Female Therapists in West Chicago, IL

Photo of Kimberly Wesley - GI Psychology, PsyD, Psychologist
GI Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
West Chicago, IL 60185  (Online Only)
You are the expert in your life; Dr. Wesley and the GI Psychology team is here to support you in accomplishing your goals and resolving your problems. Rather than forcing your goals to fit into specific treatments, our clinicians aid and guide your healing through a combination of treatment models by tailoring them to what you need for success. Your experience and needs are unique; your therapy should be the same. By utilizing evidence based treatments, our clinicians can help you take back control of your thoughts and improve your understanding of how your environment might influence your behavior.
You are the expert in your life; Dr. Wesley and the GI Psychology team is here to support you in accomplishing your goals and resolving your problems. Rather than forcing your goals to fit into specific treatments, our clinicians aid and guide your healing through a combination of treatment models by tailoring them to what you need for success. Your experience and needs are unique; your therapy should be the same. By utilizing evidence based treatments, our clinicians can help you take back control of your thoughts and improve your understanding of how your environment might influence your behavior.
(331) 259-9200 View (331) 259-9200
Photo of Allison Kowieski - Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services (WAYS), LCPC, LCSW, LSW
Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services (WAYS)
LCPC, LCSW, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Chicago, IL 60185
Taking the first step toward change is hard. Whether it is change for yourself, your family, or for your child we are here to support you. Our group of therapy professionals each take their own unique approach to therapy sessions but the main goal is the same: to support individuals in living their best life possible. Each therapy professional strives to truly listen and understand the individual that they are working with in order to provide the best services possible while maintaining a safe and comfortable environment where you will feel heard and supported.
Taking the first step toward change is hard. Whether it is change for yourself, your family, or for your child we are here to support you. Our group of therapy professionals each take their own unique approach to therapy sessions but the main goal is the same: to support individuals in living their best life possible. Each therapy professional strives to truly listen and understand the individual that they are working with in order to provide the best services possible while maintaining a safe and comfortable environment where you will feel heard and supported.
(331) 245-3773 View (331) 245-3773
Photo of Tamara Montealegre, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tamara Montealegre
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Chicago, IL 60185
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my MSW from the University of Northern Iowa in 2018, where I specialized in trauma processing and trauma-informed care. I am a trained EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist and work with depression, anxiety, anger management, and addiction, among other issues. I like to use an eclectic style in my treatment modalities, and I believe there is no “one-size-fits-all” in therapy. I think people are the experts on their own experiences, so I enjoy working with individuals to tailor their mental health services to meet their needs.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my MSW from the University of Northern Iowa in 2018, where I specialized in trauma processing and trauma-informed care. I am a trained EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist and work with depression, anxiety, anger management, and addiction, among other issues. I like to use an eclectic style in my treatment modalities, and I believe there is no “one-size-fits-all” in therapy. I think people are the experts on their own experiences, so I enjoy working with individuals to tailor their mental health services to meet their needs.
(847) 396-9808 View (847) 396-9808
Photo of Jan Hammer, PsyD, Psychologist
Jan Hammer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
West Chicago, IL 60185
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with experience providing assessment and therapy services to children, adolescents, young adults, and adults with a wide range of difficulties including ADHD, anxiety, depression, anger management, mood swings, self-injury, grief, low self-esteem, academic under achievement, and parent and child conflict and communication problems, as well as issues related with stressful life transitions and trauma. In addition to a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology, I have a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a rich history of working with kids, teenagers, and young adults.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with experience providing assessment and therapy services to children, adolescents, young adults, and adults with a wide range of difficulties including ADHD, anxiety, depression, anger management, mood swings, self-injury, grief, low self-esteem, academic under achievement, and parent and child conflict and communication problems, as well as issues related with stressful life transitions and trauma. In addition to a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology, I have a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a rich history of working with kids, teenagers, and young adults.
(630) 956-8764 View (630) 956-8764
Photo of Karyn Warford, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karyn Warford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Chicago, IL 60185
Hi! I’m a licensed therapist with over 6 years of experience helping individuals with issues such as anxiety, depression, women's issues, relationship issues, addiction, ADHD, stress, and more. I draw from modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dance/Movement Therapy, and the Gottman Method. If you’re feeling stuck in the same patterns that keep you from living your most meaningful life and reaching your goals, or your current strategies aren’t helping you to achieve your bigger goals, I can help.
Hi! I’m a licensed therapist with over 6 years of experience helping individuals with issues such as anxiety, depression, women's issues, relationship issues, addiction, ADHD, stress, and more. I draw from modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dance/Movement Therapy, and the Gottman Method. If you’re feeling stuck in the same patterns that keep you from living your most meaningful life and reaching your goals, or your current strategies aren’t helping you to achieve your bigger goals, I can help.
(708) 742-6792 View (708) 742-6792
Photo of Barbara Giordan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Barbara Giordan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Chicago, IL 60185
Barb Giordan, MSW, LCSW, is gentle, compassionate and open. Her life is shaped by a passion to help others, and she is honored and privileged to listen to people's stories and come along side those who are suffering. Barb received an MSW from the University of Connecticut and a BA from Fairfield University. With over 20 years experience in the mental health field, Barb worked in an inpatient hospital, a day school program, and several private practice settings, including a Christian counseling center.
Barb Giordan, MSW, LCSW, is gentle, compassionate and open. Her life is shaped by a passion to help others, and she is honored and privileged to listen to people's stories and come along side those who are suffering. Barb received an MSW from the University of Connecticut and a BA from Fairfield University. With over 20 years experience in the mental health field, Barb worked in an inpatient hospital, a day school program, and several private practice settings, including a Christian counseling center.
(331) 244-5225 View (331) 244-5225
Photo of Nora Ochoa, LCPC
Nora Ochoa
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
West Chicago, IL 60185
Nora Ochoa, LCPC, focuses on fostering a nurturing environment during sessions where clients can feel safe. She works in a variety of areas and populations, and incorporates exceptional clinical techniques to promote positive change. Nora earned a BA from University of Illinois at Chicago and an MA from National Louis University. For over a decade, Nora has worked in IOP, office, residential, and home-based services. She also has extensive experience working with foster families, adoptive families, and families involved with DCFS.
Nora Ochoa, LCPC, focuses on fostering a nurturing environment during sessions where clients can feel safe. She works in a variety of areas and populations, and incorporates exceptional clinical techniques to promote positive change. Nora earned a BA from University of Illinois at Chicago and an MA from National Louis University. For over a decade, Nora has worked in IOP, office, residential, and home-based services. She also has extensive experience working with foster families, adoptive families, and families involved with DCFS.
(331) 246-0622 View (331) 246-0622
Photo of Shannon Dudzienski, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shannon Dudzienski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
West Chicago, IL 60185
Shannon Dudzienski is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois with 4 years of experience. She received her Associate of Arts from then College of DuPage, and then transferred to Northern Illinois University to obtain her Bachelor in Psychology, followed by her Master in Social Work. Shannon believes in a strength-based and client-centered approach. She provides support, validation, a welcoming environment, and meets clients where they are at. Her treatment philosophy includes using interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, and play therapy.
Shannon Dudzienski is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois with 4 years of experience. She received her Associate of Arts from then College of DuPage, and then transferred to Northern Illinois University to obtain her Bachelor in Psychology, followed by her Master in Social Work. Shannon believes in a strength-based and client-centered approach. She provides support, validation, a welcoming environment, and meets clients where they are at. Her treatment philosophy includes using interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, and play therapy.
(331) 259-8743 View (331) 259-8743
Photo of Linda Cunningham, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Linda Cunningham
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
West Chicago, IL 60185
Linda K Cunningham is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been in the mental health field since 2003. Linda’s focus in therapy is on individuality. You are unique and the therapeutic process should absolutely celebrate that uniqueness. Well-being isn’t only about decreasing existing struggles; it should also build on your current strengths and develop new ones to help create the future you desire.
Linda K Cunningham is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been in the mental health field since 2003. Linda’s focus in therapy is on individuality. You are unique and the therapeutic process should absolutely celebrate that uniqueness. Well-being isn’t only about decreasing existing struggles; it should also build on your current strengths and develop new ones to help create the future you desire.
(331) 216-1321 View (331) 216-1321
Photo of Kristen A Jacobs, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristen A Jacobs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
West Chicago, IL 60185
Kristen A. Jacobs is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2009. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Social Work from Aurora University. Kristen creates a safe and supportive space for the client, in which she utilizes individualized, strength-based treatment approaches and evidence-based modalities with a concentration on education, validation, acceptance, self-efficacy, and symptom management.
Kristen A. Jacobs is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2009. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Social Work from Aurora University. Kristen creates a safe and supportive space for the client, in which she utilizes individualized, strength-based treatment approaches and evidence-based modalities with a concentration on education, validation, acceptance, self-efficacy, and symptom management.
(331) 271-1124 View (331) 271-1124
Photo of Sharon Kim, LCPC
Sharon Kim
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
West Chicago, IL 60185
Sharon is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wheaton College and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at University of Illinois at Chicago. Sharon's counseling experience includes work with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults in various professional and volunteer settings. She has a wide range of experience from working in therapeutic day schools, inpatient addictions counseling to navigating cross-cultural challenges and life transitions.
Sharon is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wheaton College and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at University of Illinois at Chicago. Sharon's counseling experience includes work with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults in various professional and volunteer settings. She has a wide range of experience from working in therapeutic day schools, inpatient addictions counseling to navigating cross-cultural challenges and life transitions.
(331) 246-0346 View (331) 246-0346
Photo of Brittany Heard, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brittany Heard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Chicago, IL 60185
Brittany Heard, a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois, is dedicated to guiding individuals on their path to recovery and healing. With an MSW in Social Work and a B.A. in Sociology, she brings a profound understanding of the complexities of human behavior to her practice. Brittany's expertise extends to a range of specialties, including adoption and foster care, providing support to individuals navigating the intricacies of DCFS and court-involved treatment. She's particularly skilled in addressing substance use disorders, helping individuals on the journey to sobriety.
Brittany Heard, a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois, is dedicated to guiding individuals on their path to recovery and healing. With an MSW in Social Work and a B.A. in Sociology, she brings a profound understanding of the complexities of human behavior to her practice. Brittany's expertise extends to a range of specialties, including adoption and foster care, providing support to individuals navigating the intricacies of DCFS and court-involved treatment. She's particularly skilled in addressing substance use disorders, helping individuals on the journey to sobriety.
(331) 259-8343 View (331) 259-8343
Photo of Sukhi Sandhu, LCPC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Sukhi Sandhu
Pre-Licensed Professional, LCPC
Verified Verified
West Chicago, IL 60185
Sukhi Sandhu is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2019. Her educational background includes an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign. Sukhi helps adults, adolescents, and families to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as peaceful, complete, whole, and safe.
Sukhi Sandhu is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2019. Her educational background includes an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign. Sukhi helps adults, adolescents, and families to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as peaceful, complete, whole, and safe.
(331) 246-1193 View (331) 246-1193
Photo of Marie S. Egeland, LCSW, MSW, RMT-BC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marie S. Egeland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, RMT-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Chicago, IL 60185
People who reach out when the going is tough have my deepest respect. I love my work and feel privileged to be present with people during their significant life transitions. I work with people to discover what they are doing right and expand on those things, rather than focusing on problems or what an individual may have done "wrong". I work to help a person "live" again rather than continue the pattern of their chronic depression or anxiety. A client who elects to go through the process of therapy is a person of courage who is committed to change.
People who reach out when the going is tough have my deepest respect. I love my work and feel privileged to be present with people during their significant life transitions. I work with people to discover what they are doing right and expand on those things, rather than focusing on problems or what an individual may have done "wrong". I work to help a person "live" again rather than continue the pattern of their chronic depression or anxiety. A client who elects to go through the process of therapy is a person of courage who is committed to change.
(630) 931-2131 View (630) 931-2131
Photo of Lisa Collins, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa Collins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Chicago, IL 60185
I feel that therapy is a process that people enter when they are searching for growth, change or acceptance. I can assist you with learning new skills or help you discover those skills that you didn't realize you posessed. I emphasize the process of change in the context of a life span development and treat children (5+), adolescents, adults and families.
I feel that therapy is a process that people enter when they are searching for growth, change or acceptance. I can assist you with learning new skills or help you discover those skills that you didn't realize you posessed. I emphasize the process of change in the context of a life span development and treat children (5+), adolescents, adults and families.
(630) 733-1748 View (630) 733-1748
Photo of Yolanda Olaya, PsyD, MPH, MScOB, Counselor
Yolanda Olaya
Counselor, PsyD, MPH, MScOB
Not Verified Not Verified
West Chicago, IL 60185
I strive to provide each patient with an individualized care that is evidence based and delivered with respect, compassion and education. My goal is to work with you as a partner to be able to achieve your goals. I enjoy working with with high risk adolescents who may be diagnosed with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, attention and executive functioning deficits, as well as Panic disorder, and or trauma. I also specialize in treating young women with peripartum mood disorders, GLBTQ youth, and families going through divorce. https://www.dryolandao.com/Appointments.en.html or https://doxy.me/dryolandao
I strive to provide each patient with an individualized care that is evidence based and delivered with respect, compassion and education. My goal is to work with you as a partner to be able to achieve your goals. I enjoy working with with high risk adolescents who may be diagnosed with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, attention and executive functioning deficits, as well as Panic disorder, and or trauma. I also specialize in treating young women with peripartum mood disorders, GLBTQ youth, and families going through divorce. https://www.dryolandao.com/Appointments.en.html or https://doxy.me/dryolandao
(312) 508-6273 View (312) 508-6273
Photo of Alisha Rybicki Barnum, MA, LCPC, NCC, Counselor
Alisha Rybicki Barnum
Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
West Chicago, IL 60185  (Online Only)
The invisible load of motherhood can be overwhelming... endless tasks, appointments, and management of activities. Feeling out-touched and exhausted all the time. The “mom guilt.” You are not alone! If you are looking for strategies to help reduce the frustration or overwhelm that you feel, then you've come to the right place! I help you to find techniques that can help you to regain control over your life and parent without guilt!
The invisible load of motherhood can be overwhelming... endless tasks, appointments, and management of activities. Feeling out-touched and exhausted all the time. The “mom guilt.” You are not alone! If you are looking for strategies to help reduce the frustration or overwhelm that you feel, then you've come to the right place! I help you to find techniques that can help you to regain control over your life and parent without guilt!
(847) 550-3725 View (847) 550-3725
Photo of Joanna Czyż, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joanna Czyż
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Chicago, IL 60185
Everyone deserves to know they are worthy of care, compassion, and support. We should not and do not need to be alone in our struggles. As an attachment, trauma, and expressive therapist, I am passionate about building a strong relationship that can assist you with feeling understood, valued, and empowered in your journey to self-acceptance, self-discovery, and healing. We can work together to help alleviate your anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, impulsive behaviors, parenting stressors, and / or any life stressors and transitions you are experiencing. I'm glad you're here and I am ready and available to help.
Everyone deserves to know they are worthy of care, compassion, and support. We should not and do not need to be alone in our struggles. As an attachment, trauma, and expressive therapist, I am passionate about building a strong relationship that can assist you with feeling understood, valued, and empowered in your journey to self-acceptance, self-discovery, and healing. We can work together to help alleviate your anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, impulsive behaviors, parenting stressors, and / or any life stressors and transitions you are experiencing. I'm glad you're here and I am ready and available to help.
(224) 207-4984 View (224) 207-4984
Photo of Elsie Rojas, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elsie Rojas
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Chicago, IL 60185
Growing up, mental health is not something I heard of or talked about often. Being raised Mexican for me meant that the chances of having a conversation about mental health was not likely, much less learning how to express my emotions and stress in healthy ways. The older I get, the more I learn, the more people I meet--the more I strive to help bring mental health awareness and education to not only the Latinx community but to anyone willing and ready to learn.
Growing up, mental health is not something I heard of or talked about often. Being raised Mexican for me meant that the chances of having a conversation about mental health was not likely, much less learning how to express my emotions and stress in healthy ways. The older I get, the more I learn, the more people I meet--the more I strive to help bring mental health awareness and education to not only the Latinx community but to anyone willing and ready to learn.
(630) 593-7541 View (630) 593-7541
Photo of Ann Thorwall, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ann Thorwall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Chicago, IL 60185
Welcome! My approach to therapy combines the empathy and support of traditional talk therapy with active, research- backed tools to help you overcome life’s hurdles and transitions. My clients and I have had great success with these methods in transforming relationships, overcoming depression, conquering anxiety, and gaining mastery of personal and professional challenges. My approach is both collaborative and directive; it is structured but not rigid.
Welcome! My approach to therapy combines the empathy and support of traditional talk therapy with active, research- backed tools to help you overcome life’s hurdles and transitions. My clients and I have had great success with these methods in transforming relationships, overcoming depression, conquering anxiety, and gaining mastery of personal and professional challenges. My approach is both collaborative and directive; it is structured but not rigid.
(630) 755-6663 View (630) 755-6663
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See more therapy options for West Chicago

Female Therapists

Does it matter what gender my therapist is?

In general, this is not an important factor, as there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or ingrained beliefs about how people of different genders think and behave. Exploring the roots of such preferences and considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender truly matters to them.

Should I see a female therapist?

Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist, either because they believe that a woman will be able to relate to their specific challenges (for example, sexism in the workplace) or because they imagine feeling more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a woman. Such beliefs may not turn out to be accurate, however, and adhering too rigidly to a gender preference can at times hinder a client from finding the best therapeutic match.

Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?

Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists—both men and women—may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?

It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.