Suicidal Ideation Therapists in Skokie, IL

It is inevitable that life is challenging and often times, we feel stuck and need reminders that we are not alone. As a psychotherapist, I understand that each client has a unique story of their own and that each client deserves tailored and individualized care. We will start by establishing what goals you would like to achieve in therapy and will then create a treatment plan collaboratively. I tend to pull from your strengths and values, and will work with you to unpack unhelpful thinking patterns and maladaptive behaviors and will explore alternative coping skills that will be more sustainable for you in the long run.

Open to seeing clients of all ages and presenting concerns, I specialize in treating mood and anxiety issues in teens and adults. My aim is to practice therapy that works! Therapy that is evidenced-based, goal-driven, and collaborative. I will work with you to identify concerns, create transparent treatment plans, and efficiently move toward healing and growth.

I often say it is my job to help make life better. Whether you are worrying too much (anxiety), feeling sad (depression), or dealing with trauma, I will do just that: Help make life better. I have experience with children, adolescents, adults and families and have worked in both the school system and in full-time private practice. My style is practical, and focuses a lot on coping mechanisms and strategies. I have had much success working on a variety of issues as noted below. I enjoy assisting in the progress and achievement of attaining goals. My COVID mission has been "always an opening" and now have associates too!

We all have challenges in our lives. Sometimes these challenges can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of worry and anxiety. At other times, these challenges can lead to depression and despair. I am here to listen. I am here to support you. I am here to give you the tools that you need to make needed changes. Together, we can explore possibilities and find the motivation for change that you have inside of you.

During these complex times, we are presented with extremely challenging issues that demand resourcefulness and perseverance. No one is immune to pain and suffering; the sharing of it is a courageous and healing act. I specialize in helping clients develop strategies to cope with anxieties, fears, depression, hopelessness and helplessness. I bring many years of expertise providing supportive, interactive, strength-based treatment and a client-centered approach, using evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness and psychodynamic therapy.

During my past 25 years as a therapist I've worked with several clients with a variety of presenting problems, including anxiety and depression, chemical dependency, emotional abuse, sex addiction, codependency, eating disorders, and childhood trauma. I offer a supportive, confidential and safe place for you, your partner, spouse and/or family to work through obstacles, struggles, and current/past traumas to find success. It is my role to respect your values and the goal you set out to reach in therapy.

I specialize in working with resolving depressive and anxious symptoms related to trauma. We will work together to find resolution to the pain and allow you to lead a more fulfilling and healthy life. I understand that the effects of trauma can interfere with all aspects of our lives. We will work together to allow you to feel more capable of managing life's stressors and develop healthier relationships. I also work with couples on healing unhealthy and painful relationship patterns. In couples work, we will develop tools to learn how to resolve conflict and increase safety in the relationship.

I am an individual and couples therapist in Skokie. I have worked extensively with adult clients suffering from anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, depression, and relationship issues. I have also worked with families in distress and children experiencing difficulties at home and in school. I am certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and take the time to form unique, quality relationships with each and every client.

Psychotherapy is a process, not an event, and healing and transformation is possible. Through creating a non-judgmental and compassionate therapeutic environment, I help foster insights into your distress, helping translate these discoveries into an improved quality of life. By relieving symptoms and addressing the source of problems, the process of therapy promotes well-being, meaning, and purpose. Psychotherapy is an effective method for promoting wellness and facilitating enduring positive change. Everyone has the innate desire and ability to lead authentic, meaningful, and purposeful lives. Psychotherapy is a proven path to uncover and access that potential.

From the moment a teenager or young adult becomes my client, I am dedicated to providing expert, optimal care as well as empathy and accessibility. As a psychotherapist and an advocate, my collaboration with additional health providers, psychiatrists and school administrators and educators is often pivotal to my clients' success.

Therapy can be enlightening, informative, life-changing, and sometimes even life-saving. I believe in the power of psychotherapy & human connection. More importantly though I believe in you, as a person, to have the power to access the ability for growth. My ideal client is someone who is willing to challenge themselves by digging deep & connecting the dots between how your past life experiences may be affecting your present self through your thoughts, emotions, or behaviors. I have experience in treating depression, anxiety, grief, loss, trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, addiction, and injustices in the legal system.

The world can be a frightening, difficult place, and we all need a safe place where we can feel seen, valued, and appreciated for who we are. My practice is primarily informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), with a client centered base. I believe that a strong, supportive therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of all change. I have and still do work with a wide range of clients from diverse backgrounds and with diverse presenting concerns.

I believe change occurs in the context of our relationships, with our own self and with others. Oftentimes, when people seek out therapy, they are feeling lost, discarded, and may be filled with self-doubt and negative thoughts and feelings about themselves in the world. I work with clients to forge new ways of relating to ourselves and others to engage more fully in the world. We do this by learning a range of new skills and processing past experiences, but at its core, it is about connection with another human being and being seen, heard, understood, respected, and known.

Selecting a Therapist to partner in your journey of self discovery and change is an important decision. I have over 30 years of experience treating adolescents and adults with a wide range of issues. My experience has taught me that people have a great deal of internal wisdom, but sometimes need assistance in accessing and utilizing that information. In 2012 I founded Reflections Psychotherapy: Seeing, Freeing, Being. This name mirrors many aspects of my treatment approach.

As a therapist, I work well with individuals and families who are curious about themselves, our work together, and the possibilities for a healthier future. Clients often find that I am a warm, patient, curious, humorous, kind, and supportive person on their journey toward self-improvement. I am passionate about my work with clients who are LGBTQ* and I love working with gender expansive youth and adults.

I believe in the profound power of resiliency and that we all have the capacity to heal, to recover, and to thrive after we endure painful experiences, loss, and trauma. I am committed to the co-creation of a safe and trusting relationship that can support healing connection and an understanding of how to re-engage in relationships with new awareness. Whether you have experienced some recent stressors or are working to heal from bigger losses and trauma, I can support you in navigating what comes next.

Welcome to my practice. I strive to build meaningful connections with my clients because the relationship between the client and therapist is the primary vehicle for change. I am empathic, compassionate, and work with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, grief and loss, life transitions, and challenges unique to seniors and the LGBTQ community.

I view the therapeutic relationship as a partnership, and find the relational aspect of therapy to be an integral piece in making strides towards meeting the clients needs and goals. Confronting the difficulties and pain in life is often challenging and uncomfortable—as such I strive to create a safe space for my clients to process authentically. I know each client is unique and work to meet the client where they are, with empathy, humor, support, challenge, and encouragement throughout our journey together. I offer services for clients ages 12+, and have experience working with a wide range of clients and in various settings.

I am a clinical psychologist working with children, adolescents and adults for more than thirty years. I strive to provide a safe and supportive environment to help facilitate emotional growth and to help people address the significant areas of their lives that are not going well. I believe that a collaborative relationship is most important for a successful therapeutic experience. I help people explore their emotional life in order to achieve more vital, satisfying and productive relationships with others, as well as with their own self. I try to help everyone according to their unique needs and strengths.