Therapists in Oak Park, IL

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with adults and couples in a person-centered approach and have training in emotionally-focused therapy, attachment theory, EMDR, and psychodrama. I also have a fine arts, music, dance, and psychodrama background. I utilize an eclectic approach to accommodate what works best for each individual, seeking to foster a safe, comfortable environment to help each client fulfill their treatment goals. I have experience working with range of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, divorce, extramarital affairs, relationship challenges, premarital, men's issues, and life adjustments.

I specialize in working with folk who are queer, neurodivergent, and/or going through major life transitions. I recognize that beginning a journey toward greater self-discovery can be daunting. To be successful in this endeavor, it is crucial to feel understood and valued along the way. To this end, I approach the therapeutic relationship in a collaborative way and provide a person-centered, feminist therapeutic relationship characterized by radical validation and unconditional positive regard, focusing on your strengths, helping you to deepen agency and self-awareness, and emphasizing compassion and empathy throughout treatment.

Supervising since 2005, and a previous Director of Training with over 20 years of experience, I consider it a privilege to offer meaningful work for children, adolescents, adults, couples, parents, and families. Through a genuine caregiving, positive lens I provide support to others. Through the relationship-oriented, Inner Humanism approach, I offer an understanding of development across the lifespan. The care individuals receive is characterized by achieving an inner well-being and happiness that remains stable and conflict free regardless of life obstacles, family changes, and daily ups and downs.

Life can be challenging and overwhelming for everyone. As we attempt to navigate in these uncertain times, therapy can be a great benefit in helping us cope with the stressors of everyday life. In me you will find an honest, non-judgmental and experienced therapist dedicated to helping you unlock and reach your potential. Whether you have been experiencing depression, anxiety, traumatic stress or or you just need someone to listen, I will be there to help guide you in meeting your goals.

Taking steps to improve your quality of life may begin with reaching out to a therapist. I welcome you to give me a call! I have built my therapeutic practice upon the guiding principles of support and collaboration. We will work towards determining challenges and obstacles in your life and create a plan that is individualized to your needs. I take a functional approach to healing and help clients determine underlying challenges to health and wellness. I truly enjoy providing a space to help clients gain insight and understanding in order to move towards balance with improved quality of 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 tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.

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.

Are you feeling off center? Whether your symptoms are physical, emotional, cognitive, or spiritual, your happiness and health matter! Anxiety and frustration are often a result of being out of alignment with your sense of self. Coming back to center is like remembering who you are. I can help you strengthen your relationship with yourself by helping you to identify your needs and set healthy boundaries. Listening inward is a practice of self-compassion, which is an important foundation for sustainable wellness. Don't let life put you on the sidelines. Let's tap into your personal power and create the life you want to live!

Congratulations on taking the difficult, but brave, step to research options for support! I am here to act as a GPS on your journey to self actualization - whether you currently find yourself in the packing stage, are determining your destination, or you're looking to discover "how did I end up here?' My passion and my training work to aid you in defining your truths and walking boldly in them. Wellness is achieved when you can look at your worn-out shoes and esteem them for getting you this far instead of forever cursing the road that damaged them. Be well.

ONLINE COUNSELING AVAILABLE! Get counseling without going out. I specialized in remote online counseling. I have immediate openings for daytime, evening, and weekend appointments. My passion is working with individuals relating to grief and other life transitions; which include, employment exit strategies, career decisions while identifying gifts and talents, finding your life calling and coaching through life altering events. I am a excellent couples counselor and whether you are preparing for marriage or married, I can help you become better communicators and partners for life.

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.

(She/Her/Hers) Over the years, I have built a practice devoted to improving the lives of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, struggling with a number of different issues. More recently, I have shifted my focus from clinical practice to the training of pre-licensed and early career therapists. I very much enjoy mentoring as it gives me the opportunity to share all that I have learned in my two decades of providing psychotherapy.

Elena Vassallo has twenty-eight years of experience helping people with anxiety, depression, grief, phase of life transitions, low self-esteem, feelings of meaninglessness, relationship issues and more.

Seeking therapy is a courageous and important decision. As your therapist, I am honored to meet you in your current state. I am here to support you in creating meaningful change and growth in your personal wellbeing. I strive to create an environment of safety, warmth, and compassion, in order to empower you to optimize your potential and live a meaningful life. I am a licensed professional counselor, with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, couples, and families in addressing needs related to trauma, anxiety, depression, and adjustment.

I am a licensed psychologist, a Jungian psychoanalyst and a certified addictions counselor. I also have training in recovery work, Gestalt therapy and am a certified yoga instructor. I use these perspectives appropriately for the unique benefit of the client who sits in front of me. I try to meet each person with freshness each session. I advocate for change in the power dynamic between people and within the psyche and support my clients to become their most authentic and fullest self.

My ideal clients? They're a colorful bunch, representing diverse backgrounds and facing issues like past trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship twists, and the journey of self-discovery. They're on a mission for clarity, healing, and personal growth. They crave a therapist who's all about keeping it real, serving up those honest truths, and providing the answers, support, and guidance that'll help them conquer their struggles, transforming into even more resilient and empowered versions of themselves.

My services are completely client focused. Depending on the client's needs, my goal is to help my client address unresolved trauma that is currently affecting their daily life, provide brief symptom focused treatment, provide life coaching and assist client in setting life goals and setting them on the path to achievement. I currently accept commercial insurance as well as those with Illinois Medicaid, so everyone is able to receive quality mental health services. You can also access my services via the Grow Therapy App.

We live in a chaotic world with countless uncertainties where much of the time, we may not be ready for what hits us day in and day out. My philosophy of care is that despite this chaos, everyone has incredible abilities within themselves that simply need a little bit of help to come out. The idea that people are broken or weak is a flawed one as people are in fact, overwhelmingly resilient even when you don’t feel like it. If you’re ready to be challenged, to nurture and bet on yourself that you can flourish, I openly invite you to get in touch with me so we can begin this process together.

Have you been considering seeing a therapist? Or maybe you were recommended to meet with a therapist. Interested in modifying or changing some undesirable behaviors? If you are feeling the need to talk through some challenging situations...You've come to the right place!! I provide individual counseling support to adolescents and adults experiencing various challenges. Areas of specialty includes depression, anxiety, stress reduction, self-esteem/confidence, parenting education, and life skills. Are you ready to accept the challenge to address those behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and experiences? You have made the RIGHT CHOICE!!!