Positive Psychology Therapists in 60005

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over ten years of experience working with individuals, couples, families and children, contending with a wide range of issues, from mild adjustment difficulties to more chronic issues. I believe that a successful therapy experience occurs within a unique therapist-client relationship that is safe,collaborative, empowering and person focused. I draw from a range of treatment approaches to tailor treatment based on the presenting problem, current research, and the specific life circumstances and personal attributes that are unique to my clients.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s of Science Degree in Counseling from Eastern Illinois University. I have over 14 years of experience working with college age and adult students with learning disabilities, mental health issues, and other conditions requiring the need for academic accommodations. Since 2019 I have utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques in private practice to work with clients 11 years old to adults diagnosed with anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD and other mental health conditions.

"Sometimes all we need is a little support and we find our way..." my practice includes working with Individuals, couples and families. Frequently people come to me for help when they are encountering difficulties. These difficulties can be small issues while other times they may be more significant and complex. Either way, I can assist you to begin to make the positve changes you desire. This may include helping you develop better skills and techniques. Other times it may be to help you begin the healing process to address past trauma and emotional pain. I am here to help.

I use an integrative approach to therapy that is collaborative, solution-focused, and aimed at creating meaningful movement towards positive change. I want to provide a safe, secure, and non-judgmental environment in which clients can feel free to openly discuss their thoughts and feelings. I am a member of the LGBTQ community and thoroughly enjoy helping clients overcome their fear and anxiety and move towards a more authentic life. I additionally enjoy helping couples and families improve communication and overall relationship dynamics. I believe that change happens when knowledge and experiences are shared.

I get it! Asking for help is hard. Especially when you wear ALL of the hats- student, parent, spouse, friend, employee, boss. But that is exhausting having to make sure everyone else is happy and everything around you is running smoothly. You might find yourself worrying about everything else- and you forget about yourself. Then add a stressful life experience or traumatic upbringing to the mix and you find yourself wondering who you are, what makes you happy, how you are going to get through this, and how you got here in the first place. Things can get tough and I am here to help you through it.

I have spent my entire career working with and advocating for students with disabilities. After earning my bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, I worked as the coordinator and educator of a high school alternative program. I then completed my master’s degree in clinical counseling at Adler School of Professional Psychology. For the past 13 years, I have served as a counselor in the access and disabilities department at a local community college as well as an adjunct faculty instructor in the Human Services department.

I've been therapy field since even before graduating from Adler School of Prof. Psych, over 10 years ago! I have an extreme passion & dedication to assisting my clients through difficult times, relationships & all of life's stressors. My client centered approach allows me to form a specific plan for you, & allows all your needs to be met, at the pace you set. I am extremely open, friendly, and happy to work around your busy life! Some of my specialities are: Couples & Families, Individuals, Teens, Pre-teens (and much more).Please contact me to get started on the life you want to lead!

Your teen might not need therapy but they want help with goals and to learn about themselves. With coaching, they get that plus cheerleading and accountability to discover who they truly are. Your Gen Zer is ready to develop into an aligned version of themselves. Whether it’s to be an Olympic athlete or to make the high school swim team. To get into an elite university or to explore the world. I help them figure out goals that match the future version of themselves so that they can live the life they desire.

When you are struggling with problems that seem new and confusing, or come up against issues that have been with you most of your life, your wise inner Self may say, “It’s time for some help.” I will journey with you as you identify needs, remove blocks, and make choices resulting in greater freedom. A safe, consistent environment will allow you to ask the questions, dare to hear the answers, and commit to doing whatever you decide will enrich, will deepen, your life. I will listen intently, focus questions, suggest different perspectives, explore strategies for addressing stuck places, and support your courageous efforts to change.

I would be honored to support you on your journey towards healing and living a more present and connected life. I specialize in trauma. For several years I have supported clients in healing from acute trauma, complex PTSD and chronic trauma. I firmly believe that we all have within us the natural ability to heal from trauma. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can find your voice and feel empowered to move through life’s ups and downs with flexibility and confidence. I work with adults across the lifespan and understand firsthand the importance of being a culturally competent therapist.

We will work collaboratively to empower you to live the life you want. I provide a welcoming and positive environment to address my clients' concerns and give them the space they need to process their difficult life experiences and develop useful skills to manage their challenges in a more effective way. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I provide therapy in both English and Spanish.

I have been working in the Chicago area with communities of different populations since 2010. My experience is largely with adolescents and young adults, but I also work with elementary age children as well as families and individuals with special needs. In my sessions, I like to utilize Art Therapy and mindfulness to help my clients learn to process their emotions and thoughts in a unique way. Areas that can be processed through art therapy can vary depending on client needs, but can include- trauma and acute stress, anxiety and depression, changes in family, academic difficulties, and much more.

Expert couples counselors can help if you are fighting too much, feeling distant or not sure if you want to stay together. We help couples who want to find a better way of communicating, fight less, and feel more connected. Experienced and effective. Working with couples is our only specialty. Choosing a professional you can trust can be challenging. We have a problem-solving approach that combines education, coaching and the latest research.

"In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety" (Abraham Maslow). Deciding to make changes in one's life takes courage. For many of us life can be difficult. Whether it's addiction, depression, relationship issues or just the fears and insecurities of life, we all have challenges we must face. Therapy is meant to be a safe place where we are able to find courage to walk through these challenges and to find real hope with practical help.

My professional experience is with adolescents, preteens and young adults. As young people try to navigate the social and developmental changes that come with this time of accelerated physical, cognitive, and emotional growth, many struggle to figure out who they are in the world. This struggle can lead to poor choices, conflict with family and friends, and difficulty feeling confident. In some cases the challenges compound and young people develop mental health issues. I have had the privilege of spending countless hours providing therapy to adolescents with anxiety, depression, self-injury, school failure, low self-confidence, and peer/family conflict.

We all experience difficult emotions throughout the course of our lives. Pain, of all kinds, is a part of the human experience. Significant problems arise when pain turns into suffering. I believe by changing the way we view ourselves and view the world, we can alleviate suffering. My goal in therapy is to create a space for you to explore new ways of experiencing life's most difficult emotions.

My philosophy to treatment is to "test first so there are no questions later!" This means the first step is to identify all the major factors contributing to your problem, as well as any smaller problems that could be having an impact. Often, what seems to be one problem is really something else entirely. This diagnostic clarity is accomplished by administering a battery of tests personalized to your unique presentation. By identifying specific areas in need of intervention, the rate of recovery increases and much more targeted treatments can be implemented.

How did you end up here? Are you struggling with relationship problems, school, finances, anxiety, depression, or all of the above? Perhaps you've developed addictive ways to cope with problems, and you want a better solution. Fortunately, research suggests that therapy/counseling with a professional works! Clients achieve ultimate happiness when they change how they think, feel and behave. When you change yourself, you will find that your relationships, mood, and overall life circumstances dramatically improve!

My idea of an ideal client is one who is brave enough to ask for help. We are not born with innate problem solving skills in all areas of life. Every one of us is unique and have different experiences and outlooks on life. When there is a lack of cohesion in ones life or struggles in relationships, emotional issues, we may need to reach out to a professional for guidance. Even clients who are less than cooperative or unwilling to engage in therapy can be helped with a good therapist. I can provide that guidance and help you be the best "you" you can be. We've only got one life to live. The goal is, to live it well!