Therapists in Gurnee, IL

Hello! My name is Yahaira and I am a bilingual therapist who has been serving clients in Lake County for the past 14 years. I have worked with children, adolescent and their families with varying diagnosis and life issues. I believe it is important as a therapist to recognize that every client is different, and will need an approach specifically adapted to them. My role in the therapeutic process will be to encourage clients to collaborate in regaining hope in their lives, and overcoming difficulties.

The counselors at HOPE - Child and Family Counseling/Adolescent and Adult Therapy specialize in therapy to promote emotional healing across the lifespan. We provide an atmosphere of acceptance and hope. Our skills are grounded in interpersonal connections and current interventions in neurobiology, attachment, cognitive-behavioral, trauma, family systems, child/play therapy, drug and alcohol treatment, and more. We apply principles that treat the whole person while knowing that the body, mind, and social world can interplay with how we feel, think, and navigate through life. Locations: Roscoe, IL, Gurnee, IL, and Janesville, WI.

I am a bilingual therapist providing individual, family, group, and couple's counseling in both English and Spanish. I enjoy working with a wide range of ages, and hold a special fondness for the adolescent and young adult population. Years of experience have prepared me for working with adolescent issues, parenting issues, and mood disorders.

Research and experience tells us that effective therapy is predicated on a truly meaningful relationship between client and therapist. I am confident that I can provide a time and space where you and/or your child will feel understood, accepted, cared for, and appropriately challenged to change. I work primarily with adolescents and young adults who are struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, grief and loss, divorce, separated and blended families, life transitions, sexual health and sexual identity, conflicted family relationships, attachment issues, and emotion and behavior management.

Often we want something to be different in ourselves, our relationships or in our lives, but we don't know how to make it happen. I will work to create a supportive partnership with you in order to bring about a decrease in self-defeating and unproductive emotions and behaviors. My extensive training and 30 years of experience allows me to guide clients in the process of revealing and removing the roadblocks that stand in the way of accessing their full potential and taking positive action.

I have worked with adolescents, children, and adults in mental health and social work for over 20 years. I have extensive experience helping those who struggle with anxiety, depression, identity development, non-heterosexuality or non-cis gender (LGBTQI+), and ethically non-monogamous (polyamorous) relationships. I also have a history working with people with substance abuse problems and women in transition, as well as those coping with grief and loss. I have supported individuals who happen to be neurodivergent in terms of their unique needs. I believe everyone is deserving of respect, care and support.

As a psychotherapist, my approach with clients is very down to earth. Not all clients and problems are the same which is why I tend to be a bit more eclectic in style. Life is stressful and filled with enormous challenges; our strength is put to the test daily. We all face dilemmas in our personal and professional lives often causing conflict in ourselves and our relationships. What is often most comforting is knowing that we are not alone. Through the course of therapy, I have one objective: to reach your goals together.

As a therapist and educational advocate, I work with tweens, teens, adults and families to bring out their best selves by using successes in the past to confront and conquer current life challenges. It is okay to struggle with anxiety; the goal is to make sure you don't suffer from it. Parent coaching means understanding great kids can also make bad decisions. We work together to learn practical strategies to put in your parent toolbox. I'm also passionate about helping parents trust their instincts by decoding specialized vocabulary of IEPs and help parents assert their expertise when it comes to the special needs of special kids.

In my therapy practice, I work to create a space where clients feel accepted and free to express themselves. I work with clients to help empower them in their lives, to promote healthy relationships and to build resiliency for all of life’s changes. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them develop insight to achieve their goals. It is important to me that my relationship with clients is built upon trust and that what is important to them is the focus of their time in therapy.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, as well as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I use a strengths based approach and have worked with clients of all ages. My specialties include behavioral disorders, substance use, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I have also worked with clients that have experienced trauma ranging from physical and sexual abuse, assault, and experiencing and witnessing violence and negligence. I do not believe there is a one size fits all approach to therapy and believe that every client is the expert on themselves.

Have you ever felt “stuck” in your life and not sure how to move forward to make positive changes? I strongly believe that when we cannot make changes to our situation, we need to make changes to our thinking and perception, which requires exploration and support. When we can make changes to our situation, it can be risky and scary and best done with plenty of planning and validation. I am passionate about helping people make these “shifts” in perception and situation.

I am celebrating my 33rd year as a therapist. I work with clients to create the lives they want by building upon their strengths and helping them eliminate internalized shame so that they can free themselves of emotional pain. I especially enjoy helping young adults heal past trauma for a happier, healthier present and future. I have a caring, authentic and compassionate approach. I create a safe and nurturing space to help clients develop the power that they already possess to heal themselves and gain meaning and understanding while walking on their unique journey.

Welcome! Let us take a moment to acknowledge you for taking the first steps towards seeking help. I imagine this is not easy, but it is a sign of strength. I believe that everyone has the capacity to grow, heal and change, and learn new ways for improving their well-being. You can begin to heal by recognizing how important your thoughts and feelings are in navigating this world. Often, we can attempt to solve everything and sometimes we "solve" ourselves into various situations that take a piece out of us, leaving us fragmented and further away from tending to our whole selves.

Feeling stuck in endless therapy without clear progress? I offer a different path: therapy that’s focused on real, lasting healing. My approach honors your personal beliefs & tackles mental health challenges, emphasizing holistic care for issues like Couple/Marital and Parenting crisis, anxiety, narcissistic or emotional abuse & more. I’m committed to not just guiding you but empowering you with the tools to uncover your innate problem-solving abilities, aiming for swift and meaningful progress. Your time & investment are precious; together, we strive for autonomy, not dependency, ensuring each session is a step towards your goals.

I see a range of people, aged 12-99, in my practice. I use an eclectic approach to therapy, focusing on what each individual needs. I draw from my experience in different therapeutic models, tailoring my approach and interventions to meet the unique needs of each client.

Making the decision to talk with someone can be difficult and sometimes even scary for clients, "It's really important to me to build trust with my clients and help them feel comfortable in the therapy process." I am dedicated to helping people achieve positive change and personal growth. I see my role in the therapy process as being a guide and an encourager.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who views therapy as a partnership built upon mutual trust. I pride myself on creating a calm, safe, and non-judgmental environment to help clients feel at ease. My goal is to empower each individual towards change.

Today is the perfect day to put yourself first.

Our goal is simple. To offer people a center that is dedicated to the wellness of the mind, body and spirit. We are focused on solutions that build healthy skills to last a lifetime.