Female Therapists in University Park, IL

Greetings, I'm Karissa. I'm here to be your partner on your journey to healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. As a dedicated and experienced mental health therapist, I understand that life's challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, I firmly believe that every individual has the innate capacity to overcome obstacles and create positive change in their lives. My mission is to provide you with the guidance, support, and tools you need to unlock your potential, find inner peace, and build a life that aligns with your values and aspirations.

I believe change is possible even in times of turmoil. I have devoted my career to working with clients looking for new beginnings, responding to trauma, and healing. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), life transitions including death, divorce, unemployment, women and couple's issues, and motivational coaching.

It takes a lot of courage for an individual to ask for help when it comes to ones emotional well being. These days it is easy to put our emotions and feelings in the back seat and forget how important it is to take care of our mental health. Our emotions drive so much of what we do; whether that is an important life decision, our romantic relationships or our interactions with our families. I like to approach my patient’s presenting problem in a very individualistic manner; understanding that although many individuals may have similar life circumstances each patient has their own way of managing or coping.

Sometimes life's issues are difficult to navigate, and having someone to help you work through your concerns is important. Please allow me the opportunity to assist you in your journey.

Do you find yourself gripped by anxiety, worry, or depression no matter what you do? Or maybe there is so much tension between you and a family member that it keeps you up at night? You might not even remember a time when things didn’t feel this way. You’re ready to walk through your days without constant troublesome thoughts and feelings. You’re ready to wake up looking forward to your day and what may come. You’re ready to start enjoying your family again. Are you ready to feel in control of your life and your feelings?

Is your child feeling overwhelmed? Is it hard to cope with life’s ups and downs? Are you feeling overwhelmed by your child’s transitions? Whatever circumstances you or your young person may be facing, I am here to walk alongside you to empower your path onward. I create a safe space for child, adolescent, and adult clients to fully encounter themselves and identify personal insight. I specialize in grief, anger management, self-esteem issues, trauma, substance use, and other child and adolescent issues. I am passionate about advocating for clients to develop their self-advocacy and empower their ability to thrive.

Everyone needs a hype man, a cheerleader, or a person to lend an ear when going through life changes. Well this is where I come in to provide all that and more! As your therapist I will give you support, but also challenge you. In general the goal is to evolve and feel better, but that can only happen through collaboration and you putting in the work :)

Is a counseling center whose mission is to help heal the pain of the past and releasing of emotional pain. Through this process you open to the wisdom of your Heart. We use our understanding of how the brain works towards healing, based on the work of Daniel Seigel, Steve Porges and others. Processes such as mindfulness, EMDR, Prayer and meditation are used to heal the brain and to access inner wisdom, Spirit or God. We do this by helping you feel safe when confronting your pain and fears through nature imagery. With children we use play to help them express their life experience, which brings healing.

If you're reading this, you've likely been carrying a heavy load for quite some time now. You're navigating a complex maze of emotions: anxiety gripping your chest, depression casting shadows on bright moments, trauma triggering painful memories, and stress buzzing in the background. Maybe self-esteem issues are distorting your self-image, anger is simmering beneath the surface, and grief is leaving you feeling adrift. Maybe there are struggles with school performance, family conflicts, or life transitions. It's no wonder you feel overwhelmed. But with support, we can untangle these knots and help you find peace and clarity.

A highly skilled, compassionate, empathetic and solution-oriented professional dedicated to providing exceptional care to individuals, couples, and families who are experiencing emotional challenges. As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. You have the inner strength and ability to become one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. I value providing a comfortable environment and establishing a therapeutic rapport where clients are willing to share their innermost thoughts and feelings.

After working for over two decades as a School Psychologist in school settings, I founded Gumm Consulting, Assessment, and Advocacy Services (GCAAS) to support parents and students with navigating the often difficult world of special education, IEP services, and 504 accommodations. I provide psychoeducational assessments for children, adolescents, and adults, to determine if a disability exists.

............ Fear, Sadness, Loneliness, Past traumas, Memory concerns, Relationship problems, Worries and anxiety, Feelings of anger and aggression, Attention and concentration problems, Intellectual and developmental challenges, Feeling out of sorts or like life is not worth living ............These are problems in living. All of us encounter some of them at some point in our lives. They occur in childhood, adolescence and throughout adulthood. We may experience them personally or see them in those we love.