Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Therapists in Elmwood Park, IL

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.

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 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.

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.

“The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness." - Abraham Maslow

I strive to create a welcoming, emotionally supportive, safe and non-judgmental therapeutic environment for you to work on your therapeutic goals. My approach to therapy is collaborative and client-centered. I believe in coming along side you in the therapeutic process to help create and prioritize achievable goals. I have experience providing individual and group counseling in a variety of areas including grief/loss, anxiety, depression, anger management, behavior modification, ADHD, self-esteem, work/life balance and career conflict. Thank you for considering me on your therapeutic journey.

I help adults who have experienced symptoms related to depression, anxiety and adjustment disorder, amongst other things. I provide a safe space for those who are hoping to gain insight into their experiences and develop adaptive coping skills to adjust to their struggles. Among the other issues I have assisted clients with are: Struggles with ADHD and other learning disabilities, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, sexual abuse, adjustment disorder, issues related to struggles in the work force such as burnout and Vicarious Trauma, working through relationship issues, and issues related to systemic oppression.

As a therapist, I provide the structure and support needed to deepen inner work. Have you been in therapy for a while and feel stuck? Many of us get through our initial experience in counseling and feel better, have healthier boundaries and feel more sure of ourselves. This is so incredible and many stop therapy here. For others, often therapists, creatives, spiritual seekers or those in helping professions, we have a sense that there is more to be uncovered here. That is my focus as a therapist. Inner work can feel murky. I provide a clarifying container to deepen in the midst of the unknown and the hunch that there is more to see.

Life is all about relationships--beginning with the one you have with yourself. My goal is to provide a safe place for you to explore your underlying feelings leading to a better understanding and acceptance of who you are and who you can be. I will provide you a supportive relationship as you re-gain control of your life. Changes within often change relationships with others and that can be challenging, even frightening, yet rewarding. We will work together to strengthen emotional bonds with loved ones, cope with grief and loss, deal with trauma, and maintain a sense of inner balance.

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.

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.

Life can bring many hurdles that get in the way of our enjoyment and success. Perhaps you feel weighed down with stress and worry. Perhaps your experiences and challenges in life has caused you to develop unhelpful thoughts and habits. You are here because you believe there are better ways to handle those difficulties. I specialize in working with individuals (18+) to help them to better manage their emotions so that they can live a more fulfilling and positive life. I am trained in EMDR and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients meet their specific goals.

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.

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.

My primary goal in working with clients is to provide a compassionate, accepting, mindful space to create an opportunity for clients to work towards the person they would like to be. I support individuals and families who are chronically distressed with a commitment to honesty and compassion. I am experienced with depression, anxiety, interpersonal conflict, adjustment difficulties, family conflict, and trauma. My training is in psychodynamic and family systems therapy, and I utilize modern approaches as well to individualize treatment to client's needs.