Teletherapy for 60301

Hello! My name is Michelle Wong (she/hers) and I’m a provisionally licensed therapist at Innovative Counseling Partners PLLC in Oak Park. I received my training and Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. My approach to the therapeutic process is integrative and I create a non-judgmental, safe, fruitful, healthy, and fun relationship. I value empathic understanding, compassion, diversity, and creativity.

Higher Ground Wellness Group’s mission is to provide a safe therapeutic space for all people, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Our vision is to end stigma in BIPOC communities regarding seeking mental health services, by increasing awareness and access to mental health resources. It is a courageous choice to seek therapy and with over 50 years of combined experience, Higher Ground Wellness Group is committed to providing extensive, high quality therapeutic services for individuals, couples, families in a safe and non-judgmental environment that reinforces emotional, physical, and mental wellness.

Through more than 20 years of experience, I have worked extensively with individuals, couples and multi-generational families providing treatment for a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. I grew up in a large & humble home; learning and understanding the complexities of dealing with different types of personalities, sometimes in difficult circumstances at an early age. My goal is to see clients do amazing work in treatment by strengthening their coping skills, removing limiting beliefs, resolving conflicts, and lifestyle changes through a positive way of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

" I strongly believe in the strength of the human spirit and work with people to capitalize on their strengths. My clients find me empowering and supportive. One of my strengths is challenging thoughts that limit who you can be and what you can do. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor. I graduated with a Master's Degree in Counseling/Psychology from Illinois Benedictine College. I provide professional counseling and consultation to individuals, couples, , and families.

Trenae Bates is an experienced licensed clinical social worker with several years of experience in the mental health field. Trenae has a relaxed , nonjudgmental therapeutic style that she utilizes with all of her clients. Trenae has experience treating a variety of mental health struggles such as depression, anger management, suicidal ideation, trauma, anxiety and more. Trenae approaches each client's situation differently but thoroughly. Trenae provides a listening ear, practical support, and an individualized treatment approach to tackle the concerns of the client.

I have been working in the mental health field for nearly two decades, with a diverse array of clients: adults, adolescents, children, families, couples, groups, foster care, substance abuse, mental illness and more. I offer telehealth services and/or my office is conveniently located near public transportation and off street parking. I offer day, and evening appointments and will work with you, or your insurance, to assure coverage. I would like the opportunity to build a collaborative therapeutic relationship with you and provide you with the support, honesty and understanding we all need to grow.

Chicago native, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience working with children and adults. I love helping children blossom into their own identities, empowering women through a variety of life changes and personal growth, and supporting men with self-love. As a current PhD Candidate in Organizational Leadership and Certificate in Women's Entrepreneurship, I'm able to explore the anxieties around leadership, workplace and entrepreneurial stress.

For many years, I have been helping my clients to lead happier and more fulfilling lives. One of my main psychotherapy approaches is cognitive-behavioral therapy, a well-established, efficient and effective form of psychotherapy. It directly targets the patient's thinking, and behavior, patterns that are producing psychological problems, and teaches the patient to change those patterns. In marital and family therapy, I help the parties to communicate better with one another and to reach agreements acceptable to all. If the children have behavior problems, I often help the parents to become more effective disciplinarians.

Erika Figgers is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2013. She has a Masters of Social Work from Indiana University. Erika has experience working with individuals impacted by mental health, trauma, substance abuse, HIV, grief/loss, and homelessness. She is passionate about her work because she feels everyone has the capacity to learn, change, and create a better quality of life. Erika approaches her clients with holistic counseling to look at all areas of their life to create strategies to meet their needs.

Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.

Rob Bender, LCSW, CADC, helps clients experience immediate and sustained relief, improved mood, and enhanced performance. He supports children, adolescents and adults with identifying and building on strengths. Rob received an undergraduate degree from Illinois Benedictine and an MSW from Aurora University. He has over 20 years of experience in corporate therapy, private practice, schools, and juvenile probation. In addition to his counseling experience, Rob served as an adjunct professor for graduate and undergraduate clinical programs at Aurora University. In therapy, Rob specializes in a strength-based, solution-focused approach.

Katarina Berin, LPC, believes that change starts with reciprocity and respect in the therapy relationship. She encourages self-expression, affirmation, feedback, learning, and self-awareness to help clients set goals and make new behaviors possible. Katarina earned a graduate degree in community counseling from Loyola University Chicago. She works with clients age 7 to 76 and, while delighted by all life stages, has a special place in her heart for adolescents and young adults. Katarina helps individuals facing various challenges learn to live with energy, flexibility, and peace.

Dr. Christine T. Look is a Psychologist in Illinois who has been practicing since 1998. Dr. Look works with individuals, couples, and families facing life challenges. As a psychologist, she sees therapy as a collaborative process between client and therapist. Her role is to provide a safe and confidential space for clients, to understand the nature of their concerns and the challenges facing them. Together, Dr. Look works with clients to identify therapy goals that will create positive changes in their life. The process of therapy is individual.

Are you and your partner at a crossroads in your relationship? Does it feel like the two of you speak different languages? Are you tired of arguing and feeling misunderstood? If this sounds like you, I am ready to help you get back on track with your relationship.

Are you finding it hard to concentrate? Feeling sad and down in the dumps? Do you find it hard to rest at night? It's possible that you may be dealing with some level of depression or anxiety. I would love to help. You deserve a life that is meaningful and satisfying. I provide a safe space for you to process your feelings and to gain an understanding of how to better manage your life.

Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tenhers and fathers navigating prenatal/postpartum depression.

Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.