Narcissistic Personality (NPD) Therapists in Wilmette, IL

I believe in the importance of providing a safe space for you as a woman, to discuss your concerns. Whether you're navigating a challenging relationship, dealing with a family member, facing workplace difficulties, or wishing to explore a personal issue, you’re not alone. I’m here to help. Please don’t let the idea of "telehealth" deter you. I strive to make our virtual sessions feel as connective as in-person ones, with a therapy style that is supportive and non-judgmental. As we work together to bring clarity to your unique situation, we may also build strategies for you to feel more empowered to live life as the woman you are.

These are complicated times to be human. On one hand, we are surrounded by boundless opportunities, pathways for personal development, myriad communication platforms, and an abundance of information. Yet, amidst this sea of possibilities, forging meaningful connections, cultivating self-acceptance, and navigating the daily rigors of life remain as formidable challenges as ever. Furthermore, when faced with adversity, the sense of isolation and disconnection can seem more pronounced than ever before.

Depression, anxiety, addictive and compulsive behaviors, relationship conflicts, loneliness, life changes, indecision, performance issues, impulsivity, stress and frustration...We all struggle with something; it is part of the human condition. At times, it is more than we can deal with and manage on our own. I strive to create a comfortable environment for my clients, as we work together to understand what is troubling you and identify the steps you may take toward realizing the life you envision.

As a therapist for over twenty-five years, I've learned that people are often unaware of how their current issues are connected to experiences and feelings encountered earlier in their lives. I work with patients to help them identify and explore repeating patterns in their lives and how these patterns can be evaluated and changed to improve personal and professional outcomes. My patients have found that therapy is a valuable experience and together we make the process productive and fulfilling.

I am certified in Imago Relationship Therapy and I have completed all levels of training from the Gottman Institute. In addition I trained with The Family Institute. I offer a one hour free lecture entitled the The Art and Science of Relationships. I am available to churches, synagogues, community centers, attorneys and physicians to offer this free lecture to their parishioners, attendees, clients or patients. In addition I am available to give a couple's workshop on The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work and would consider any requests on topics that are deemed of interest.

Clients come to therapy wanting to make change in their lives and as challenging as it can be, clients who do well with me engage in fearless personal exploration using curiosity to drive their progress towards their preferred future. Clients who are interested in a holistic approach to mental health including sleep and nutrition and an openness to multiple viewpoints of healing and health will be engaged with my style. I also believe that clients don't want to be in therapy forever, nor should they be, so I aim to provide clients with firm internal processes and awareness they can use throughout the lifespan.

Stories have always fascinated me. They have the power to move us emotionally, to educate and instruct, to entertain us, and to cultivate true compassion and empathy through the act of sharing a story with another. They are also a powerful vehicle for how we perceive, interpret, define and live our lives, yet sometimes it can be easy to forget that we can be the authors of our story, not just a character proceeding along some previously determined narrative.

Empathy and Focusing are my special skills. You can begin to learn Focusing and other valuable skills in our work together. I studied with Dr. Eugene Gendlin at the University of Chicago. Everyone, growing up, learns some feelings are "bad." This produces obstacles to accurate perception. I am skillful at helping you find conflict-resolving passages that could remain hidden to you searching alone. With empathy, I work to create a safe environment in which you can explore feelings that may be difficult to approach on your own.

You may be seeking psychotherapy because something in your life is not going the way you would like. It could be troublesome relationships, depression, anxiety or general dissatisfaction. No matter the specific problem, it is my goal to help you understand why you are experiencing troublesome symptoms or challenges. Then we can get you back to feeling better, reaching personal goals and enjoying fulfilling relationships.

I utilize a combination of somatically-focused, cognitive, and psychodynamic approaches to assist you in understanding your concerns. I'd love to help you address current changes you'd like to make, but also address underlying concerns so that current struggles are less likely to resurface. I specialize in tailoring treatments in developmentally attuned ways. With adults I assist clients in understanding how their life journeys have led them to their present concerns, and work on uncovering and undoing patterns you may find less effective.

It seems like you've got it together but nobody seems to realize you're floundering. They don't know what's inside: a tally of every failure, a plan for every what if, chronic worry, fear and insecurity and thoughts- so many thoughts! It's impossible to focus. You may play a lot of roles: spouse, friend, parent, employee, entrepreneur- it's crazymaking! It can be easy to lose the YOU in all of this. You were a person before you became the social chameleon you're required to be right now. The anxious feeling never goes away and you don't know what to do, so you suffer quietly. You don't have to stay here.

I view psychotherapy as an opportunity for personal growth and greater self-understanding. While it is important to address specific issues in the here and now, often the process can also lead to broader gains in self-awareness and life satisfaction. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and tailored to each person's unique needs and goals. I will work with you to address your concerns, overcome obstacles and find greater personal satisfaction.

In my practice I see adolescents and adults. I view therapy as a place where you can more fully understand yourself and your relationships and therefore be empowered to make better choices in your life. My style is informed by dynamically oriented and relational therapy. Regardless of theory, the most important part of the process is building a relationship built on trust and safety. Through this safe and supportive environment we will help you build on your strengths and problem solving skills as well as deepen your self awareness and self understanding.

You've been feeling distressed. Maybe it's because you're concerned that an important relationship grows more conflicted or distant no matter what you've tried. Maybe it's because you're wrestling with thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that interfere with your everyday life. Finding a good match for therapy is essential to your success; you want someone who will be a knowledgeable, caring guide. Working with your personal strengths, I will join with you to find the solutions you need. Asking for feedback, listening empathically, and answering your questions are ways I collaborate with you from the beginning.

The most important ingredient in a successful therapy experience is the therapy relationship itself. The clients who benefit the most are those who feel understood, respected and cared about, and so are better able to be more genuine and more fully engaged in the process. A basic tenet of my approach is that our fears and hurts inhibit the natural tendency within us all to grow and move toward healthier ways of functioning. Individuals who feel safe enough in therapy to face their fears can begin to "digest" their unfinished business and take back control of their lives.

My therapy approach is tailored to each individual in a unique way while integrating various theories and styles of practice. Each client takes the lead and I assist in providing them with the proper tools to work in a therapeutic setting.

At times, we all face challenges & obstacles. As an adult, you may thrive in many areas of your life, yet struggle with doubt & self-criticism. Personal & work relationships can become strained, and feelings of anxiety, loneliness, sadness or depression can impede the life you envision for yourself. Maybe guilt & anger get in the way. If you find yourself saying yes when you want to say no, and personal & work relationships seem troublesome or stuck, I can help. We will address the barriers and discover the solutions that work for you. I will help you both create and keep the life you seek.

Each person entering therapy has unique needs that demand an individual approach. Providing a warm, accepting and empathic environment, I draw from a variety of psychotherapeutic models tailored to the needs of each client. With many years of experience as a mental health professional, including over 20 years as a licensed clinical psychologist and a previous career as a psychiatric nurse, I have worked with many individuals and couples with a variety of issues. My clients can expect to emerge from therapy better equipped to address the challenges they face now and those they will confront in the future.

I mostly work in an Internal Family Systems (IFS), relational way. To me that means working in therapy towards having good enough internal harmony. Life is hard and life is amazing. Because life can be hard, we often have to get into intense, protective relationships with ourselves. Then parts of us can be pushed into the shadows. So we can wind up feeling "out of whack" and living our daily lives can be harder. Therapy can help us work with our multifaceted psychology so that we then have greater internal friendship and harmony. That can then translate into our relationships, our work, and our lives in the world.