Jewish Therapists in Wilmette, IL
Much like the character Hamlet says to his friend in the play by William Shakespeare “there is more in heaven and earth than is dreamt of in our philosophy”. There is so much about life and living, loving and losing than we can possibly understand. Whatever philosophical ideas we hold, there is so much that remains unknowable. Because it resonates with my own respect for and curiosity about the mystery of being alive, my clinical practice is informed by existential thinking. Why is this happening? How can I survive? What does it mean? These are the questions underlying our reactions to and feelings about our lives.
Much like the character Hamlet says to his friend in the play by William Shakespeare “there is more in heaven and earth than is dreamt of in our philosophy”. There is so much about life and living, loving and losing than we can possibly understand. Whatever philosophical ideas we hold, there is so much that remains unknowable. Because it resonates with my own respect for and curiosity about the mystery of being alive, my clinical practice is informed by existential thinking. Why is this happening? How can I survive? What does it mean? These are the questions underlying our reactions to and feelings about our lives.
Karen Greenberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Wilmette, IL 60091
With a down-to-earth, and empathic approach, I work with clients to create a relationship built on trust where clients can feel heard, understood, and truly known. Therapy is about helping you work through your own problems through exploring your past experiences, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. My goal is not to fix you, but rather to help you work through your struggles and create a more meaningful life. My practice focuses on couples and individual counseling. Clients frequently present with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, family conflicts, grief, life transition concerns, and a multitude of other issues.
With a down-to-earth, and empathic approach, I work with clients to create a relationship built on trust where clients can feel heard, understood, and truly known. Therapy is about helping you work through your own problems through exploring your past experiences, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. My goal is not to fix you, but rather to help you work through your struggles and create a more meaningful life. My practice focuses on couples and individual counseling. Clients frequently present with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, family conflicts, grief, life transition concerns, and a multitude of other issues.
I incorporate a client-centered and strengths-based perspective in all aspects of clinical care. I use a warm, empathic, and thoughtful approach to create meaningful and trusting relationships. I strongly believe every client is the expert of their own lived experience. I am passionate about exploring clients’ emotions, behaviors, and experiences and developing practices and interventions to create meaningful and positive change. I see the relationship between the therapist and client as a collaborative partnership. I aim to create a safe environment for clients to foster resilience and empowerment in their lives.
I incorporate a client-centered and strengths-based perspective in all aspects of clinical care. I use a warm, empathic, and thoughtful approach to create meaningful and trusting relationships. I strongly believe every client is the expert of their own lived experience. I am passionate about exploring clients’ emotions, behaviors, and experiences and developing practices and interventions to create meaningful and positive change. I see the relationship between the therapist and client as a collaborative partnership. I aim to create a safe environment for clients to foster resilience and empowerment in their lives.
Anna Finkelshtein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wilmette, IL 60091
Welcome to the Cozy Couch! You are probably here because you want to improve your relationships with others. Maybe your romantic relationship has a great foundation and love, but communication issues, trust issues or conflict have started to creep up and you feel tense and confused about how to move forward. Or you don’t fight very often but you have a very hard time tackling difficult topics such as finances, parenting or physical intimacy. Whatever your goals, I am here to help you gain skills and insight, and to strengthen your relationship. To find out more about my approach, please visit www.cozycouchcounseling.org
Welcome to the Cozy Couch! You are probably here because you want to improve your relationships with others. Maybe your romantic relationship has a great foundation and love, but communication issues, trust issues or conflict have started to creep up and you feel tense and confused about how to move forward. Or you don’t fight very often but you have a very hard time tackling difficult topics such as finances, parenting or physical intimacy. Whatever your goals, I am here to help you gain skills and insight, and to strengthen your relationship. To find out more about my approach, please visit www.cozycouchcounseling.org
The decision to begin psychotherapy is a significant one and finding the right therapist is half the battle. The therapeutic relationship plays an important role in our work together. My goal is to provide you with a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings about your circumstances including developmental transitions such as entering college, young adulthood; experiencing work or parenting concerns; pre-marital and marital transitions such as those almost or newly married, infidelity, divorce, relational strain; and concerns of general life dissatisfaction resulting in symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The decision to begin psychotherapy is a significant one and finding the right therapist is half the battle. The therapeutic relationship plays an important role in our work together. My goal is to provide you with a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings about your circumstances including developmental transitions such as entering college, young adulthood; experiencing work or parenting concerns; pre-marital and marital transitions such as those almost or newly married, infidelity, divorce, relational strain; and concerns of general life dissatisfaction resulting in symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Hi, and welcome. Wherever you are on your journey, whatever may be taking place inside your mind, your body, or around you in this moment— welcome. As a social worker for a decade, my experience includes work with adolescents, twenty-somethings, and adults in the non-profit and private sectors. I ground my practice in values of intersectionality, warmth, and creativity. I use the lens of relational psychodynamics, feminism, and queer theory to support both individuals and couples.
Hi, and welcome. Wherever you are on your journey, whatever may be taking place inside your mind, your body, or around you in this moment— welcome. As a social worker for a decade, my experience includes work with adolescents, twenty-somethings, and adults in the non-profit and private sectors. I ground my practice in values of intersectionality, warmth, and creativity. I use the lens of relational psychodynamics, feminism, and queer theory to support both individuals and couples.
Maddie Isaacs
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSW, MSW, PEL
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmette, IL 60091
I believe everyone has the potential for growth and development, but it is not easy! People face trauma, anxiety, depression, family issues, and other issues that are difficult to handle on their own. It can also be difficult to reach out to others and/or professionals to seek support. This is why I am here for you! I am an approachable, genuine, and warm clinician to make the transition to therapy and the therapy process as easy as possible. I provide children, teens, young adults, and adults a positive, safe and comfortable environment. I provide as much care, support and healing to reach and maintain my clients’ needs.
I believe everyone has the potential for growth and development, but it is not easy! People face trauma, anxiety, depression, family issues, and other issues that are difficult to handle on their own. It can also be difficult to reach out to others and/or professionals to seek support. This is why I am here for you! I am an approachable, genuine, and warm clinician to make the transition to therapy and the therapy process as easy as possible. I provide children, teens, young adults, and adults a positive, safe and comfortable environment. I provide as much care, support and healing to reach and maintain my clients’ needs.
I am a seasoned therapist who, like my clients, is in an evolving journey of making sense of life and its challenges. I spent the first part of my career specializing in the treatment of adolescents and families. For the past two decades, my practice has come to include a great deal of work with individual adults and couples who are struggling with issues related to mental health, self-esteem, trauma, relationship difficulties, and life stage concerns. I enjoy working with the challenges of emerging adults as well as those in mid-life and beyond.
I am a seasoned therapist who, like my clients, is in an evolving journey of making sense of life and its challenges. I spent the first part of my career specializing in the treatment of adolescents and families. For the past two decades, my practice has come to include a great deal of work with individual adults and couples who are struggling with issues related to mental health, self-esteem, trauma, relationship difficulties, and life stage concerns. I enjoy working with the challenges of emerging adults as well as those in mid-life and beyond.
It seems like you've got it together but nobody seems to realize you're floundering. They don't know what's inside: a tally of every failure, a plan for every what if, chronic worry, fear and insecurity and thoughts- so many thoughts! It's impossible to focus. You may play a lot of roles: spouse, friend, parent, employee, entrepreneur- it's crazymaking! It can be easy to lose the YOU in all of this. You were a person before you became the social chameleon you're required to be right now. The anxious feeling never goes away and you don't know what to do, so you suffer quietly. You don't have to stay here.
It seems like you've got it together but nobody seems to realize you're floundering. They don't know what's inside: a tally of every failure, a plan for every what if, chronic worry, fear and insecurity and thoughts- so many thoughts! It's impossible to focus. You may play a lot of roles: spouse, friend, parent, employee, entrepreneur- it's crazymaking! It can be easy to lose the YOU in all of this. You were a person before you became the social chameleon you're required to be right now. The anxious feeling never goes away and you don't know what to do, so you suffer quietly. You don't have to stay here.
Julie Scher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmette, IL 60091
Waitlist for new clients
I am a relational therapist working with individuals, couples, and those in non-traditional relationships. Seeking support from psychotherapy is a sign of inner strength and hope, even when it feels as if ones world has turned inside-out. Life rarely allows any of us a free pass; births and deaths, personal crises, relationship troubles, childhood trauma, etc. may meet any one of us head-on at sometime during our lives. Seeking help from psychotherapy is a worthwhile path to take when ways of coping no longer seem effective. I nurture the possibility of deeper understanding and self-knowledge by creatively engaging the whole person.
I am a relational therapist working with individuals, couples, and those in non-traditional relationships. Seeking support from psychotherapy is a sign of inner strength and hope, even when it feels as if ones world has turned inside-out. Life rarely allows any of us a free pass; births and deaths, personal crises, relationship troubles, childhood trauma, etc. may meet any one of us head-on at sometime during our lives. Seeking help from psychotherapy is a worthwhile path to take when ways of coping no longer seem effective. I nurture the possibility of deeper understanding and self-knowledge by creatively engaging the whole person.
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.
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.
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Maddie Isaacs
Helen Fisher
Jenna Sheftel
Rebecca Stern
The most important ingredient in a successful therapy experience is the therapy relationship itself. The clients who benefit the most are those who feel understood, respected and cared about, and so are better able to be more genuine and more fully engaged in the process. A basic tenet of my approach is that our fears and hurts inhibit the natural tendency within us all to grow and move toward healthier ways of functioning. Individuals who feel safe enough in therapy to face their fears can begin to "digest" their unfinished business and take back control of their lives.
The most important ingredient in a successful therapy experience is the therapy relationship itself. The clients who benefit the most are those who feel understood, respected and cared about, and so are better able to be more genuine and more fully engaged in the process. A basic tenet of my approach is that our fears and hurts inhibit the natural tendency within us all to grow and move toward healthier ways of functioning. Individuals who feel safe enough in therapy to face their fears can begin to "digest" their unfinished business and take back control of their lives.
I hope to be able to support clients navigating a significant life transition, grappling with relational stress, or seeking deeper self-understanding. I aim to serve individuals, couples, or families dealing with issues like conflict resolution, family dynamics, or the emotional impacts of past traumas. My goal is to be along side you as you transform pain into purpose, develop stronger, more meaningful relationships, and build resilience in the face of life's challenges. My approach is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and a deep respect for your unique experiences.
I hope to be able to support clients navigating a significant life transition, grappling with relational stress, or seeking deeper self-understanding. I aim to serve individuals, couples, or families dealing with issues like conflict resolution, family dynamics, or the emotional impacts of past traumas. My goal is to be along side you as you transform pain into purpose, develop stronger, more meaningful relationships, and build resilience in the face of life's challenges. My approach is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and a deep respect for your unique experiences.
Helen Fisher
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, CADC
Verified Verified
Wilmette, IL 60091 (Online Only)
Have you just discovered your partner having an affair, lost in how to move forward? Discovering infidelity can leave a trail of devastation, never ending questions, insecurity and worry about who to turn to and trust, and wondering whether you will ever be able to look at your partner again. As the partner who has been cheated on, you are riding the roller coaster of anger and grief, not knowing how to get off the ride. Perhaps you are the one that stepped out on your relationship and are filled with a shame and regret that leaves you questioning your identity. I can help couples and individuals find hope again.
Have you just discovered your partner having an affair, lost in how to move forward? Discovering infidelity can leave a trail of devastation, never ending questions, insecurity and worry about who to turn to and trust, and wondering whether you will ever be able to look at your partner again. As the partner who has been cheated on, you are riding the roller coaster of anger and grief, not knowing how to get off the ride. Perhaps you are the one that stepped out on your relationship and are filled with a shame and regret that leaves you questioning your identity. I can help couples and individuals find hope again.
Jenna Sheftel is a licensed clinical psychologist and the clinical director at the National Anxiety Institute, Ltd. She is an expert in the treatment of anxiety and related disorders. Her practice is focused on providing effective and long-lasting treatment using the latest Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions. Each course of therapy is tailored to the individual patient. She has an empathetic, collaborative style to create an environment of hope and possibility. Dr. Sheftel works with adolescents and adults. A unique component of her practice is her ability to treat individuals across the US.
Jenna Sheftel is a licensed clinical psychologist and the clinical director at the National Anxiety Institute, Ltd. She is an expert in the treatment of anxiety and related disorders. Her practice is focused on providing effective and long-lasting treatment using the latest Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions. Each course of therapy is tailored to the individual patient. She has an empathetic, collaborative style to create an environment of hope and possibility. Dr. Sheftel works with adolescents and adults. A unique component of her practice is her ability to treat individuals across the US.
Rebecca Stern
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MAT, PEL
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wilmette, IL 60091
Whether you are seeking therapeutic support to find new perspectives on old issues or have been confronted with a new crisis, finding the right therapist can seem daunting. Regardless of your presenting problem, you will be welcomed into a safe, nonjudgmental environment. We will work thru the dilemma and come to a resolution that enables you to feel better. I began my career specializing in children and adolescents in the school setting and subsequently have expanded to young adults, adults, couples, and families. A particular focus and thread throughout my career has been the ongoing support and advocacy of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Whether you are seeking therapeutic support to find new perspectives on old issues or have been confronted with a new crisis, finding the right therapist can seem daunting. Regardless of your presenting problem, you will be welcomed into a safe, nonjudgmental environment. We will work thru the dilemma and come to a resolution that enables you to feel better. I began my career specializing in children and adolescents in the school setting and subsequently have expanded to young adults, adults, couples, and families. A particular focus and thread throughout my career has been the ongoing support and advocacy of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Therapy can seem daunting, though not quite as daunting as a lifetime of emotional discomfort. Lindsey’s approach to psychotherapy is warm and collaborative, empowering her clients to achieve happiness and an unbreakable inner well-being. Trust and confidentiality allow clients to speak freely from the depths of their mind and soul while feeling truly seen, accepted, and cared for even in their darkest moments. Through a compassionate therapeutic relationship, clients work with the therapist to discover the formation of their unique personality traits, beliefs, and patterns in relationships that contribute to present-day distress
Therapy can seem daunting, though not quite as daunting as a lifetime of emotional discomfort. Lindsey’s approach to psychotherapy is warm and collaborative, empowering her clients to achieve happiness and an unbreakable inner well-being. Trust and confidentiality allow clients to speak freely from the depths of their mind and soul while feeling truly seen, accepted, and cared for even in their darkest moments. Through a compassionate therapeutic relationship, clients work with the therapist to discover the formation of their unique personality traits, beliefs, and patterns in relationships that contribute to present-day distress
Siegal Eli-Gers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Wilmette, IL 60091
I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have focused my career on working with adolescents ,young adults, parents and families. Over the last 10 + years, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals and families in the North Shore. I work with clients to help them find a safe space to express, explore and make positive changes. Over the years I have learned that every individual and family is unique and need treatment to be flexible and supportive of their needs. I work to create opportunities and to teach tangible skills, so long lasting change is possible. I am a gender affirming clinician.
I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have focused my career on working with adolescents ,young adults, parents and families. Over the last 10 + years, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals and families in the North Shore. I work with clients to help them find a safe space to express, explore and make positive changes. Over the years I have learned that every individual and family is unique and need treatment to be flexible and supportive of their needs. I work to create opportunities and to teach tangible skills, so long lasting change is possible. I am a gender affirming clinician.
From the moment a teenager or young adult becomes my client, I am dedicated to providing expert, optimal care as well as empathy and accessibility. As a psychotherapist and an advocate, my collaboration with additional health providers, psychiatrists and school administrators and educators is often pivotal to my clients' success.
From the moment a teenager or young adult becomes my client, I am dedicated to providing expert, optimal care as well as empathy and accessibility. As a psychotherapist and an advocate, my collaboration with additional health providers, psychiatrists and school administrators and educators is often pivotal to my clients' success.
David Lipschutz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
Wilmette, IL 60091
Not accepting new clients
I use a variety of approaches, adapting my style to each individual's unique struggles and goals while primarily drawing from modern psychoanalytic theory. We will work together to identify how relationships and the systems we reside in inform our life experiences and beyond. Understanding the origins of unsatisfying relationships and anxieties provides a chance for new perspectives and the possibility for lasting change. I am also informed by developmental perspectives when working with children, teens, and their families to cultivate inner capacities of growth and potential.
I use a variety of approaches, adapting my style to each individual's unique struggles and goals while primarily drawing from modern psychoanalytic theory. We will work together to identify how relationships and the systems we reside in inform our life experiences and beyond. Understanding the origins of unsatisfying relationships and anxieties provides a chance for new perspectives and the possibility for lasting change. I am also informed by developmental perspectives when working with children, teens, and their families to cultivate inner capacities of growth and potential.
See more therapy options for Wilmette
Nearby Jewish Therapists Searches for Wilmette
- Buffalo Grove
- Chicago
- Deerfield
- Evanston
- Glenview
- Highland Park
- Lincoln Park
- Lincolnwood
- Naperville
- Northbrook
- Oak Park
- Skokie
Jewish Therapists
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
Therapists and clients don’t need to share the same background to be able to work together, but a therapist whose training includes a focus on cultural competence may be better able to form a therapeutic bond with individuals from a range of backgrounds, as they will have experience tailoring their approach to each client—and will be prepared to acknowledge and consider the effects of cultural forces, such as discrimination, that may contribute to that client’s concerns. With a professional who has such training, a client should feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues without feeling that they need to self-censor.
How can I recognize an effective Jewish therapist?
As with members of any religious or ethnic group, just because two people happen to be Jewish does not guarantee that they will share the same values, knowledge, or experiences. A Jewish client seeking a therapist who shares their cultural identity, or for whom it’s important that a therapist share their religious beliefs, may want to discuss a professional’s Jewish background with them before beginning therapy. For someone who seeks justification for major life changes in their religious tradition, or in biblical writings, finding a therapist who is comfortable framing guidance in that context may be especially valuable.
Would a Jewish therapist have unique training?
No, but they should have the same training and certification as any other mental health professional, as well as experience with a range of evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or mindfulness-based therapy. A therapist with this type of experience should be able to help any client feel comfortable and safe, which is essential for a therapeutic alliance. Once this is established, a potential client may want to find out more about the therapist’s Jewish background.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with Jewish clients?
A client can directly ask a therapist if they have extensive experience working with Jewish clients and if so, whether these individuals sought counseling for faith-related issues or marital or familial issues in which their Jewish background was a factor. A client may also wish to ask a potential therapist whether they incorporate Jewish teachings and values into their own professional work.
Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of Jewish therapists?
The directory of Jewish therapists includes professionals who have opted to share their cultural background on their profiles. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their background, and they may not appear in search results for this reason.The directory also shows therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with Jewish clients and/or communities.