Behavioral Issues Therapists in Evanston, IL

Layla Byrnes is a compassionate Licensed Social Worker based in Illinois, bringing a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her practice. With a journey that began in Philosophy, Layla holds a Bachelor of Arts and furthered her education with a Master of Social Work and a Master of Arts in Public Policy. Since obtaining her license in 2018, Layla has dedicated herself to creating a safe and inclusive space for individuals seeking growth, self-discovery, and authentic connections. Layla is proud to declare her practice as Queer- and Kink-friendly, fostering an environment that embraces diversity .

Sometimes even day to day activities can feel overwhelming. Whether you are a child just starting school, an adolescent going through changes, a young adult navigating being on your own for the first time, or a parent who is struggling with understanding your child, know that you are never alone. Taking that first step in asking for help and seeking out therapy is understandably difficult, even if it isn’t the first time, but can make a world of difference. Therapy is a way to better understand you and/or your child’s experiences, while also creating healthy coping skills, boundaries, and sense of self.

With a background in pastoral counseling and youth mental health, Tommy has a gift for putting young people at ease. Through deep listening and connection, he allows clients to be who they are while working to become the person they believe they can be. Tommy works primarily with boys and young men, ages 10 to early 20s—a group that often resists going into therapy. He responds by building a trusting and authentic relationship, helping clients navigate their healing within a mutually respectful space. Tommy’s specialties include ADD/ADHD, compulsive technology use, anxiety, depression, academic pressures, sports performance,

It's important that you find a therapist that is a right fit for you. I strive to create a safe holding environment where clients feel understood and encouraged to take their next step. I utilize a developmental framework and family systems approach, while viewing each client as a unique individual. I specialize in working with young children and families, providing individual, family, couples, and group treatment.

Difficult times in life are opportunities for growth and change. I specialize in exploring identity, relationships, and transitions, mindful of the interplay between our formative experiences and current ways of being in the world. Through the therapeutic process, we understand and address anxious and depressed feelings; recover from losses and addictions, and manage work and family related stresses. I facilitate my clients' innate movement toward healing and authenticity.

Where is my life going? How do I get back to being me after having a baby? How do I support my teenager or young adult child? Now that I am finished with college, what's next? These are questions that my clients often ask. In our work together we will make a plan towards finding your authentic self, achieve personal goals and build healthier boundaries and relationships. I am a social worker with 13 years of experience working with clients of all ages.

The human experience can be challenging at times. One can encounter situations leading to feeling powerless, in pain, or stuck. At times, this can look like an individual ruminating in the past or experiencing levels of depression. Or possibly, one can also be worried about the future or experiencing anxiety levels. I value the autonomy that people have and their ability to problem solve. Yet, I also acknowledge that a constructive and intentional space could provide efficiency for individuals maneuvering through various situations. As a counselor, I intend to help you within this space and support you on your healing journey.

The people I work with sense a shift could be important. Their relationships seem to have a lot of ups and downs, they feel like they cannot control their emotions, and they sometimes experience unwanted mood swings. Specialized evidence-based treatment can generate a shift. They feel more centered in themselves, are less likely to be taken over by emotions, and can more quickly recover from intense feelings. Their relationships with themselves, and with others, improves. They gain a stronger sense of purpose, increased ability to communicate, more often avoid misunderstandings, and can resolve conflicts more quickly.

This summer, take the courageous step towards self-discovery and growth. Let's work together to uncover the insights and transformations you seek, building a brighter, more fulfilling path forward. I know that starting or restarting therapy can be intimidating and finding the right fit is important. In my practice I take time to work with clients to feel understood without judgement while building meaningful insight. Building communication, understanding, compassion, and confronting difficult patterns are important components to consider when looking for a therapist and these are hallmarks of my work with clients.

I believe one of the biggest factors in creating growth and change begins with the therapeutic relationship. I strive to build a safe environment to give you the comfort and security you need to begin your path to healing. You'll find I use a client centered approach that begins with your needs first. My experience has led me to work with and meet a variety of mental health and addiction needs. For information, please visit my website at aliciarowleycounseling.com.

My specialty is couple and family counseling, and of course, I also see individuals ages 12 and up. I have significant experience working with children and families who are involved with DCFS. I have helped families deal with issues such as divorce/re-marriage, and child abuse. I also enjoy working with parents who are re-thinking their parenting style and want to work towards a more satisfying relationship with their child(ren).

Starting therapy can be trying process, and often what's important is finding the right fit between a therapist and a client. Once therapy begins, it can be an incredible resource where an individual may regain a sense of balance and peace of mind, build more satisfying relationships, develop more effective communication, as well as find the sense of direction and meaning that allows one to thrive. I also work as a forensic expert in women’s reproductive mental health and consult with legal counsel on criminal cases that are relevant to an experience in the postpartum period, this includes murder, infanticide, neonatacide.

With more than thirty years experience practicing clinical social work, I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of individuals, couples and families in their quest to understand themselves more fully and lead healthier, more satisfying lives. There is no question that therapy and counseling works, and the benefits that can be yielded are many. With the foundation of an accepting, supportive relationship with an experienced and caring therapist, difficulties that can otherwise seem overwhelming and unmanageable can be understood, and strategies explored.

Is the stress of work or school overwhelming you? Are your relationships difficult? Are you struggling with feelings of shame or vulnerability? Do you feel unsatisfied? Everyone experiences life differently. My training and experience as a counselor has led me to a deep understanding of how we live in our worlds: with our families, within our relationships, and even how we perceive ourselves. My approach to counseling is based on helping others find the solutions that lie within themselves. Evening and weekend appointments are available.

Speaking to adults… Joseph Campbell defines Compassion as “…an immediate participation in the suffering of another to such a degree that you forget yourself and spontaneously do what is necessary.” With hybrid training as therapist, teacher, and coach, I compassionately support individuals exactly where they are in their life. Whether one wishes to address past trauma, wants to contemplate a career decision and change of environment, or wants support with relationships and life’s many unpredicted events, I create the space to do so at the pace and depth that the individual wants and is ready to successfully take on.

Accepting new clients after September 1st - I have 30+ years of clinical experience with children, adults, and families from diverse populations and backgrounds. My holistic approach has developed from years of partnering with clients to tailor therapy to each client's needs. My practice is full of passion, dedication, and a non-judgmental attitude, which breeds an honest and effective environment for my clients.

For my clients, some aspect of who they are does not align with the expectations of them, bringing up anxiety, depression, and other stressors. Clients bring in issues related to masculinity, communication, relationships, identity, self-esteem, and polyamory. They may also feel limited or overwhelmed by larger issues outside of their control, such as the environment, capitalism, or other oppressive structures. They want to live more confidently but don't know how to do it on their own. Together we'll create a space to open up and dig deep. I will help you understand the gap between where you are now and where you want to be.

Life is complicated and seldom straightforward. We are often left facing challenges that are surprising and difficult to navigate. It may be a new role, a disappointment at work, a problem in a relationship, or some lasting echoes from the past that still show up, that causes us to feel anxious, angry, sad, confused and “stuck”. We try our best to manage by using coping strategies that turn out to be more problematic than helpful. We are then left thinking, what happened? Will I ever feel like my old self? Why can't I just get over this? If you are anxious, struggling to focus, overwhelmed by work or family, I am trained to help

We are a team of therapists serving children in individual and group therapy sessions. No one is born with an instruction manual. We learn through trial and error. However, sometimes children get stuck in this process. Whether it is a bump in the road, a devastating event or one's own stagnation; growth and progress are put on hold. It doesn't have to be that way! Less problems are possible in a healthy environment with dedicated professional therapists willing to meet you every step of the way. Help is out there. All you have to do is AASC (ASK).