Grief Therapists in Arlington Heights, IL

Individuals seek out therapy to address a wide range of issues and struggles. However, I believe that everyone is looking for a place where they can feel safe and understood. I feel that I am able to provide this environment and that through our relationship, you will uncover your own strengths, develop new understandings, and grow and change in meaningful ways. As a seasoned Clinical Social Worker with over thirty years of experience, I have had the privilege of taking this journey with many others and would love the opportunity to do so with you.

I specialize in treating adolescents, couples, women's issues, anxiety and grief/loss issues. I am trained in family systems theory using a psychodynamic approach for assessments. I have found much success using cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness based treatment models.

I have a lot of experience working with women who have lost a spouse or partner through death or divorce, needing help with grief and becoming independent I also. work well with adults trying to cope with marital, career or anger management issues. I provide a good listening ear, give suggestions if the client is open to it. . My ideal client is one that is committed to therapy,has a goal and some idea of what he/she want to receive and will follow up with appointments and homework and begin to take some positive steps

I work with adults who are struggling with depression and change of life issues (i.e., job loss, divorce, illness), and in particular those who are experiencing grief and loss. I have a great deal of experience working with the aging adult population and the issues that accompany this phase of life. I believe that most issues have an associated spiritual component to them, and if the client wishes to incorporate spirituality into the therapeutic work, I am comfortable doing so. The short term goal of therapy is symptom reduction, while the long-term goal is transformation.

I am licensed Clinical Psychologist. My mission is to help individuals uncover their true potential and lead lives that are more connected and fulfilling. I'm here to tell you that you don’t have to be controlled by your thoughts and you can bounce back from adverse life events. With cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), you can challenge the thoughts and behaviors that are holding you back. I want you to use your emotions instead of being used by them and to use your strengths to find and enjoy more things you are naturally good at. Becoming resilient will allow you to cope effectively with both negative and positive life events.

I empower people to let go of the pain, loneliness, and isolation of grief so they can live more in the present and be themselves again. I also help individuals and couples look beyond the problems that bring them to therapy, and identify the changes they can make to restore happiness and harmony to their lives. Utilizing the education, support, and exploration that take place in therapy, clients leave with greater confidence and hope, and with new tools to address the challenges they face. I also offer articles and videos on my Website to inform and educate: See www.joedubowski.com/

Are you feeling unbalanced? Being here is the first step to start your journey to find balance through a non judgmental therapeutic relationship that offers empathy, validation, support, psychoeducation and even a challenge if you are up to that. We will explore together solutions for change and growth through learning tools to help recognize situations out of your control. I am committed to fostering a safe and motivating environment for you to grow.

It takes courage to reach out for help. As a caring, knowledgeable therapist, I am committed to assisting people to take the additional steps necessary to create change in their lives. Let's work together to identify the changes you wish to make and develop a plan to move toward those goals. Whether it is depression, anxiety, grief and loss or whatever issues you face, I can help you as I have helped others to achieve their goals as they improve the quality of their lives.

“The only constant in life is change.” While we know this to be true, we are more acutely aware of it at certain times than at other times. If your life is changing and you’re not sure where you’re headed, I can help. Perhaps you have outgrown where you are, be that in a relationship or job. Maybe someone important to you died and you are struggling with the loss. Or there have been other losses and you are feeling unsure of who you are. If you are in a difficult transition and feel stuck, confused, or anxious, I can help.

Let me help you bring out your best self! I use a variety of methods and modalties including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy, Gottman therapy, and solution focused therapy. Therapy shouldn't be a "one size fits all" experience so we will work together to tailor a plan to put you on the path to healing. I currently have offices in Buffalo Grove, Crystal Lake, and Gurnee.

Life throws all sorts of curveballs at us. There are times when we feel like things are getting to be “too much”. Does this make you stressed, or not feel like yourself? Are you finding waiting list after waiting list? I’m here to tell you that you are not alone in this! Situations can arise leaving us with many unanswered questions. Let me help you gain some understanding of yourself! I currently offer telehealth appointments only to provide therapy in the comfort of your own home.

My focus is on working with individuals and families who are experiencing grief due to the loss of loved ones through death, the ending of relationships, the onset of disability, or other types of life changes that require significant adjustment. I have also trained specifically to work with the unique challenges faced by first responders and veterans in their careers and I work with individual clients of all ages. I believe in building and establishing rapport and trust while having an empathetic, nonjudgmental approach.

I admire when an individual is ready to confront their problems and gain insight into accepting and overcoming these struggles. My style emphasizes a collaborative genuine relationship in order to enhance your social, emotional, and physical well-being. My hope is to assist you with developing skills to find relief from your symptoms while enhancing your self-awareness. Additionally I hope to invite you to change unhealthy patterns, and guide you to a more balanced and satisfying life.

Perhaps you’re overwhelmed right now and are looking for help addressing stress, anxiety or grief. Maybe you’re depressed and you’d like to see improvement in your mood. Perhaps it’s the loss of a relationship or problems with the one you’re currently in that brought you here. Maybe you want to be heard and understood and improve communication in your relationships. You might even be noticing that your drinking has increased and that concerns you. In therapy, you'll get support in managing concerns like these. You probably want someone who is easy to talk to, who will listen to you and guide you, yet without judging you.

Personally, I know how difficult it was for me to get out of bed when suffering from depression and anxiety and to go about the everyday when concerned about having another panic attack. I know how valuable it was for me to have someone to talk to that wouldn't judge me or make me feel guilty about being exactly where I was at the time. The idea of "you should be fine", or "you have no reason to be anxious or depressed" is hurtful and doesn't help.

"I appreciate that you are down to earth and real. You have a passion for life, for my life". If these are qualities you would appreciate in your therapist, then contact me. I will guide you through identifying and exploring your core concerns and issues, utilizing the expertise developed in 20 years of practice. My style of therapy is respectful, non-judgmental, practical, soothing and solution focused. Collaboratively we will create new, adaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to enhance the quality of your life and your relationships.

In life, we face a myriad of transitions, which impact us throughout every decade of our journey. Such transitions often cause anxiety, depression and/or a sense of sadness, loneliness or loss of direction. We may wonder "who am I now" or "where do I belong". Life changes impact our relationships with romantic partners, our parents, our children and our friends. I specialize in working with people as they navigate life's transitions. I help clients to understand and make sense of what can bring greater satisfaction into their lives, with a focus on building more effective and adaptive coping skills.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, disconnected or stuck and powerless, I can help you find your strength and make your way to a more serene and satisfying life. Occasionally people are well aware of how their suffering has emerged, but often the cause is unclear. My aim is to partner with clients to help them understand themselves and confront any life-limiting beliefs. From there, we can facilitate changes that will bring relief and build a positive sense of self, which in turn, will enrich your relationships and your life.

The late-great David Bowie captured one of life’s most enduring challenges when he dared us to “turn and face the straaange ch-ch-changes.” If only it were that easy, right? I am a change expert with 17+ years of experience helping people contend with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, “I feel stuck”-ness, low self-esteem, and underachievement. My approach is interactive, down-to-earth, and peppered with humor and creativity. Feel free to contact me for a brief, no-charge phone consultation. If I’m not the ideal fit for you or your loved one, I’ll be happy to assist you in finding someone who is.