Emotionally Focused Therapists in Forest Park, IL

You make sense. Your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, sensations- they all make sense. Therapy is a great place to figure out how, and find ways you can change some of those things, or accept them and live with greater ease. In sessions with me, we will work to deepen your understanding of yourself, add skills for better tolerance of emotions and connection with others, and clarify your vision for what you want out of life. In my work with both individuals and couples, I enjoy bringing skills for better emotional awareness, communication, and values based action.

I believe it is a privilege to be involved during challenging times. I anticipate learning and growing as a result of working alongside you. I consider myself a guide; I provide a compassionate environment that fosters open communication. We focus on increasing self understanding which is paramount in manufacturing peace within our unique and complex environments. My therapeutic design is to focus on strengths and goals, while sifting through the many layers that make us who we are today. Together we’ll uncover practical strategies for emotional and mental wellness.

I enjoy providing therapy for adults and couples, including LGBTQIA+ and non-monogamous couples. I am poly, sex work, and kink - allied and -informed and am passionate about advocating for and working with these populations. My specialities are trauma/complex trauma, including couples and polycules where one or more partners have experienced trauma. I assist my clients in freeing themselves from cultural expectations, leading them to live their most authentic and fulfilling lives. I believe genuine connection and community are keys to healing, including the relationship we create together in therapy.

I believe that it takes a lot of strength and courage to ask for help. If you are ready to take the next steps to improve your quality of life, please reach out to me to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if I’m the right clinician to support you on your journey. I am a solution focused therapist and use a strength-based approach in my practice. While I believe that processing past trauma and experiences can be an important part of recovery, I am here to meet you where you are right now to help focus on your goals for the future.

As a therapist, my goal is to provide my clients with trauma-informed care to guide treatment and walk with them through the process of healing. My passion for mental health stems from the belief that every person is capable of changing their life for the better. I work with teens, adults, and couples with a range of concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, and more. As we work together, I aim to build your toolbox of skills to reach for and increase your sense of peace as I provide a space to comfortably discuss any topic. It would be an honor to join you on your journey

Hello, I appreciate you wanting to find out more about me, and how I might be able to help you. I respect that you can speak for yourself and I understand the impact of trauma. I believe that the strength of the family unit is key to each member thriving. You may need to be heard, repair relationships, heal from being hurt and hurting others, or explore new ways of communicating. Facing fears and difficult decisions takes courage. Building better communication and stronger relationships takes time and effort. So, where to start? We can meet, and then you can decide if you feel comfortable with me.

Deciding to embark on the path of therapy can be daunting, yet it marks a courageous step towards healing and self-discovery. As a therapist, I am committed to walking alongside my clients throughout this transformative journey. My approach is rooted in compassion and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. I specialize in trauma-informed therapy, drawing from a diverse range of therapeutic modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Play, Narrative, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy . These approaches allow me to create a safe and supportive environment where healing can unfold organically.

My specialty is providing therapeutic services to children and adults. I utilize a client centered approach to join with my clients in the therapeutic process and offer gentle, non-judgmental support through the journey of therapy. I meet you where you are.

Life is filled with transitions, both good and painful, and it is our attention to those transitions that help us build joy and fulfillment in our lives. I believe that therapy is about a good match between the therapist and the person seeking assistance and that this partnership forms the basis for a real opportunity for self knowledge and growth. In our work together I provide a thoughtful, caring and safe space to attend to the life issues that are most in the forefront for you. With focused attention to those issues, surprising and hopeful things begin to occur.

Hello! And welcome to my practice. I have a couple of specialities. First, I help sufferers of trauma become safely emobodied after years of disconnection and fear of feeling. Second, I help clients build nervous system regulation and secure attachment so they may feel safer and more free in the world. Third, I coach clients make room for their true 'selves' in their lives, without sacrificing family or connection, blending individuation/exploration with secure attachment. And finally, I help clients remove barriers between them and their goals so they may lead more purpose driven lives for themselves and those around them.

Dr. Nakisher offers a practical approach in a supportive, yet challenging atmosphere to help clients gain insight, make lasting changes in life and get out your own way. He works particularly well with people who have previously experienced therapy as unhelpful. Dr. Nakisher also works a business consultant to major corporations, improving business through human capital.

If you are considering therapy, you might be looking to improve your day-to-day experience, work through past issues that still bother you today, or manage symptoms that get in the way of your relationships and goals. Therapy can help you discover your inner strength and most important values, and help you find the power to guide yourself into a life you love. I work with individuals facing challenges ranging from grief, self-doubt, and relationship issues to depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. You may not know where to start, but together we can figure out the direction you want your therapeutic journey to take.

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.

Many people feel that difficult or painful experiences have the power to define them, or that it may have damaged them permanently. I aim to help my clients recognize that difficult situations will not ‘destroy’ or ‘define’ them, and instead help them regain some control in deciding who they are and the path they want to take. I believe in utilizing therapy to help my clients recognize their own personal story and growth. I provide support and tools for my clients to use along the way, drawing from a wide toolbox of therapy approaches, including EMDR.

Navigating life's set backs, challenges, and adversities can absolutely take a toll on our wellbeing and ability to function, which is why it is important to know that you do not have to work through these concerns alone. I believe in the power of healing through promoting self-awareness, autonomy and empowerment, and also in people's strength to move towards change. Though suffering is a part of life, something that all humans share, working to manifest helpful and sustainable coping mechanisms, and skills that will work to serve you long term makes a difference in the quality of life a person experiences.

Through more than 20 years of experience, I have worked extensively with individuals, couples and multi-generational families providing treatment for a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. I grew up in a large & humble home; learning and understanding the complexities of dealing with different types of personalities, sometimes in difficult circumstances at an early age. My goal is to see clients do amazing work in treatment by strengthening their coping skills, removing limiting beliefs, resolving conflicts, and lifestyle changes through a positive way of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

The majority of my training and work experience has specifically focused on the assessment and treatment of psychological trauma. I believe my job is to walk alongside my clients as they unpack their traumatic experiences, while providing continued safety and validation, all at their own pace. I have extensive experience in evidence based treatments for PTSD and have been successful in treating a wide variety of individuals. I have also completed specialized training in maternal mental health. I treat women dealing with mental health issues that come up during and after pregnancy, such as anxiety, depression, and OCD. I also help women navigate pregnancy loss, infertility, and traumatic births. As a mother myself, I am passionate about working with other mothers struggling with mental health issues related to pregnancy or the postpartum period.

Does your child seem "off" and "not like themselves?" Do they have a hard time calming down? Do they seem angry or worried all of the time? It can be scary and frustrating when you notice your child isn't living with ease and joy. You've tried all of the behavioral approaches, read all the books, and yet your child continues to struggle. You wish your child was available for connection and playfulness but there's something getting in the way. Your child might be feeling one way and showing something completely different to you and you want to better understand what they are going through. I hear you and I see you.