Toddler Therapists in Winnetka, IL
I primarily work with young children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing difficulties in school/work, social and family relationships, with self-esteem, focus, regulation, grief, divorce, trauma, depression, anxiety and challenging life circumstances. My approach is insight-oriented, psychodynamic, and relationship-based. I provide play and talk therapy for children and traditional talk-therapy for adults. Additionally, I provide reflective supervision and consultation for practitioners and trainees.
I primarily work with young children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing difficulties in school/work, social and family relationships, with self-esteem, focus, regulation, grief, divorce, trauma, depression, anxiety and challenging life circumstances. My approach is insight-oriented, psychodynamic, and relationship-based. I provide play and talk therapy for children and traditional talk-therapy for adults. Additionally, I provide reflective supervision and consultation for practitioners and trainees.
Life is filled with sorrow and joy, frustration and wonder, stagnation and growth, obstacles and openings. At times, our skill set and resources are not optimal for helping us adapt to the shifts and movement in our lives. I believe that art therapy and counseling can support understanding of our skills and resources that better equip us to adapt to life's changes. Art therapy allows opportunities to imagine the best, healthiest version of ourselves and permit clarifying moments where we perceive possibility and potential. My goal is to support clients in becoming active agents in developing positive, purposeful ideas towards wellness and good health.
Life is filled with sorrow and joy, frustration and wonder, stagnation and growth, obstacles and openings. At times, our skill set and resources are not optimal for helping us adapt to the shifts and movement in our lives. I believe that art therapy and counseling can support understanding of our skills and resources that better equip us to adapt to life's changes. Art therapy allows opportunities to imagine the best, healthiest version of ourselves and permit clarifying moments where we perceive possibility and potential. My goal is to support clients in becoming active agents in developing positive, purposeful ideas towards wellness and good health.
Dr. Schmaus approaches patients with compassion for the challenges that anxiety has brought to their lives. He teaches patients how to manage their worries and fears so that they can better tolerate uncertainty. By encouraging patients to be willing to face their fears, he enhances their ability to successfully manage stressful situations. When working with children and teens, he often involves the parents in treatment, providing guidance and strategies for helping their children to feel less anxious.
Dr. Schmaus approaches patients with compassion for the challenges that anxiety has brought to their lives. He teaches patients how to manage their worries and fears so that they can better tolerate uncertainty. By encouraging patients to be willing to face their fears, he enhances their ability to successfully manage stressful situations. When working with children and teens, he often involves the parents in treatment, providing guidance and strategies for helping their children to feel less anxious.
In my 45 plus years of practice, I have found that most patients, before coming to see me may have tried to the best of their abilities to solve their problems. They may have consulted other psychotherapists or other allied professionals before coming to see me. The central task is for us to identify the nature of their psychological puzzle, and to find ways to collaborate in finding solutions to them. I have a particular interest in people who may have neurocognitive deficits. Also, I have an interest in children and adolescents whose parents are in the divorce process.
In my 45 plus years of practice, I have found that most patients, before coming to see me may have tried to the best of their abilities to solve their problems. They may have consulted other psychotherapists or other allied professionals before coming to see me. The central task is for us to identify the nature of their psychological puzzle, and to find ways to collaborate in finding solutions to them. I have a particular interest in people who may have neurocognitive deficits. Also, I have an interest in children and adolescents whose parents are in the divorce process.
Heather McDermott
Psychologist, PsyD, MEd, CAMS-II, CSAC
Verified Verified
Winnetka, IL 60093 (Online Only)
Individuals can lead a happier, more productive life when they are engaged in the therapy process. I specialize in assisting individuals who are experiencing life transitions including divorce, illness, bereavement, and change of careers. I also treat depression, anxiety, addictions (including substance abuse), trauma, and a variety of other psychological concerns. I routinely work with individuals' physicians and a variety of other practitioners to create a comprehensive treatment plan. I am an anger management specialist, certified by the National Association for Anger Management Specialists as well as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). I am also a certified EMDR therapist.
Individuals can lead a happier, more productive life when they are engaged in the therapy process. I specialize in assisting individuals who are experiencing life transitions including divorce, illness, bereavement, and change of careers. I also treat depression, anxiety, addictions (including substance abuse), trauma, and a variety of other psychological concerns. I routinely work with individuals' physicians and a variety of other practitioners to create a comprehensive treatment plan. I am an anger management specialist, certified by the National Association for Anger Management Specialists as well as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). I am also a certified EMDR therapist.
The Family Institute at Northwestern University
Psychologist
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Winnetka, IL 60093
Through research, education and clinical services, The Family Institute at Northwestern University is one of the nation's leading relationship-based behavioral health organizations committed to strengthening and healing the whole family system by bringing together the right partners to support children, adults, couples and families across the lifespan. As researchers, educators and therapists, we work with our clients and PARTNER TO SEE CHANGE. By weaving together 175 therapists and therapists-in-training, we create a high quality, collaborative system of behavioral health care. One that gets results.
Through research, education and clinical services, The Family Institute at Northwestern University is one of the nation's leading relationship-based behavioral health organizations committed to strengthening and healing the whole family system by bringing together the right partners to support children, adults, couples and families across the lifespan. As researchers, educators and therapists, we work with our clients and PARTNER TO SEE CHANGE. By weaving together 175 therapists and therapists-in-training, we create a high quality, collaborative system of behavioral health care. One that gets results.
Child Therapy Chicago Naperville & Northbrook
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Winnetka, IL 60093
Child Therapy Chicago, North Shore and Naperville is a counseling & psychotherapy specialist practice in the Chicagoland area working exclusively with kids from toddlers through teens and parents. We use play therapy and talk therapy to help kids overcome big emotions and behaviors like anxiety, sadness, fears, tantrums, aggression, school and social issues and feelings related to divorce. Offices in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood (1300 W Belmont Ave), Western Suburbs downtown Naperville (29 S Webster St) and North Shore downtown Northbrook (1330 Shermer Rd).
Child Therapy Chicago, North Shore and Naperville is a counseling & psychotherapy specialist practice in the Chicagoland area working exclusively with kids from toddlers through teens and parents. We use play therapy and talk therapy to help kids overcome big emotions and behaviors like anxiety, sadness, fears, tantrums, aggression, school and social issues and feelings related to divorce. Offices in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood (1300 W Belmont Ave), Western Suburbs downtown Naperville (29 S Webster St) and North Shore downtown Northbrook (1330 Shermer Rd).
More Therapists Nearby
I provide psychological therapy which focuses on the way that people think and behave. My practice specializes in working with children/adolescents and college/post-college adults who have problems adapting to their current life circumstances. Each person brings into treatment all their experiences, both joyous and problematic, which provides a base for the development of individualized goals and objectives.
I provide psychological therapy which focuses on the way that people think and behave. My practice specializes in working with children/adolescents and college/post-college adults who have problems adapting to their current life circumstances. Each person brings into treatment all their experiences, both joyous and problematic, which provides a base for the development of individualized goals and objectives.
I have been a certified private practitioner since 1987. I believe in having a warm, friendly, and open approach to wellbeing. I have extensive experience with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, couples and families. One area of expertise is with special education and special needs children. I am certified as both a school social worker and a principal. Another area of expertise is with the caregivers of both older adults and children with disabilities. I am certified by Ross Greene, in his CPS approach. I have private practice in Evanston/Skokie. I work primarily through telehealth. I participate in many insurance panels.
I have been a certified private practitioner since 1987. I believe in having a warm, friendly, and open approach to wellbeing. I have extensive experience with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, couples and families. One area of expertise is with special education and special needs children. I am certified as both a school social worker and a principal. Another area of expertise is with the caregivers of both older adults and children with disabilities. I am certified by Ross Greene, in his CPS approach. I have private practice in Evanston/Skokie. I work primarily through telehealth. I participate in many insurance panels.
Did you know autism can be diagnosed in children as young as 14 months of age? So often parents are told to "wait and see" despite having concerns about their child's development. As a child psychologist, I have expertise in the early diagnosis and intervention of autism. I have over a decade of experience conducting gold-standard evaluations for autism and research to advance knowledge about early autism signs with over 25 peer-reviewed publications/book chapters. I offer both diagnosis and intervention services for families of young children via telehealth throughout the country (select states). Contact me for a FREE consult!
Did you know autism can be diagnosed in children as young as 14 months of age? So often parents are told to "wait and see" despite having concerns about their child's development. As a child psychologist, I have expertise in the early diagnosis and intervention of autism. I have over a decade of experience conducting gold-standard evaluations for autism and research to advance knowledge about early autism signs with over 25 peer-reviewed publications/book chapters. I offer both diagnosis and intervention services for families of young children via telehealth throughout the country (select states). Contact me for a FREE consult!
Kat works collaboratively with children, adolescents, and young adults using the creative process to support young people to understand themselves and the world around them. In sessions, she tunes into strengths and interests that are untapped resources for understanding and coping with the world around us. She has seen clients increase their comfort with embracing emotions, riding the emotional wave, and problem solving to get what they need in difficult situations. She has experience teaching executive functioning and emotion regulation skills to support neurodivergent people to take charge of their story.
Kat works collaboratively with children, adolescents, and young adults using the creative process to support young people to understand themselves and the world around them. In sessions, she tunes into strengths and interests that are untapped resources for understanding and coping with the world around us. She has seen clients increase their comfort with embracing emotions, riding the emotional wave, and problem solving to get what they need in difficult situations. She has experience teaching executive functioning and emotion regulation skills to support neurodivergent people to take charge of their story.
Rebecca Kieffer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years experience working with children, adolescents and families. I specialize in treating children and adolescents who have faced trauma, abuse, loss and multiple transitions. I believe in utilizing a holistic and strength-building approach to working with children and their families. I incorporate a variety of therapeutic techniques into my sessions in order to meet your child where they are at to facilitate growth and healing. I believe that collaboration with you, your child and their extended support systems is imperative to help them to feel supported and successful in life.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years experience working with children, adolescents and families. I specialize in treating children and adolescents who have faced trauma, abuse, loss and multiple transitions. I believe in utilizing a holistic and strength-building approach to working with children and their families. I incorporate a variety of therapeutic techniques into my sessions in order to meet your child where they are at to facilitate growth and healing. I believe that collaboration with you, your child and their extended support systems is imperative to help them to feel supported and successful in life.
Insight Therapeutics, Inc.
Counselor, MS, Ed, NCC, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmette, IL 60091
I utilize a combination of somatically-focused, cognitive, and psychodynamic approaches to assist you in understanding your concerns. I'd love to help you address current changes you'd like to make, but also address underlying concerns so that current struggles are less likely to resurface. I specialize in tailoring treatments in developmentally attuned ways. With adults I assist clients in understanding how their life journeys have led them to their present concerns, and work on uncovering and undoing patterns you may find less effective.
I utilize a combination of somatically-focused, cognitive, and psychodynamic approaches to assist you in understanding your concerns. I'd love to help you address current changes you'd like to make, but also address underlying concerns so that current struggles are less likely to resurface. I specialize in tailoring treatments in developmentally attuned ways. With adults I assist clients in understanding how their life journeys have led them to their present concerns, and work on uncovering and undoing patterns you may find less effective.
I am a clinical psychologist working with children, adolescents and adults for more than thirty years. I strive to provide a safe and supportive environment to help facilitate emotional growth and to help people address the significant areas of their lives that are not going well. I believe that a collaborative relationship is most important for a successful therapeutic experience. I help people explore their emotional life in order to achieve more vital, satisfying and productive relationships with others, as well as with their own self. I try to help everyone according to their unique needs and strengths.
I am a clinical psychologist working with children, adolescents and adults for more than thirty years. I strive to provide a safe and supportive environment to help facilitate emotional growth and to help people address the significant areas of their lives that are not going well. I believe that a collaborative relationship is most important for a successful therapeutic experience. I help people explore their emotional life in order to achieve more vital, satisfying and productive relationships with others, as well as with their own self. I try to help everyone according to their unique needs and strengths.
My patient-focused therapeutic approach is designed to promote positive outcomes for patients who are facing some of life's toughest challenges, and guide them to use their inner strength to become more confident and ultimately meet their goals. All of this is accomplished in an empathic way, while I listen and offer feedback. As they grow, my patients become happier and more successful in their lives.
My patient-focused therapeutic approach is designed to promote positive outcomes for patients who are facing some of life's toughest challenges, and guide them to use their inner strength to become more confident and ultimately meet their goals. All of this is accomplished in an empathic way, while I listen and offer feedback. As they grow, my patients become happier and more successful in their lives.
For over 15 years I have worked with children, teens and adults managing difficulties with social, emotional and behavioral difficulties. The diverse experience with each age has given me insight to share in the therapy room with you. I address each challenge with great care and energy to help move toward growth with you or your child to find understanding and greater ways of coping, being in relationships and thriving.
For over 15 years I have worked with children, teens and adults managing difficulties with social, emotional and behavioral difficulties. The diverse experience with each age has given me insight to share in the therapy room with you. I address each challenge with great care and energy to help move toward growth with you or your child to find understanding and greater ways of coping, being in relationships and thriving.
If you feel that you are not functioning as well as you'd like to or are not working up to your full potential, therapy can help! I use a cognitive behavioral approach, and behavior modification to help clients achieve their goals. I work with kids as young as 3 up through adults. My innovative and unconventional approach makes therapy fun and unintimidating. I work closely with schools and doctors to provide the best treatment possible.
If you feel that you are not functioning as well as you'd like to or are not working up to your full potential, therapy can help! I use a cognitive behavioral approach, and behavior modification to help clients achieve their goals. I work with kids as young as 3 up through adults. My innovative and unconventional approach makes therapy fun and unintimidating. I work closely with schools and doctors to provide the best treatment possible.
For over 17 years as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I have helped children, teens, adults and families with their struggles. Most of my work is generated through client referrals. I believe a safe, comfortable environment, helps make the work toward change less difficult and helps individuals move through the therapy process at their own pace. Because we are all unique, my therapy style is Eclectic, meaning, I use various techniques and approaches to meet the needs of each individual.
For over 17 years as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I have helped children, teens, adults and families with their struggles. Most of my work is generated through client referrals. I believe a safe, comfortable environment, helps make the work toward change less difficult and helps individuals move through the therapy process at their own pace. Because we are all unique, my therapy style is Eclectic, meaning, I use various techniques and approaches to meet the needs of each individual.
I have worked with children, adults and families for more than 25 years. Using an integrative perspective, I apply a range of techniques, including those based in attachment, family systems, and cognitive behavioral theories. Prior to establishing my private practice, I worked in a variety of settings from inner-city neighborhoods of Washington DC, Baltimore and Chicago, to small towns in North Africa.Throughout my career, I have sought to demystify mental health and psychotherapy by actively involving my clients in the intake and therapy process.
I have worked with children, adults and families for more than 25 years. Using an integrative perspective, I apply a range of techniques, including those based in attachment, family systems, and cognitive behavioral theories. Prior to establishing my private practice, I worked in a variety of settings from inner-city neighborhoods of Washington DC, Baltimore and Chicago, to small towns in North Africa.Throughout my career, I have sought to demystify mental health and psychotherapy by actively involving my clients in the intake and therapy process.
Meet Pamela Star, Ed.S, NCSP: Over a decade of experience working in public school systems inspired her to become an advocate, empowering families to secure the education their child deserves. With her background in School Psychology, Pamela knows exactly what data schools need to qualify students for supports. Who better to advocate for your child than someone with intimate knowledge of school politics, who can cut through the red tape and represent your child’s needs? Her goal is to empower you to find your voice at the IEP table. Pamela’s approach to advocacy is child-centered, data-driven, and collaborative.
Meet Pamela Star, Ed.S, NCSP: Over a decade of experience working in public school systems inspired her to become an advocate, empowering families to secure the education their child deserves. With her background in School Psychology, Pamela knows exactly what data schools need to qualify students for supports. Who better to advocate for your child than someone with intimate knowledge of school politics, who can cut through the red tape and represent your child’s needs? Her goal is to empower you to find your voice at the IEP table. Pamela’s approach to advocacy is child-centered, data-driven, and collaborative.
See more therapy options for Winnetka
Nearby Toddler Therapists Searches for Winnetka
- Deerfield
- Evanston
- Glencoe
- Glenview
- Highland Park
- Lincolnwood
- Niles
- Northbrook
- Northfield
- Park Ridge
- Skokie
- Wilmette
Toddler Therapists
What are the behavioral signs indicating a toddler might need counseling?
Common behavioral signs that a child may need counseling include high levels of emotional distress or anxiety, learning challenges, interpersonal conflict, anger, or social withdrawal. Any drastic changes in toddler behavior or self-esteem can be indicative that a child may benefit from therapy. Seeing a therapist at the early stages of any behavioral changes can be most impactful on behavior, as well as helpful to caregivers who may receive guidance on what symptoms to look for in their child in the future, even if therapy is not warranted at that time.
Can a two-year-old see a psychologist?
Children and adults of all ages can see psychologists and other forms of mental health professionals, such as counselors, psychiatrists, and social workers. Families seeking therapy for their toddler should just be aware that any guidance they seek should come from a professional who has specific experience working with young children, as well as the specific modalities that are appropriate for young children, such as play therapy.
What is the most effective type of therapy for toddlers and preschoolers?
In general, play therapy is the most effective and common form of therapy for young children. Play therapy helps facilitate behavior change by offering an age-appropriate way for children to express their emotions and develop more effective coping strategies. Toddlers with specific concerns may benefit from more specialized forms of therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for toddlers in families in which there is significant parent-child relational conflict.
What happens during therapy sessions for toddlers?
What occurs in therapy sessions for toddlers depends on the therapeutic approach being used by the therapist. Most toddler therapists will use some form of play therapy in sessions to encourage toddler engagement. In play therapy sessions, children are encouraged to use toys within the therapy setting to express their emotions; subsequent responses by the therapist and/or family members can help guide toddler behavior and behavior change. Toddler therapy sessions can also involve family therapy or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which can help improve parenting behaviors and reduce strain on families.