Photo of Sherry Smith, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 60061, IL
Sherry Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, grief counseling, marital counseling, divorce, and other mental health issues.
I am a supportive and empathic therapist who cares deeply about individuals feeling better. Life can be extremely challenging and stressful. My goal is to offer guidance to help you or a family member through these difficult times with loving, nurturing care and support. I am a seasoned clinical social worker with more than forty years of experience. I worked at Stevenson High School as the Social Work Coordinator for eighteen years and recently as the Director for Clinical Services at a therapeutic day school.
My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, grief counseling, marital counseling, divorce, and other mental health issues.
I am a supportive and empathic therapist who cares deeply about individuals feeling better. Life can be extremely challenging and stressful. My goal is to offer guidance to help you or a family member through these difficult times with loving, nurturing care and support. I am a seasoned clinical social worker with more than forty years of experience. I worked at Stevenson High School as the Social Work Coordinator for eighteen years and recently as the Director for Clinical Services at a therapeutic day school.
(847) 851-4771 View (847) 851-4771
Pauline Bazianos Gubbins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
When you call me, it is the beginning of a collaborative process where we explore how to get you feeling more capable and hopeful to face life's challenges. I support new and not so new parents who are facing the transitions to parenthood. I have also helped many face infertility, grieve the loss of a pregnancy as well as face the many challenges that come with having a traumatic birth or special needs child. I am well versed in the adoption process and supporting the needs of adoptive families. I counsel adults to face the challenges of work, marriage, divorce and parenting that can trigger feelings of depression and anxiety.
When you call me, it is the beginning of a collaborative process where we explore how to get you feeling more capable and hopeful to face life's challenges. I support new and not so new parents who are facing the transitions to parenthood. I have also helped many face infertility, grieve the loss of a pregnancy as well as face the many challenges that come with having a traumatic birth or special needs child. I am well versed in the adoption process and supporting the needs of adoptive families. I counsel adults to face the challenges of work, marriage, divorce and parenting that can trigger feelings of depression and anxiety.
(847) 920-7424 View (847) 920-7424
Photo of Shalini Varma M. D. Psychiatry in 60061, IL
Shalini Varma M. D. Psychiatry
MD, BD Cert, NBPAS, ABPN
Verified Verified
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
ACCEPTING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES WITHIN ONE WEEK! Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, School and Work Accommodations, Difficulty sleeping, Addictions & Medication. Evening appointments are available. Care provided by me, a Physician, a Double Board Certified MD Psychiatrist may be a more effective approach for you. I am structured and organized with treatment. I also provide neuropsychological and psychological TESTING. I am available for urgent needs. Work together to decrease struggling. US born and educated at Rutgers Medical School & completed Psychiatry Residency at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.
ACCEPTING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES WITHIN ONE WEEK! Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, School and Work Accommodations, Difficulty sleeping, Addictions & Medication. Evening appointments are available. Care provided by me, a Physician, a Double Board Certified MD Psychiatrist may be a more effective approach for you. I am structured and organized with treatment. I also provide neuropsychological and psychological TESTING. I am available for urgent needs. Work together to decrease struggling. US born and educated at Rutgers Medical School & completed Psychiatry Residency at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.
(847) 393-4392 View (847) 393-4392
Photo of Andi Mandel in 60061, IL
Andi Mandel
MA-MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vernon Hills, IL 60061  (Online Only)
Relationships can be difficult. Whether it is familial, romantic or platonic, each of us is the sum of all the experiences, communities, and cultures we have been involved in and around our entire lives. We often struggle to understand how to effectively communicate, as well as making and keeping connections.
Relationships can be difficult. Whether it is familial, romantic or platonic, each of us is the sum of all the experiences, communities, and cultures we have been involved in and around our entire lives. We often struggle to understand how to effectively communicate, as well as making and keeping connections.
(773) 832-5954 View (773) 832-5954
Photo of Jen Underwood, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 60061, IL
Jen Underwood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
I enjoy helping people to feel more control over their lives. I am very curious about people’s stories. How can we edit our thoughts to feel better? Is there a different way to think about this problem? Sometimes I use humor to lighten the mood, but I will always uphold professional boundaries. In fact, I love to teach ways to set clear boundaries in our families and our workplaces. I have worked with many trauma survivors, and they describe feeling less trapped in shame spirals, with more confidence and fewer flashbacks.
I enjoy helping people to feel more control over their lives. I am very curious about people’s stories. How can we edit our thoughts to feel better? Is there a different way to think about this problem? Sometimes I use humor to lighten the mood, but I will always uphold professional boundaries. In fact, I love to teach ways to set clear boundaries in our families and our workplaces. I have worked with many trauma survivors, and they describe feeling less trapped in shame spirals, with more confidence and fewer flashbacks.
(847) 380-7170 View (847) 380-7170
Photo of Kalpana Rao, Psychologist in 60061, IL
Kalpana Rao
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Vernon Hills, IL 60061  (Online Only)
If you are looking for a therapist probably you are feeling stuck or helpless, maybe things are not just working for you in life. If you are looking for relief from such distress you have come to the right place. Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy” helps you gain insight into the complex interaction between your inner workings and external reality that is causing you stress. While pain, grief, and suffering are inevitable in life, being miserable is optional. You can either remain a part of the problem or choose to become a part of the solution, through the process of psychotherapy.
If you are looking for a therapist probably you are feeling stuck or helpless, maybe things are not just working for you in life. If you are looking for relief from such distress you have come to the right place. Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy” helps you gain insight into the complex interaction between your inner workings and external reality that is causing you stress. While pain, grief, and suffering are inevitable in life, being miserable is optional. You can either remain a part of the problem or choose to become a part of the solution, through the process of psychotherapy.
(404) 390-4558 View (404) 390-4558
Photo of Kristen Sanders, Licensed Professional Counselor in 60061, IL
Kristen Sanders
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
It can be difficult to ask for support, especially when you aren't sure how it all works. I will work with you to create a treatment plan that makes sense to you and meets your unique goals. I value a person-centered approach to treatment where you and I work as a team to address the issues you want to explore. I believe that you have the answers to your struggles but need a safe space, support, and guidance, in order to achieve your goals.
It can be difficult to ask for support, especially when you aren't sure how it all works. I will work with you to create a treatment plan that makes sense to you and meets your unique goals. I value a person-centered approach to treatment where you and I work as a team to address the issues you want to explore. I believe that you have the answers to your struggles but need a safe space, support, and guidance, in order to achieve your goals.
(224) 723-5772 View (224) 723-5772
Photo of Brighter Pathways, PLLC in 60061, IL
Brighter Pathways, PLLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
In-person & telehealth available: Brighter Pathways, PLLC is a small group practice currently offering individual, couples, family, and group therapies. Our therapists value collaboration, education, and transparency because treatment should make sense to you. In order to best meet your needs, your therapist will strive to understand your unique circumstances. We believe in a team approach to treatment. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your personal goals and struggles. We offer a safe, supportive, and open environment for you to explore your struggles and strive for personal growth.
In-person & telehealth available: Brighter Pathways, PLLC is a small group practice currently offering individual, couples, family, and group therapies. Our therapists value collaboration, education, and transparency because treatment should make sense to you. In order to best meet your needs, your therapist will strive to understand your unique circumstances. We believe in a team approach to treatment. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your personal goals and struggles. We offer a safe, supportive, and open environment for you to explore your struggles and strive for personal growth.
(224) 723-5772 View (224) 723-5772
Photo of Paul Smiley, Psychologist in 60061, IL
Paul Smiley
Psychologist, PsyD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Dr. Paul Smiley is a board certified psychologist who has been independently licensed in the State of Illinois since 2008. He is on staff at Lake Forest Hospital, and manages Parkside Psychological Services, which is dedicated to serving people of all ages and needs. The team of talented providers is committed to understanding the root of client’s concerns and working with them to bring about effective changes for recovery. We are currently accepting patients with a wide spectrum of symptoms, with flexible hours from Monday-Saturday including day and evening appointments. We look forward to being a trusted provider with you!
Dr. Paul Smiley is a board certified psychologist who has been independently licensed in the State of Illinois since 2008. He is on staff at Lake Forest Hospital, and manages Parkside Psychological Services, which is dedicated to serving people of all ages and needs. The team of talented providers is committed to understanding the root of client’s concerns and working with them to bring about effective changes for recovery. We are currently accepting patients with a wide spectrum of symptoms, with flexible hours from Monday-Saturday including day and evening appointments. We look forward to being a trusted provider with you!
(224) 706-1196 View (224) 706-1196
Marriage Counseling Therapists

How does marriage counseling work?

Marriage counseling works by teaching couples concrete skills to communicate with one another and solve disagreements in healthy ways. A trained mental health professional works with both members of a couple to explore difficulties the couple may be having and helps them develop skills to address these matters. Couples who don’t have any difficulties but want to prepare for marriage may develop skills for the future.

How long does marriage counseling typically last?

Marriage counseling is a short-term form of therapy; the process may last between four and eight sessions. Other forms of relationship guidance from mental health professionals, such as couples therapy, are longer lasting, may focus on the past rather than just the present, and are tailored to the individual couple and their emotions, history, and patterns in the relationship. Couples therapy often lasts for 12 weeks or longer.

Is marriage counseling effective?

Marriage counseling helps many couples develop relationship skills that may not have been acquired or tested in a relationship; partners may be better able to communicate and address conflict following counseling. However, there are many different forms of marriage counseling, and this form of counseling does not have as strong an evidence base as other modalities such as couples therapy.

Is marriage counseling effective if only one partner wants to go?

Yes, marriage counseling can still be effective if one partner convinces the other to engage in the process. Of course, whether counseling is effective depends on the couple’s commitment to work on their relationship; however, the short-term, skills-based nature of marriage counseling makes it a relatively easy “ask” of a partner, and the hesitant individual may see its value once counseling begins.