship or marriage? I enjoy working with young adults, adults, couples and families. I have extra training treating couples conflict, anxiety, social anxiety, depression, Self Injury, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) I also enjoy working with couples who are struggling in their marriage or relationship.

If I could give a newborn an advice, it would be to feel. The most wonderful and challenging gift of life is our emotions. However, most of the time people struggle to flourish in their life because we fear our own feelings. We, as a society, have been made to believe our emotions and thoughts have positive and negative essence. Thus, we develop fear in feeling our emotions based on the story we associate it with. My goal is to create a safe and brave space to feel your emotions without judgement and with compassion; to reflect your own strength and voice to speak your own story; and help reveal your truest Self.

I strive to help clients develop the self-awareness and coping skills to manage problems as they arise. I utilize mindfulness and acceptance strategies as well as cognitive behavioral skills to assist clients in making positive changes. I believe that with skills and support, problems can become manageable.

Reaching out for help to gain mental health balance is a tough decision. My approach to healing is nurturing YOUR intrinsic seed of survival, your attitude towards therapy is your key to healing. Together we can work towards reaching YOUR goals , for YOU to gain the ability to live life to your maximum potential.