Relationship Issues Therapists in Urbana, IL

It's hard to make changes and it helps to have someone experienced in that process to guide and support you. Optimal healing and growth involve all the parts of the self -- body, mind and spirit. With over 20 years of experience, I offer holistic psychotherapy grounded in the principles established by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, nutritional and integrative medicine for mental health, and yoga therapy for individuals, couples and small groups. Whether you utilize one, some, or all of these approaches, they are designed to help you on your path to vitality, spaciousness and wholeness.

First of all, I love you and sincerely care about you. With my clients, I not only care about them, but am genuinely present and empathetically direct. Your perceived issues intrigue me because I know that whatever they are, it's related to the planet earth and being human. You want to talk and share with me your feelings—what's in your heart, mind and spirit. I want to listen and talk too; we can share our observations together. We will find that you are, and always have been, worthy and lovable.

I have 30 years of experience working with adults, and adolescents. The last 20 I have enjoyed working in private practice. I work with individuals, couples, and families addressing a broad range of issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, parenting, adoption, sexual orientation, and pornography addiction just to name a few. I believe 50% of therapy is in the relationship with your therapist. I'd be happy to talk to you on the phone or meet with you for an initial appointment to help you determine if I am a good fit for you.

I am a therapist who helps adults and couples who are struggling with life’s hurtful problems: single parenthood, relationship conflicts, divorce, difficulties at college, depression/anxiety, a partner or parent’s alcoholism, mental illness in the family, stress at work, news of a serious disease or financial reversal, caring for aged parents, overcoming a traumatic childhood, “empty nest syndrome,” the special pressures on military families, and so forth. Our work together would begin by focusing on the here-and-now, so that you can experience some immediate feelings of being heard and of moving forward.

The goal of counseling is to help people make meaningful change to improve overall well-being. A good therapist should meet you where you are at, help you identify stressors, then work with you to develop the coping skills that result in positive change. Confronting suffering can be difficult, whether that suffering come in the form of anxiety or depression, relationship struggles, substance abuse, or the stresses and worries of daily life.

We strive for happiness and avoid discomfort. I am passionate about helping you with your discomfort using various theraputic methods to find your happier place. Working in a private practice allows me to utilize many techniques of counseling and psychotherapy. Clinically, I adapt a treatment approach based on client goals or goals we set together. I believe one's life story as it relates to his or her behavior is a fascinating self-exploration exercise that everyone should have the chance to experience - especially given the fact that understanding self is imperative to acceptance and/or change.

I believe therapy is a collaborative process between the client and therapist. I strive to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment. I enjoy utilizing a person-centered approach to sessions and meeting the client where they are. The client knows their narrative best, I find it important to consider lived experiences, cultural influences, as well as other intersecting factors into my understanding of your worldview. I enjoy celebrating client’s goals, sitting with at times difficult feelings, and embarking on this journey together.

I am a Licensed Social Work and graduated from the University of Illinois School of Social Work. I have worked in mental health and social work since 2004. I have been employed in a hospital setting supporting youth and families who presented with a host of complex, trauma-related symptoms. In the area of social work, I have worked with families in the foster care system and in the area of crisis intervention with a solution-based approach. I enjoy working with clients of all ages and have a special interest in helping people in their twenties who are going through life transitions.

Life is complicated, and for every one of us, there comes a time when we feel lost, alone, or trapped in our circumstances. Whether we are struggling with depression and anxiety, having trouble in a relationship, or weighing heavy questions of our identity and where we fit into the world, sometimes we can't just figure things out on our own. For people in the LGBTQ+ community, couples, and nonmonogamous people, there can be even more challenges to navigate. We all need someone to listen to us, help us untangle the messy bits, and work with us to improve our lives.

I have been serving in the mental health field in various capacities since 2011 related to chronic mental illness and mental health crises. I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor providing outpatient therapy since 2015 with a focus on anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, and relationship issues. I enjoy working with individual’s, couples, and teens. My interventions focus largely on Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, as well as portions of Motivational Interviewing skills. I am also willing to work through spiritual issues or provide Christian counseling where desired.

Life can be really hard and painful sometimes, and you may feel really alone in our struggles. You may have a relationship with someone you love but just can't seem to get along. You may be a parent trying to best figure out how to help a child or teen who is having problems. You may have anxiety that you can’t seem to push down any longer, and your thoughts seem to loop and loop. You have come to the right place.

Are you ready to make a change in your life? It takes courage to ask for help, but the rewards of doing so can lead to a lifetime of fulfillment. I understand and have experienced the emotional challenges life has to offer. In working together, we will cultivate growth by understanding the obstacles that you face and develop solutions that can help you gain control of your life and achieve your goals. Ultimately, therapy can lead you to greater self-awareness, self-esteem, and most importantly, a more fulfilling life.

I am Dr. Alexander, a Behavioral Psychologist and transgender woman. I also have Master’s degrees in Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis and have completed extensive coursework in Sports/Performance Psychology. I have over 30 years of experience. I am an ally of and advocate for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and I am passionate about providing support for the life challenges individuals may face. I am also comfortable assisting individuals facing challenges presented by most psychiatric disorders, any social or emotional issues, and supporting relationship growth.

Contentment and peace are achievable! No problem is too small or insignificant for therapy. Are you not as productive, fulfilled, or successful as you would like? Experiencing a phase of life transition like retirement or empty nest? Struggling with grief? Difficulty communicating with your partner or other important people in your life? You don't have to navigate these issues alone. Assisting and supporting you in achieving your maximum level of productivity, functioning, and happiness is my main goal. It is an honor, as well as a serious responsibility, to be chosen to assist you in this process.

My work with individuals is rooted in curiosity, compassion, and skill building. I support clients in connecting with themselves while helping them understand how their history impacts their current relationships and their sense of self. I have many years of experience working with children and their caregivers. Our work together will involve play, attunement, and parent coaching. As a part of the therapeutic process, I collaborate with each child’s team to create a cohesive plan for children and their families.

I have experience working as a therapist, life coach, business coach, and/or career coach. I can help with stress management, anxiety management, relationship & communication skills, and disability disclosure and/or accommodations. I understand the complexity of intersecting identities that many of us have (i.e. race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability status) and take a strengths based approach to your needs and your experience. I see my role as your partner and coach to support you through difficult times, complex situations while giving you skills and tools to further your growth as a productive member of society.

Have you come to a place in life where everything feels completely wrong, somewhere between longing and not belonging? Throughout my 20 years in the field of clinical social work, I have learned that healing is not a linear path, and there is no “one size fits all” approach. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD management, shame resilience, negative self talk, family of origin, perfectionism, grief, interpersonal relationship, acculturation, identity development and trauma. I have a special interest in working with multicultural college students, university faculty, and their families.

Wanda Ortiz-Hernandez is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Appalachia State University. She provides Holistic Approach to adolescents, adults, and couples, and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Now Accepting New Clients In Person and Online — I am here to offer support and guidance to clients during difficult times, transitions, or simply in their everyday lives. There are moments when understanding and processing our feelings, thoughts, and circumstances become crucial, and I offer a collaborative, non-judgmental space for that purpose. I tend to work with men dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, work stress, social isolation, life transitions, trauma as well as issues related to sexuality and identity. I also have experience working with people who are under excessive external pressure to succeed.