Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors Therapists in Evanston, IL

I am a general practitioner whose personal style is warm and interactive. I utilize a psychodynamic approach informed by acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and cognitive-behavioral (CBT) principles. Psychotherapy at Third Wave Wellness provides a unique opportunity to transform one’s suffering. Learning to be more present, create space for discomfort, and mine for greater meaning allows us to take new actions to find joy, calm and purpose. Therapy and coaching are highly collaborative, we work together toward your goals.

To schedule sessions, please book a call with our Client Care Coordinator here: www.calendly.com/adminccbh Starting this process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Using warmth, empathy, direct feedback and skill building I can help you more fully understand yourself and your relationships and therefore feel empowered to start living the life you want to live. I firmly believe that healing comes from exploring how our past experiences have affected the ways in which we interpret and interact with our world in the present.

Finding the right therapist is essential in one's journey toward overcoming obstacles. I believe counseling is a collaborative and creative process where we join together to establish the change you desire. I utilize a direct, honest, and genuine communication style in our relationship. My approach combines psychotherapy and the use of experiential therapy as a means of building communication, trust, and decision-making through individual and family treatment. My treatment also involves the partnership of animal assisted therapy with my Labrador Retriever.

Being heard, understood, supported and appreciated can make the difference in how we experience life. Whether it is individual counseling or relationship counseling you seek, we will work together to improve how you think and feel about yourself, your relationship(s) and therefore, your life. I will help guide you to express your feelings, your thoughts and most importantly, learn to take the actions required to achieve the positive outcomes you seek. Making real change is not easy, however, I believe, with assistance, we can achieve great things working together.

Making the decision to seek therapy, and finding the right provider for yourself are big steps on the path to healthy change. I do not take for granted the meaning a therapeutic relationship can have and see the work as a privilege. Like any healthy relationship, the therapeutic connection has to be rooted in trust. I hope to earn that trust with you by being present and engaged in our work together. You will find that I use a collaborative, insight oriented and solution focused approach to treatment.

I have been at the Family Institute at Northwestern University for over 33 years. During my tenure, I directed the graduate program in Marriage and Family therapy at Northwesten University for over 11 years and prior to my directorship served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Institute for a decade. My experience in running organizations led me to develop the Family Business Program for which I still serve as principle consultant. My lens for thinking about clients grows out of extensive clinical experience, teaching, writing and research.

Challenging life transitions such as a new school, being away from home for the first time, the loss of a loved one, the postpartum period, or navigating a fertility journey can leave us feeling overwhelmed, isolated and disconnected from our true selves. It may feel like no one understands what you’re going through or like you don’t have the energy for things that used to really matter to you. Perhaps it feels like you lost your identity. You need some relief. You’re ready to feel calmer and more hopeful. You’re ready to feel like you have the tools to handle difficult days. Most of all, you’re ready to feel like yourself again.

Seeking therapy can sometimes feel daunting. My goal is to help guide and support you through whatever life stressors you may be experiencing in an open, caring, non-judgmental environment. I am passionate about working closely with clients across their lifespan struggling with a range of personal issues. I strive to provide a safe emotional environment to help clients feel at ease discussing their concerns. I describe my approach as collaborative, authentic, and relational, and strive to prioritize cultivating a strong therapeutic relationship with clients.

I have over 25 years experience treating adults, families, adolescents, and couples. I specialize in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders. I am a published author who has presented my research on group psychotherapy nationally and internationally. I am also a licensed massage therapist who practices mind/body work. As a past board member with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and a past member of APA's Task force on severe mental illness, I am an advocate for individuals and families who struggle with the stigma associated with these disorders. As a retired professor at Midwestern University.

In my practice I strive to make people feel comfortable and safe in both body and mind. Life can be challenging, and sometimes during those challenging times we may forget what it’s like to feel like our true selves or to feel happy. Allow me to help you through this journey. Nobody should have to suffer alone. I have 18 years of clinical experience as a therapist. I work primarily with adults and teens. I utilize a combination of Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, as well as Mindfulness and Meditation in my practice.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the effects of trauma, by challenging circumstances, or just feeling stuck in life? Do you have a hard time expressing or describing your feeling in words?  My therapy is rooted in care and trust. With compassion, understanding and guidance, I assist my clients to increase their self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness and reconnect with their own inner strength to overcome the hardships in their lives. With my background as a clinical trauma specialist, an expressive artist and a Japanese immigrant, I am uniquely positioned to help guide you towards a more positive and empowered life journey.

August 2024 update: We have immediate openings for new clients for telehealth and in office! If you're anxious, depressed and wanting to live your life with more ease, the guidance and support of an experienced therapist can help you navigate stressful times. Imagine your life with more calm and trust in yourself and your ability to handle whatever may come your way. Imagine feeling more fulfilled in your work and your relationships! Seeing one of our therapists can help you feel more content and purposeful as you navigate life, whether it is through a life transition or dealing with serious mental health symptoms.

The decision to start or resume therapy can be a difficult one. I believe every individual has their unique story to tell, learn, and grow from. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has been working with students and adults for over 20 years. My style as a therapist is warm and compassionate. I work from a relational client-centered approach, while incorporating cognitive behavioral and mindfulness practices. My goal is to help you to step back from stressful situations, gain different perspectives, and make lasting changes.

You are the expert on your experience, I simply serve as a guide to the process. - Therapy is a partnership between you and me, (and my corgi Bennett who may make an appearance now and then - don’t worry, he’s bound by HIPAA too). - I am honored to be in a position where I am able to support my community. The community served include those struggling with a variety of relationship, intimacy, and sexual issues. I also work well with those who are navigating cultural transitions, such as self-identity / exploration, marriage, blended families, immigrants, and refugees. Navigating various domains of life is tough and you are not alone.

I enjoy working with individuals across the lifespan -- children starting at age 2, tweens, adolescents, college students, young adults and adults. My specialties include anxiety, OCD, parenting, ADHD, tics, binge eating, and weight management. To achieve your goals, I offer evidence-based therapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Exposure Plus Response Prevention (EXRP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

*I am unable to accept new clients at this time* I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adult individuals, couples, and families. My areas of expertise are with emerging adults dealing with the unique challenges of transitioning into adulthood, couples in conflict or for whom trauma histories exist for one or both partners, and women coping with balancing the many roles they occupy. If you feel disconnected, either from yourself or others, I will join you in a process of being present and experiencing the transformative power of being seen and heard so that you can begin to see and hear your true self.

For over 15 years I have worked with children, teens and adults managing difficulties with social, emotional and behavioral difficulties. The diverse experience with each age has given me insight to share in the therapy room with you. I address each challenge with great care and energy to help move toward growth with you or your child to find understanding and greater ways of coping, being in relationships and thriving.

Are you looking to make changes in your life? Are you looking for a partner to help navigate relationship struggles, manage symptoms, or just to listen to the challenges you're going through? It would be an honor to partner with you on this journey, whatever the reason that brings you in. Each person is worthy of a space to feel seen and engage in a meaningful therapy experience.

Even as you come into therapy wanting to change, I understand that change can be difficult and confusing at times. I hold the space as a compassionate guide for you to rest into your own self-awareness. We will collaborate to help you discover your authentic path to healing and wholeness. My approach is based on cultivating interpersonal connection and as well as mind/body/soul awareness through helping you deepen and trust your connection to self. From this place, you will find more freedom of choice, feeling of purpose and sense of agency in your life.