Multicultural Therapists in Buena Park, Chicago, IL

I believe in creating safe space for self-expression and exploration in a collaborative and affirming way. I have worked with individuals navigating gender and sexuality identity exploration, polyamory struggles and dynamics, sexual trauma – including religious trauma and family of origin trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, HIV+ status, domestic violence, ADHD, suicidality, and milestone transitions. I have also worked with couples around family of origin conflict, communication struggles, parenting, navigating polyamory and kink, gender and sexuality expansion, as well as various role changes across the lifespan.

I collaborate with adults in individual and relationship counseling. Typical issues we work on together are depression, anxiety, grief, addictions, eating disorders, LGBT concerns, ACOA issues, stress, men's issues, and if it a specific client request - spirituality concerns. I offer Wednesday, Friday and Saturday appointments by telehealth exclusively. Due to the convenience and popularity of telehealth, I hold all sessions via telehealth and no longer offer in-person office sessions.

I focus on trauma, life transitions, LGBTQIA issues, and how adverse experiences impact an individual's ability to effectively respond to life's many difficulties. Depression and anxiety manifest often as a result of dealing with challenges and it is necessary to reconnect with an innate, authentic sense of self in order to experience a fulfilling life. Each person deserves to live a life of purpose and meaning. I strive to help clients increase their sense of agency, feel more connected with themselves, and become better attuned to the world around them.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker committed to providing competent, compassionate therapeutic services to those managing the challenges of life. I specialize in working with those living with depression, anxiety, issues related to spirituality, survivors of trauma, those in recovery (from racism and other forms of oppression). I enjoy working with older adults.

If you feel unsuccessful, unproductive, unloved, overwhelmed by your own or other people expectations; stressed at work, home, or feel professionally and socially inadequate; or if you are going through sudden crises, trauma, loss, disruptive transitions such as job loss, divorce, and migration, then these problems could be addressed, transformed, and healed through counseling process. My extensive counseling experience has helped many clients to re-build their self-confidence, regain lost hope, and transcendent barriers. I am confident that together we can transform adversities into potentials and weaknesses into strengths.

Sometimes we might feel like nobody understands us or what we are going through. Life can present some major challenges, and it is hard to be trapped in what seems like an inescapable situation. I know what it is like to feel stuck. These types of situations are numerous: problems communicating with a partner, having low motivation in a job, missing a loved one that you have lost, paralyzing anxiety about making an important decision. Seeking the help of a mental health professional is the first step in getting unstuck. There is great courage in being able to ask for help. I am glad that you are embarking on this journey.

The road to good mental health can be rife with obstacles consisting of navigating social systems, relationships and uncertainties. Years ago, I studied elements of society by riding an entire train route for a school assignment. While traveling through diverse city landscapes and observing fellow travelers, I observed how human behavior changed with time and settings. This experience inspired me to reflect on my own identities and how I interact and engage with the world around me. This observation also helped me define my career path as a supportive guide for others, as the journey to self-discovery should not be an isolated one.

I approach therapy based upon the three core values: Curiosity, Compassion, and Community. I want to be curious about each client or couple that walks through my door. I want to know their unique problem and share some of my knowledge and skills to assist in meeting their goals. I want to be compassionate to each individual and explore what fosters their own sense of compassion. I also want to understand a person's community. Isolation is a painful state of being and I want to find how clients connect to others and build an environment of safety.

I believe that every person should live up to the potential that they see in their vision; not through the lens someone else ascribes to them. For this reason, I approach each therapeutic relationship as being one of a joint partnership. It is a privilege to work alongside individuals who have recognized they no longer have to work through challenges of life alone. I bring over 5 years of experience working with diverse client demographics with variety of concerns including anxiety, self -harming, grief, depression, psychosis, eating disorders and substance use. My approach is trauma informed, with an emphasis on strength based.

It is not always easy to admit when we need help – and then to ask for it. Taking the step to seek therapy is an important one, and I want to help make it a positive experience for you. Sometimes our worlds on the inside and on the outside can leave us with overwhelming feelings that may not be easy to manage on our own, and you don’t have to. As you work with me, you will find that I am compassionate and easy to talk to. I support clients in a number of areas, including: trauma; questions around identity and expression; relationships; family of origin; life transitions; anxiety; and depression, to name a few.

I am a thoughtful, caring, therapist, with 25+ yrs experience helping people heal, enrich & stimulate their lives. Therapy relies on connection & the process of therapy. In these difficult times there's pervasive confusion & disappointment. Talking things through & exploring complicated feelings is essential. I can help articulate goals & make plans to help you feel fulfilled. Through the years I work with teens, adults, LGBTQ & straight couples, & groups. I also teach the Artist Way, about connecting with your creativity and finding your voice. In addition I do career counseling. I love my work and feel lucky to do what I do.

Dr. Watkins is a Clinical Psychologist who's profession experience includes psycho-diagnostic assessment and counseling of children, adolescents and adults in the areas of trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, marital guidance, sexuality, juvenile delinquency and phase of life transitions. Dr. Watkins practices from a client-centered framework, focusing on genuineness and unconditional positive regard for clients, with the belief that all persons are capable of functioning at their full, yet personal, potential. Dr. Watkins has served as an Investigator on clinical trials in the areas of Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.

I primarily work with individuals and couples moving through life’s unique challenges. I have experience working with individuals who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community and clients who are neurodivergent, working to operate in a neurotypical society. I am sex & poly knowledgable. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, and relational issues. Before working as a therapist, I was an actor and artist, where my strengths of empathy and curiosity were developed.

My hope is to offer clients a new and different perspective, and empower them to attain greater insight. I believe that every client possesses the ability to find their own path that leads to meaning, joy, and fulfillment in their life. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, or other traumatic experiences. We also address family and relationship issues, such as boundary setting, difficult life transitions, emotional abuse, and social trauma. My ideal client is one who is ready to do the hard work of self-reflection, and to seize control and responsibility for living their own best life.

Are you tired of feeling stressed and anxious? Feeling stuck or overwhelmed by it all? At times, it can feel as though anxiety controls every aspect of your life. Your anxiety decides what you say or don’t, it impacts the choices you make, and holds you back from doing the things you want to do. Some days, before you even open your eyes, you may already feel anxious. You have done everything you can imagine to find relief on your own. A part of you worries that you are plagued with this anxiety for life, while another part of you knows it can get better.

Change is never easy,but with the assistance of a therapist, you can start to learn skills to move towards your goals. Some of these skills include effective communication, mindfulness, relaxation, and changing negative thought patterns. In my work with couples, I focus on teaching communication skills and understanding underlying issues that effect the relationship.

I specialize in working with queer, trans, and neurodivergent individuals. Using a relational, feminist, and humanistic approach, I help you embrace your authentic self. Together, we'll foster a warm, collaborative relationship for personal growth. I provide affirming and inclusive care, understanding the impact of societal systems on intersecting identities. With specialized training in neurodivergence, gender diversity, and consensual nonmonogamy, I support clients in navigating life's challenges. Currently accepting clients for gender surgery letters/documentation and psychological testing.

Currently sessions are conducted virtually- Dr. Waseberg is a psychotherapist and professor of counseling psychology. He helps individuals and couples struggling with relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, grief, alcohol/drugs, abandonment, anger, OCD, social anxiety, phobia, bipolar/borderline and other psychological issues. He digs deep into the roots of your underlying issues in a safe non-judgmental space with empathy. He has rich experience providing counseling in private practice settings as well as Inpatient Residential Treatment, Partial Hospitalization-PHP, and Intensive Outpatient-IOP settings.

I identify as a queer person of color and hope to best serve those communities who feel underrepresented in professional fields. Common areas that I work with are trauma, gender identity and expression, career related difficulties, couples/interpersonal relationship issues, and mood/anxiety disorders. I work heavily with the linguistic ways we approach "problems" and through a narrative and solutions focused approach we would work on restoring your sense freedom as you navigate life's difficulties.