Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapists in Darien, IL

There are few times in an individual's and family's life as transformational as when a new life gets added to the family. I am here to help support parents and families as they navigate pregnancy, post-partum, and parenting challenges. This includes perinatal mental health, changes in relationship/family dynamics, setting up a system/routine that works for all caregivers, adjusting division of labor expectations at home, how to get on the same page with your partner regarding parenting choices and techniques, intimacy-related issues, establishing boundaries with extended family, and more.

Are you feeling frustrated by the consistent pattern of unfulfilling and frustrating relationship issues in your life and have wondered to yourself, ‘maybe I need to work on me’? Perhaps you are struggling to manage overwhelming feelings with pregnancy or navigating the minefields of pregnancy, prenatal, or postpartum? Or maybe you are a woman that is feeling frustrated that penetrative sex feels painful and less enjoyable than you thought it would be? Either way, you're feeling disheartened that your life does not look like you imagined it would and you're looking for a change.

Welcome! You are in the right place! Elisabeth Pasch is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience serving adolescents, adults, and incarcerated individuals through Community-based counseling, Inpatient Psychiatric Services, and Inpatient and Outpatient Substance Use and Mental Health Services. As a clinician who maintains her own wellness and growth through therapy, she understands the value of developing a trusting, non-judgmental, compassionate, encouraging, and safe therapeutic relationship. She believes this to be the foundation of change for any client she serves.

Danielle Hanisch is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who obtained her master's degree in Social Work with a specialization in Clinical Social Work from Aurora University. Danielle believes in the Biopsychosocial model to evaluate and counsel multiple areas that contribute to distressing thoughts and emotions. She strives to create a comfortable and safe environment where she can connect with individuals therapeutically and provide treatment by meeting the individual where they are at.

Dr. Smith is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. He works with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, intellectual/developmental disorders, learning disorders, OCD, psychotic disorders, behavior disorders, and more. Dr. Smith completed his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Tougaloo College and his Master's Degree and his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and the American Psychology-Law Society.

Megan Sullivan, PsyD, provides therapeutic care to children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups. Her area of expertise includes depression, anxiety, interpersonal difficulties, life changes, physical, mental, and sexual abuse, and personality disorders. Dr. Sullivan also conducts psychological and neuropsychological assessments along with pre-surgical evaluations. Dr. Sullivan received her BA from Aurora University and her PsyD from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Each of us is a story, waiting for a devoted reader who will take us off the shelf and embrace all our plot twists. I believe each client is the expert in their own story and I strive to provide a warm and non-judgmental space to allow them to feel safe to explore those chapters as they are ready. I work collaboratively with each client on identifying realistic and attainable goals to their treatment that they can implement into their daily life to allow healing, growth and taking back control. I employ a holistic approach to mental health to allow clients to see themselves as a whole person and not just their diagnosis.

Tony Rio, LCPC, takes a non-judgmental approach to help foster a safe and welcoming therapeutic atmosphere. He is committed to helping his clients work toward reaching their full potential. Tony earned a BA from Bradley University and an MA from Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He has experience with clients from adolescence to older adulthood, and worked in community mental health and various forensic settings. In therapy, Tony uses using a variety of techniques such as Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Baiba Davydenkovas is a bilingual Licensed Social Worker in Illinois, practicing since 2018. She brings a multicultural, diverse, and non-judgmental approach to her work with individuals, couples, families, and groups. Baiba earned her bachelor’s degree in Latvia in 2020 and graduated from Aurora University with her LSW. With over four years of experience, she specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and realistic interventions. Baiba helps clients connect with their undiscovered strengths and resources, encouraging them to find hope and resilience after loss, divorce, depression, trauma, abuse, life-altering experiences.

Stephanie Popp, LCPC, specializes in traumatic experiences, sexual issues, ADHD, and relationship concerns. Stephanie received her undergraduate degree in psychology from University of Illinois at Chicago and her masters degree in clinical mental health counseling from Governors State University. She spent 10 years working with high risk youth, who had been human trafficked, experienced sexual trauma, or had offending behaviors. Stephanie enjoys working with the entire lifespan, especially adolescents and adults 50+. She will use a fully collaborative approach.

Do you want to feel vibrant and alive but feel off track and stuck? Do you feel that anxiety and depression control your life? Maybe you struggle to communicate with your friends or family members. Do you struggle with having low self-esteem and confidence? Perhaps you feel stuck with your current job and do not know how to move forward. What would it mean to you to finally be happy with your life and in your relationships? Jennifer M. Cross, MS, LPC believes that all people hold the keys to creating a life that they love.

Ashley wants you to feel comfortable and safe while exploring your difficult feelings. Ashley will provide a non-judgmental and empathetic environment to help you work toward finding solutions for your internal struggles, especially when it relates to unresolved trauma and emotional distress. Ashley's approach to working with you relies heavily upon her background in working with individuals who have suffered childhood trauma and her ability to put you at ease with her calm and kind presence. Ashley earned a Masters of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Denver in Denver, Colorado.

Emily Spaargaren, a compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois, creates a safe and welcoming space for clients seeking support and understanding. Emily received an undergraduate degree from Emmaus Bible college in Biblical Studies and Counseling Psychology. Emily received her graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Indiana Wesleyan University. With a background in Christian counseling, Emily is open to incorporating faith-based perspectives into therapy. Emily would like to help guide her clients through their spiritual exploration. Allowing a safe space for her clients to ask questions.

Lakeithia Butler, LCPC, creates a safe place for clients to express, process, and cope with their emotions and experiences. She helps adults develop realistic alternatives to their struggles. Lakeithia earned a BA from Western Illinois University and an MA in clinical mental health from Chicago State University. Her background includes roles as a counseling supervisor and psychotherapist serving clients of all ages struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, and more. In therapy, Lakeithia incorporates CBT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, trauma informed care, and more.

Dr. Kirsten Raether is a Post Doctoral Fellow in Illinois. She received her B.S. in Psychology from Illinois State University and then went on to receive her M.Ed. and Psy.D. in School Psychology from the APA-accredited Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. Dr. Raether is also a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). She completed her pre-doctoral internship through the University of Arizona Psychology Internship Consortium, where she worked for Tucson Unified School District in both primary and secondary schools.

Krista Sherinian, LCSW, has over 27 years of experience helping clients age 5 and up. She often works collaboratively in cases of divorce and with stepfamilies. She got Spanish fluency from a language school in Guanajuato, Mexico. Adult clients have described her work with her as, "practical and life-changing." She addresses mind-body wellness by including in treatment lifestyle tips, relaxation training, guided imagery, and Emotional Freedom Techniques. Her approach to couples or family therapy blends strengths with personality type to learn better communication and ways to grow in partnership.

Sylwia is ready to walk alongside you as you prepare to address difficult challenges in your life. She graduated with her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Sylwia knows that finding the right fit in a therapist is most important for working on vulnerable issues. Sylwia’s experience providing in-home mental health and emotional support as well as medical coaching to individuals prepares her to help you address issues including depression, anxiety, relationship conflict (individually, as a couple, or as a family), substance abuse issues, trauma, etc

Karen is someone who will provide you with the safe space to be able to express yourself. She will be empathetic to your everyday struggles, but she will also challenge you in making a change. Karen is someone who will be there through the challenge, to support you. Although change can be scary, it is important when wanting to make progress and wanting to move forward. Karen uses a variety of theoretical orientations such as CBT, Person Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology, Reality Therapy, Choice Theory, among others. All of these orientations are used in an eclectic way to better serve the client.

Chasity Davis, LCSW, helps clients of all ages learn effective coping skills and work toward recovery. She builds rapport and develops trust to establish a warm environment where clients feel comfortable to express themselves freely. Chasity graduated with honors from NCCU and has experience working with multiple populations. Her style is versatile and she embraces similarities and differences in each client. Chasity is especially skilled at treating family conflict, relationship struggles, depression, and more. In therapy, Chasity uses CBT, role play, and various other methods to address client needs.