Therapists in 60093

With over 20 years of experience, I develop genuine connections with my clients and partner with them toward success. "Our thinking has a direct impact on our actions, and our families have a direct impact on our thinking." I move to the core of your thinking and actions as you progress to live the life you "Say" you want to live. I have earned a Masters in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Doctorate of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.

I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist and for over 25 year, I have been helping adults and adolescents struggling with anxiety and depression feel calmer, more confident and more positively connected in their relationships and in life. Problems in life can take many forms: failed relationships, ongoing self doubt, a traumatic experience or poor coping strategies. Psychotherapy offers the safest place to feel accepted and make the changes necessary achieve fulfillment and happiness.

Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, confused, frustrated, discouraged, disappointed, lost, anxious, sad or angry, you are not alone. Most of us experience those feelings at some point in our lives. We care about the people we serve, and we believe every person is individual, authentic, and unique. We use evidence-based practice (EBP) methods for mental health to help children, pre-teens, teenagers, adults, couples, and families to live their best lives. We understand that therapy can seem scary and intimidating, though we know that finding the support you need is the key to starting the self- healing process.

I specialize in helping clients holistically work through anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, marital/relationship issues, communication, and family of origin issues. Whether it is managing anxious symptoms, navigating inhibiting conflict, or even just tackling the stressors that come up in the day-to-day, I work with you to uncover your inherent strengths, and help you leverage them with quality strategies to achieve healthy, desired change. Each session, I collaborate with you to lift your biggest constraints, offer quality guidance, and provide the tools to connect with yourself and others more freely.

Life gets complicated. You have been trying all that you know how to do to make things better for yourself or for someone you love but have run out of energy, ideas or both. You may have a relationship with someone you love but just can't seem to get along. You may be a parent trying to best figure out how to help a child or teen who is having problems. You may feel burdened by sadness, fear or stress.Or, perhaps you have old wounds that seem to keep interfering with you creating the life you want.

I am a highly experienced, culturally sensitive, collaborative therapist that will engage you in your journey of navigating the difficulties and stressors that you may be struggling with.

Speaking to adults… Joseph Campbell defines Compassion as “…an immediate participation in the suffering of another to such a degree that you forget yourself and spontaneously do what is necessary.” With hybrid training as therapist, teacher, and coach, I compassionately support individuals exactly where they are in their life. Whether one wishes to address past trauma, wants to contemplate a career decision and change of environment, or wants support with relationships and life’s many unpredicted events, I create the space to do so at the pace and depth that the individual wants and is ready to successfully take on.

Hi! I’m Dr. Marissa, a trauma, grief and loss specialist for children, teens and families. My background includes 20+ years facilitating group and individual bereavement and trauma supportive services, pediatric medical inpatient and outpatient work with children and families, and individual and family therapy in Private Practice.