Therapists in Illinois

It's not easy to talk to a stranger about the things that make us feel most vulnerable. It's difficult to hope that things could be better or to believe that we could be loved or accepted once we are fully known. I work with my clients in an atmosphere of respect, believing the best things for you that you cannot see right now, working together towards the goals that you courageously speak out loud. After 15 years in practice, I have seen so many people find freedom from the fears and symptoms that hold them back and it brings me great joy and honor to walk beside them as they heal.

You deserve to smile, laugh, and not be held back by fear. Sometimes people can experience scary, intrusive thoughts that cause anxiety and panic. This distress can feel debilitating and even make you think you are losing control of your mind. Whether you are struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, or intense anxiety and panic, I want to help assist you in the process towards addressing these fears and recovering your life.

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!

I am passionate about offering a holistic approach to therapy that prioritizes helping clients connect and understand the link between mind and body. I have a background working with clients struggling with anxiety, OCD, negative self esteem, trauma related stressors, life transitions, and specific training in substance and behavioral addictions. I am a licensed social worker who obtained my Masters in Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago.

You’ve experienced some traumatic events in your life. Immediately afterwards, you might feel shock and denial. Longer term reactions might be unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. It can be hard to move on with life. I can help you find positive ways to manage your emotions. I am trained in trauma treatment and in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distresses that are the result of disturbing life experiences.

As a therapist, I believe whole-heartedly in the potential of every client, while honoring their unique identity and experiences. I specialize in working with teens and adults, especially those who want to explore and address anxiety, depression, OCD, relationship issues, body image, sexuality, gender, and self-acceptance. Additionally, I am certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy, which helps to alleviate and eliminate chronic pain.

Reaching out to a therapist for help can be scary. As someone who has been on both sides of the couch, I understand firsthand how overwhelming the process can be. I want you to feel comfortable, safe, and supported through your mental health journey! I incorporate compassion, empathy, humor, and understanding into every session. I also have a therapy bunny, named Benny, who loves to jump into the laps of clients and beg for attention. I want you to look forward to your sessions, and I am ready to create a therapeutic bond with you.

Dr. Saad has extensive experience working with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, self-injury, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Autism, and substance abuse in children, adolescents, and adults. Heather is a clinician that facilitates therapy with an emphasis on the idea that peace of mind is a holistic approach, a balance of mind, body, and spirit. Heather specializes in Anxiety Disorders including OCD, Mood Disorders including Depression, boundary setting, unhealthy relationship "detox", childhood trauma/ inner child work, CPTSD, survivors of abuse, narcissistic abuse, and divorce.

Have you suffered a recent loss or are impacted by painful experiences from your past? Do relentless "what if" thoughts plague your mind, leaving you wondering if OCD is the culprit? Perhaps you've grappled with both, feeling overwhelmed by shame or fear. As a specialist in trauma and OCD, I'm here to provide the support you need. My approach is rooted in collaboration, honoring your strengths and nurturing the connections already within you.

Hello, My name is Michelle Locke. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been actively practicing as a social worker since 1996 and as an LCSW since 2015. My skill set and professional experience lend themselves to supporting various individuals with Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), and Spirituality. I enjoy keeping people in therapy through Christian Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Compassion Focused, Strength-Based, and Trauma Focused therapies. I believe that treatment helps people find true hope and healing for the pain we experience at times in life.

I specialize in women's mental health, including but not limited to, anxiety, OCD and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. I am a Certified Perinatal Mental Health therapist, through Postpartum Support International. Providing therapy to women who are struggling during pregnancy, postpartum and infertility and loss is a main focus of my treatment. I also hold certifications in both domestic violence and sexual assault crisis intervention. Additionally, I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), effective for both anxiety and OCD.

Whether you are looking to cope with mental health concerns or eager to explore and understand yourself more fully, therapy can guide you to a more fulfilling daily experience that you can carry with you over your lifetime. Taking the step to start therapy is a move made out of courage and strength. I believe that through evidence supported treatment, humor, collaboration and a strong, supportive therapeutic relationship, change can begin from the moment we meet. Let's work together to help you build a life worth living!

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I’m experienced in addressing various mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma/PTSD, life transition/stressors, relational problems, and self-esteem issues. I have experience working with individuals from various mental health treatment settings such as outpatient therapy office, inpatient psychiatric hospital, and residential treatment center. I believe effective therapy relies on genuine therapeutic relationships built on collaboration and trust.

I believe that everyone deserves to have a safe and welcoming space to enter where they can work on whatever is on their mind without having to be concerned about what the therapist thinks or feels. Coming to therapy can be difficult because it can mean having to face some difficult truths and realizations. Your well-being is important, and you don't have to face your struggles alone. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or any other concern, there are therapists who are ready to listen. Together, we will work at a pace that is appropriate and manageable to achieve your goals.

If anxiety has been limiting your ability to enjoy life, I can teach you to successfully manage your difficult thoughts and navigate situations that scare you. I approach each patient with warmth, flexibility, and gentle humor, specializing in solution-focused treatments including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, mindfulness, and DBT. My ultimate goal is to help you develop the skills and understanding to both overcome your current difficulties and better deal with whatever life may throw at you. With successful treatment, you will be able to begin or resume activities that you never thought possible.

If you are feeling trapped and consumed by anxiety, an eating disorder, body image distress or OCD, I am a personable, compassionate and non-judgmental therapist who can help you take charge of your life again. I would feel privileged to provide you with a safe space and useful coping tools in a friendly therapeutic setting. Intense emotions and obsessive thinking often take us out of the present moment and slow our progress towards a life of passion, presence and purpose.

As a Cognitive Behavioral Psychologist, I utilize empirically supported treatments, humor, genuineness and empathy to treat a variety of problems including: panic disorder, social anxiety, OCD, BFRBs, PTSD, generalized anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation, and ADHD. I also work with those who are dealing with sexual orientation/identity issues and relationship (work, family, romantic) concerns. We will work collaboratively to move you towards your goals and to help you improve your relationships with others and yourself, so that you can live a more satisfying life. Come as you are, and leave as you are at your best.

Sometimes life throws you a curveball or two. Some people have been dealt a difficult card from the start. I believe we all possess the tools needed to get through times of adversity, but at times, may need a little guidance. Having an objective ally to cheer you on can really make the difference in reaching your goals and feeling confident along the way. I strive to create a stimulating, comfortable, and safe place for people to be vulnerable. I tend to have a relaxed conversational style, while using evidenced based materials and approaches. I am committed to jumping in the muck with you so we can find solutions together.

I enjoy working with many different types of issues in a setting that promotes honesty, growth and trust. My specialties are Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders and using Cognitve-Behavioral techiques on various issues.