Reality Therapy in Lake Bluff, IL

**Currently providing virtual sessions for all Medicaid plans** Life does not always go as planned especially when our life seems overwhelming, stressful, or seemingly unmanageable? Together, we will work to identify your strengths and areas of concern in your life and establish a plan to help you achieve your goals. My goal is to provide a sincere, thoughtful, and safe environment where my clients can process their feelings and increase self-awareness, confidence, and learn new coping skills. Whether you struggle with negative thoughts, stress, depression, addiction, or finding balance in your life, I am able to help.

Brian McKenna helps individuals and families gain skills for life so they can achieve a healthy level of functioning, renewed hope, and happiness in their lives. His collaborative approach involves other essential relationships and resources to optimize outcomes, fostering a strong therapeutic alliance between himself and the individual. These two strategies are the most important factors to change and healing. Brian inspires and motivates people to become healthier, happier and more connected in their relationships, as seen in his Tedx Talk which can be found on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEGV7Dpxta4

Jesse M Perez is a licensed psychotherapist with a decade of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults from a myriad of backgrounds. He has a Master’s Degree in Educational Specialist in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University Chicago. He believes therapy to be a collaborative effort where he is highly engaged and active in the work with my clients. His clinical experience and interests include working with individuals and families dealing with ADHD, depression, anxiety, anger, peer difficulties, and complex trauma among adolescents and children.

My outlook on life is that we are all on a journey. Some people move faster than others. Some need a helping hand along the way; but we can all arrive to where we are going, where we want to be…every single one of us. I am here to help motivate when you lack motivation. I am here to listen when you feel unheard. I am here to push when you feel weak, or pull when you don’t feel strong enough. I’m also here to sit with you when you aren’t ready or feel unable to make a decision. I am here at your pace.

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor who works with adults, couples, adolescents, and families having difficulties with anxiety, depression, relationships, stress management, chronic pain, and chronic illness. I use a cognitive behavioral approach supplemented as needed with interpersonal skill building, and education. I am solution focused. I provide clients with the tools they need to better themselves and/or their circumstances.

Life can be challenging at times, and it's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed and exhausted from trying to manage everything on your own. If you're doing your best but still struggling to get ahead, don't worry – I'm here to help! I will be with you every step of the way as you work towards your goals and become the best person you can be. I will take the time to learn who you are as an individual and what matters most in your life. I will value your strengths, listen carefully to your needs, and guide you toward healing and lasting change.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience providing evidence-based therapy to adolescents, children, and adults. In my work, I explore ways to find the best therapy for each individual that will help him/her return to an emotional balance enabling more enjoyment in life and improving all interpersonal relationships. I do my best to practice the tenets of empathy and unconditional positive regard while using an eclectic approach that informs my therapy including Humanistic, Family Systems, CBT, DBT, Solutions Focused, schematic therapy, reality, and relational therapy.

My belief is that everyone has the ability to change their lives. Our work starts where clients feel safe, in a space without judgement, to develop a mindset to make intentional changes happen for themselves. With empathy and support, I help my clients develop resilience, and seek clarity to move forward to create a life that makes them happy.

All humans want to feel heard, seen, and valued. Regardless of who you are or what you are facing, I am focused on creating a safe space, meeting you where you are, building a strong rapport, and enhancing your emotional and body literacy. I love working with individuals across many demographics and am experienced in supporting adolescents, young adults, and adults struggling with a variety of challenges. I am a relatable and compassionate therapist focused on helping you identify and achieve your short and long-term goals.

I know starting this process can be daunting and takes courage. I am here to support you and take things one step at a time. Trust, sensitivity, empowerment, and empathy are at the core of my practice so that each client may feel completely safe in their most challenging and vulnerable moments. I believe everyone has the ability to change and grow. I help clients learn healthy coping skills, restructure negative thinking, build confidence within themselves and their relationships, and feel empowered and balanced in their lives.

Life is full of ups and downs, challenges and joys. My passion is to work with individuals (adolescents - seniors) and couples as they navigate their own respective journeys. Whether you are dealing with stress, loss, anxiety, depression, anger, life changes, health or marital issues - being able to help you overcome obstacles as you continue on your path is my goal. No two people experience life the same way, and being able to develop treatment plans and goals to help you be successful is what I find most rewarding.

For me, the ideal psychotherapy clients are people who have experienced life's challenges and are motivated to make changes. They have goals they wish to complete to improve their life. I enjoy working with clients who are ready to work with me while being fully engaged in the process. New techniques and behaviors can be scary and I am here to help my clients along the way.

I am a supportive and empathic therapist who cares deeply about individuals feeling better. Life can be extremely challenging and stressful. My goal is to offer guidance to help you or a family member through these difficult times with loving, nurturing care and support. I am a seasoned clinical social worker with more than forty years of experience. I worked at Stevenson High School as the Social Work Coordinator for eighteen years and recently as the Director for Clinical Services at a therapeutic day school.

Struggling with substance abuse, anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, relationship conflicts, anger, or self-esteem issues? Having a safe space to process these challenges with support is crucial. You deserve a therapist you can trust to have your best interests in mind as you regain control of your life, find peace, and achieve lasting well-being. Whether your goal is sobriety, symptom management, adaptability, self-worth, resilience, improved relationships, or a better quality of life, your journey to personal growth starts here. Let's take the first step towards healing and growth together.

I hold a Doctorate Degree and a license as a Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I have extensive professional experience, training, & skill supporting children & adults with concerns including relationship & family conflict, trauma, autism, intellectual disabilities, behavior issues, ADHD, & parent coaching. I worked in residential, hospitals, private practice, & in-house counseling. I facilitated group & individual supervision, parenting education, couples, groups, family, & substance use therapy. I have taught counseling courses and developed training curriculum.

My experience and educational background are directly related and have provided me with a well-rounded background in Therapy. I am a Military veteran with 30 plus years of experience working with patients in psychiatric hospitals, state mental health facilities, Illinois Department of Corrections, and in private practice. I am currently licensed to practice in Illinois, Kansas and Georgia. I also provide Tele-health service to Military members overseas (OCONUS).

One of my greatest joys, is helping individuals, couples and families learn to manage the various, yet often unavoidable, stresses of life. Our days are packed with work, school, family, and relationships. We come home depleted and then it starts all over again the next day. Feelings of anxiety, panic, depression, anger, and/or lack of motivation, are inevitable. So it grieves my heart when clients ask what's wrong with them. So while we may need to "power through" certain situations, I help my clients develop strategies that are tailor made to their circumstances and personality, to successfully complete the marathon of life.

At the Center for Emotional Wellness, we are committed to helping our clients live their best life. Our team of clinicians are devoted to providing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other best practices in treating diverse disorders affecting children, adolescents, and adults. We are continually working to bring the most effective and innovative techniques and approaches to our center in order to better serve the individuals and families in our community. With over 10 therapists, we will match each client with the clinician with the most appropriate style and expertise to match individual needs.