Therapists in Sterling, IL
![Photo of Paulette M Selmi, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5250130d-676d-4adb-ae1c-b69b88ee257b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Selmi is a licensed psychology located in Sterling, Illinois, 61081. Behavioral health interventions, FOID evaluations, family court expertise. Mental health intervention used are evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Behavior Therapy (BT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Dr. Selmi is fully trained in these focused evidence and scientifically-based methods. A large array of presenting problems can be addressed, including depression, anxiety, panic-anxiety, behavioral problems (children and adolescents), couples, family, parenting and co-parenting difficulties with divorced or separated parents.
Dr. Selmi is a licensed psychology located in Sterling, Illinois, 61081. Behavioral health interventions, FOID evaluations, family court expertise. Mental health intervention used are evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Behavior Therapy (BT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Dr. Selmi is fully trained in these focused evidence and scientifically-based methods. A large array of presenting problems can be addressed, including depression, anxiety, panic-anxiety, behavioral problems (children and adolescents), couples, family, parenting and co-parenting difficulties with divorced or separated parents.
![Photo of Jennifer Streets, LMHC, LPHA, LCPC, CFM, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df2e88ed-08b2-4571-8d6f-c6df56f4554c/1/320x400.png)
I have worked in the mental health field for more 20 years following a career as a junior and senior high teacher. I have experience with everyone from very young children to elderly individuals. I believe firmly in the individual's ability to change if they so desire, regardless of education level, socioeconomic status, or past challenges. I approach all people with an open mind and a non-judgmental attitude. Acceptance and kindness are important traits and ones I strive to show each and every person I meet, whether that is within my office or at the grocery store.
I have worked in the mental health field for more 20 years following a career as a junior and senior high teacher. I have experience with everyone from very young children to elderly individuals. I believe firmly in the individual's ability to change if they so desire, regardless of education level, socioeconomic status, or past challenges. I approach all people with an open mind and a non-judgmental attitude. Acceptance and kindness are important traits and ones I strive to show each and every person I meet, whether that is within my office or at the grocery store.
![Photo of Melissa Gates, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/67b381a0-da63-4c50-8b76-a161fffb84d5/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am devoted both to helping my clients with the distress and overwhelming challenges life can present, while inspiring them to find balance, empowerment and contentment as they reach for their goals and personal potential. My depth of experience has led me to a firm belief that individuals can achieve their own idea of happiness through a holistic approach that focuses on the mind, body and spirit. My therapeutic approach is tailored to my clients’ needs and goals. My role is to create a safe, empowering, respectful environment. Your role is to take the first step that will lead you to discover your path to healing.
I am devoted both to helping my clients with the distress and overwhelming challenges life can present, while inspiring them to find balance, empowerment and contentment as they reach for their goals and personal potential. My depth of experience has led me to a firm belief that individuals can achieve their own idea of happiness through a holistic approach that focuses on the mind, body and spirit. My therapeutic approach is tailored to my clients’ needs and goals. My role is to create a safe, empowering, respectful environment. Your role is to take the first step that will lead you to discover your path to healing.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Anna Jimenez, LCSW, ICDVP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac54e478-a629-42ed-80bf-896a7954d1cf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anna Jimenez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ICDVP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berwyn, IL 60402
I practice trauma-informed therapeutic approaches using client-centered, CBT, Solution-focused, motivational interviewing, play therapy, art therapy, and EMDR.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker. I am a strong believer that your mental health deserves the same treatment and commitment as your physical health. Before starting a counseling relationship, it is crucial to assess your therapist and ensure feeling comfortable with them. You must decide who you trust to be vulnerable in processing your emotions. Together we can explore your experience and find lifelong coping skills that will forever empower you.
I practice trauma-informed therapeutic approaches using client-centered, CBT, Solution-focused, motivational interviewing, play therapy, art therapy, and EMDR.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker. I am a strong believer that your mental health deserves the same treatment and commitment as your physical health. Before starting a counseling relationship, it is crucial to assess your therapist and ensure feeling comfortable with them. You must decide who you trust to be vulnerable in processing your emotions. Together we can explore your experience and find lifelong coping skills that will forever empower you.
![Photo of Jena C Yuen, LCPC, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9df7a8a0-45fb-4d6b-990f-8b31c8765105/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jena C Yuen
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elgin, IL 60120
I offer a well-stocked play and art area to let children fully express themselves.
Finding a therapist you or your child feels comfortable with can be an intimidating process at first. Sometimes, it can be difficult to trust and open up to someone who is a stranger. I strive to provide a caring and nonjudgmental atmosphere, where clients can be heard and respected. Therapy should be a journey for both client and therapist, exploring and working through issues together. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, families and adults as they deal with anxiety, depression, trauma, bullying, family conflict, grief, gender identity issues and oppositional behavior.
I offer a well-stocked play and art area to let children fully express themselves.
Finding a therapist you or your child feels comfortable with can be an intimidating process at first. Sometimes, it can be difficult to trust and open up to someone who is a stranger. I strive to provide a caring and nonjudgmental atmosphere, where clients can be heard and respected. Therapy should be a journey for both client and therapist, exploring and working through issues together. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, families and adults as they deal with anxiety, depression, trauma, bullying, family conflict, grief, gender identity issues and oppositional behavior.
We offer a safe space to support every person's experience: we offer person-centered counseling, family counseling, individual counseling, play therapy, gender affirming care, support for individuals with autism.
East Aurora Counseling, Ltd. is a private practice with an emphasis on the hierarchy of needs. EAC strives to support mental and emotional health for the individual and the family. East Aurora Counseling, Ltd. aims to support people dealing with issues of poverty and immigration, family, parenting, trauma, depression, anxiety, and issues of gender identity and sexual orientation. EAC trabaja para promover y apoyar la salud mental y emocional de personas, parejas, familias y grupos. Ayudamos a quienes enfrentan estrés por pobreza e inmigración, familia, crianza, trauma, depresión, ansiedad, identidad de género y otros desafíos.
We offer a safe space to support every person's experience: we offer person-centered counseling, family counseling, individual counseling, play therapy, gender affirming care, support for individuals with autism.
East Aurora Counseling, Ltd. is a private practice with an emphasis on the hierarchy of needs. EAC strives to support mental and emotional health for the individual and the family. East Aurora Counseling, Ltd. aims to support people dealing with issues of poverty and immigration, family, parenting, trauma, depression, anxiety, and issues of gender identity and sexual orientation. EAC trabaja para promover y apoyar la salud mental y emocional de personas, parejas, familias y grupos. Ayudamos a quienes enfrentan estrés por pobreza e inmigración, familia, crianza, trauma, depresión, ansiedad, identidad de género y otros desafíos.
![Photo of Jennifer Pfaff, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/feddb00f-32da-4d00-9299-7b5316cacd53/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Pfaff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Des Plaines, IL 60016
I believe in working with clients to help them reach their goals and improve their overall quality of life. I utilize a warm, relaxed, and welcoming approach to therapy and works with clients to create solutions to what has brought them to treatment. I don’t believe in one theory fits all clients or problems and adapt to meet the needs of those I am working with. I have experience working with clients facing depression, anxiety, trauma history, low self esteem, grief and loss, and school issues. I have specialized training in Play Therapy.
I believe in working with clients to help them reach their goals and improve their overall quality of life. I utilize a warm, relaxed, and welcoming approach to therapy and works with clients to create solutions to what has brought them to treatment. I don’t believe in one theory fits all clients or problems and adapt to meet the needs of those I am working with. I have experience working with clients facing depression, anxiety, trauma history, low self esteem, grief and loss, and school issues. I have specialized training in Play Therapy.
![Photo of Meghan Dean, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53377e94-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I utilize multiple different approaches to best help and address the presenting problem, including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
I believe therapy is a process that helps you gain awareness of your strengths, behavior patterns, and thinking in order to provide the opportunity to make significant and meaningful changes in your life. I am dedicated to everyone I work with and committed to finding the best strategy to help you find peace and fulfillment. I am focused on helping you learn the skills to ultimately help yourself. After 20+ years of experience in the field, I have gained expertise with anxiety, emotional and behavioral challenges, parenting, mood disorders, self-esteem, ADHD, stress management, and family of origin issues.
I utilize multiple different approaches to best help and address the presenting problem, including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
I believe therapy is a process that helps you gain awareness of your strengths, behavior patterns, and thinking in order to provide the opportunity to make significant and meaningful changes in your life. I am dedicated to everyone I work with and committed to finding the best strategy to help you find peace and fulfillment. I am focused on helping you learn the skills to ultimately help yourself. After 20+ years of experience in the field, I have gained expertise with anxiety, emotional and behavioral challenges, parenting, mood disorders, self-esteem, ADHD, stress management, and family of origin issues.
![Photo of Kyle McCordic, MA, LPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5198d8c5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kyle McCordic
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wheaton, IL 60187
Waitlist for new clients
I have received training in Play Therapy, specifically Child-Centered Play Therapy, and am pursuing professional certification as a Registered Play Therapist from the Play Therapy Association.
I am passionate about empowering people to express themselves in an open and honest manner. One main theme that drives what I do is the ongoing search for personal meaning and self-worth, something each of us has a natural right to seek out. I specialize in Play Therapy with children ages 3-11, particularly involving emotional regulation, anger management, behavioral issues, anxiety, and depression in children. Finally, I enjoy working with adolescents, teens, and young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grieving, and other interpersonal issues.
I have received training in Play Therapy, specifically Child-Centered Play Therapy, and am pursuing professional certification as a Registered Play Therapist from the Play Therapy Association.
I am passionate about empowering people to express themselves in an open and honest manner. One main theme that drives what I do is the ongoing search for personal meaning and self-worth, something each of us has a natural right to seek out. I specialize in Play Therapy with children ages 3-11, particularly involving emotional regulation, anger management, behavioral issues, anxiety, and depression in children. Finally, I enjoy working with adolescents, teens, and young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grieving, and other interpersonal issues.
![Photo of Haley Lochan, LCSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/acdf2fa8-bfee-4e1c-b4c8-51b362949751/1/320x400.jpeg)
" I also provide Cognitive Behavioral, psychodynamic, DBT, and play therapy interventions, as well as mindfulness-based approaches to help you to think, feel and live better.
Hello! I am a trauma-informed therapist who is fluent in Spanish and an ally to the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. I am certified in Crisis Intervention and am drawn to clients who can relate to domestic violence, human trafficking, depression, anxiety, ADHD, life transitions, and complex trauma. I also can help if you have trouble with sleep, motivation, phobias or stress. I see children, adolescents, adults, and families. Even if you are not sure what you want from therapy or how to get there, I will meet you where you are at in your journey, and together we will figure out a plan for you to live your best, most fulfilled life!
" I also provide Cognitive Behavioral, psychodynamic, DBT, and play therapy interventions, as well as mindfulness-based approaches to help you to think, feel and live better.
Hello! I am a trauma-informed therapist who is fluent in Spanish and an ally to the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. I am certified in Crisis Intervention and am drawn to clients who can relate to domestic violence, human trafficking, depression, anxiety, ADHD, life transitions, and complex trauma. I also can help if you have trouble with sleep, motivation, phobias or stress. I see children, adolescents, adults, and families. Even if you are not sure what you want from therapy or how to get there, I will meet you where you are at in your journey, and together we will figure out a plan for you to live your best, most fulfilled life!
![Photo of Krista Raatjes, AM, LCSW, RPlayT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a4d2ed0-933f-4d07-93bd-0460a3bbfd04/1/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy working with clients of all ages towards their therapeutic goals. After years of experience, I am still in awe of the way clients overcome trauma and hardship. I feel fortunate to be a part of the process of healing as clients use and build their strengths through challenging times. I have experience helping children and families in a plethora of family set ups such as biological, adoption, foster care, kinship, etc. I enjoy working with clients using play therapy and I am pumped to be a Registered Play Therapist. I really enjoy meeting with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults using talk or play therapy.!
I enjoy working with clients of all ages towards their therapeutic goals. After years of experience, I am still in awe of the way clients overcome trauma and hardship. I feel fortunate to be a part of the process of healing as clients use and build their strengths through challenging times. I have experience helping children and families in a plethora of family set ups such as biological, adoption, foster care, kinship, etc. I enjoy working with clients using play therapy and I am pumped to be a Registered Play Therapist. I really enjoy meeting with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults using talk or play therapy.!
![Photo of Laurie Siegel, LCPC, MA, CADC, MISAII, CST, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/762b26c2-8bb5-4452-bc5e-5a0f22457e34/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laurie Siegel
Counselor, LCPC, MA, CADC, MISAII, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palos Heights, IL 60463
I use a variety of clinical formats including; talk, play, puppetry and well as group therapy.
"Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions." I believe I can assist you in your life's journey to achieve happiness! Through counseling, we can explore ways for you to achieve your personal vision of happiness. Together, we will create goals, develop strategies, and develop a life plan that works for you. I will assist you on building a balanced lifestyle, which would lead to emotional wellness. In addition, as part of your treatment plan, I will utilize relaxation training and cognitive behavioral treatment strategies.
I use a variety of clinical formats including; talk, play, puppetry and well as group therapy.
"Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions." I believe I can assist you in your life's journey to achieve happiness! Through counseling, we can explore ways for you to achieve your personal vision of happiness. Together, we will create goals, develop strategies, and develop a life plan that works for you. I will assist you on building a balanced lifestyle, which would lead to emotional wellness. In addition, as part of your treatment plan, I will utilize relaxation training and cognitive behavioral treatment strategies.
![Photo of Caitlin McNamara, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e34a6e33-d470-4c43-8c5b-b579f490057a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Caitlin McNamara
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Play therapy is utilized for all ages through art work, sensory toys, improv, games, music, dance, as well as somatic expression.
Hello my name is Caitlin McNamara. My goal as a therapist is to create a warm, compassionate, and a non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their story, process and reflect to learn more about themselves. I focus on using a collaborative approach to treatment. I am professionally trained as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and work with adolescents and adults. I work with my clients to increase self awareness, identify and express emotions, and seek out change and growth in order to build a more secure relationship with themselves and others.
Play therapy is utilized for all ages through art work, sensory toys, improv, games, music, dance, as well as somatic expression.
Hello my name is Caitlin McNamara. My goal as a therapist is to create a warm, compassionate, and a non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their story, process and reflect to learn more about themselves. I focus on using a collaborative approach to treatment. I am professionally trained as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and work with adolescents and adults. I work with my clients to increase self awareness, identify and express emotions, and seek out change and growth in order to build a more secure relationship with themselves and others.
![Photo of Krissy Murukurthy, PhD, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a213d302-d2ae-40f6-81a6-1070d79ba6fa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Krissy Murukurthy
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC
Verified Verified
Glenview, IL 60025
I am here to help anyone who wants to live a more full life. Whether you want to feel better or focus on personal growth, there are so many ways we can work together to reach your goals. I am trauma-informed, trained in EMDR and Psychedelic Assisted therapies. I am certified in integrative medicine for mental health and incorporate alternative/wholistic approaches to enable mind-body balance. I l also bring neuroscience, conflict resolution, expressive arts, play, sand-tray, and attachment work into practice, and offer walk and talk therapy. I see clients at all stages of the lifespan from infants to adults.
I am here to help anyone who wants to live a more full life. Whether you want to feel better or focus on personal growth, there are so many ways we can work together to reach your goals. I am trauma-informed, trained in EMDR and Psychedelic Assisted therapies. I am certified in integrative medicine for mental health and incorporate alternative/wholistic approaches to enable mind-body balance. I l also bring neuroscience, conflict resolution, expressive arts, play, sand-tray, and attachment work into practice, and offer walk and talk therapy. I see clients at all stages of the lifespan from infants to adults.
![Photo of MacKenzie Jones, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e3c97fb-2ec7-4e1b-9fcb-f18207570ded/3/320x400.jpeg)
I incorporate expressive arts, play, attachment work, and talk therapy into my practice; however, I pride myself on being flexible and tailoring my style to your needs.
Hi, I’m MacKenzie Jones, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I’ve been working in the mental health field for 10 years. I specialize in helping individuals who have experienced trauma or distressing life events.
I incorporate expressive arts, play, attachment work, and talk therapy into my practice; however, I pride myself on being flexible and tailoring my style to your needs.
Hi, I’m MacKenzie Jones, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I’ve been working in the mental health field for 10 years. I specialize in helping individuals who have experienced trauma or distressing life events.
![Photo of Rachel Rothermel, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e208dc0-00bc-4696-8dda-6bf169531c55/4/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Rothermel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockford, IL 61108
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Master's Degree in Applied Child and Family Studies with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. I enjoy working with children, families, and individuals. I utilize a strength based and family systemic approach when working with youth, families, and individuals . I also utilize play therapy, expressive therapy, CBT, DBT, and AAIT to help people better develop skills to manage difficult problems. I believe in providing a healthy and safe environment to encourage internal growth.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Master's Degree in Applied Child and Family Studies with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. I enjoy working with children, families, and individuals. I utilize a strength based and family systemic approach when working with youth, families, and individuals . I also utilize play therapy, expressive therapy, CBT, DBT, and AAIT to help people better develop skills to manage difficult problems. I believe in providing a healthy and safe environment to encourage internal growth.
![Photo of Barrington Behavioral Health And Wellness - Barrington Behavioral Health & Wellness, PsyD, LCSW, LCPC, CADC, NBCCHT, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3db868c7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Barrington Behavioral Health & Wellness
Psychologist, PsyD, LCSW, LCPC, CADC, NBCCHT
Verified Verified
Barrington, IL 60010
Play therapy for children.
We welcome you online or in person. We embrace the concept of body, mind & spirit and believe in treating the whole person. We believe in resilience, transformation and personal growth. Each clinician practices in different areas including; mood disorders, addiction recovery, services to senior citizens, veterans, children and adolescents, couples, womens issues, trauma, divorce recovery, mood disorders, life transitions, professional development or supervision. We have hours 7 days a week both in person and via telehealth. Insurance Friendly.
Play therapy for children.
We welcome you online or in person. We embrace the concept of body, mind & spirit and believe in treating the whole person. We believe in resilience, transformation and personal growth. Each clinician practices in different areas including; mood disorders, addiction recovery, services to senior citizens, veterans, children and adolescents, couples, womens issues, trauma, divorce recovery, mood disorders, life transitions, professional development or supervision. We have hours 7 days a week both in person and via telehealth. Insurance Friendly.
![Photo of Jennifer Goss, MA, LCPC, CCTP, CGP, CFRC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33358468-9e34-435b-9a88-688d2576a071/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Goss
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, CCTP, CGP, CFRC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 (Online Only)
I use Assertiveness Training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, Play Therapy (for the youngins), Gottman's Relationship Therapy for couples among many other techniques.
I'm here for you in a crisis or a tough life transition. Is your child or adolescent struggling at home, with friends or at school? Is your child held back by anxiety, phobias, ADHD, impulse control, bullying, friendship issues, divorce, suicidal thoughts, a traumatic event or memories, PTSD, or challenges with their relationships at home? Are you struggling with adjusting to college life? Or do you find you and your partner are in need of support? If so, I can help!
I use Assertiveness Training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, Play Therapy (for the youngins), Gottman's Relationship Therapy for couples among many other techniques.
I'm here for you in a crisis or a tough life transition. Is your child or adolescent struggling at home, with friends or at school? Is your child held back by anxiety, phobias, ADHD, impulse control, bullying, friendship issues, divorce, suicidal thoughts, a traumatic event or memories, PTSD, or challenges with their relationships at home? Are you struggling with adjusting to college life? Or do you find you and your partner are in need of support? If so, I can help!
![Photo of Heather L McRoberts, MA, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c58da5a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/7/320x400.jpeg)
Depending on my client's needs, I incorporate psychodynamic, relational, narrative, mindfulness, CBT, sandtray, and play therapies.
If you are struggling with feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed or experiencing increased life stressors due to work, family or other responsibilities, psychotherapy can help. Strengthening your interpersonal, behavioral and relational strategies will bring you relief. Together, we will explore how the complex patterns of your experiences are affecting your current life challenges, emotions, and behaviors. Whether working with children, adolescents, teens or adults, my approach is to be compassionate and attuned to your unique set of needs, providing a space for you to feel understood, appreciated and learn self-acceptance, ultimately achieving more effective strategies for dealing with life's stressors.
Depending on my client's needs, I incorporate psychodynamic, relational, narrative, mindfulness, CBT, sandtray, and play therapies.
If you are struggling with feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed or experiencing increased life stressors due to work, family or other responsibilities, psychotherapy can help. Strengthening your interpersonal, behavioral and relational strategies will bring you relief. Together, we will explore how the complex patterns of your experiences are affecting your current life challenges, emotions, and behaviors. Whether working with children, adolescents, teens or adults, my approach is to be compassionate and attuned to your unique set of needs, providing a space for you to feel understood, appreciated and learn self-acceptance, ultimately achieving more effective strategies for dealing with life's stressors.
Innovative Counseling Partners PLLC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tenhers and fathers navigating prenatal/postpartum depression.
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tenhers and fathers navigating prenatal/postpartum depression.
See more therapy options for Sterling
Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.