Therapists for Teens in Elmwood Park, IL

I hold a Doctorate Degree in Counselor Education and Supervision and I am a licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I am a certified Integrative Mental Health Professional and a certified Mental Health and Nutrional Clinical Specialist. In addition, I am certified in neuropsychotherapy, and Trauma Therapy. I have extensive professional experience using DBT with children & adults with relationships issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, autism, intellectual disabilities, ADHD, & parent coaching. I worked in residential, hospitals, private practice, supervision, parenting education, couples, family and substance use therapy.

I have experience in working with adults and adolescents that have experienced trauma, anxiety and depression. Most of my clients that I have supported have been uncomfortable with their daily lifestyle and are seeking to make active changes to improve their quality of life.

In my therapy practice, I believe in an individualized treatment approach, realizing that all clients have varying needs and perspectives. These differences are always respected and acknowledged and as a result, my treatment focus is adaptive, utilizing various treatment models customized according to the individual qualities, needs and goals of each client. I maintain a strengths-based perspective on treatment and believe that every client has the potential to experience greater self-awareness, emotional healing and growth, and personal achievement.

I assist adults, adolescents, families and couples to reach emotional, mental health, relationship and achievement goals. The process is a collaboration between client and therapist. At the first meeting we explore the nature and history of issues and previous attempts to address them. We work together to understand the reasons for difficulties. We then develop an approach for change that includes plans for follow-through. The aim is a better quality of life.

I believe that times of crisis can also be times of transition and development. As a therapist, I strive to help clients put family and individual crises in the proper perspective, so they can begin to mobilize their own resources for change. Acceptance and insight into oneself and one's situation are powerful tools that therapy can enhance, both for adults and children of all ages. I have years of therapy experience helping clients cope with painful and difficult situations, including addiction/compulsions, damaged relationships, bereavement/loss, and abuse. The first session can be a powerful and positive step.

For forty years I have worked as a therapist addressing a broad array of concerns. Forming a solid working relationship is the foundation of all therapeutic change. No matter where someone is in the life cycle, the search for meaning and purpose always remains an essential endeavor. Learning how to take care of ourselves is the task of a lifetime. A shared exploration of the past opens the way to a deeper understanding of the present and inspires hope for shaping the future. My intent is to identify barriers to change, work towards their removal, and engender personal advancement.

INSIGHT, SKILLS, SUPPORT. Strength-based. Solution focused. I work with clients of all ages using cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based therapies along with guided imagery, dreamwork, and art. I believe that mindfulness can help to reduce negative thinking, worrying and self-criticism. These are bad habits - and they can be changed. I am skilled at teaching children/adults how to be more mindful instead of getting caught up in harmful, unproductive thoughts that lead to self defeating actions.

I truly enjoy meeting new people and building a trusting therapeutic relationship. To me, therapy is a celebration of your strengths, passions and unique qualities. I would love to collaborate with you to help improve your understanding of yourself, relationships with others and develop skills to cope with life's stressors. I hope we can work together to experience joy, connection and expressing our authentic selves in the world. I specialize in treating stress, anxiety, panic and depression. I have worked extensively with individuals navigating life transitions such as finishing college, divorce, grief and career changes.

Welcome; I enjoy helping people cope with anxiety, depression, anger management, couple relationships, and life transitions. (divorce, loss, career change, family relationships) I have a directive, practical approach that balances understanding and support with guidance and direction. I believe that in order for therapy to be meaningful, it is important to work together and create an individualized approach which is a unique match for your concerns and style. Many people who have felt little or no progress in therapy before, have made positive changes with my active, engaged approach.

I provide cognitive behavioral psychotherapy for education, support and management of symptoms of all mental disorders including depression, anxiety and Bipolar Disorder. I teach specific stress management, time management and other coping skills. I administer comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological testing batteries, including cognitive, memory, ADHD and projective testing. My areas of expertise include women's issues, geriatrics, veteran's issues and issues related to managing chronic medical illnesses and pain. My focus is on addressing each client's personal needs and problems.

I specialize in the assessment and treatment of behavior problems in children and adolescents, as well as depression and anxiety in individuals of all ages. I also specialize in the treatment of relationship problems and the psychological management of acute and chronic medical disorders, particularly cardiovascular disorders and encopresis. I help people gain insights into their difficulties and teach them skills that will facilitate the resolution of their difficulties. When requested, I confer with attending physicians and, in the case of minors, with their teachers and/or school social workers. I am on the medical staff of Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.

I have been practicing psychotherapy for 32 years. My clinical work centers around helping people develop satisfying relationships and lifestyles. We will work collaboratively to help you heal old wounds and make insightful meaning of your patterns of self-defeating thoughts and behaviors as they impact your current functioning and relationships. I will help you develop inner strength and creativity to remedy depression, anxiety, and unhappiness. Ultimately, you will ably make intentional choices about managing your life, goals, work, and relationships.

My passion is helping people to find peace and fulfillment in their lives. I have expertise in stress and anxiety, self-confidence and self-esteem, trauma recovery, and adapting to changes in your life or identity. I can help you learn to more effectively manage your difficulties and increase your ability to fully experience the joys of life.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Illinois with two decades of experience, specializing in stress management, anxiety, life transitions, low self-esteem, career coaching and professional burnout.  My mission is to partner with my clients in their personal and professional growth using an approach that attends to the mind, body and spirit. My focus is on serving those who seek balance and meaning in the diverse roles they play throughout the lifespan, from parenthood to professional life and everywhere in between.

I support individuals, couples, and families under stress. Together, we uncover contexts and patterns of thoughts and behaviors that are causing challenges. Often, you as the client may already know the answers but could use support in living those answers out. The end goal is growth; the client should be able to look back at our work together and see a difference.

Welcome and best wishes on your search for help. Please know that therapy is a good option that has helped many others in difficult times. I offer a compassionate, calm and supportive environment for clients to talk about their experiences, organize their thoughts and understand their emotions. You may be struggling with behaviours that you feel are unhealthy, or emotional difficulties that are impacting functioning. Maybe it’s thoughts that are not serving you well or life events that are hard to process. You do not have to go through it alone.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with seven years of experience in the mental health field. I received my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from George Washington University, and since this time have received specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing,) an exciting form of therapy which can target trauma, addictions, anxiety disorders, and can improve performance in work and recreational tasks.

My goal as a therapist is to help people get back on track with what is truly important in their lives and let go of the unnecessary struggle that psychological pain can create. I believe that everyone can learn to take a new perspective on pain in order to prevent it from acting as a barrier to the most important parts of their lives.

Is your child experiencing feelings of sadness or anxiety that have begun to impact everyday life and activities? Is your child stressed about school, avoiding school or having trouble with friendships? Do they struggle with focus and attention to the point that it impacts grades as well as relationships? I can help with identifying and managing strong emotions through the development of new coping tools and strategies. I offer a positive and encouraging space to support my clients in acquiring new skills, adapting to and managing life’s changes and bringing out strengths and abilities.