Personality Disorders Therapists in River Forest, IL

Hello. You are probably reading this as a result of an issue that has been on your mind and are hoping to find some peace or come to a resolution. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a personable, down-to-earth approach willing to partner with you through your current struggle. I support a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic environment to discuss the thoughts and feelings that may be troubling for you. I have helped individuals, couples, and families with a vast array of mental health issues using a psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, or a family systems approach.

I have been practicing psychotherapy for 32 years. My clinical work centers around helping people develop satisfying relationships and lifestyles. We will work collaboratively to help you heal old wounds and make insightful meaning of your patterns of self-defeating thoughts and behaviors as they impact your current functioning and relationships. I will help you develop inner strength and creativity to remedy depression, anxiety, and unhappiness. Ultimately, you will ably make intentional choices about managing your life, goals, work, and relationships.

Does every day feel like Groundhog's Day--like you are struggling with the same issues you always did? Do you feel like you're not "good enough" or that you're not living-up to your full potential? Does it seem like your past is preventing you from enjoying your present? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! At some point, we all experience these feelings. I believe that we are all capable of growth and transformation. Through a positive client-therapist relationship, we will identify and examine patterns so that you break self-defeating behaviors, create healthier relationships, heal from past trauma, and enhance personal growth.

I see adults for both individual and couple's therapy addressing many common areas of concern, including: stress; anxiety; depression; relationship issues; intimacy & communication; self-esteem & identity issues; work & life satisfaction; meaning & purpose; and general unhappiness. My style is direct and collaborative. I use a flexible approach that is adapted to each individual or couple. My approach is especially effective at getting to the root of issues, sorting through the conflict and confusion, and portraying what the trouble is in a clear new light.

I have 25 years of experience as both a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor/teacher. I work with people with a wide range of emotional issues including: depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma, and early attachment difficulties. I believe psychotherapy is powerful tool and works best with people who are committed to deepening their understanding of themselves and their relationships. I will work collaboratively with you and listen closely as we examine both old and emerging ways of being and managing life's challenges.

I have been working for over 20 years as a therapist and utilize the therapeutic relationship as a vehicle for change- this remains the bedrock of my work. As a result, if the client does not feel we are the right fit on the first session I do not charge the client for the initial visit. I feel it is important for my clients to determine if I am the right fit for them.

I offer goal-oriented, collaborative psychotherapy to individuals who are experiencing distress or unhappiness with parts of their lives. Throughout therapy sessions that are interactive, I will share my thoughts and feelings about the challenges that you face along with strategies for creating change.

The majority of my training and work experience has specifically focused on the assessment and treatment of psychological trauma. I believe my job is to walk alongside my clients as they unpack their traumatic experiences, while providing continued safety and validation, all at their own pace. I have extensive experience in evidence based treatments for PTSD and have been successful in treating a wide variety of individuals. I have also completed specialized training in maternal mental health. I treat women dealing with mental health issues that come up during and after pregnancy, such as anxiety, depression, and OCD. I also help women navigate pregnancy loss, infertility, and traumatic births. As a mother myself, I am passionate about working with other mothers struggling with mental health issues related to pregnancy or the postpartum period.

I believe that times of crisis can also be times of transition and development. As a therapist, I strive to help clients put family and individual crises in the proper perspective, so they can begin to mobilize their own resources for change. Acceptance and insight into oneself and one's situation are powerful tools that therapy can enhance, both for adults and children of all ages. I have years of therapy experience helping clients cope with painful and difficult situations, including addiction/compulsions, damaged relationships, bereavement/loss, and abuse. The first session can be a powerful and positive step.

Life is filled with transitions, both good and painful, and it is our attention to those transitions that help us build joy and fulfillment in our lives. I believe that therapy is about a good match between the therapist and the person seeking assistance and that this partnership forms the basis for a real opportunity for self knowledge and growth. In our work together I provide a thoughtful, caring and safe space to attend to the life issues that are most in the forefront for you. With focused attention to those issues, surprising and hopeful things begin to occur.

I work best with clients who are troubled by anxiety, depression, relationship issues, losses or trauma, and life transition issues. I provide individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. I use a variety of treatment techniques including cognitive, psychodynamic, and client-centered therapies as well as behavior management strategies. My research on coping with traumatic life events has prepared me well to work with clients who have experienced trauma and crisis. A life crisis can be debilitating at first, but can lead to a search for meaning and dramatic new growth. It is exciting for me to accompany clients in this process!

Are you looking for an experienced, local therapist for yourself or a family member? I have had extensive experience, both professionally and personally, in treating both adults and children. who have suffered loss, childhood abuse, depression and shame. I am currently offering clients a choice between teletherapy or being seen in my Oak Park office.

We all need support in our lives and on our journeys, whether the journey is navigating a divorce emotionally intact, a sojourn through grief and loss of a loved one/job/identity/health, healing from complex trauma, or a journey of self actualization. I work with clients to assist them through a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting obstacles, career challenges, and communication problems. I also work with many people who have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, trauma, and survivors of suicide.

Life’s challenges happen suddenly. Without warning it feels like you can’t navigate through with confidence and calm. Instead, you are plagued with worry, hesitation, anxiety, and depression. At times, life feels like a ticking time bomb, and you are desperately searching for an effective means to diffuse it. But your coping skills aren’t working well enough, or maybe they weren’t that healthy in the first place. How are you supposed to get comfortable with the challenges you are experiencing, let alone feel you are responding in a healthy way, when everything around you – maybe even your person – can be so unpredictable?

When we are able to truly understand ourselves and our relationships, we can build a life of genuine meaning and connection. Many people enter into therapy only to find themselves gaining small amounts of insight that produce little or no changes in their life. My therapeutic methods produce results that not only change the way we feel about ourselves in the world but change our behaviors. I am respectful of the fact that everyone's pace and tolerance to different interventions varies. My work is reflective of the care and respect I have for each and every client as individuals.

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.

My goal as a therapist is to create a space where you feel comfortable and at ease. Building a trusting relationship is key. Within this accepting and empathic setting personal introspection and growth can take place. Whether you have been in therapy previously or are new to the journey, seeking therapy is not always easy. I understand that taking this first step can often be one of the biggest challenges. I will work with you in a partnership to identify what is currently working in your life and what may be holding you back.

Ashley works with and has a passion for providing services to individuals living with/battling mental health, learning, mood, performance, and traumatic dysregulations- from adolescents, adults, to older adults. She specializes in athletic/human performance psychology and substance use/misuse- harm reduction. Along with providing services, she has a dedication to being a light and a gatekeeper for the fields of mental health, counseling, clinical supervision, and sport psychology. It is her desire to see folks live in their purpose(s) and be the optimal versions of their true/authentic selves.

My name is Sarah Basler, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW. Therapy is a big step. I am happy you are looking for a therapist for yourself or a loved one. I have over 20 years of experience providing counseling to adolescents and adults. I have experience treating substance use, anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma. My goal is to help you on your path to healing. I like to meet you where you are and help you be the best version of yourself. Transitions and life can be hard. I am here to guide you through life's challenges.