Life Coaching Therapists in La Grange Park, IL

Photo of Kristen Dunnett, PsyD, Psychologist
Kristen Dunnett
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
La Grange Park, IL 60526
Life is full of challenges, and I truly believe that everyone needs a quality therapist in their back pocket to call on when they need support.
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” - Buddha. Are your thoughts racing constantly? Do you often find yourself believing the negative thoughts? Many people find it difficult to escape their inner negative dialogue, which often become a part of our behavioral patterns. I am a clinical psychologist who has over 14 years experience working with individuals, couples, and families struggling to quiet their thoughts, change unproductive behavioral patterns, and determine the best direction forward in their lives.
Life is full of challenges, and I truly believe that everyone needs a quality therapist in their back pocket to call on when they need support.
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” - Buddha. Are your thoughts racing constantly? Do you often find yourself believing the negative thoughts? Many people find it difficult to escape their inner negative dialogue, which often become a part of our behavioral patterns. I am a clinical psychologist who has over 14 years experience working with individuals, couples, and families struggling to quiet their thoughts, change unproductive behavioral patterns, and determine the best direction forward in their lives.
(708) 905-2312 View (708) 905-2312
Photo of Cory Grad, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cory Grad
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
La Grange Park, IL 60526
Cory Grad is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with five years of experience. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Loyola University and a Master of Social Work from Aurora University. Cory believes the mind can be a paradise or a prison, depending on the direction we steer it. He feels the meeting between client and therapist is a sacred time in which both parties work collaboratively to help the client heal, learn, and grow. By the time treatment concludes, the client is not “fixed” but rather, returning to the flow of life.
Cory Grad is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with five years of experience. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Loyola University and a Master of Social Work from Aurora University. Cory believes the mind can be a paradise or a prison, depending on the direction we steer it. He feels the meeting between client and therapist is a sacred time in which both parties work collaboratively to help the client heal, learn, and grow. By the time treatment concludes, the client is not “fixed” but rather, returning to the flow of life.
(708) 556-2811 View (708) 556-2811
Photo of Sandra Armendariz, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sandra Armendariz
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
La Grange Park, IL 60526
Sandra Armendariz, LPC, is an empathic and compassionate therapist who offers each client guidance, support, and knowledge as they discover their inner wisdom and resilience. Sandra earned a graduate degree in clinical mental health from Adler University and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Central University of Ecuador. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Sandra worked around the world as a therapist and graduate level teacher. She helps teens and adults with depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationship conflicts, domestic abuse, and more.
Sandra Armendariz, LPC, is an empathic and compassionate therapist who offers each client guidance, support, and knowledge as they discover their inner wisdom and resilience. Sandra earned a graduate degree in clinical mental health from Adler University and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Central University of Ecuador. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Sandra worked around the world as a therapist and graduate level teacher. She helps teens and adults with depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationship conflicts, domestic abuse, and more.
(708) 834-7832 View (708) 834-7832

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Tim O'Donohue - RelationshipStore Counseling & Coaching Center
RelationshipStore Counseling & Coaching Center
Verified Verified
Willowbrook, IL 60527
Individual counseling and coaching includes healing trauma, personal growth, anger management, anxiety & depression, and overcoming addictive behaviors.
With empathy as our compass and expertise as our tool, we walk alongside you, empowering you to reclaim your joy, rebuild your relationships, and rediscover the resilience within. RelationshipStore provides compassionate, result-oriented guidance to create positive life change, heal trauma, depression & anxiety. We will support and guide you on your path to self confidence, improved communication and a happier tomorrow. Our licensed Counselors & Social Workers assist with all areas of your life.
Individual counseling and coaching includes healing trauma, personal growth, anger management, anxiety & depression, and overcoming addictive behaviors.
With empathy as our compass and expertise as our tool, we walk alongside you, empowering you to reclaim your joy, rebuild your relationships, and rediscover the resilience within. RelationshipStore provides compassionate, result-oriented guidance to create positive life change, heal trauma, depression & anxiety. We will support and guide you on your path to self confidence, improved communication and a happier tomorrow. Our licensed Counselors & Social Workers assist with all areas of your life.
(630) 884-5593 View (630) 884-5593
Photo of Thomas L Schemper, PhD, Psychologist
Thomas L Schemper
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Hinsdale, IL 60521
I am trained in EMDR and have developed a variant of this powerful trauma resolution tool to help my coaching clients optimize their performance in business, sports, creative endeavors and personal growth.
Life unfolds presenting its challenges and we are often required to adapt and change. I have over 25 years of experience helping my clients at these important times. I actively participate in creating an environment that is safe and promotes healing and growth. I do this by striving to be attentive, supportive, challenging and compassionate while embracing the gifts,losses,struggles, irony and humor in life's situations. I help my clients cultivate self care by being good observers of themselves and their surroundings, asking hard questions, and showing compassion as they try different approaches and stay open to new possibilities.
I am trained in EMDR and have developed a variant of this powerful trauma resolution tool to help my coaching clients optimize their performance in business, sports, creative endeavors and personal growth.
Life unfolds presenting its challenges and we are often required to adapt and change. I have over 25 years of experience helping my clients at these important times. I actively participate in creating an environment that is safe and promotes healing and growth. I do this by striving to be attentive, supportive, challenging and compassionate while embracing the gifts,losses,struggles, irony and humor in life's situations. I help my clients cultivate self care by being good observers of themselves and their surroundings, asking hard questions, and showing compassion as they try different approaches and stay open to new possibilities.
(630) 426-3843 x261 View (630) 426-3843 x261
Photo of Hiram And Gina White - THAT Life, MA, Pastoral Counselor
THAT Life
Pastoral Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
Broadview, IL 60155  (Online Only)
We are Transformation Strategist who assist people in making a profound change to live their best LIFE! Contact us to help you live that life now.
T.H.A.T LIFE was created to see people make a profound change to live their best LIFE now. Our goal is to help individuals and families overcome obstacles and transition through life’s challenges. Are you ready to break generational curses? Are you sick and tired of past drama causing daily trauma. Through the use of words and strategies, individuals and families will undergo a profound change that creates the best version of themselves in order to achieve success.
We are Transformation Strategist who assist people in making a profound change to live their best LIFE! Contact us to help you live that life now.
T.H.A.T LIFE was created to see people make a profound change to live their best LIFE now. Our goal is to help individuals and families overcome obstacles and transition through life’s challenges. Are you ready to break generational curses? Are you sick and tired of past drama causing daily trauma. Through the use of words and strategies, individuals and families will undergo a profound change that creates the best version of themselves in order to achieve success.
(815) 743-3130 View (815) 743-3130
Photo of Sue Denk, PsyD, CHYP, CCMHC, LCPC, BCC, Counselor
Sue Denk
Counselor, PsyD, CHYP, CCMHC, LCPC, BCC
Verified Verified
La Grange, IL 60525
Healthy people seek therapy or coaching because they know something is not right in their lives.
Each person is an individual and needs to have their treatment tailored to their individual needs. There is no such thing as "one-size-fits-all" therapy. Years of experience have made me an expert in both individual and relationship counseling. For me, the ideal client is motivated towards change and who will work just as hard between sessions as during them, who will explore the past and its effect on now and the future, and who will take what is learned in sessions and apply it to everyday life.
Healthy people seek therapy or coaching because they know something is not right in their lives.
Each person is an individual and needs to have their treatment tailored to their individual needs. There is no such thing as "one-size-fits-all" therapy. Years of experience have made me an expert in both individual and relationship counseling. For me, the ideal client is motivated towards change and who will work just as hard between sessions as during them, who will explore the past and its effect on now and the future, and who will take what is learned in sessions and apply it to everyday life.
(708) 350-6836 View (708) 350-6836
Photo of Nancy Griffin - Golden Life Wellness Center, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional
Golden Life Wellness Center
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
Willowbrook, IL 60527
Let's work together to help you build a clear vision of what you want out of life, your family, your career, your friends, your education, your health and so much more! Whether you're single, a single parent, married, co-parenting, in a relationship - we'll collaborative work on the betterment of YOU! What do you want to achieve first?.
*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS FOR PHONE, VIDEO AND IN-PERSON SESSIONS" Hi, I am Nancy Griffin, Integrative Life Coach! Using my own life experiences combined with a diverse range of healing techniques in the areas of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellness, I have a passion for helping you achieve positive changes in all areas of life! Therapy is a great way to improve the quality of relationships, learn coping skills, overcome obstacles and to focus on better understanding yourself and the intricate layers within your life's purpose.
Let's work together to help you build a clear vision of what you want out of life, your family, your career, your friends, your education, your health and so much more! Whether you're single, a single parent, married, co-parenting, in a relationship - we'll collaborative work on the betterment of YOU! What do you want to achieve first?.
*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS FOR PHONE, VIDEO AND IN-PERSON SESSIONS" Hi, I am Nancy Griffin, Integrative Life Coach! Using my own life experiences combined with a diverse range of healing techniques in the areas of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellness, I have a passion for helping you achieve positive changes in all areas of life! Therapy is a great way to improve the quality of relationships, learn coping skills, overcome obstacles and to focus on better understanding yourself and the intricate layers within your life's purpose.
(773) 232-5002 View (773) 232-5002
Photo of Rob Prohaska, MA, LPC, NCC, CEC, CLC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rob Prohaska
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CEC, CLC
Verified Verified
Hinsdale, IL 60521
I work with many individuals that consider themselves either highly anxious, or simply struggle with various transitional pieces within his or her life.
My work is based on value and respect for each of my clients. I acknowledge that it isn’t easy to seek counseling services. Therefore each client is met with admiration for taking the steps required to address his or her challenges. The process to overcome challenges requires an admission that something just isn’t right. Do you always find yourself in the same cyclical pattern with the same outcomes. If so take control of your wellness and break the pattern and redefine who you want to be. Working alongside my client’s, utilizing evidence based techniques I bring a sense of personal clarity to my client.
I work with many individuals that consider themselves either highly anxious, or simply struggle with various transitional pieces within his or her life.
My work is based on value and respect for each of my clients. I acknowledge that it isn’t easy to seek counseling services. Therefore each client is met with admiration for taking the steps required to address his or her challenges. The process to overcome challenges requires an admission that something just isn’t right. Do you always find yourself in the same cyclical pattern with the same outcomes. If so take control of your wellness and break the pattern and redefine who you want to be. Working alongside my client’s, utilizing evidence based techniques I bring a sense of personal clarity to my client.
View
Photo of Dr. Erica Wade, PhD, LCPC, ACS, BC-TMH, CIMHP, Counselor
Dr. Erica Wade
Counselor, PhD, LCPC, ACS, BC-TMH, CIMHP
Verified Verified
Westchester, IL 60154  (Online Only)
Counseling is a personal exploration that may lead to significant changes in your life perspectives and decisions.
Do you need support and a non-judgmental sounding board to navigate life, career, and relationships? Do you find yourself second-guessing decisions, procrastinating on taking action, and remaining stagnant even though you have big dreams you’d like to fulfill? Is imposter syndrome overshadowing your strides and accomplishments? Allow me to assist you on your holistic wellness journey where I can help you to explore mindsets that are blocking you from living your very best life. To request a Free consultation appointment, feel free to call or email me. I look forward to working with you!
Counseling is a personal exploration that may lead to significant changes in your life perspectives and decisions.
Do you need support and a non-judgmental sounding board to navigate life, career, and relationships? Do you find yourself second-guessing decisions, procrastinating on taking action, and remaining stagnant even though you have big dreams you’d like to fulfill? Is imposter syndrome overshadowing your strides and accomplishments? Allow me to assist you on your holistic wellness journey where I can help you to explore mindsets that are blocking you from living your very best life. To request a Free consultation appointment, feel free to call or email me. I look forward to working with you!
(312) 262-5387 View (312) 262-5387
Photo of Whitney Henderson, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Whitney Henderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
La Grange, IL 60525
You are deserving of a happy, fulfilling life.
Every person has a story that makes them unique. One thing I know for sure is that you are a capable individual and there is a beautiful story inside you waiting to be told. I want to hear your story so that we can work together to build a life you proud of and happy with. Whether you are struggling with your marriage, dealing with depression or anxiety, or simply ready to make some simple changes, I am ready to help you achieve your goals.
You are deserving of a happy, fulfilling life.
Every person has a story that makes them unique. One thing I know for sure is that you are a capable individual and there is a beautiful story inside you waiting to be told. I want to hear your story so that we can work together to build a life you proud of and happy with. Whether you are struggling with your marriage, dealing with depression or anxiety, or simply ready to make some simple changes, I am ready to help you achieve your goals.
(630) 716-9573 View (630) 716-9573
Photo of Carolyn Ball, MA, LCPC, NCC, Counselor
Carolyn Ball
Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
La Grange, IL 60525
Together we can elevate your life.
Something in your life isn’t working the way you hoped. Your relationships, self-esteem or overall happiness isn’t where you want it to be. You are feeling overwhelmed with all that's going on and are unsure how to get back on track. You may be experiencing anxiety and find the constant worry is controlling your life. Perhaps you're stuck in a relationship that feels blah and are worried things won't ever change. The thought "I know things should be better than this" keeps coming up. You’ve got a lot on your mind, and you wonder if talking to someone would help.
Together we can elevate your life.
Something in your life isn’t working the way you hoped. Your relationships, self-esteem or overall happiness isn’t where you want it to be. You are feeling overwhelmed with all that's going on and are unsure how to get back on track. You may be experiencing anxiety and find the constant worry is controlling your life. Perhaps you're stuck in a relationship that feels blah and are worried things won't ever change. The thought "I know things should be better than this" keeps coming up. You’ve got a lot on your mind, and you wonder if talking to someone would help.
(630) 528-0448 View (630) 528-0448
Photo of Colleen Napleton, PsyD, Psychologist
Colleen Napleton
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hinsdale, IL 60521
My focus is on helping parents find balance, learn self-care, loosen the guilt and learn about their littles. I help those in all types of parenting roles with their new or changing identities as they're shifted into a life different than the one they once had. Parenthood brings to the surface a lot of old feelings and wounds that often need to be processed as well as figuring out which patterns are being played out from their own childhood and if there are any they need help not repeating. I have a specialty in babies, toddlers and preschoolers but assist them by working with their parents. I do 1:1 therapy with adults and kids.
My focus is on helping parents find balance, learn self-care, loosen the guilt and learn about their littles. I help those in all types of parenting roles with their new or changing identities as they're shifted into a life different than the one they once had. Parenthood brings to the surface a lot of old feelings and wounds that often need to be processed as well as figuring out which patterns are being played out from their own childhood and if there are any they need help not repeating. I have a specialty in babies, toddlers and preschoolers but assist them by working with their parents. I do 1:1 therapy with adults and kids.
(312) 614-0826 View (312) 614-0826
Photo of Tara T Bradbury, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tara T Bradbury
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
La Grange, IL 60525
Depression, anxiety and stress can rob us of our everyday happiness. Reaching out for help can be a first step in bringing your life back into balance and feeling better. I am a goal oriented therapist who is interested in helping adolescents and adults achieve success in their personal and professional lives. Whether you are seeking counseling for yourself or your teenager, finding the right fit in a therapist is important. I am interested in knowing what goals you would like to work on and how I can help you achieve those goals.
Depression, anxiety and stress can rob us of our everyday happiness. Reaching out for help can be a first step in bringing your life back into balance and feeling better. I am a goal oriented therapist who is interested in helping adolescents and adults achieve success in their personal and professional lives. Whether you are seeking counseling for yourself or your teenager, finding the right fit in a therapist is important. I am interested in knowing what goals you would like to work on and how I can help you achieve those goals.
(708) 279-4470 View (708) 279-4470
Photo of Stephanie Herrera, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Stephanie Herrera
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Riverside, IL 60546
My skills are best suited to work with individuals dealing with issues relating to life transitions, self identity, and interpersonal relationships.
Life is never straightforward, and we are often left facing changes that are both surprising and difficult to navigate. Our routines are thrown off and we find ourselves living life in ways that we never imagined. Yet, as uncertain as it all may feel, we try to manage these struggles as best we can. It is through the turmoil we encounter and the perseverance that follows that we truly learn the essence of our souls. Whether you're at crossroads, distressed over troubled relationships, facing difficult challenges. or looking for meaning in life, I can work with you as you explore through your journey of self-discovery.
My skills are best suited to work with individuals dealing with issues relating to life transitions, self identity, and interpersonal relationships.
Life is never straightforward, and we are often left facing changes that are both surprising and difficult to navigate. Our routines are thrown off and we find ourselves living life in ways that we never imagined. Yet, as uncertain as it all may feel, we try to manage these struggles as best we can. It is through the turmoil we encounter and the perseverance that follows that we truly learn the essence of our souls. Whether you're at crossroads, distressed over troubled relationships, facing difficult challenges. or looking for meaning in life, I can work with you as you explore through your journey of self-discovery.
(708) 972-0865 View (708) 972-0865
Photo of Michelle Kim, MS, LCPC
Michelle Kim
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60607
Are you struggling with depression, fear, loneliness, or a sense of being trapped in life? Are you living with painful memories and emotions which cause you to feel insecure? Or, like me, are you a native of a different country and facing cross-cultural realities that only immigrants understand? If you are hoping to transform your hardships into empowerment, I will be able to create the space and provide the expertise into helping you find internal strength to re-write your life story.
Are you struggling with depression, fear, loneliness, or a sense of being trapped in life? Are you living with painful memories and emotions which cause you to feel insecure? Or, like me, are you a native of a different country and facing cross-cultural realities that only immigrants understand? If you are hoping to transform your hardships into empowerment, I will be able to create the space and provide the expertise into helping you find internal strength to re-write your life story.
(630) 446-2253 View (630) 446-2253
Photo of Carolyn Potts, Pre-Licensed Professional
Carolyn Potts
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Please feel free to reach out for a free phone consultation so we can begin to work toward helping you feel better in your life.
I believe in the healing power of a warm and caring therapeutic relationship, and I am honored to be a companion to you as you navigate your path to achieving the life you want to live. I bring an authentic, compassionate, trauma-informed, and client-centered approach to my work with adults, adolescents, and couples struggling with relationship issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and step-family dynamics.
Please feel free to reach out for a free phone consultation so we can begin to work toward helping you feel better in your life.
I believe in the healing power of a warm and caring therapeutic relationship, and I am honored to be a companion to you as you navigate your path to achieving the life you want to live. I bring an authentic, compassionate, trauma-informed, and client-centered approach to my work with adults, adolescents, and couples struggling with relationship issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and step-family dynamics.
(708) 627-9256 View (708) 627-9256
Photo of Alison Thayer, LCPC, Counselor
Alison Thayer
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Grange, IL 60525
Life can be challenging, but you do not have to struggle alone.
Welcome to taking the next step into feeling better. If you struggle with feeling not good enough or down, or general stress and not able to manage life's challenges, I would love to help reboot your lifestyle and find healthier ways to become who you really are. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has worked with adults, adolescents, children and couples since 1998. Through my own journey, I have worked in high demand positions where I struggled to maintain balance. Today, I am honored to counsel and support those that are considering making improvements in their lives.
Life can be challenging, but you do not have to struggle alone.
Welcome to taking the next step into feeling better. If you struggle with feeling not good enough or down, or general stress and not able to manage life's challenges, I would love to help reboot your lifestyle and find healthier ways to become who you really are. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has worked with adults, adolescents, children and couples since 1998. Through my own journey, I have worked in high demand positions where I struggled to maintain balance. Today, I am honored to counsel and support those that are considering making improvements in their lives.
(312) 800-1702 View (312) 800-1702
Photo of Rachel W Robertson - Diverge Community Services, MOT, OTR/L, CBIS, ASDCS, Occupational Therapist
Diverge Community Services
Occupational Therapist, MOT, OTR/L, CBIS, ASDCS
Verified Verified
Riverside, IL 60546
We are neurodivergent occupational therapists supporting other neurodivergent adults through everyday life challenges from a neurodiversity-affirming, strength's-based approach.
The ideal client for Diverge Community Services is someone who is neurodivergent or thinks they might be neurodivergent who wants to improve their quality of life and understand their emotional, sensory, and executive functioning needs.
We are neurodivergent occupational therapists supporting other neurodivergent adults through everyday life challenges from a neurodiversity-affirming, strength's-based approach.
The ideal client for Diverge Community Services is someone who is neurodivergent or thinks they might be neurodivergent who wants to improve their quality of life and understand their emotional, sensory, and executive functioning needs.
(734) 390-4730 View (734) 390-4730
Photo of Edward P McHugh, LCSW, CAMSIII, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Edward P McHugh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CAMSIII
Verified Verified
Western Springs, IL 60558
Got anger, anxiety, depression? I can help. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Anger Management Specialist Level III. Passionate about helping individuals, professionals and couples escape the parasitic nature of mismanaged anger, conflict, and stress freeing them to discover greater enjoyment, fulfillment, and success in their lives, careers and relationships. 25+ years of clinical counseling and coaching effectively treating Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Anger and Stress Management, Marriage and Relationship Issues, Conflict Resolution and Influencing Skills.
Got anger, anxiety, depression? I can help. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Anger Management Specialist Level III. Passionate about helping individuals, professionals and couples escape the parasitic nature of mismanaged anger, conflict, and stress freeing them to discover greater enjoyment, fulfillment, and success in their lives, careers and relationships. 25+ years of clinical counseling and coaching effectively treating Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Anger and Stress Management, Marriage and Relationship Issues, Conflict Resolution and Influencing Skills.
(630) 528-2595 View (630) 528-2595

See more therapy options for La Grange Park

Life Coaching Therapists

What can I expect from life coaching?

Clients and coaches will typically start by identifying the problem area(s) that the client hopes to address—then, the coach will help the client brainstorm potential solutions and explore concrete techniques to help the client attain their goals. Coaching is typically short-term and focused on finding solutions in the here and now, rather than exploring a client’s past. In addition to strategies aimed at the client’s specific concerns, coaches may encourage general stress management techniques such as meditation.

Can a life coach help treat anxiety?

Because the majority of life coaches are not licensed clinicians, they are not qualified to diagnose or treat anxiety. Anyone struggling with anxiety or another mental health condition should seek help from a licensed mental health practitioner. However, some coaching clients who struggle with subclinical anxiety report that working with their coach on other problems—such as career dissatisfaction or unhealthy habits—has a positive effect on their anxiety.

Can life coaching be done online?

Yes. While life coaching often happens in person, many coaches conduct sessions over the phone or via online platforms such as Zoom or Skype. Because life coaches are not subject to local licensing regulations in the same way that therapists are, they are able to see clients who live in other locations.

How long does life coaching last?

Life coaching tends to be a shorter-term process than therapy, though it does not always unfold over a specific period of time and is instead based on the coach’s or the client’s preferences. Coaching often takes place over three to 12 months but may be shorter or longer if necessary.