Therapists in Glen Ellyn, IL

Experiencing unexplained sources of anxiety, and not understanding out own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can be really scary. Not being able to understand or effectively communicate with your child can be even scarier. If you are an overwhelmed parent of a child or adolescent who is experiencing difficulties such as anxiety, depression, anger, explosive emotion, isolation, self-harm, or identity confusion, or you yourself are struggling to understand your own thoughts, feelings, or sexual/gender identity, I may be the right fit for you.

“Kindness eases change, Love quiets fear” ― Octavia E. Butler. My experience as a youth worker and community organizer has inspired me to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I view my role as working in collaboration alongside you on your healing journey. As a queer and non binary therapist, I believe in creating a space where you can be your full and authentic self.

Dr. Mary Madrake is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with experience in a variety of settings, including schools, community mental health centers, and private practice. They provide individual and couples therapy with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. They have experience treating trauma, relationship issues, gender identity and sexuality, emotional and behavioral disorders, anxiety, and adjustment to a variety of life transitions. Additionally, Dr. Madrake has extensive experience working with members of the LGBT+ community, those in non-monogamous and alternative relationships, and clients involved in kink.

You deserve to feel seen. Many of the people I have worked with have experienced pain or the weight of high expectations from themselves and others around them. Witnessing others find their authentic selves and overcome challenges has been an absolute privilege. I believe in the power of radical empathy: I am honored to hold space for you as you work through things that feel heavy, cheer you on when it begins to feel easy again, and walk with you for all the moments in between.

I work with adults and couples from different walks of life. As a holistic practitioner, I’ve come to understand it’s a different dance for each person when working towards embodying their voice, choice, boundaries, and authenticity. I take into consideration your experiences relationally and with systems and how that may impact the relationship to your inner landscape. My identities are: 1st gen Vietnamese immigrant, non-binary, queer, polyamorous & ex-catholic. These identities have shaped the way I move in the world while inspiring me to continue being curious and going outside of the box when I work with each unique human.

I understand that whatever brought you to this page has not been an easy part of your journey. There are many struggles and challenges that I offer support with, and I utilize an approach where I listen to your experiences attentively. I combine reflective questions with actionable steps to help you work through the current challenges you're facing. Beyond any pathology, I am curious about each individual's life journey of where you've been and where you want to be going. Through love, curiosity, and accountability, I believe that healing is possible.

Providing culturally competent and client centered therapy is an important part of my job which is to help you feel safe and heard. I specialize in working with clients who want to understand the emotions and behaviors that impact their daily lives.

Asking for help can be challenging, but I want to assure you that seeking assistance can be incredibly rewarding and beneficial. As your therapist, my goal is to meet you where you are, gently encourage personal growth, and provide a safe space for you to express yourself. I am honored to help you shape the story of your life. I understand that everyone has their own pace and readiness, and I will never push you beyond what you're prepared for. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I will ask you questions to help you explore and overcome the obstacles that are holding you back from progressing in your journey.

In therapy, it feels essential to look at not only our own thoughts and emotions but also the expectations set by our environment. I utilize affirmative, trauma-informed, and relational lenses to encourage insight and explore assumptions impacting how we engage with the world around us. My clinical and research focuses relate to sexual identity, gender diversity and transition, and ethically non-monogamous relationships. Aside from these, I work often with anxiety, depression, communication, conflict management, boundaries, trauma, life transitions, discrimination, substance use, and premarital/marital counseling.

I specialize in working with children and adults who have faced systemic harm and societal stigma, including LGBTQ and TGNC individuals, women, and those from other marginalized communities. I have extensive experience working with young people who have endured complex trauma, and I believe in the power of a strengths-based relational therapy model. I am committed to celebrating diversity and I hold an affirming stance on all genders, sexualities, careers, reproductive choices, and alternative relationship structures.

imagine you're a creative at a crossroads, desiring to express yourself fully but feeling hindered. perhaps societal norms, self-doubt, or the complexities of your identity in marginalized communities make it challenging to fully embrace your creative potential. you're seeking a therapeutic journey that not only understands but values your unique story. here, you'll find support to navigate these challenges, embracing your full self and your artistic expression. it's a path towards living authentically, where every facet of your identity and creative spirit is not just accepted but celebrated.

I've seen, heard and personally experienced the difficulty of finding a therapist when you hold marginalized identities. It's an honor for me to be able to provide a unique space for folks like us! I believe that understanding how our culture, gender, society, family, etc. inform our identities allows people to ditch the concepts or social expectations that don’t fit and pursue the ones that feel truly authentic. Let's show up as we are and get some solid work done!

Many people struggle with feeling lost and directionless or anxious about their ability to cope with life on life’s terms. For some people, these feelings can linger and become the painful lens through which you see yourself and the world. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With care and support, you can become more confident and loving toward yourself. You might even wake up one day and realize that instead of needing to read the instructional manual for life, you are ready to write your own. However, you might need some rough drafts and edits first. That is where therapy comes in.

I enjoy working with diverse individuals from all walks of life as my experience has been eclectic. Working with folks who need to temporarily borrow some hope as they build themselves up is a welcome experience. I am energized by clients who know what they are looking for and equally interested in clients who are therapy first timers. I am fulfilled by working with LGBTQ+ clients, adults, trauma, OCD, complex anxiety, and clients with past incarcerations. I am passionate about holistic and integrative treatment! I am here to help you build up your skill set to handle life transitions, live a better quality of life and find meaning!

Availability for new full fee clients in Spring 2024! I provide ADHD solutions-focused therapy to gender expansive, queer, and neurodivergent adult clients. This work is skills-based, fun, sometimes hilarious, compassionate, non-judgmental and meant to help clients reach their goals with executive functioning, distress tolerance, behavior change, task completion, short-term blocks or hurdles, and long-term planning, organization, and emotion regulation. I also offer short-term DBT 'tune-up' individual therapy for those who already have DBT skills training and are seeking some short-term assistance with a particular challenge.

I empower clients from diverse backgrounds to embrace growth, connection, and authenticity. Specializing in working with adults healing from complex trauma, LGBTQIA+ individuals, other therapists/care workers & neurodivergent humans seeking embodied emotional wellness. I support those who are ready to make changes in their life, learn self-compassion, & connect with their authentic voice. Through trauma-informed therapy, I guide individuals, couples, & groups toward healing from trauma & isolation. Clarify your needs and intentions, move in the direction of your goals, explore your gender, sexuality, identity and relationships.

I offer therapeutic interventions with warmth and compassion, focusing on strengths to help identify opportunities for change and actualization. My primary areas of experience include depression/anxiety and other mental health concerns, substance use/recovery, and concerns related to gender or sexuality. I see therapy as a journey aiming to get deeper understanding of oneself, relationships, and the world around us.

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is paramount in fostering change. It is through an open, nonjudgmental, and safe environment that clients can explore and grow into their most authentic selves and lead more fulfilling lives. My approach emphasizes how our past and present experiences shape how we relate to others and the world around us. I work with children, adolescents, and adults, and utilize an integrative and collaborative approach that incorporates aspects of Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Feminist, Relational, and Strengths-Based approaches.