Therapists in Forest Park, IL

If you are someone who seeks to connect with your authentic yes and no, to feel at home in your skin, to trust your internal metric, and to get to the root of what is hurting, somatic therapy may be a good fit for you. I love working with folks who are interested in the deep work, getting out of their minds and into their bodies to reconnect with the innate healing capacity we all carry within us. Our body holds the story of everything that has ever happened to us, and together you and I can work to develop internal safety and connection so that you can own your story and write a new one for your future.

I provide therapy from the perspective that an understanding, trusting, and genuine relationship between myself and my clients is the necessary foundation for helping them to create change in their lives. I think everyone, myself included, can relate to hiding parts of ourselves out of fear of being judged– whether it’s our feelings, desires, or the qualities that make us unique. Those fears and self-judgments can then add another difficult dimension to our experience.

My core belief that people are resilient and are capable of growth. The first step to making change in your life or to get “unstuck” can be difficult. With warmth, encouragement, acceptance and a little laughter, we will work together to find new ways of coping, identify patterns that no longer suit your needs, build and repair relationships, and create a positive therapeutic relationship while you explore your desires, goals, and motivations. My approach to therapy is trauma-informed, affirming, and client-centered. Through a social justice lens, I recognize the multiple systems that affect your experiences and relationships.

In the words of James Hillman: “If the oak is in the acorn - what’s in you?” Are you struggling with self-esteem, self-worth, or self-compassion? Are you feeling as if the pain and challenges you experience are hindering you from feeling whole and reaching your true potential? If so, I am here for you on your journey toward wellness. I believe each individual is a whole and multidimensional being, and I strive to provide services that help individuals realize and unlock the wisdom and healing potential that already lies dormant within them. I am here to help you grow and change in ways that are adaptable for you.

I work with a range of individuals including adults, teens, and children. I have worked with clients with challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, low self-esteem, and gender dysphoria. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community, folks with diagnosed or self-identified Autism/ADHD, and those navigating pregnancy/postpartum. Therapy with me is an affirming space for those in the kink and poly communities. I enjoy working with individuals who wish to deepen their understanding of their identity, are undergoing a life transition, or who want to understand how their past informs their present.

Existential dread? Lacking motivation? Struggling to find purpose? ADHD? Autism? C-PTSD? Self harm? Suicidal ideations? Complicated childhood? People pleaser? Avoidant of conflict? Co-dependency? Do you have someone with Narcissistic traits in your life? Low self esteem or self worth? History of hospitalizations? If some of these resonate with you, then we may be a fit.

Life often presents us with intimidating challenges, and finding a way forward can be tough. If you're reading this, you might be facing a difficult situation, feeling overwhelmed, or searching for help for someone dear to you. It's crucial to recognize that your emotions and experiences are valid and deserve the utmost respect and care. As a clinician who is passionate about helping my clients, I am here to meet you where you are without judgment. Our journey begins here, and together, we'll navigate towards a place of greater well-being and understanding rooted within yourself.

You are good. Rarely do folks act in ways that don't make sense to them. Maybe you are experiencing frustration in relationships. Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed by sadness, fears, or exhaustion. You are human. In this space you will be heard and validated as you discover more about yourself and develop compassion for the parts of you that may seem most dark. And sometimes the path to wellness is to allow ourselves to be discovered more deeply.

As an art therapist in training, I provide a non-judgmental and creative place to connect to your innate wholeness and humanity. You are deserving of support and encouragement as you navigate the many challenges and interferences with your sense of belonging within a society that often tells you otherwise. My passion is providing support that helps you realign with the truths and wisdom already within yourself.

Are you or your teen struggling with navigating your identity? Have you experienced trauma, bullying, communication issues, self-harm, or suicidal ideation? Has your gender and/or sexuality impacted your mental health and you are wanting to learn how to embrace your most authentic self? Knowing how to navigate your own identity, or knowing how to support your child as they discover parts of who they are, can be a scary process. In order to embrace authenticity we need safety, security, and an ability to communicate. We will work together on finding healing, cultivating healthy communication, and creating a sense of safety.

The stories of our lives are made up of connections and strengths as well as challenges. I will walk alongside you through the processing of these hardships in a journey towards healing and growth. I work to create a safe, non-judgemental space with an empathetic and collaborative approach. I believe in empowerment, authenticity, and honesty to foster insight into patterns and progress towards the goals you seek to achieve.

Life rarely goes as planned. When we stumble on our journey it can often be hard to get back up on your feet without a little extra help– and that’s what I’m here for. Counseling with me is a deeply collaborative process. Together we will explore your values, meaning, and goals in life to help you live the way you desire. You are the expert of your own experience, I will help you to gain insight, make helpful changes, and express yourself in ways that make you feel heard and authentic.

You may be familiar with the phrase "feel your feelings, don't think your feelings", but may be unsure of what that actually means. Perhaps you feel berated by your inner critic or stuck in conflict with parts of yourself or past experiences. Or maybe you and your partner/s are looking for support as you navigate attachment wounds. Together, we can work to disrupt patterns of distress as we find new ways to connect and create change. I practice from a harm reductionist/anti-oppressive lens that seeks to help you connect to build on your innate capacity to heal.

I work best with BIPOC and/or queer individuals who are coping with mood, trauma, and sociopolitical struggles. My primary approach focuses on empowering individuals of marginalized communities to externalize systemic and oppressive factors so that we can focus on treating any personal difficulties that are causing you pain and suffering. Whether we focus on the past or the present, healing one part of yourself can heal many other parts because you have a story to tell. And no matter how many times or how many ways that you tell it, it is your own personal story. Let's change your story to help you become the person you want to be.

I am a queer, non-binary, trans therapist who believes each of us deserves at least one safe space to learn about and engage with our full selves. Therapy can be helpful as you navigate life’s everyday stressors, a difficult part of your history, past or ongoing trauma, or any feelings or circumstances that cause you pain or suffering. Therapy can also help you learn self-trust, build loving relationships, find ease in your mind and body, and move towards a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.

Are you going through the world trying to navigate systems that aren't made for you? Are you looking for validation and care, as well as tools and skills? The work that I do in the therapeutic space is well suited for clients looking for an affirming, non-judgmental space to process their experiences and make changes towards their best vision of themselves. More than modalities, I believe that it is the strength of the therapeutic relationship that can guide folks towards change and transformation. As a white queer person, I have worked to develop an intersectional lens, making sure to hold space for folks with varying identities.

Being human is messy and the relationships we have with ourselves and others can often feel even messier. However, you, through your lived experiences, have a significant amount of important data about what is working for you versus what is not. Together we can use that data and determine what variables have been supportive as well as what elements may need a revised approach. Therapeutic work with me involves a deep respect for consent – you get to choose our direction, our focus, and where we are headed. I may gently steer us down a path, but ultimately you are the captain of our journey.

Dr. Payne's experience in a variety of settings (community mental health, therapeutic day school, and corrections settings) has provided them with the opportunities to work with a wide variety of clients including children, adolescents, adults, and families. Dr. Payne’s specialties include working with a variety of symptoms and presentations including but not limited to: depression and other mood disorders, anxiety symptoms, relational difficulties, Autistic or otherwise neurodiverse clients, people who identify as LGBTQIAA2S+, and those who have experienced trauma.

It takes a lot of strength and self-kindness to seek support and therapy–thank you for being here and for considering me as part of your process. I have worked with folks with a number of experiences andspecialize in trauma and trauma-related disorders. CPTSD, Religious abuse/trauma and grief are my primary areas of treatment. My aim is to help understand where folx are, as well as what their hopes and goals may be. We work together to find growth and change in the ways that works best for you!