Photo of Partners For Change, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Partners For Change, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60602
I pay careful attention to the significance and challenge of major developmental transitions: relationship commitment, career choices, decisions regarding children, marriage,divorce and the challenges of dealing with elderly parents.
I am an active, cognitive behavioral therapist who forms strong therapeutic partnerships, laced with humor, gentleness, thoughtful confrontation and the belief that individuals have the right,responsibility and capacity to decide how they want to live. I am both supportive and challenging. I help individuals examine their belief systems, identify strengths, work through barriers to growth and develop specific strategies for modifying their behavior. While I believe that the client is ultimately responsible for life choices, I am actively involved as a consultant, supporter, strategist and trusted advisor.
I pay careful attention to the significance and challenge of major developmental transitions: relationship commitment, career choices, decisions regarding children, marriage,divorce and the challenges of dealing with elderly parents.
I am an active, cognitive behavioral therapist who forms strong therapeutic partnerships, laced with humor, gentleness, thoughtful confrontation and the belief that individuals have the right,responsibility and capacity to decide how they want to live. I am both supportive and challenging. I help individuals examine their belief systems, identify strengths, work through barriers to growth and develop specific strategies for modifying their behavior. While I believe that the client is ultimately responsible for life choices, I am actively involved as a consultant, supporter, strategist and trusted advisor.
(773) 417-5218 x22 View (773) 417-5218 x22
Photo of Thomas Vittoria, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Chicago, IL
Thomas Vittoria
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614
I have been providing mental and behavioral support to children, adolescents, and adults for over 20 years. I enjoy helping couples (particularly neurodiverse), find common ground and connection. I have extensive experience working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum. I also work with folks living with Schizophrenia, Bipolar, and Personality Disorders. I enjoy using play therapy with children to build strength through their understanding of the world. My work with different client needs and strengths keeps me excited, engaged, and active in each journey toward stability and wellness.
I have been providing mental and behavioral support to children, adolescents, and adults for over 20 years. I enjoy helping couples (particularly neurodiverse), find common ground and connection. I have extensive experience working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum. I also work with folks living with Schizophrenia, Bipolar, and Personality Disorders. I enjoy using play therapy with children to build strength through their understanding of the world. My work with different client needs and strengths keeps me excited, engaged, and active in each journey toward stability and wellness.
(872) 259-5215 View (872) 259-5215
Photo of Don Elligan, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
Don Elligan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60605
My practice specializes in helping clients actualize their personal goals. In my approach I attempt to empower clients to modify their thoughts and behaviors in ways that help them meet their particular goals. I also maintain sensitivity to a clients cultural background. I specialize in helping clients with relationship difficulties, anxiety/stress, depression, and impulsivity. I have extensive experience working with children with behavioral challenges and have developed a free app on managing bullying that is available in the apple itunes store (Hero App).
My practice specializes in helping clients actualize their personal goals. In my approach I attempt to empower clients to modify their thoughts and behaviors in ways that help them meet their particular goals. I also maintain sensitivity to a clients cultural background. I specialize in helping clients with relationship difficulties, anxiety/stress, depression, and impulsivity. I have extensive experience working with children with behavioral challenges and have developed a free app on managing bullying that is available in the apple itunes store (Hero App).
(773) 219-2149 View (773) 219-2149
Photo of Theodore E Stripling, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Theodore E Stripling
Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60651
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), working in private practice over the last year. I have 9 years working with in a school setting. I work with adults, and specialize with children and adolescents. I aim to help clients explore themselves and how they relate to their environment, being work, home, or social areas. My role is to help you explore core aspects of yourself and how to get what you need from your world.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), working in private practice over the last year. I have 9 years working with in a school setting. I work with adults, and specialize with children and adolescents. I aim to help clients explore themselves and how they relate to their environment, being work, home, or social areas. My role is to help you explore core aspects of yourself and how to get what you need from your world.
(773) 207-8856 View (773) 207-8856
Photo of Josiah Miller, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
Josiah Miller
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60611
I have extensive training in child and adolescent as well as couples and family therapy, especially with clients in marginalized communities (e.
Along the journey of life, some challenges and suffering are inevitable and there often are not always clear or easy answers. We want our lives to have value, meaning and purpose. Knowing these things for ourselves can be a tremendously liberating and empowering experience that gives us the hope, courage, and tenacity we need to face life's challenges. However, the process of discovering or defining these "truths" can be confusing, frustrating or even scary. We all require support and solidarity from trusted comrades during our journey. Knowing when to stop and ask for help along the way does not make us weak, it makes us strong!
I have extensive training in child and adolescent as well as couples and family therapy, especially with clients in marginalized communities (e.
Along the journey of life, some challenges and suffering are inevitable and there often are not always clear or easy answers. We want our lives to have value, meaning and purpose. Knowing these things for ourselves can be a tremendously liberating and empowering experience that gives us the hope, courage, and tenacity we need to face life's challenges. However, the process of discovering or defining these "truths" can be confusing, frustrating or even scary. We all require support and solidarity from trusted comrades during our journey. Knowing when to stop and ask for help along the way does not make us weak, it makes us strong!
(872) 219-1124 View (872) 219-1124
Photo of Jose Rodrigo Nino, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Jose Rodrigo Nino
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60646
I specialize in working with a diverse population on a variety of issues related to child, adolescent, and adult mental health, as well as transitions, interpersonal relationships, and behavioral health conditions.
Do you ever stand back and take a look at the big picture of your life and wonder how things ended up this way? Do you feel unhappy with your choices or situation, but unsure about how to start unraveling barriers and start moving in the direction that you want? I can help you examine your choices and behaviors, big and small, understand how they might be keeping you stuck or unfulfilled, and collaboratively find your power to make changes that bring you more in line with the kind of life you want and deserve to have.
I specialize in working with a diverse population on a variety of issues related to child, adolescent, and adult mental health, as well as transitions, interpersonal relationships, and behavioral health conditions.
Do you ever stand back and take a look at the big picture of your life and wonder how things ended up this way? Do you feel unhappy with your choices or situation, but unsure about how to start unraveling barriers and start moving in the direction that you want? I can help you examine your choices and behaviors, big and small, understand how they might be keeping you stuck or unfulfilled, and collaboratively find your power to make changes that bring you more in line with the kind of life you want and deserve to have.
(773) 598-5743 View (773) 598-5743
Photo of Frederick Schwartz - Quinn, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Frederick Schwartz - Quinn
Counselor, MS, MJ, LCPC, LPHA
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60611  (Online Only)
I work with children & adolescents, adults, couples and families. I have been in the field of Mental Health & Law for over 20 years. I utilize a variety of treatment approaches to treat depression, PTSD, adjustment disorders, culture conflicts, LGBTQ issues and life transitions. I received my MS degree from Mississippi State University and my MJ degree from Loyola University Chicago, School of Law. I've had a solo practice for 8 years on the North Shore of Chicago. I have held several Mental Health Supervisor and Director positions in the Chicagoland area.
I work with children & adolescents, adults, couples and families. I have been in the field of Mental Health & Law for over 20 years. I utilize a variety of treatment approaches to treat depression, PTSD, adjustment disorders, culture conflicts, LGBTQ issues and life transitions. I received my MS degree from Mississippi State University and my MJ degree from Loyola University Chicago, School of Law. I've had a solo practice for 8 years on the North Shore of Chicago. I have held several Mental Health Supervisor and Director positions in the Chicagoland area.
(872) 267-9699 View (872) 267-9699
Photo of Dr. Michael Zakalik, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
Dr. Michael Zakalik
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60622
has over 20 years of experience helping children and parents.
Parenting can be challenging and may leave you struggling to interact positively with your child(ren). Psychologist for Parenting helps parent(s) in 37 PSYPACT participating states (listed below) to gain awareness of their blinders, which helps build insight into family dynamics that are interfering with relationships and communication challenges. (Accepting clients who reside in: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY).
has over 20 years of experience helping children and parents.
Parenting can be challenging and may leave you struggling to interact positively with your child(ren). Psychologist for Parenting helps parent(s) in 37 PSYPACT participating states (listed below) to gain awareness of their blinders, which helps build insight into family dynamics that are interfering with relationships and communication challenges. (Accepting clients who reside in: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY).
(773) 295-7869 View (773) 295-7869
Photo of Donald ( D. J. ) Watson II, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Chicago, IL
Donald ( D. J. ) Watson II
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, ALMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
Waitlist for new clients
In session I work to blend knowledge, humor, passion, and compassion to help children, couples, families, and adults in an ever changing world.
I believe that therapy is most successful when there is mutual respect and trust between the therapist and client. I have successfully worked with families, teens, and adults from diverse sexual orientations, ethnicities, cultures, and religious backgrounds. Some of my clinical specialties include couples/family conflict, social and cultural stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, and meaning making.
In session I work to blend knowledge, humor, passion, and compassion to help children, couples, families, and adults in an ever changing world.
I believe that therapy is most successful when there is mutual respect and trust between the therapist and client. I have successfully worked with families, teens, and adults from diverse sexual orientations, ethnicities, cultures, and religious backgrounds. Some of my clinical specialties include couples/family conflict, social and cultural stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, and meaning making.
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Photo of James Wellman, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
James Wellman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613
With fourteen years of experience, I work with children, adolescents, and adults including families in which my practice is set up to accommodate all three populations.
I continually work to create an environment that feels safe, warm, and supportive for each person. My goals as a therapist are to establish connection, to be adaptable and creative enough that differences are respected and more alternatives explored, and to identify strengths that can be used as a foundation for coping. As a part of the process, goals are set to create balance between work, life, and self. Ultimately, an ideal client would recognize the need for more or a need for something to change in their situation and be brave enough to take the first major step and call.
With fourteen years of experience, I work with children, adolescents, and adults including families in which my practice is set up to accommodate all three populations.
I continually work to create an environment that feels safe, warm, and supportive for each person. My goals as a therapist are to establish connection, to be adaptable and creative enough that differences are respected and more alternatives explored, and to identify strengths that can be used as a foundation for coping. As a part of the process, goals are set to create balance between work, life, and self. Ultimately, an ideal client would recognize the need for more or a need for something to change in their situation and be brave enough to take the first major step and call.
(773) 295-4326 View (773) 295-4326
Photo of Fred W Gross, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Fred W Gross
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60643
I am experienced with men's issues, couples and families in crisis, complicated recovery from traumatic events, technology and child and adolescent transitional issues.
I am well-trained, and an experienced, research-informed, solution-focused, multi-model therapist. I draw upon various truths, selecting what may be most helpful according to the needs of each client. I want clients to feel comfortable and informed. I will use metaphor and analogies as appropriate to bring insight and change. Specialties: therapy with trauma victims, adolescents, children, and families; couples with relationship issues; conditions such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, complicated grief/loss, PTSD, stress, and life/job transition issues.
I am experienced with men's issues, couples and families in crisis, complicated recovery from traumatic events, technology and child and adolescent transitional issues.
I am well-trained, and an experienced, research-informed, solution-focused, multi-model therapist. I draw upon various truths, selecting what may be most helpful according to the needs of each client. I want clients to feel comfortable and informed. I will use metaphor and analogies as appropriate to bring insight and change. Specialties: therapy with trauma victims, adolescents, children, and families; couples with relationship issues; conditions such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, complicated grief/loss, PTSD, stress, and life/job transition issues.
(773) 906-4430 View (773) 906-4430
Photo of C Dion Bush in Chicago, IL
C Dion Bush
PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60615  (Online Only)
I have worked with several unique populations including children and adolescents in foster care.
I am interested in helping individuals, families, and couples who are confronted with difficult challenges in their personal and professional lives. This includes marital obstacles of infidelity, marital stagnation, and partner abuse. It is also my desire to serve those struggling with issues of substance abuse and process addictions; such as pornography, compulsive sexual behaviors, and histories of sexual abuse. In addition, I look forward to helping teens and adolescents who find themselves struggling in areas of social relations, academic progress, and/or who are frequently in trouble at school or with the law due to challenging personal behaviors.
I have worked with several unique populations including children and adolescents in foster care.
I am interested in helping individuals, families, and couples who are confronted with difficult challenges in their personal and professional lives. This includes marital obstacles of infidelity, marital stagnation, and partner abuse. It is also my desire to serve those struggling with issues of substance abuse and process addictions; such as pornography, compulsive sexual behaviors, and histories of sexual abuse. In addition, I look forward to helping teens and adolescents who find themselves struggling in areas of social relations, academic progress, and/or who are frequently in trouble at school or with the law due to challenging personal behaviors.
(773) 250-6095 View (773) 250-6095
Photo of Dr. Alan P. Childs and Associates, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
Dr. Alan P. Childs and Associates
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60646
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in assisting children, adults, and families in overcoming personal and environmental challenges. My approach to counseling is interactive and respectful, aimed at helping you discover the best solutions in a safe and trusting environment. With expertise in individual and marital therapy, divorce, and child custody hearings, I frequently serve as an expert witness in divorce proceedings concerning the well-being of the child. Our commitment to providing exceptional, empathetic, and compassionate care is at the core of our practice's success and client well-being.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in assisting children, adults, and families in overcoming personal and environmental challenges. My approach to counseling is interactive and respectful, aimed at helping you discover the best solutions in a safe and trusting environment. With expertise in individual and marital therapy, divorce, and child custody hearings, I frequently serve as an expert witness in divorce proceedings concerning the well-being of the child. Our commitment to providing exceptional, empathetic, and compassionate care is at the core of our practice's success and client well-being.
(708) 501-7075 View (708) 501-7075
Photo of Defiant Growth Counseling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Defiant Growth Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60657  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to stay motivated and optimistic? Are you grieving the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a medical diagnosis, entering retirement, growing older, your children leaving home, or another major life change? Do you live with anxiety and have difficulty trusting yourself? I work with grief and loss, terminal and chronic illness, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and co-dependency. My goal is to foster an environment where my clients feel supported, validated, and empowered.
Are you struggling to stay motivated and optimistic? Are you grieving the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a medical diagnosis, entering retirement, growing older, your children leaving home, or another major life change? Do you live with anxiety and have difficulty trusting yourself? I work with grief and loss, terminal and chronic illness, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and co-dependency. My goal is to foster an environment where my clients feel supported, validated, and empowered.
(872) 201-3597 View (872) 201-3597
Photo of Amit Kakkar, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
Amit Kakkar
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60630
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with New Insights Behavioral Health Services. I have fifteen years of specialized experience in providing therapy in English and Spanish to children, adolescents, and adults. I bring with me a wealth of expertise in multiple outpatient/inpatient settings including: community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, college counseling centers, residential treatment centers for adolescents, and EAP companies. My areas of focus include depression, anxiety/panic, self-esteem, dating/relationship issues, trauma, and multicultural issues. Our practice has two locations. Our Jefferson Park and Logan Square offices are both conveniently located close to the CTA Blue Line. Se habla español.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with New Insights Behavioral Health Services. I have fifteen years of specialized experience in providing therapy in English and Spanish to children, adolescents, and adults. I bring with me a wealth of expertise in multiple outpatient/inpatient settings including: community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, college counseling centers, residential treatment centers for adolescents, and EAP companies. My areas of focus include depression, anxiety/panic, self-esteem, dating/relationship issues, trauma, and multicultural issues. Our practice has two locations. Our Jefferson Park and Logan Square offices are both conveniently located close to the CTA Blue Line. Se habla español.
(847) 278-4535 View (847) 278-4535
Photo of Dr. Calvin Young, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Dr. Calvin Young
Counselor, PhD, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60608  (Online Only)
Patients approach care with me for relationship troubles, couples troubles (all configurations), marriage issues, depression disorders, drugs and alcohol abuse and dependency problems, anger management dynamics, anxiety and panic attacks, grief and loss experiences, trauma, teen and adolescent issues, ADHD and other neurodivergent disorders (Adult, children).
Hello! My name is Dr. Calvin Young, a credentialed provider of telehealth care services. As a provider of telemental health as a Psychotherapist, forensic assessment and Substance Abuse Counseling and Addictions treatment professional, I am also US military veteran. For over two decades I have provided Online Therapy and in-person care, using an integrative approach that combines Psychodynamic, Behavior Therapy, Gestalt, Community Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems approaches, combined with Multicultural Psychotherapy, a Person-centered focus.
Patients approach care with me for relationship troubles, couples troubles (all configurations), marriage issues, depression disorders, drugs and alcohol abuse and dependency problems, anger management dynamics, anxiety and panic attacks, grief and loss experiences, trauma, teen and adolescent issues, ADHD and other neurodivergent disorders (Adult, children).
Hello! My name is Dr. Calvin Young, a credentialed provider of telehealth care services. As a provider of telemental health as a Psychotherapist, forensic assessment and Substance Abuse Counseling and Addictions treatment professional, I am also US military veteran. For over two decades I have provided Online Therapy and in-person care, using an integrative approach that combines Psychodynamic, Behavior Therapy, Gestalt, Community Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems approaches, combined with Multicultural Psychotherapy, a Person-centered focus.
(773) 687-5071 View (773) 687-5071
Photo of David M Brooks, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
David M Brooks
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60613
Whether for individual adults, children or adolescents, psychodynamic therapy and psychodynamic play therapy are unique forms of psychotherapy.
In our contemporary society it is easy to be content and even glad for medications that soothe symptoms, but healing comes from working through our underlying inner conflicts in a textured human relationship in which we can feel what we truly feel and become who we truly are. I believe distressful symptoms, whether depression, anxiety, anger, hurt, a sense of meaninglessness, a sense of emptiness, addictions, or behavior problems are signs. They are signs that it is time to grow our mindfulness of our underlying needs, feelings, and thereby gain choices for living more contently within our communities and families.
Whether for individual adults, children or adolescents, psychodynamic therapy and psychodynamic play therapy are unique forms of psychotherapy.
In our contemporary society it is easy to be content and even glad for medications that soothe symptoms, but healing comes from working through our underlying inner conflicts in a textured human relationship in which we can feel what we truly feel and become who we truly are. I believe distressful symptoms, whether depression, anxiety, anger, hurt, a sense of meaninglessness, a sense of emptiness, addictions, or behavior problems are signs. They are signs that it is time to grow our mindfulness of our underlying needs, feelings, and thereby gain choices for living more contently within our communities and families.
(312) 624-6260 View (312) 624-6260
Photo of John Palen in Chicago, IL
John Palen
PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640  (Online Only)
My many years as a therapist, child custody evaluator, co-parenting coach, a trusted colleague, and a divorced father are woven into the fabric of my practice.
Clients often feel discouraged as they attempt to navigate the challenges of life with limited success. We'll focus on identifying how you can learn to tackle obstacles to becoming a more aware and engaged partner, parent, and co-parent. Much of my practice involves coaching men experiencing the difficulties of a complicated divorce, including those compromized by legal processes that restrict their contact with their children. In addition, my practice involves working with adolescents and men struggling with their sexuality, as well as with fathers and sons, families, and elders who seek guidance for a variety of concerns.
My many years as a therapist, child custody evaluator, co-parenting coach, a trusted colleague, and a divorced father are woven into the fabric of my practice.
Clients often feel discouraged as they attempt to navigate the challenges of life with limited success. We'll focus on identifying how you can learn to tackle obstacles to becoming a more aware and engaged partner, parent, and co-parent. Much of my practice involves coaching men experiencing the difficulties of a complicated divorce, including those compromized by legal processes that restrict their contact with their children. In addition, my practice involves working with adolescents and men struggling with their sexuality, as well as with fathers and sons, families, and elders who seek guidance for a variety of concerns.
(847) 282-0722 View (847) 282-0722
Photo of Jose Negrete, Licensed Social Worker in Chicago, IL
Jose Negrete
Licensed Social Worker, LSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60602  (Online Only)
I am delighted you found me here on Psychology Today. My ideal client comes from many different walks of life - children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. My ideal client is looking for change and a therapist that is going to "shoot straight" with them and do more than just nod their head in agreement. My ideal client is looking for direction and change in their lives and wants a partner in change. I work with my ideal client on anxiety, major depression, trauma, couples counseling, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD), and substance abuse, and LGBTQIA+ issues.
I am delighted you found me here on Psychology Today. My ideal client comes from many different walks of life - children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. My ideal client is looking for change and a therapist that is going to "shoot straight" with them and do more than just nod their head in agreement. My ideal client is looking for direction and change in their lives and wants a partner in change. I work with my ideal client on anxiety, major depression, trauma, couples counseling, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD), and substance abuse, and LGBTQIA+ issues.
(312) 376-3499 View (312) 376-3499
Photo of Thomas F Barrett, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
Thomas F Barrett
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60602
As a psychologist and psychoanalyst I work with children, adolescents and adults of all ages in a strength-based and relationship-engaged process. With both children and teenagers, I always include parallel work with parents to support and improve communication and understanding. My approach is grounded in a development perspective that appreciates the essential connection between body and mind and recognizes how past experiences and relationships, as well as things outside of our conscious awareness, influence our present-day feelings and behavior. I have successfully worked with persons of all ages who wish to avoid or discontinue the use of psychotropic medications.
As a psychologist and psychoanalyst I work with children, adolescents and adults of all ages in a strength-based and relationship-engaged process. With both children and teenagers, I always include parallel work with parents to support and improve communication and understanding. My approach is grounded in a development perspective that appreciates the essential connection between body and mind and recognizes how past experiences and relationships, as well as things outside of our conscious awareness, influence our present-day feelings and behavior. I have successfully worked with persons of all ages who wish to avoid or discontinue the use of psychotropic medications.
(312) 219-9323 View (312) 219-9323
Male Therapists

As a man, why might I want to see a male therapist?

There are many reasons a man might wish to work with a male therapist, including a degree of shared identity, which may help client and therapist connect to each other and allow for a more free-flowing discussion of issues that can be deeply personal. Some men may feel more comfortable talking to a male therapist about relationship concerns, the pressures they feel around the roles society and family place on men, career or job challenges, self-esteem, or anger problems. For some men who have not had a male role models in their lives, a good male therapist may be especially helpful.

How can I find out about a therapist’s experience treating men?

Individuals looking for treatment should feel comfortable directly asking a therapist about their history treating men overall and the issues that arise in therapy with men. A good therapist will be happy to discuss such matters as well as their educational background, approach to treatment, and how they think they can aid a prospective client. Prospective clients should also ask what the expectation is for treatment, and what the fee structure is, and whether and which insurance plans are accepted.

Can clients benefit from having a therapist of the same gender?

Therapy is not gender-specific, but some men as well as women feel more comfortable opening up about their experiences and history with a male therapist. An individual may feel that they have to explain less background information and be on the same page more quickly, particularly when discussing gender-specific challenges, in the case of male clients. Some women have prior negative experiences with women that predispose them to prefer working with a male in therapy. That said, a good clinician can transcend most if not all gender concerns. Ultimately, the most important factor in therapy is the connection and trust the client is able to build with the practitioner.

Would a male therapist have specific training in treating men?

Generally, no. There are no certifications for treating men specifically, but there are continuing education classes that therapists may take that focus on treating men as a group. There are many therapists who focus on men and male issues in their treatment and therefore have experience and expertise in this domain.