Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT) Therapists in Skokie, IL

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with children ages 3-18, with a variety of emotional and behavioral issues. I specialize in working with children who have experienced trauma, particularly abuse and attachment trauma. I have a nurturing, yet directive style that helps children and families to feel at ease, as I believe that safety in the therapeutic relationship is most important. My passion lies in helping children emotionally heal, and helping parents to play an integral role in this process. I know that it is difficult to ask for help for your child, and feel privileged to do so.

I work together with my clients on what is meaningful to them and honor the uniqueness of each person's concerns without judgment. I believe the more someone feels accepted for who they are, the more they are able to focus on their strengths and initiate change. Whether you are struggling with life transitions, healing past traumas, trying to improve your relationship or looking for parent guidance, I work hard to provide a safe space for you to reach your goals. I am versed in many evidenced-based practices: play therapy, DBT, CBT, mindfulness, ACT, and tailor therapy around your goals and needs.

Do you feel unfulfilled, in a rut, anxious, depressed or just frustrated that your not living your life to your full potential? Do you feel dissatisfied with your relationships or with your job or career? Do you feel that there is more to life and that you wish you could get more focused and motivated and have more meaning and purpose in your life? I have helped many people with these types of struggles and challenges and I feel that I can be of help to you as well.

When it comes to mental health treatment, our approach is simple and unique: our accomplished team of physicians and therapists work together to diagnose and treat your body, mind and spirit as a whole. We are one of the few practices combining traditional treatment with evidence-based alternative therapies, all under one roof. We are privileged to have changed the lives of many families in Chicago's North Shore, as well as out-of-state and foreign visitors. Our "whole body" approach to treating mental health conditions is supported by clinical studies. These include but are not limited to: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), diet and exercise, spiritual/social evaluation, yoga and art therapy. Many still focus only on the brain, treating symptoms, not causes. In many cases they over-prescribe medications. While our physicians do prescribe medications as needed, what sets us apart is our commitment to explore all options. We search for root causes and provide the most appropriate treatment, not merely the most convenient one. When we do prescribe, we go the extra mile to customize a plan that minimizes side effects. You and your family deserve the best in healthcare!

There are times in our lives when we face problems that can overburden us with distress and discontent. These can include struggles with troubling moods and emotions such as depression, anxiety, anger and self-doubt; challenges navigating our roles and relationships as parents, partners and professionals; and difficulties adjusting to life-altering events such as a death, a divorce, or a major transition. I specialize in family-focused counseling aimed at helping children, adolescents, adults, and couples to address these concerns in ways that lead them to cope more skillfully, connect more positively, and live more hopefully.

During life's challenging moments, most of us benefit from the support of a non judgmental guide. People have told me they feel safe with me. Whether you are dealing with work/school stress, struggling with anxiety or depression, coping with parenting, experiencing loss, or are looking for support with a relationship, I can help you to better understand stuck areas in your life. I see individuals, couples, adolescents and families. I have an interactive, supportive, and open approach. When working with individuals, we will work together to gain greater self understanding and discover workable solutions.

I use a collaborative treatment approach and different behavioral therapies to help clients develop skills to live more effective and meaningful lives. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is at the core of supporting clients to reach their goals. I focus on each client and their level of need and recognize what works with one individual may not work for another. I use evidence based treatment to best support each client to help navigate their journey. I am passionate about mental health issues and strongly believe that given the right tools and resources, anyone can improve their mental health.

Most of my work is assessment and therapy. I love working with children and their families where the family dynamics may be creating some stress within the family system. I enjoy the process of getting children and families engaged in therapy and working together to identify the values of the children and their families. Clients who are looking to strengthen their family bonds and develop their family unit are some of my favorite things to work on. Much of my interest and experience has been around bullying and trauma, and I greatly enjoy being a part of the growth my clients make while addressing these issues.

At Here & Now our goal is to help each client discover the joy of feeling comfortable in their skin and knowing their purpose in life. Our clinical specialists thoughtfully and compassionately tailor a wellness hub of solutions to each client’s unique needs. Our Wellness Hub of professionals incorporates evidence-based practices. Everyone's Hub at Here & Now is unique; it may involve Psychiatry, Ketamine or Talk therapy, Neurobiofeedback/brain training, Infusion therapy, Art therapy, Hypnosis, Breath work, VR exposure therapy, EMDR, Movement and Somatic work. We also offer trusted resources for overcoming substance abuse issues.

Since 2009, I have I have worked with children, adolescents, adults and parents with a special focus in anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, grief and loss, and life transitions. I have the Level 1 Theraplay Certification which works with children and parents to enhance attachment and increase self-regulation skills. I believe in focusing on bridging the therapy space to other environments so parents and schools will be included in treatment planning and updates. I also work with new and expectant parents, and received the level 1 PSI training to help support in this significant life transition.

My passion for being a Psychotherapist stems from the desire to help others reach their highest potential, no matter the obstacles in life. Individual therapy creates a confidential, caring, and safe environment that promotes self-discovery and growth. My philosophy aims to meet you where you are and to guide and support you by building hope, resiliency, and self–love. I will empower you by using therapeutic strategies that instill aspiration, courage, and progress. Couples treatment provides a safe and trusting environment where we can identify issues and achieve growth.

As a firm believer in the power of genuine human connection, the dynamic between my clients and I is of my highest priority. A professor and mentor once said, “The question should not be, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ But rather, ‘What has happened to you?’” This quote shapes every conversation I hold with my clients. I am dedicated to breaking down the stigma of traditional talk therapy, particularly for young folks, by empowering my clients to rewrite their own narrative and understand their neurological roots, to become the best version of themself, for themself, their relationships, and their future.

Life can be an unexpected wave in the water that makes you feel unsteady, or it can be a giant wave that overwhelms you, and it keeps coming, and it is hard to regain your sense of balance. But when a helping hand reaches out, it can help you to find your strength and balance. Whether it feels like a big or small wave, I can be that support and guidance so when the waves come, you can brace them and keep going. I believe in providing empathetic care and guidance through a collaborative therapeutic relationship by navigating the unique experiences that influence each client’s life.

Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, confused, frustrated, discouraged, disappointed, lost, anxious, sad or angry, you are not alone. Most of us experience those feelings at some point in our lives. We care about the people we serve, and we believe every person is individual, authentic, and unique. We use evidence-based practice (EBP) methods for mental health to help children, pre-teens, teenagers, adults, couples, and families to live their best lives. We understand that therapy can seem scary and intimidating, though we know that finding the support you need is the key to starting the self- healing process.

I am Dr. Sylvia Kobe, and I am a Licensed Clinical psychologist. My associate Dr. Mary-Zitta Muabe and I collaborate to cover a broad counseling spectrum. Together Dr. Muabe and I specialize in marriage, family therapy, and spiritual maturity. We also work with teens, young adults, and individuals battling anxiety, depression, or struggles to cope with every-life issues. We believe in empowering our clients, encouraging them to see that life is all about second chances, and with the right kind of intervention, the best is yet to come.

I believe the most successful clients are open-minded and curious, patient with the therapeutic process, and motivated to put in the work necessary to create the change they want to see in themselves and actualize their potential.

I help others actualize the change they desire. I believe all humans possess inherit worth and value and I use a person-first lens with clients. Therapy is a place to feel heard, connect in a genuine way, and practice relational living with a supportive professional. Are you a parent needing help because your teen is struggling? Maybe you are a teen who is questioning their identity, or an adult looking for help through life transitions. My hope for clients is they come as they are, be honest about what they need, and reconnect with their truest self for long-lasting change.