Testing and Evaluation Therapists in Skokie, IL

We all learn and grow in our own unique ways. We have strengths and challenges, and need to understand them to be successful. The North Shore Center for ADHD and Learning offers an opportunity to learn about your unique talents and needs, in order to maximize your potential. Our biopsychosocial approach integrates an initial comprehensive assessment followed by recommendations for various treatment and educational interventions. The treatment plan can include pharmacological (medication) and behavioral approaches to ADHD and learning disorders.

Treatment involves investing in your mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being, and is well worth the effort! Developmental factors, relationships, grief, stress, anxiety, depression, transitions, and trauma all impact our natural ability to maintain balance and live happier and more satisfying lives. Often, the first goal of treatment is to identify the reason for problems. I conduct comprehensive neuropsychological testing across the lifespan, to clarify diagnosis, identify learning disabilities, and assess behavioral, emotional, and social problems, to provide concrete recommendations and an action plan for treatment.

I am a Clinical Health Psychologist and I specialize in providing comprehensive psychological evaluations for children, teens, and adults. I have extensive training and strong experience in providing diagnostic clarification for Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Attention Deficits, Thought Disorders, Personality Disorders, Bariatric Pre-Surgical Evaluations, Neuropsychological Screenings, First Responders/Police and Pre-Employment screenings, and more.

I am a licensed professional counselor providing individual and family therapy in Polish and English language. I like to establish an open communication and trust with my clients, so we can better understand each other. Through an effective communication, I can help my clients develop guidelines for making accurate life decisions. I like working with children to help them achieve their full potential in life. I use variety of psychological testing to better understand my client's behavior, skills, thoughts, and personality. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) behavioral therapy program.

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!

I specialize in neuropsychological and psychological assessment across the lifespan, with a focus in pediatric and adolescent health. I have several years of experience with identifying and clarifying various diagnoses including developmental delays, ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, impulse control issues, medical comorbidities, and mood disorders.

Clinicians at Orchard Wellness are highly skilled mental health providers who deeply value your health and wellbeing and respect the challenges that you and/or your children or family is experiencing. We take great pride in providing our community with high quality, patient-centered care and health education. Our mission is to improve people's lives, one at a time. We base our success on helping people live and feel better.

Do you feel like you just can't catch a break & that life keeps throwing you curveballs? Are you struggling to cope with infertility, pregnancy loss or other health concerns? Do you work in a high stress job that limits your ability to balance work and life? Are you unhappy in your relationship or because you do not yet have the partner you long for? The difficulties of life can weigh us down and limit our ability to live our lives to the fullest. It may feel like you are barely surviving when you want to be thriving. Although it may seem impossible, we will work to help you navigate life's roadblocks and carve a path to happiness.

I have extensive experience working with school-aged children experiencing social, emotional and behavioral difficulties. I provide full psychological assessments as well as individual and family therapeutic intervention typically working with children and their families engaging in intervention strategies to better moderate struggles related to ADHD and Mood Disorders. Additionally, I also work therapeutically with children experiencing peer difficulties and social skills deficits consistent with a Nonverbal Learning Disability, ADHD and Mood Disorders.

Working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families involves a collaborative process involving all of the individuals who help a child develop, including relatives, school staff, pediatricians, and other therapists. It also involves creating a positive, upbeat, and energetic setting to foster growth and development. Utilizing techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), including mindfulness, my treatment paradigm involves evidence-based practices for a wide range of behavioral and emotional issues. I believe therapy should be proactive and not reactive, and that it must focus on strengths and not just weaknesses.

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.

Dr. Ellison sees adult patients (16+) for comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations and has expertise not only in adults with concerns about changes in memory and/or thinking, but also in assessing younger adults for ruling out potentially undiagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ADHD, ASD). Dr. Ellison also has some openings for virtual private-pay cognitive rehabilitation, utilizing each patient’s unique strengths to improve and remediate cognitive and as well as daily functioning, aiming to promote overall wellness and independence.

I offer a balance of empathy and insight that encourages psychological change. I have found that integrating CBT, existential, and humanistic principles into my work is especially valuable for those individuals struggling with psychological distress, life transitions, identity development, and finding a sense of fulfillment in life.

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.

As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, I enjoy working with people of all ages. I am experienced in treating a wide range of clinical issues with children, adolescents, adults, and families, including anxiety, depression, issues of self-esteem, grief and loss, attention deficit and hyperactivity concerns, difficulties in school or work, and life transitions, as well as providing advocacy and psychoeducation to parents and caregivers.

I believe that therapy, through both our therapeutic relationship & collaborative work together, can be a very empowering & rewarding experience. My aim as a licensed clinical psychologist is to facilitate a comfortable, engaging space within which clients of all ages can achieve authentic change. The therapeutic process is unique to each individual, therefore I find that utilizing an integrative framework fosters the most effective self-reflection & personal growth. This includes incorporating concepts & interventions from different approaches & connecting with you & your child using creative & individually tailored techniques.

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 have undergone extensive training in assisting individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, and trauma, including those affected by vicarious trauma. Additionally, a key aspect of my therapeutic practice involves working with individuals facing interpersonal challenges, particularly those grappling with inappropriate guilt and difficulties in emotional vulnerability. I believe that effective therapy extends beyond mere symptom management, necessitating an exploration of the foundational factors that may have contributed to current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

When life becomes difficult or overwhelming, reaching out for professional support can be intimidating, but worth it in the end! I'd love to be able to walk with you through this challenging time in your life. As a therapist, I am relational and tailor treatment to your unique needs. I have years of experience working with adults, couples, adolescents and children. As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist I have been in practice since 1998. I earned my doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, and trained at University of Chicago Hospitals and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.