Therapists in Skokie, IL

I specialize in treating anxiety and mood disorders in teens, young adults and adults. I am passionate about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention as well as other evidenced-based treatment modalities. I highly value autonomy, transparency and collaboration in the therapeutic relationship. I want my clients to be at the forefront of treatment planning and goal setting. My hope is to give you the tools and space to work toward mastery and enhance your confidence and resilience!

At times in our lives we all have experiences that leave us feeling anxious, depressed, sad, grieving, stressed, worried, uncertain, vulnerable, fearful, frustrated, angry, confused, at a loss. An experienced therapist can help deal with the current issues causing the distress, as well as explore the life experiences that may be contributing to one's current emotional struggles. I work with adults who want to change patterns of thinking, acting, and feeling that contribute to dissatisfaction in daily life. Some of those issues include: Relationships; Grief and Loss; Mood Disorders; Trauma; Parenting; Life Transitions; Self-Esteem.

Hello! I am Veronica, a therapist who is committed to providing a safe and supportive space for people seeking mental health care. My humanistic approach to counseling is rooted in empathy, active listening, and a client-centered perspective. I tailor my interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) are some of the evidence-based treatments I use to to help people overcome the challenges of past traumas, anxiety, depression, and OCD.

I am a trauma informed clinician and specialize in family work. I am an advocate of intentional parenting practices and support clients to create authentic responses to themselves and others in the here and now so they can heal and move forward from generational trauma. I believe that therapy is about helping clients to create the positive changes that they want so they can live more authentically, identify and work toward achieving their goals, and nurture healthy relationships in order to create meaning and purposeful action in their lives.

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.

When I begin to work with a new client, my goal is to understand each client and see his or her strengths, abilities, and positive qualities. Very often new clients, especially children or teens, are so used to thinking or hearing about their problems that they themselves seem to forget their own positive traits and attributes. I really enjoy helping foster resiliency among my clients, helping them recognize their capacities to cope, heal, and move beyond feeling stuck or powerless. My approach is very effective with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, low self esteem, and feeling overwhelmed in life.

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.

Marriage Whisperer! That's what a recent couple called me after one of our sessions. The reality is that I've been fortunate to be trained by Harville Hendrix, an expert in the field of couple's therapy and the founder of Imago Relationship Therapy. Imago therapy is a state-of-the-art system that gives couples of all kinds, the knowledge, and most importantly, the TOOLS to help each other give and receive the love they want. I work with couples both in my office, and in the weekend "Getting the Love You Want" workshops.

Welcome! I specialize in addressing mood concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression), family-of-origin difficulties, and relational traumas. I have over a decade of experience working in different settings, including community and hospital clinics, three university counseling centers, and private practice. I work with individuals and couples across the lifespan, and I have particular expertise in supporting undergraduate and graduate students, as well as early career professionals. Given my research and clinical training in career development, I frequently work with clients navigating work transitions and high-stress occupations.

Life presents us with many challenges leading to stress in relationships, at work, financially, not to mention physically – all of which can be difficult to navigate. It can be tough to know where to begin. Even "starting" can lead to confusion, anger, anxiety and depression. Sound familiar? No matter life’s current stressors, I’m equipped with the expertise and experience across a broad range of focuses to help you create and sustain lifelong changes. As your advocate, I ensure you won't have to seek out and establish a new professional relationship for every curveball life throws at you.

I am a pre-licensed Social Worker who takes a client-centered, trauma-informed approach to my work with clients. I have a special interest in working with perinatal concerns such as postpartum anxiety, depression and OCD as well as birth trauma. I have experience in a residential treatment setting, where I provided therapeutic mental health services to youth within the child welfare system. teens and young adults. I pull therapeutic techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

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.

Human beings' brains are wired for affiliation. Healthy relationships are crucial to our physical and mental health. Neuroscience is only now able to show the positive effects of mutual, evolving social and familial connections to other people. Often, people come to therapy to find out why they feel so stressed, or unfulfilled, or why their relationships are not all they would hope for. Is there an underlying trauma? Is there a genetic component? I believe that most people have their answers, they just need safe spaces where they can explore the issues. I will help you look for solutions from within yourself.

My approach is based on a simple, powerful principle: I’m here to help you feel better. If you’re done diving endlessly into the past without connecting to the present, have been in therapy forever with little to show for it, or are skeptical of therapy and willing to try something different, then let’s get started. I'm committed to using what works and learning from what doesn't so our sessions are effective and meaningful. I work with families, couples, and children, and I understand the importance of a compassionate, patient, individualized approach. Ultimately, therapy should be a dynamic experience that improves your life.

Therapist, Recovery Warrior, Men’s Counseling Specialist: "As a Men’s Counseling Specialist with over 7 years of experience working with adults from diverse backgrounds, I'm passionate about helping men rewrite their narratives and find lasting change. My unique approach combines somatic practices and existential therapy to create a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their story, understand their patterns, and develop new ways of being. I specialize in working with men who are struggling with societal pressures, emotional silence, or feelings of being lost in narratives not their own.

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!

I am a bilingual, Puerto Rican, therapist with a passion for serving LGBTQ+ individuals and relationships, as well as immigrant populations. I believe that therapy often reflects the complexity inherent in life and it brings me joy to learn about and with my clients as we move through that complexity together. I enjoy working with people from different contexts and backgrounds. My clients bring stories of discovering themselves and their place in the world.

Each and every person is born with unique strengths and vast potential to achieve. Oftentimes, though, life's challenges get in the way. It may be external stressors, traumatic experiences or our own dysfunctional thoughts and patterns of behavior that make it difficult to live a satisfying and fulfilling life. Entering into a therapeutic relationship of acceptance and trust can serve as a turning point for achieving growth and change.

My first goal in the therapeutic process is to create a trusting, safe and collaborative relationship. Through active exploration, it is my hope that you will uncover insight into thoughts, emotions and behavior that will empower and support you in transforming your life. I recognize the difficulty of developing and maintaining a sense of self that reflects a value of inner worth rather than outer societal or familial ideals and expectations. My intention is for you to become the person you really are and from that place, make choices leading you towards a greater sense of wholeness, peace and well-being.