Couples Counseling Therapists in Mchenry County, IL

I strive to ensure that all clients are able to find the resources for healing and change within themselves. I work to explore the importance of the client’s connectedness to the world around them and their perceived role in their current environment. I encourage and guide clients through their life choices while fostering an environment of freedom so they ultimately are able to choose who they want to become through the therapeutic process. I take a holistic approach throughout therapy, focusing on the many aspects of an individual that can become out of balance.

Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.

Do you feel like life is chaotic, relationships are a mess, and things are seemingly not getting any better? You are not alone. It may feel impossible to move forward when struggling with depression, motivation, low self worth, boundaries, and dysfunctional relationships. During our time together, my hope for you is to feel comfortable to show up as your authentic and genuine self. I tell clients that I am human first and therapist second. It is my goal and priority to build a connection with you and to provide you with skills to become more present and compassionate in your healing journey.

I have been providing psychological and behavioral services in the Chicagoland and Grand Rapids, Michigan area for the last 14 years. In session I am empathetic and positive, working collaboratively with each client, in overcoming life challenges. Due to the vast amount of experience I have gained in both psychotherapy as well as behavioral modification, my therapeutic approach is diverse and can be non-directive, guiding the client at their own pace, or directive in nature. My goal is to assist each client to a happier, healthier, productive life, in a safe environment.

Desiree’s primary goal as a clinician is to create a warm, supportive, and safe environment that promotes deeper exploration and understanding of one’s emotional experiences. She enjoys teaching others about mental health and how to cope in ways that individuals can feel proud of by utilizing psychoeducation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Person Centered Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

I am a Christian therapist that has been working in the field for over 30 years. I help people learn new ways of thinking and relating and provide tools to overcome depression, anxiety, subtance abuse, sexual addictions, and relational problems.

As both a Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Life Coach, I love to help people achieve personal and relational growth and healing. I seek to identify people's strengths and affirm who they are in order to empower them toward the changes they desire to make. We discern together what is getting in the way of living life to the fullest. I bring a wide array of life experiences and insights into my professional work that enhance my effectiveness with clients. Who I am as a Christian is an integral part of who I am as a professional.

Many people go through times when they have trouble with even the simple tasks in life. Relationships, work, family and life purpose can become overwhelming at times. Imagine if you didn’t have to feel that way. Connect to your joy and sense of worth. Counseling is a conversation about thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and the collaboration between counselor and client to co-create goals for change. I will work with you to help you change the way you think and feel about yourself and the world. By exploring what you value we will collaborate to overcome the difficulty you have been facing.

Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.

My specialization is focused on DBT and ACT, empowering, empirically based psychotherapy approaches that assist clients of all ages in meeting therapeutic goals in ways that are tangible and measurable while validating the client experience. DBT recognizes emotion as a valid response to experience, perceived or otherwise, with a focus on the development of skills that improve function and well-being. DBT skills include Mindfulness; Emotion Regulation; Distress Tolerance; and Interpersonal Effectiveness. ACT focuses on increasing mental flexibility and resilience through acceptance, mindfulness, and behavior-change strategies.

I understand that each individual has their own unique experiences and struggles and it is essential to acknowledge their expertise in their own lives. I strive to establish a foundation of trust and connection by meeting clients where they are at in all aspects of their lives. By focusing on their inherent strengths and capabilities rather than solely on their challenges, I help empower individuals to overcome challenges and obstacles.

I want to give you the opportunity to improve the quality of your life. With the right help, life's challenges can be overcome and your wounds can be healed. Life does not have to feel this difficult, and regaining control is closer than you think. Call me today and begin to fill your life with the memories you desire and the happiness you deserve.

I have eighteeen years of counseling, psychotherapy, and behavioral therapy experience. I provide services to individuals and families.

With a specialized focus on empowering the LGBTQIA+ community, I offer compassionate support to individuals as young as 10 years old, as they navigate the complexities of mental health challenges. My commitment lies in fostering an inclusive and affirming space where clients feel seen, heard, and valued. I identify as a transmale and understand the challenges of finding a therapist who truly grasps the intricacies of gender and sexuality.

My goal is to create a safe and comfortable space that is free of judgement and where one can be their true, authentic self. I believe that every person can reclaim their positive sense of self and discover their own potential through inner work. I can provide competent treatment for children as young as age 5, teens, and adults for a vast number of issues.

Life can be difficult and at times people need an outside source of support. Through a collaborative approach, the focus at Next Direction is developing skills and insight that help the client navigate and resolve the issues that brought them to counseling. Because clients need to feel comfortable with the counselor they select, Next Direction Counseling offers an initial phone consultation to discuss your counseling goals and answer any questions. We believe providing an introductory meeting allows clients to make informed decisions about their mental healthcare and facilitates a positive counseling experience.

For 39 years, I have been passionate about helping people find freedom from personal struggles of depression, anxiety and marriage/ family problems. I treat first with natural alternatives rather than medications. I also specialize in Attention Deficit Disorder and I am a parent of an adult child with ADHD. I personally know the challenges and victory in helping someone with ADHD live their life successfully. I am viewed as the Sherlock Holmes doctor since I work with the most difficult to diagnose cases and help to crack the case of what is causing a person to struggle.

Has the pandemic caused you to be aware that you have anxiety, worry or feelings of sadness or loneliness? Have you noticed that sometimes the closest people in your life have the hardest time understanding you? Thankfully, getting help from a professional no longer has the same stigma it once had. If we have feelings of worry, irritability or feel isolated, there is no longer shame in getting help from a Therapist. Whether you are experiencing grief and loss, a battle with a chronic illness, or life adjustments, we can embrace your journey together!

E-MAIL is the best way to reach me! Life is a journey, and sometimes that journey can be extremely painful. I believe that you have what it takes to find your way through. Whether your journey has taken you through childhood abuse, sexual trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, or you are just trying to get through a rough time, I believe in you. I take a strength-based approach to successfully navigating challenging circumstances as an individual or family. I will support you and your family with empathy and perspective. I am extremely objective and work well with families in crisis.