Therapists in Oak Park, IL

I provide non judgemental and subjective feedback to clients who may have emotional, behavioral and mental health disorders. My keen understanding of diverse backgrounds allows me to be highly responsive to a client's individual needs and circumstances. I am also very passionate about staying current with the latest evidence-based research and techniques which may be able to benefit my clients. Building a strong rapport with my clients is of the utmost importance, allowing me to accurately assess and treat my client's emotional/mental health needs.

" I believe it is important to work collaboratively with clients, offering hope and guidance in addressing and resolving problems of living. I assist individuals, couples and families to feel happier and more in control of their lives by engaging them sensitively, with due attention to each person's unique circumstances and personal strengths. Providing education about mental health issues and feedback about the successes and failures of the various solutions that clients have tried are central to my approach."

Dr. Brietzke specializes in the neuropsychological evaluation of a wide range of disorders of the brain including head injuries, ADHD, learning difficulties, emotional problems and memory disorders. The neuropsychological testing offered by Dr. Brietzke provides a more specific understanding of brain functioning than psychological, psychiatric or school-based testing does, resulting in more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment. He also integrates the cutting-edge neuroimaging and brainmapping tools with traditional neuropsychological tests. This allows for unprecedented levels of understanding of an individual's underlying brain processes and opens up many new treatment options.

In moments of stress or discord, everyone copes the best they have available to them. As a trauma informed and DBT focused therapist, I believe in the power shame reduction can have in peoples lives, alongside building concrete skills, and unlearning narratives that no longer serve us. I often see clients who may feel at odds with themselves and want to adapt or grow their ability to handle distress. Although change can be uncomfortable, I work alongside clients to rediscover personal strengths and help find a "core" or "root" that may have felt lost or distant. I commend you for stepping into vulnerability.

My ideal client is working with a family that is struggling to find a good fit with a therapist.

I approach my clinical work with a grounding in my deeply-held belief that all human beings have infinite worth. My goal for all individuals with whom I work is to support each person's path towards experiencing that worth within themselves. Having worked in the mental health field for the past 16 years with children, adolescents, adults, and families, I have utilized this philosophy to guide the process of therapy with individuals having a wide range of challenges, from autism spectrum disorders to struggles with mood and anxiety to relationship problems.

Very rarely in our lives are we given the opportunity and the space to truly look at ourselves, where we have been, and the person we are looking to become. At Kate Giandonato & Associates, we create an environment where you can safely look at yourself, relationships, and potential barriers to achieving your goals. Our relationship-based training in Social Work + Child Development has given us the background to notice and work through the conflicting messages, thoughts and emotions present not only in the parent-child relationship, but in every relationship. We work with our clients to better understand and negotiate these most important relationships.

Everyone goes through times of struggle and needs someone to listen, reflect and help them move forward. We specialize in working with persons who have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect. Trauma can lead to many life issues & symptoms that we can help you manage & alleviate. Using trauma-informed attachment focused psychotherapy we provide parents with therapeutic skills to help their children heal. I have worked with families, kids, & adults for 25 of years who have various mental illnesses and emotional challenges. Everyone deserves happiness & we can help you through the healing process to restore your mind, body & spirit.

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.

My career has focused on working with children from birth through their teen years and their families. Whether impacted by trauma and attachment issues, behavioral concerns or managing difficult emotions, my goal is to help you and your family get back on track sharing laughter, joy and connection.

Does your life seem to be less fulfilling and you do not know why? Look no further. Your best life is waiting. I work to provide a safe space and collaborate with clients on finding their inner strengths to utilize them in building resiliency. I work to guide children ages four and older, adolescents, adults, couples, and first responders to reach their goals and experience a happier life. Given my experience working in emergency rooms, outpatient, residential and schools, I understand how the impact of these challenges can often leave people feeling unable to participate in life roles that lead to life satisfaction.

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.

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.

My goal is to provide you the space to heal and the opportunity to journey into the parts of yourself that you love, judge, the parts that you only somewhat know, the places you avoid, or the places you do not know at all. Together, we will learn about your resilience, pain, and possibilities. The process of growth takes sitting through our discomforts and using them as opportunities to heal our invisible wounds. Once we can increase our self-awareness, we can respond in the best ways we know how. Whether you are an individual, couple, or family, I provide the space for healing and growing - individually and relationally.

New Availability Limited Spots Open Wednesdays and Fridays 10 am - 12 pm! I understand that life transitions, making decisions, and feeling comfortable with who you are can feel isolating and I want you to know you are not alone. I focus on creating a meaningful, therapeutic, and authentic relationship. Seeking support can feel overwhelming, so I commit to fostering a space that is non-judgmental, empathetic, and validating. My approach to psychotherapy involves creative exploration through person-centered and strength-based techniques.

LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services offers services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I am a bilingual (Mandarin) Clinical Psychologist. My style is warm, practical and straightforward. I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, autism, substance-related disorder, ADHD and trauma. I have worked extensively with culturally diverse school-aged children (5-18), and I also enjoy working with and providing support and coaching for the parents/caregivers. I use a collaborative approach with clients of all ages to help develop treatment goals that are observable and developmentally appropriate.

If you’re struggling to cope with past traumas, I can help you identify how this is showing up in your present and offer the tools that will create the path to your desired future. Trauma impedes our natural ability as humans to be able to identify and reach goals, and connect and form relationships with others. I know that this can all be worked through with a positive therapeutic relationship and guidance to rediscovering the inner knowing you possess about what you truly need to thrive. My personal approach to therapy is what allows for others to connect with me- I am laid-back, direct, funny, caring, and non-judgement.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years experience working with Adults, Teens, Children, and Families to address a variety of issues. My specialty areas of focus are Child and Adolescents, Family Conflict, ADHD in children and adults, PTSD, Traumatic Events, Grief, Anxiety, Depression and Parenting. I am a non-traditional and creative therapist that incorporates a number of techniques and am respected in the field and by my clients for my unique and straightforward approach to engagement and treatment.

As a therapist, I work to create a warm, inviting and safe space to speak with clients. I work tenaciously with clients to see a positive change and growth they desire. I see therapy as a partnership and an opportunity for clients benefit from the skills they attain. I work with people of all ages and circumstances, however my areas of specialty are working with children and adolescents, individuals with mental illness, individuals facing mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and families that have children in special education or in need of school support.