Stress Therapists in Skokie, IL

Sometimes, people are overwhelmed by the thought of changing feelings, behaviors, and patterns that may have long histories or that have resisted previous efforts. I firmly believe therapy offers solid reasons to have hope, as one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is the time and space for healing and growth. It also offers a valuable way of understanding the dynamics of change, wherein small, gradual strides assume their genuine and crucial importance. Additionally, setbacks are recognized as a natural and manageable part of the change process rather than a denial of it.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider. I specialize in helping people explore: how their relationships and life experiences impact the way that that they see and value themselves; the relationship between stress, physical health, and emotional well-being; and our perception of community, and how we make connections within these groups.

In addition to addressing general issues and stress, I specialize in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anxiety Disorders (including Social Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Specific Phobias/Fears, and Generalized Anxiety/Worry), and Hypochondriasis/Health Anxiety. By focusing on these few specialties I am able to provide effective treatment to help you better manage your moods, identify and change problematic thinking patterns, and stop self-destructive or unwanted behaviors--all of which can contribute to a greater sense of calm and self-confidence.

As a body-inclusive psychotherapist, I believe that we have within us everything we need to heal and grow, and that safe, supportive, and collaborative relationships help us to tap into our innate systems of healing. Whether focusing on overall emotional and physiological regulation, managing symptoms related to anxiety or depression, or addressing specific traumas or stressors, we can work together to move away from "stuckness" and towards an enhanced sense of harmony and well-being.

To contact me, please email me via this site. I believe that every person has the right to heal, to be heard, and to grow. I approach therapy from a place of kindness and compassion, openness and curiosity. My work with clients begins from a strengths-based place to ensure that you are seen and understood as a whole person, taking into account your inherent strengths as well as your areas for growth. I know that people are deeply impacted by the world around them and work with clients to identify and unpack oppressive forces in their lives. I believe in the healing power of laughter.

Is your goal lowering your stress? Having better communication with family and medical providers? Broadening your social support? Improving your coping skills, including bereavement and grief? These are goals that I can help you achieve. I've been a therapist for many years working inside a hospital and supporting all walks of life. I can help you overcome anxiety, depression, grief, worry, stress, managing chronic illness, concerns about being a caregiver to family, and navigating life's challenges and transitions.

Dealing with a stressful situation at work or in a personal relationship can quickly overshadow every other area of your life. Nefesh Counseling therapists offer traditional talk therapy as well as art therapy for individuals who struggle with depression and anxiety. You are not alone if you have trouble understanding your emotions or find it difficult to verbalize your inner thoughts. We work primarily with adults who are addressing a variety of issues including managing stress, improving self-esteem, coping with life transitions, and controlling addictions.

Treatment involves investing in your mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being, and is well worth the effort! Developmental factors, relationships, grief, stress, anxiety, depression, transitions, and trauma all impact our natural ability to maintain balance and live happier and more satisfying lives. Often, the first goal of treatment is to identify the reason for problems. I conduct comprehensive neuropsychological testing across the lifespan, to clarify diagnosis, identify learning disabilities, and assess behavioral, emotional, and social problems, to provide concrete recommendations and an action plan for treatment.

Life presents us with many challenges leading to stress in relationships, at work, financially, not to mention physically – all of which can be difficult to navigate. It can be tough to know where to begin. Even "starting" can lead to confusion, anger, anxiety and depression. Sound familiar? No matter life’s current stressors, I’m equipped with the expertise and experience across a broad range of focuses to help you create and sustain lifelong changes. As your advocate, I ensure you won't have to seek out and establish a new professional relationship for every curveball life throws at you.

At times in our lives we all have experiences that leave us feeling anxious, depressed, sad, grieving, stressed, worried, uncertain, vulnerable, fearful, frustrated, angry, confused, at a loss. An experienced therapist can help deal with the current issues causing the distress, as well as explore the life experiences that may be contributing to one's current emotional struggles. I work with adults who want to change patterns of thinking, acting, and feeling that contribute to dissatisfaction in daily life. Some of those issues include: Relationships; Grief and Loss; Mood Disorders; Trauma; Parenting; Life Transitions; Self-Esteem.

Do you feel stuck on a roller coaster of hope and disappointment? Are you exhausted trying to stay positive while struggling to cope day to day? Are you devastated when you find out a friend had a second (or third) child while you have been desperately trying to have one? Do you avoid friends and family because you feel heartbroken and jealous of their pregnancies? Do you worry that stress is the reason you aren’t pregnant? Stress doesn't cause infertility - but infertility does cause stress. You can learn ways to cope with the stress of infertility and you deserve to enjoy your life!

I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of Binge Eating Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa, Night Eating Syndrome, Traumatic Stress, PTSD, and Borderline Personality Disorder. I am particularly interested in the relationship between traumatic stress and eating pathology as well as trauma and sleep. I also specialize in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, DBT PE, Exposure and Response Prevention, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Written Exposure Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and EMDR. I am an Assistant Professor at the Northwestern University Medical School in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences.

I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. I am passionate about guiding individuals through personal journeys toward mental and emotional well-being. I have experience working with individuals and groups focusing on issues like depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, relationship issues, self-esteem, stress, and grief.

As a second-generation woman of color, I have extensive experience working with clients from various diverse backgrounds. Some of my specialties include PTSD, complex/intergenerational trauma, religious trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, family/relationship conflicts, postpartum issues, self-esteem, stress, etc. Coming from a community health background, I invest in the needs of clients that come from traditionally underserved communities. I also have considerable experience and strengths in spiritually-integrated holistic psychotherapy, incorporating values one holds into their therapeutic needs and goals.

I specialize in helping people heal from traumatic and experiences, to include: family conflicts, adults abused as children, narcissistic abuse, parental alienation and parents financially caring for adult children. You may not know what to expect from therapy, but you know you need to make some changes so you can move forward in life. Stress, anxiety, and depression are highly prevalent in our lives, and sometimes people need help and support in dealing with difficult/stressful experiences. I am a trauma therapist specializing in somatic psychology that has found success in using a mind/body approach to psychotherapy.

Many people come to me saying that they don't recognize themselves anymore or that they are not living the life they want to be living. They might feel plagued with negative thoughts, fear, anxiety and overall feel stuck because the things they were using to cope in the past are not helping them now. If you have been feeling this way, you are not alone! I have spent my career working in clinical leadership and providing care for clients struggling with eating disorders, PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, depression & body image concerns. I believe in providing empathy + evidenced-based treatments and the power of healing in community.

Each and every person is born with unique strengths and vast potential to achieve. Oftentimes, though, life's challenges get in the way. It may be external stressors, traumatic experiences or our own dysfunctional thoughts and patterns of behavior that make it difficult to live a satisfying and fulfilling life. Entering into a therapeutic relationship of acceptance and trust can serve as a turning point for achieving growth and change.

Change is possible! My strength lies in helping you to grow personally and find emotional relief by providing support, insight, and opportunities for change within the context of a collaborative and warm therapeutic environment. My approach is genuine, encouraging, energetic, and insightful. I specialize in helping individuals gain resolution and clarity about distressing situations and emotions, uncover and develop personal strengths, generate healing of past and present wounds, and develop more personal freedom overall.

We often try to deny and reject our past instead of embracing it, sometimes leading to self-doubt, negative thoughts and memories that can hinder us. Through collaboration and self-determination, we can reignite the drive that still lies within, so that we can increase your self-esteem, replace negative thoughts with positive thinking, and process those memories together. You are not alone. April has always been passionate about helping others achieve their goals for better mental health. From assistance with daily stressors to feelings of hopelessness, each client is unique and deserves a therapeutic journey tailored to them.