Therapists in 60543

I earned her Master’s degree in Social Work at Aurora University in Aurora, IL, and am a Licensed Social Worker. I have provided counseling to clients since 2021 in a variety of settings, including residential, outpatient, and community mental health. My professional experience includes working with adults, adolescents, and children. I specializes in engaging with adolescents who may be experiencing a multitude of behavioral and mental struggles including anxiety and depression.

As a therapist at Your Story Counseling, I look forward to working with clients dealing with various issues, including anxiety, depression, life stage changes, sleep issues, processing and moving through trauma, academic difficulties, social difficulties, sexual shame, or dysfunction. Taking the first step to begin therapy can be difficult. Still, for the brave individuals who show up eagerly and are excited to "do the work," I assure together, we'll find a safe space and a productive outlet to process, discuss, and explore your thoughts and feelings openly.

You have the power to shape your own life. I believe that every client has a unique story that deserves to be heard and respected. I have a passion for helping others achieve their goals and overcome their challenges, which stems from my own experience as a competitive athlete. I use a strengths-based and client-centered approach to therapy, which means that I focus on your existing resources and abilities, and I collaborate with you to find the best solutions for your needs. You can count on me to be your ally and advocate throughout your therapeutic journey.

I am a licensed clinical therapist with over 25 years of experience helping clients achieve their goals through a collaborative and evidence-based approach. My practice welcomes individuals seeking support with stress, anxiety, trauma, pain management, and a variety of life challenges. I also regularly work with other therapists, educators, and healthcare professionals. I specialize in treating stress-related issues, women's health concerns across different stages of life, chronic medical conditions, and anxiety disorders. My expertise encompasses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and EMDR therapy.

I work primarily with adolescents (ages 10-25), marriages, and men's issues. I currently supervise a team of therapists through Unbroken Family Counseling. I work within this team and, when necessary, work with schools, psychiatrists, and other community resources to help my clients. My ideal client is a teen who doesn't think he/she needs counseling, a marriage that is on the rocks, or a guy dealing with guy stuff (guys know what I'm talking about). If I cant help you I can help find someone who can.

I believe therapy can help individuals overcome life's challenges and foster personal growth. With extensive experience counseling a diverse clientele, I utilize an integrative and collaborative approach to tailor treatment to the unique needs and goals of each client. My aim is to empower clients, facilitate healing, encourage self-acceptance, and promote healthy relationships. Within the therapeutic relationship, I prioritize confidentiality and strive to provide a nonjudgmental and supportive environment.

As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I have particular expertise in assisting people coping with the effects of traumatic experiences and other adversities. Additionally, as a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, I know how important it is for individuals to have support during the recovery process. Sobriety is key to healing from underlying pain and suffering, and I understand the complications of trauma and substance abuse.

My clients consistently tell me what a profound positive impact our collaborative work in therapy has made on their lives, especially after they have felt "stuck" for a long time. Being able to "connect the dots," gain insights, and change behaviors can bring great relief and a sense of hope. I enjoy helping individuals, couples, or families cope with past, present, or chronic stressors and regain power and control over their lives and relationships. This is especially true for people who have experienced traumatic events and (as a result) may have symptoms of anxiety, panic, depression, and/or anger.

Seeking help for our life's difficulties can be very intimidating. Who can I trust? What will they think of me? Will it help? It is important to find the right clinician and atmosphere to put you at ease. My goal is to provide a comfortable experience in which we work together in order to support your journey towards solutions, healing, and life enhancement.

My hope is to create a positive and safe environment for you to explore solutions to issues that are affecting your mental and physical health, relationships, work, school, and everyday life. Through the course of building a trusting relationship and enlightened experience, my hope is that you will be able to address the stressors or unresolved issues you are struggling with. These issues may include anger, resentment, abuse, shame, loss, trauma, abandonment, and physical health difficulties. Throughout the process I respectfully support your values and honor your journey while you discover your true and authentic self.

Do you have chronic stress that makes you feel like your life isn't as enjoyable as it could be? Are there unpleasant life events that still affect you, even after years of trying to resolve your feelings? Don't give up! You can learn effective skills that will allow you to move back to balance from any stress level. I am here to listen, understand and work with you to identify and address your concerns. I will support you in your efforts to create the fulfilling, joyful life you deserve!

I believe in empowering people to reach their full potential by providing services that are strengths-based, practical, holistic, and focused on promoting long lasting change. I work using a style of fostering trust and authenticity,starting where people want and ending when people feel their life and issues have changed and their happiness enhanced. I believe the relationship in counseling is the core issue in treatment. This is particularly important in working with children and adolescents where no work could be done without building a warm, honest, and caring connection. I believe healing comes through the mind, body, spirit connection.

Dr. Laura Bokar is the CEO/President of Fox Valley Institute for Growth and Wellness and has been an individual, marital/couple and family therapist for almost three decades. Her approach is tailored to the client's need. She is an open, non-threatening therapist with a sense of humor. Dr. Laura is a LMFT, LCPC and an Approved Clinical Supervisor. She is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). She is also certified in Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Critical Incident Response, Prepare/Enrich Pre-Marital Assessment, Primary Care Behavioral Health, and DBT.

Every person is distinct, complex, and searching to make their own meaning in the world. Each person's path is uniquely their own. For many, this includes clarifying values and what it means to live a full, meaningful life. This includes committing to taking action and making goals that enrich our lives.

I believe that the 'fit' with a therapist is one of the most important aspects of the therapy process. I am the founder of KM Institute; a private practice that is dedicated to customizing your unique needs in order to ensure an effective 'fit' for your therapy process. I bring 19 years of experience working in schools, jail, residential, emergency room, and outpatient settings. I am dedicated to helping adolescents, adults, couples, and families with finding and implementing tools that help them reach their goals, and improve their emotional health. My specialities include trauma/PTSD, self injury, depression, anxiety, and grief.

Whole Family Integrative Health is proud to offer a wide variety of services. We specialize in many unique aspects of psychology. We offer both full psychological assessments and therapy for a wide variety of disorders (ADHD, Learning Disorders, Autism, Anxiety, Depression, ODD, behavioral difficulties, and personality disorders). We also have Psychologists who specialize in every age range; From the very young, to the more experienced.

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families, in a variety of mental health settings including: hospitals, private practice, therapeutic day schools, and community mental health. I specialize in the treatment of Mood, Personality, Trauma and Attachment disorder. My special interests include Attachment Disorder, ADHD, Issues regarding Divorce, Adoption Issues, Personality Disorders, Parent Education/Training, Post-Partum Depression and Transgender issues.

Raising challenging children can be exhausting and frustrating. You feel guilty about not being able to fix your child's behavioral problems and confused about what to do next. Although many professionals recommend your child take medication, you are not comfortable with it. Your child may be disagnosed with ADHD, ODD, OCD, Depression, Anxiety or have other disruptive behavioral components. You are looking for some options that help you feel good about your parenting style while helping your child succeed. If this sounds like your story in any way, you are not alone and I can help.

How We Treat One Another Matters: For better and for worse, across our whole lives, we operate in relationships. Our views of our "self" and how we relate to others develop from how we have been treated in relationships. Our capacities to love, to learn, to become our best, all emerge optimally within healthy relationships. Likewise, wounds of heart and soul emerge from ways we have been treated and/or choices we have made which have hurt us, sometimes very deeply. Persons who have experienced relational trauma and/or overwhelming life stressors are ideal candidates for clinical services at Gateway.