Strength-Based Therapists in Grayslake, IL

I have extensive experience in helping individuals who are navigating various challenges in their lives. I am adept at working with those managing multiple life stressors, grappling with anxiety and/or depression, suffering from OCD, coping with cancer or other health diagnoses, processing childhood traumas, and dealing with terminal illnesses. Additionally, I am skilled at creating a safe and supportive space for school-age children, empowering them to effectively manage their emotions and develop essential coping mechanisms.

Are you stuck, unable to make the lasting changes you’re longing for? Maybe you are struggling to figure out what you should do and how to do it? Perhaps relationships are strained and you feel you go around and around. You may know where you want to be but can't figure out how to get there, and maybe even feel like giving up. Often, the first step is simply being heard, feeling understood and accepted unconditionally. The fact that you are reading this shows you have hope, hope that you can find inner peace and clarity, and then be able to take those steps that feel safe to you.

In order to see success in therapy, my client will need to show up, share, and put in some work. We will learn together to discover what your therapeutic needs are and strategize ways to improve your mental and emotional health.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Alcohol and Drug Therapist. I have been providing individual, couples, family, as well as group therapy for over 30 years. I have worked with child, adolescent, and adult populations, addressing a variety of disorders, including the development of a specialized program for impaired professionals. With a holistic, caring approach, I include evidence-based treatments to address clients’ concerns such as: relationship issues, stress management, trauma, substance use, depression, anxiety as well as other mental health issues.

I specialize in Bipolar, Addiction, Dual Diagnosis and Anxiety. I enjoy working with adults who want to address the underlying issues that are causing difficulties. In my client-centered approach, I work collaboratively with clients to move towards change that is effective. I use a psychodynamic approach that encompasses the whole person and the life span. We are a culmination of all our experiences. Understanding this with guidance is what leads to long term change in behavior and emotion. Developing a support system is essential to recovery and growth.

Amy has a master’s degree in forensic psychology and she has been practicing in the field for over 13 years. Her clinical expertise includes having worked in a variety of clinical settings such as residential, community mental health centers, hospitals, and correctional settings. Amy has experience working with adolescents, emerging adults and adults who present with life stressors/changes, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, binge eating disorder, bariatric patients, issues related to legal issues/incarceration, trauma, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and sex and sexuality concerns.

Often, life leads you to a point where you feel stuck. The same strategies that might have worked before are no longer effective. Maybe this is because of life transitions, relationship challenges or just a sense that you want something more. If you feel overwhelmed by work, school, family or relationships, consider how processing those feelings and developing new insights and skills might give you the self-awareness to live a peaceful and more purpose driven life.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I use an empathic approach to create a safe and healing space for my clients. I am passionate about guiding adolescents and adults through difficult or painful life events such as relationship loss, the transition from high school to college, school-related anxiety, divorce, marriage, parenting and relationship issues. My clinical experience and interest areas include eating disorders and disordered eating, OCD, school refusal, mood disorders, self-harming behaviors and parent coaching.

I began practice in 2010 and since that time have had the opportunity to spend time with people from all walks of life. From practicing counseling in a penitentiary to the community, and a number of stops in between, I have had the chance see people through a landscape of ups and downs on the path of getting back to feeling like themselves again.

Welcome! At Counseling Center of Grayslake, we encourage short-term therapy for long-term results. Call us to set up individual, couple, or family counseling today. We can help.

Do you feel like life has gotten the best of you and are struggling to manage? I am here to let you know that you do not need to navigate through all the ups and downs alone. Everyone goes through life transitions that can be managed through positivity. I have professional experience in private practice and school-based work serving clients for nearly 4 years, to adults, adolescents, teenagers, families, parents and groups.

I enjoy helping people to feel more control over their lives. I am very curious about people’s stories. How can we edit our thoughts to feel better? Is there a different way to think about this problem? Sometimes I use humor to lighten the mood, but I will always uphold professional boundaries. In fact, I love to teach ways to set clear boundaries in our families and our workplaces. I have worked with many trauma survivors, and they describe feeling less trapped in shame spirals, with more confidence and fewer flashbacks.

Hello, My name is Jonathan. I was introduced to the positive impact a therapeutic relationship can have while serving in the United States Marine Corps. A safe environment to share the ongoing challenges we faced, provided us the ability to overcome the barriers we encountered. Since then, I have dedicated my education and career towards embracing life challenges and providing clinical support to our community for over 10 years.

I work with individuals to realize their potential for positive change. Too often, the drive for the life we want is stalled by shame, fear, and anxiety. Events in our past cause us to miss the promise of our future. Together, we will explore, identify and process your thoughts, feelings and behaviors to lead you towards a clear understanding of who you are and what you need to live the life you want.

Do you long to have more fulfilling relationships? Is pain from your past or worry about the future stealing your joy to live in the present? I am here for you during difficult seasons and hold a safe space for healing and growth.

My primary goal is to help clients find the hope and courage to change and heal. I believe that all life circumstances, relationships, and experiences can lead to change and greater self-acceptance. Ultimately therapy helps clients cope with loss and use difficult life transitions to promote growth. In working with individuals, couples, families, and children, I have helped them cultivate resources and develop strengths from very challenging diagnoses and life circumstances. I have helped clients suffering from relationship conflicts, health crises, depression, trauma and loss issues, compulsive behaviors, and anxiety disorders.

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.

Are you in a place where you have done all you can, but are still unable to make the necessary positive changes you would like? Often times you may feel as if you have done everything possible, but change is still out of reach. I am a firm believer in the thought that all the skills necessary for change already lie within you, but could use the help of another to bring forth that change. By working together I believe that I can help you to acknowledge your dominate positive attributes in order to facilitate that much needed change.

Our goal is simple. To offer people a center that is dedicated to the wellness of the mind, body and spirit. We are focused on solutions that build healthy skills to last a lifetime.