Narrative Therapists in Grayslake, IL

Photo of Julie Crowe McCarthy, LCPC, NCC, CCC, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor
Julie Crowe McCarthy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC, CCC, MEd
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grayslake, IL 60030
My goal as a clinician is to help you understand your own unique strengths through your own personal narrative.
Often, life leads you to a point where you feel stuck. The same strategies that might have worked before are no longer effective. Maybe this is because of life transitions, relationship challenges or just a sense that you want something more. If you feel overwhelmed by work, school, family or relationships, consider how processing those feelings and developing new insights and skills might give you the self-awareness to live a peaceful and more purpose driven life.
My goal as a clinician is to help you understand your own unique strengths through your own personal narrative.
Often, life leads you to a point where you feel stuck. The same strategies that might have worked before are no longer effective. Maybe this is because of life transitions, relationship challenges or just a sense that you want something more. If you feel overwhelmed by work, school, family or relationships, consider how processing those feelings and developing new insights and skills might give you the self-awareness to live a peaceful and more purpose driven life.
View
Photo of Victoria Garrison - Victoria Garrison, LCPC, LCPC, Counselor
Victoria Garrison, LCPC
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Grayslake, IL 60030
**EXCITING NEWS! My practice has expanded! I've added multiple experienced, fully licensed clinicians to the team to provide counseling and therapy services. Please note, when you contact me, you will receive call or email from our intake coordinator.** I use an empathetic, personalized approach to build a safe environment for therapy. I specialize in working with adults experiencing feelings of sadness, loss, frustration, anxiety, or difficulty within relationships.
**EXCITING NEWS! My practice has expanded! I've added multiple experienced, fully licensed clinicians to the team to provide counseling and therapy services. Please note, when you contact me, you will receive call or email from our intake coordinator.** I use an empathetic, personalized approach to build a safe environment for therapy. I specialize in working with adults experiencing feelings of sadness, loss, frustration, anxiety, or difficulty within relationships.
(847) 380-8744 View (847) 380-8744
Photo of Jen Underwood, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jen Underwood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Grayslake, IL 60030
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 Carol Paxton Cox, PsyD, Psychologist
Carol Paxton Cox
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Grayslake, IL 60030  (Online Only)
My primary goal is to help clients find the hope and courage to change and heal. I believe that all life circumstances, relationships, and experiences can lead to change and greater self-acceptance. Ultimately therapy helps clients cope with loss and use difficult life transitions to promote growth. In working with individuals, couples, families, and children, I have helped them cultivate resources and develop strengths from very challenging diagnoses and life circumstances. I have helped clients suffering from relationship conflicts, health crises, depression, trauma and loss issues, compulsive behaviors, and anxiety disorders.
My primary goal is to help clients find the hope and courage to change and heal. I believe that all life circumstances, relationships, and experiences can lead to change and greater self-acceptance. Ultimately therapy helps clients cope with loss and use difficult life transitions to promote growth. In working with individuals, couples, families, and children, I have helped them cultivate resources and develop strengths from very challenging diagnoses and life circumstances. I have helped clients suffering from relationship conflicts, health crises, depression, trauma and loss issues, compulsive behaviors, and anxiety disorders.
(847) 868-3945 View (847) 868-3945
Photo of Justin William Schloer - Changing Phases, LCPC, Counselor
Changing Phases
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grayslake, IL 60030
My outlook on life is that we are all on a journey. Some people move faster than others. Some need a helping hand along the way; but we can all arrive to where we are going, where we want to be…every single one of us. I am here to help motivate when you lack motivation. I am here to listen when you feel unheard. I am here to push when you feel weak, or pull when you don’t feel strong enough. I’m also here to sit with you when you aren’t ready or feel unable to make a decision. I am here at your pace.
My outlook on life is that we are all on a journey. Some people move faster than others. Some need a helping hand along the way; but we can all arrive to where we are going, where we want to be…every single one of us. I am here to help motivate when you lack motivation. I am here to listen when you feel unheard. I am here to push when you feel weak, or pull when you don’t feel strong enough. I’m also here to sit with you when you aren’t ready or feel unable to make a decision. I am here at your pace.
(224) 218-5276 View (224) 218-5276
Photo of Lisa Dvorak, MBA, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa Dvorak
Licensed Professional Counselor, MBA, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Grayslake, IL 60030
Do you long to have more fulfilling relationships? Is pain from your past or worry about the future stealing your joy to live in the present? I am here for you during difficult seasons and hold a safe space for healing and growth.
Do you long to have more fulfilling relationships? Is pain from your past or worry about the future stealing your joy to live in the present? I am here for you during difficult seasons and hold a safe space for healing and growth.
(847) 649-6389 View (847) 649-6389
Photo of Adam Krieger - The Couple's Place of Lake County, MA, LCSW, CPRP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
The Couple's Place of Lake County
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW, CPRP
Verified Verified
Grayslake, IL 60030
With over 20 years in the field, I believe that effective therapy begins with clearly defining the problem being addressed and the desired outcome. I am particularly focused on helping you develop stronger relationships through effective communication, personal insight and compassion. Whether you are trying to set healthy boundaries, express yourself, or build stronger bonds. Using empathy and humor, I am well suited to help clients who are struggling with relationship problems, depression, sexual compulsion, family conflicts and anxiety.
With over 20 years in the field, I believe that effective therapy begins with clearly defining the problem being addressed and the desired outcome. I am particularly focused on helping you develop stronger relationships through effective communication, personal insight and compassion. Whether you are trying to set healthy boundaries, express yourself, or build stronger bonds. Using empathy and humor, I am well suited to help clients who are struggling with relationship problems, depression, sexual compulsion, family conflicts and anxiety.
(847) 512-4924 View (847) 512-4924
Photo of Barb Adams, MA, LCPC, CADC, CCTP
Barb Adams
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, CADC, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Grayslake, IL 60030  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Alcohol and Drug Therapist. I have been providing individual, couples, family, as well as group therapy for over 30 years. I have worked with child, adolescent, and adult populations, addressing a variety of disorders, including the development of a specialized program for impaired professionals. With a holistic, caring approach, I include evidence-based treatments to address clients’ concerns such as: relationship issues, stress management, trauma, substance use, depression, anxiety as well as other mental health issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Alcohol and Drug Therapist. I have been providing individual, couples, family, as well as group therapy for over 30 years. I have worked with child, adolescent, and adult populations, addressing a variety of disorders, including the development of a specialized program for impaired professionals. With a holistic, caring approach, I include evidence-based treatments to address clients’ concerns such as: relationship issues, stress management, trauma, substance use, depression, anxiety as well as other mental health issues.
(224) 701-3962 View (224) 701-3962
Photo of Christina Zerwer, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Christina Zerwer
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Grayslake, IL 60030  (Online Only)
Do you ever feel sad or alone and can't figure out why? Or perhaps something did happen, and you're having a tough time accepting and moving forward. Do you get easily frustrated, annoyed, or angry? Are you finding that while in your younger days you had lots of friends, but are now wondering where everyone has gone? I work with busy adults who are struggling with these types of issues, and want to talk to someone neutral to look within themselves to find the strength and tools to feel better and live happier.
Do you ever feel sad or alone and can't figure out why? Or perhaps something did happen, and you're having a tough time accepting and moving forward. Do you get easily frustrated, annoyed, or angry? Are you finding that while in your younger days you had lots of friends, but are now wondering where everyone has gone? I work with busy adults who are struggling with these types of issues, and want to talk to someone neutral to look within themselves to find the strength and tools to feel better and live happier.
(847) 961-4095 View (847) 961-4095
Photo of David Gray, LCPC, Counselor
David Gray
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Grayslake, IL 60030
Are you in a place where you have done all you can, but are still unable to make the necessary positive changes you would like? Often times you may feel as if you have done everything possible, but change is still out of reach. I am a firm believer in the thought that all the skills necessary for change already lie within you, but could use the help of another to bring forth that change. By working together I believe that I can help you to acknowledge your dominate positive attributes in order to facilitate that much needed change.
Are you in a place where you have done all you can, but are still unable to make the necessary positive changes you would like? Often times you may feel as if you have done everything possible, but change is still out of reach. I am a firm believer in the thought that all the skills necessary for change already lie within you, but could use the help of another to bring forth that change. By working together I believe that I can help you to acknowledge your dominate positive attributes in order to facilitate that much needed change.
(224) 701-3058 View (224) 701-3058
Photo of Lisa Alexoff, MS, LCPC, CIMHP, Counselor
Lisa Alexoff
Counselor, MS, LCPC, CIMHP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grayslake, IL 60030  (Online Only)
Feeling overwhelmed, frustrated? Trying to move forward on your journey, but getting derailed, sidetracked or stuck? I believe we all have the power within us to bring about the change we wish for in our lives, we may just need someone to help us tap into our inner wisdom and strength. I work with others as they find the best ways to recognize, accept and overcome any roadblocks to creating the life they want. Whether you are dealing with a personal growth, parenting issue, medical problem, ADHD or anxiety, we will create a judgement free zone where your strengths are valued, unhelpful patterns are replaced and you are empowered!
Feeling overwhelmed, frustrated? Trying to move forward on your journey, but getting derailed, sidetracked or stuck? I believe we all have the power within us to bring about the change we wish for in our lives, we may just need someone to help us tap into our inner wisdom and strength. I work with others as they find the best ways to recognize, accept and overcome any roadblocks to creating the life they want. Whether you are dealing with a personal growth, parenting issue, medical problem, ADHD or anxiety, we will create a judgement free zone where your strengths are valued, unhelpful patterns are replaced and you are empowered!
(224) 803-3160 View (224) 803-3160
Photo of Melissa Redmond, LCPC, ATR, MSAT, Counselor
Melissa Redmond
Counselor, LCPC, ATR, MSAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grayslake, IL 60030
Our paths can often have obstacles but I am here to travel with you. In traditional therapy, I utilize CBT and Solutions Focused modalities to work though anxiety and depression as well as grief and loss. I am privileged to help others navigate through life transitions, behavior and emotional disorders, as well as autism spectrum disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Our paths can often have obstacles but I am here to travel with you. In traditional therapy, I utilize CBT and Solutions Focused modalities to work though anxiety and depression as well as grief and loss. I am privileged to help others navigate through life transitions, behavior and emotional disorders, as well as autism spectrum disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.
View
Photo of Jen Machonga, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jen Machonga
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Grayslake, IL 60030
I hope to help you on your journey of growth and self-discovery. I enjoy working with clients to reflect on their experiences and find new ways to express themselves, communicate, and cope with life’s challenges. I have experience working with ADHD, anger control, anxiety, communication difficulties, depression, low self-esteem, marital conflict, mood disorders, and trauma. I have previously worked in an outpatient setting and in a medical center providing crisis intervention and evaluation.
I hope to help you on your journey of growth and self-discovery. I enjoy working with clients to reflect on their experiences and find new ways to express themselves, communicate, and cope with life’s challenges. I have experience working with ADHD, anger control, anxiety, communication difficulties, depression, low self-esteem, marital conflict, mood disorders, and trauma. I have previously worked in an outpatient setting and in a medical center providing crisis intervention and evaluation.
(224) 362-0753 View (224) 362-0753
Photo of Hilary Harris, LPC, NCC, CRADC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Hilary Harris
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CRADC
Verified Verified
Grayslake, IL 60030  (Online Only)
I believe that everyone should have a safe place to discuss their feelings with a person who is there to listen, non-judgmentally, and not offer advice but rather assist the individual in working through their feelings for a satisfactory resolution.
I believe that everyone should have a safe place to discuss their feelings with a person who is there to listen, non-judgmentally, and not offer advice but rather assist the individual in working through their feelings for a satisfactory resolution.
(224) 212-1454 View (224) 212-1454
Photo of Sara Knauz, LCPC, Counselor
Sara Knauz
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Grayslake, IL 60030
Helping restore a sense of balance and self-worth to my client’s lives is my passion. My experience has spanned over 20 years, with a strong foundation in child and adolescent pathology. My philosophy is to work collaboratively in goal development and attainment, to highlight the connection among faulty thinking, feelings, and ineffective coping patterns, and promote healthy changes. Through empowerment to challenge these factors, comes a renewed sense of confidence, strengths, and effective skills to manage life’s stressors and relationships.
Helping restore a sense of balance and self-worth to my client’s lives is my passion. My experience has spanned over 20 years, with a strong foundation in child and adolescent pathology. My philosophy is to work collaboratively in goal development and attainment, to highlight the connection among faulty thinking, feelings, and ineffective coping patterns, and promote healthy changes. Through empowerment to challenge these factors, comes a renewed sense of confidence, strengths, and effective skills to manage life’s stressors and relationships.
(224) 504-0903 View (224) 504-0903
Photo of Erilda Borici, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Erilda Borici
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grayslake, IL 60030  (Online Only)
For the past 12 years, I have had the honor of meeting with clients of all ages and am amazed by human resilience. Often, emotions can be complex to navigate and difficult to manage alone. My goal is to support you through difficult moments, help you build awareness and understanding for your behaviors and feelings, gain clarity in confusing times, better understand your relationships, and ultimately help you see life in clearer terms.
For the past 12 years, I have had the honor of meeting with clients of all ages and am amazed by human resilience. Often, emotions can be complex to navigate and difficult to manage alone. My goal is to support you through difficult moments, help you build awareness and understanding for your behaviors and feelings, gain clarity in confusing times, better understand your relationships, and ultimately help you see life in clearer terms.
(773) 570-9836 View (773) 570-9836
Photo of Jon Ashworth, MDiv, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jon Ashworth
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Grayslake, IL 60030
Are you looking for an opportunity to be heard and understood? Do you find yourself wishing there was an experienced perspective that could accompany the journey you are in the middle of?
Are you looking for an opportunity to be heard and understood? Do you find yourself wishing there was an experienced perspective that could accompany the journey you are in the middle of?
(847) 908-4991 View (847) 908-4991
Photo of Kelley D Martin - Be Well Therapy, Inc, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Be Well Therapy, Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grayslake, IL 60030
Someines, worry and anxiety can interfere with the things we need and want to do. Uncertainty may be all around us, but that doesn't mean that we have to stop moving forward. Moods, relationships, and life circumstances can create barriers that limit our paths and make it necessary to switch gears. Exploring these and other issues in a warm and engaging setting can make a difference in the quality and satisfaction we achieve in our daily lives. I work with people to help develop useful, personal tools that serve their specific needs.
Someines, worry and anxiety can interfere with the things we need and want to do. Uncertainty may be all around us, but that doesn't mean that we have to stop moving forward. Moods, relationships, and life circumstances can create barriers that limit our paths and make it necessary to switch gears. Exploring these and other issues in a warm and engaging setting can make a difference in the quality and satisfaction we achieve in our daily lives. I work with people to help develop useful, personal tools that serve their specific needs.
(224) 643-4049 View (224) 643-4049
Photo of Maria Cristina Castro, NCC, LCPC, Counselor
Maria Cristina Castro
Counselor, NCC, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grayslake, IL 60030
If I could give a newborn an advice, it would be to feel. The most wonderful and challenging gift of life is our emotions. However, most of the time people struggle to flourish in their life because we fear our own feelings. We, as a society, have been made to believe our emotions and thoughts have positive and negative essence. Thus, we develop fear in feeling our emotions based on the story we associate it with. My goal is to create a safe and brave space to feel your emotions without judgement and with compassion; to reflect your own strength and voice to speak your own story; and help reveal your truest Self.
If I could give a newborn an advice, it would be to feel. The most wonderful and challenging gift of life is our emotions. However, most of the time people struggle to flourish in their life because we fear our own feelings. We, as a society, have been made to believe our emotions and thoughts have positive and negative essence. Thus, we develop fear in feeling our emotions based on the story we associate it with. My goal is to create a safe and brave space to feel your emotions without judgement and with compassion; to reflect your own strength and voice to speak your own story; and help reveal your truest Self.
(847) 241-1932 View (847) 241-1932
Photo of Wayne Riendeau, MA, LCPC
Wayne Riendeau
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Grayslake, IL 60030
I have a passion for couples seeking to improve their relationship with their spouse or significant other and who yearn for deeper levels of emotional, relational and physical intimacy. I also come alongside parents and their children to develop better ways of communicating by giving them tools as to how to relate to each other in ways that create a calmer, more peaceful home, where defiant attitudes give way to mutual cooperation and higher levels of trust and respect between all family members.
I have a passion for couples seeking to improve their relationship with their spouse or significant other and who yearn for deeper levels of emotional, relational and physical intimacy. I also come alongside parents and their children to develop better ways of communicating by giving them tools as to how to relate to each other in ways that create a calmer, more peaceful home, where defiant attitudes give way to mutual cooperation and higher levels of trust and respect between all family members.
(224) 434-3155 View (224) 434-3155
1
Narrative Therapists

Is narrative therapy evidence-based?

Narrative therapy is not well-studied, and it may not be as effective in treating mental health conditions when compared with evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Some small studies do show that depressed and anxious individuals who were treated with narrative therapy reported improvement in anxiety and depression symptoms.

How long does narrative therapy last?

Narrative therapy is less structured when compared with psychoanalysis, for example. Narrative therapy is more open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a few months, and sometimes a year or longer. Patients see their therapist one to two times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a person’s challenges and progress. Individuals can also practice the principles of narrative therapy after treatment has ended.

Does narrative therapy work?

Narrative therapy can help a person manage or reduce symptoms of conditions like depression or anxiety. This type of therapy encourages a person to reflect on the moments of their life when their particular problem was not at the forefront of their minds—perhaps life celebrations, achievements, and other successes. The individual is encouraged to rewrite their storyline as if their particular problem was not part of their life. This therapy may offer benefits that are hard to measure.

What are the possible limitations of narrative therapy?

Narrative therapy is person-centered or client-centered, and the health professional pays more attention to the subjective narratives that are constructed by the client, as opposed to other objective measures. The therapist privileges the individual’s perspective over all others. This open form may feel frustrating for individuals seeking a more structured approach; certainly, no one therapy type will work for every individual.