Gottman Method Therapists in Cook County, IL

I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship. Such a relationship is a partnership between therapist and client. People look at themselves honestly and choose goals that are truer to their values when they are in a safe and trusting relationship. My approach is warm, empathic and non-judgmental. I listen carefully, asking questions to encourage exploration of pertinanent issues, giving suggestions, feedback and sharing insights. I serve adults, ages 18 to 88 and older. I work with couples and individuals, specializing in trauma, grief, depression, anxiety , relationship problems and difficult life transitions. I am Level 2 Certified in EMDR.

During life's challenging moments, most of us benefit from the support of a non judgmental guide. People have told me they feel safe with me. Whether you are dealing with work/school stress, struggling with anxiety or depression, coping with parenting, experiencing loss, or are looking for support with a relationship, I can help you to better understand stuck areas in your life. I see individuals, couples, adolescents and families. I have an interactive, supportive, and open approach. When working with individuals, we will work together to gain greater self understanding and discover workable solutions.

You may be suffering with anxiety or depression. Perhaps you’re managing a life transition (or two or three), searching for identity and purpose, or looking for ways forward after stepping into sobriety. Maybe you’re struggling in relationships. Or maybe you’re just generally trying to figure yourself out. Are you ready for something new? I can help.

Do you feel “stuck” in cycles of unwanted patterns and feel unsure of how to get out? Perhaps you’re dealing with relationship conflicts, difficult life transitions, or consistently putting yourself last. My intention as a therapist is to walk alongside and empower my clients with the tools, insight, and compassion to help heal the mind, body, and spirit. I am here to meet you exactly where you are, as exactly who you are, to help navigate through all of life's obstacles.

Are you ready to make a change? "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." Instead of ignoring problems, work with me to explore your challenges, set goals, and build on your strengths. Learn how to gain innovative ways of coping with life stressors. I incorporate approaches that will be most beneficial to the individual, couple, or family. I take a direct interactive collaborative approach. I believe our counseling relationship is important to your growth. The goal is to lead you to a more satisfied and balanced life.

As a licensed social worker with a 25-year career, my practice is enriched by my identity as a Black professional and dedication to serving diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ and those navigating intersectionality. Understanding the adversities life presents, I embrace compassion and empathy to offer a therapeutic space where individuals feel empowered to lead emotionally healthier lives. My approach is holistic, tailored to each person's unique experiences and challenges, including anxiety, depression, parenting issues, marital conflicts, life skills, anger management, and trauma.

Ever wondered why some questions are harder to ask than others? Or why certain thoughts seem to stick around longer than they should? Well, I’m here to dive into the deep end with you and tackle those tricky questions head-on! With a laid-back vibe and a sprinkle of humor, I’m all about keeping it real and adapting to what makes you tick. Whatever life stage you’re in, I’ve got your back. Together, we’ll navigate the wild world of relationships, kick anxiety to the curb, and plant the seeds for some serious personal growth. Book directly with me on my website!

Sometimes life seems overwhelming. Sometimes relationships are difficult. Sometimes an outside voice to help navigate difficult times and relationships can give a different perspective and give support. I am a clinically licensed therapist and have been working with individuals and couples for the past 15 years in helping them navigate through difficult times and situations to a place of fulfillment. Whether working to strengthen your relationship strategies, or helping you to understand your special worth to the world around you, I can help guide you and get you on your way to a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

Today Living authentically and intentionally is no easy task. Obstacles from within or outside of ourselves often wear a person down, leading them toward a life of settling, and emotional mediocracy. Let me help you cope with life’s many twists and turns while accompanying you on your journey to emotionally thrive. I would love to walk with you for a season, short or long, toward relief and discovery; to discover more about yourself and help you become who you want to be. The work of my life is to help clients overcome emotional blocks that prevent them from full personal relief and growth.

Common problems I help address: deciding who is the "right" person to marry; figuring out why you are single; working on your anxious or avoidant attachment style; managing different partner attachment styles; infidelity: figuring out why you cheated, healing from the infidelity, rebuilding trust and prevention; figuring out if you can make your relationship or marriage work; communication such as arguments that go nowhere; effective conflict resolution; feeling unappreciated/taken for granted; disconnection; healing from a break up. The information & tools I teach are proven to be effective in making relationships successful.

I identify as a Black, queer therapist and use feminine and non-binary pronouns. I have 7 years of experience working with young adults, adults, and older adults for individual and couple’s therapy. I also have experience working with undergraduate and graduate students. Some of my specialty areas are anxiety, depression, complex trauma (racial, sexual, medical, developmental/childhood, intergenerational, and religious), life transitions, work stress, ADHD, postpartum and perinatal concerns, sexual functioning, kink/BDSM/poly, interpersonal relationships, grief, LGBTQIA+, and substance use.

It is not always easy to reach out to a stranger for help, yet you know you are ready to make a change in your life. My focus is on helping clients by understanding systemic or external factors that may impact your relationship with yourself and others. With that understanding we then work together to use that understanding to influence how we treat ourselves and engage the world around us.

Therapy can often be an intimidating space for people, so as a cis-Black male therapist, my theoretical orientation/approach to therapy is from a liberation and social justice lens, working through an anti-oppressive framework, which is trauma-informed, to make clients feel a sense of belonging while working with me. In working from a Liberation Psychology lens, I am able to better assist clients from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other intentionally marginalized backgrounds in identifying and managing anxieties and other stressors/mental health needs from their experiences of oppression, trauma, and other sociopolitical factors.

Seeking therapy can feel so confusing and daunting. I strive to create a safe and warm atmosphere where we take growth at an individual pace. I am challenging yet supportive, direct yet affirming. This is a place where we will do real work. I am passionate about approaching the therapeutic experience from a holistic, strengths-based, and growth-oriented perspective. While remaining client-centered, I provide a structure and framework through which to heal, collaboratively creating strategies along the way. I conceptualize clients in the context of their social environments.

I believe in creating a welcoming therapeutic space that is both person-centered and affirming. Therapy is a place for you and I work together to identify challenges and develop more effective ways of addressing those challenges. My services are always tailored to the individual and I work to maintain a collaborative and strengths-based environment where trust and safety are a top priority. Ultimately, I hope that our work together helps you feel comfortable and confident as you navigate the world.

I work with individuals, couples, and families with a broad range of presenting issues. I know that seeking help can be a difficult step, especially in communities in which mental health is particularly stigmatized. Reaching out takes a lot of courage, which does not go unnoticed for me when working with my clients. I approach each client with a lens of empathy and understanding, creating a supportive space to gain insight about problems and to work together to find meaningful solutions.

Sometimes life, relationships, and families are complex and this looks different for each of us. At U and I Family Wellness, our approach is judgment free, culturally sensitive and individualized for each person, couple, and family. We believe that change happens when we give attention to and build on the best and healthy parts within each of us. We support and help others establish peace of mind despite difficulties, circumstances or situations.

I work with individuals who have experienced or are experiencing any traumas, anxiety, life transitions, relationship concerns, and grief. In particular, I enjoy working with young adults and adolescents who want to work through trauma, anxiety, and/or are questioning their sexuality. I have experience in working with youth, adolescents, and adults of all ages; specifically targeting LGBTQIA+ issues, anxiety, depression, grief, complex trauma, and various life transitions. I also enjoy working with couples and families to feel connected, gain perspective and work on communication skills.

I specialize in couples counseling, family counseling, counseling with men, and premarital counseling. I help clients make meaning of their struggles, articulate their desires, and collaborate to reach their goals. I normalize and interpret conflict in terms of differences, identity, connection, and power issues. Intimacy and anger, stress and time constraints, are often the focus of our work together. I tend to be fairly transparent and strengths-focused. I also specialize in the integration of spirituality and psychotherapy.