Therapists in Ottawa, IL

My ideal client is any human struggling with the present moment, any human suffering.

Samara Al-Omaishi, MA is a clinical psychotherapist with a focus on depression, anxiety, disordered eating, identity development, life transition stress, and trauma. Samara has her Masters in clinical psychology and is in her fourth year of doctoral studies. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in strength-based practices, integrating culturally-informed, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic methods tailored to each individual's specific needs. As a first-generation Iraqi-Canadian, Samara is committed to helping individuals navigate significant life adjustments, recognizing these transitions as profound stressors.

I believe that every problem or life challenge offers an opportunity for growth and development. With the support of a positive and safe therapeutic relationship, you can find strength to address and overcome difficulties within your immediate family, in the workplace/school, with a present/past partner, and begin to feel a deeper sense of fulfillment, find or maintain more satisfying relationships, or begin to heal from a loss or crisis. With over 20 years experience as a psychotherapist, I have successfully helped adults, adolescents, and children develop more productive coping strategies, better communication skills, and a sense of resilience.

Through research, education and clinical services, The Family Institute at Northwestern University is one of the nation's leading relationship-based behavioral health organizations committed to strengthening and healing the whole family system by bringing together the right partners to support children, adults, couples and families across the lifespan. As researchers, educators and therapists, we work with our clients and PARTNER TO SEE CHANGE. By weaving together 175 therapists and therapists-in-training, we create a high quality, collaborative system of behavioral health care. One that gets results.

People’s Therapy of Chicago treats people struggling with: addictive use of substances or behaviors, anxiety, depression, relationship stress, job stress and the lasting impact of trauma. If you're considering therapy but aren't sure, then you've come to the right place. Most people who see us have little to no experience with therapists or therapy. Many are uncomfortable asking for help, believing it is a sign of "weakness." Others come from families where "staying strong," and keeping "personal business" in the family was the norm. Whatever the story, they are able to open up to us.

Looking for help? Everyone goes through times when they need support - some problems are too difficult to solve alone. The MTS Counseling Center offers high-quality and affordable mental health care to individuals, couples, and families in the Chicago area. We are located in the heart of downtown and offer free parking. We are able to treat a number of issues such as depression/anxiety, anger, grief, addiction, family and relational issues, self-esteem, and spiritual brokenness.

I am interested in hearing from individuals of all ages who would like to speak about their struggles, dreams and anxieties and what is making them feel stuck or overwhelmed. My approach is based on the unique ways individuals and families have of speaking- or not being able to speak- about troubles across generations, exploring over time the creative ways these troubles can enter speech so that individuals and families can relate differently to themselves and those around them. We can listen together for what comes up in sessions that points to new ways forward in life and a greater sense of freedom that is tailored to you.

I believe many life struggles are due to our best attempts to adapt in ways that don't seem to work. Emotional distress is often caused by factors outside our awareness. These factors limit the range of possible ways to live fulfilling lives. We try to help ourselves by using various creative strategies and sometimes discover we can succeed only with the assistance of someone who knows how to help. A close relationship with a skilled and sensitive professional who understands human challenges is crucial to discovering new ways of being and relating. I collaborate closely in relationship with clients to help transform their lives.

I believe that, without exception, every individual carries within, the capacity required for healing to occur. As a therapist, it is my honor and privilege to help clients and their families uncover and understand the meanings and feelings associated with their symptoms. Whether the primary client is a child, adolescent, or adult, I work collaboratively with couples/parents to create a treatment plan that is right for the family as a whole. From this perspective we can then work together to discover more adaptive and creative ways to solve problems, build relationships, and live rich and fulfilling lives.

My ideal client presents to a session with the presence of distress with life transition, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, financially and physically. Clients desire to explore the layers of the barriers they are faced with, learn healthy and solution focused ways to manage life's adversities while gaining meaning making. Clients would ideally desire a way of their current situations and aspire to be the best version of themselves equipped to meet life head on. My ideal client is open-minded, committed, ambitious, vulnerable, honest, flexible, and ready to build a rapport that will validate them in their darkest hours.

At Willis CC, our guests are encouraged to challenge themselves & find new ways to cope with life’s challenges. We believe to be human is to experience pain. We believe suffering, while part of the human experience, is not the identity of our humanity. Therefore, helping you hold pain lightly & with compassion while taking action to change your life is essentially what therapy is all about. We are dedicated to offering support & nurturance to those seeking a new direction while holding onto their values. You don’t have to see a therapist for the rest of your life, in fact, the sooner you need us less, the better for everyone!

As a licensed clinical psychologist I treat people with a broad spectrum of issues, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, relational problems, trauma and PTSD, grieving and loss, and eating disorders. I believe that people who are in emotional pain have made choices and decisions based on what they believed to be the best options available to them at the time. My collaboration with patients focuses on discovering and creating greater and more adaptive options than they previously thought possible.