Therapists in Illinois

I am passionate about working with adolescents, adults and couples looking to cultivate change. I believe each person seeking therapy is unique, and my approach is tailored to meet your individual needs. I use an integrative approach, drawing upon a variety of techniques including psychodynamic, existential, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. I have experience working with an array of mental health issues including gender dysphoria, LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I have a great deal of experience working with first responders, grief, and high conflict couples.

I deeply value the courage and vulnerability demonstrated by individuals, couples, and families who embark on the therapeutic journey. With extensive training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and advanced specialization in emotion-focused therapy (EFT), I am dedicated to utilizing evidence-based treatments to help alleviate psychological and emotional distress.

Unsure if your child's behavior is age appropriate? Is your adolescent having difficulties in academics or social connections? Are you struggling with adjusting to life changes or reflecting on past experiences that cause you to feel uneasy? Not sure how to work out differences between you and your partner or within your family? I am here to help your child play out any fears, worries, and past traumas, help your adolescent feel empowered, find solutions, and discover self identity, help adults navigate life transitions, and help couples/families explore conflict. Most of all, I focus on your needs to cultivate trust and safety.

I enjoy working with all my clients. I work with children, adolescents, and adults with a myriad of issues. I have a particular expertise and understanding working with trauma issues. I have 15 years of police experience that allows me to better understand the needs of the service professionals (police, fire, nurses, military, etc.) clients and their families and how best to help them in a compassionate and caring way. The needs of these individuals can be unique. From substance abuse and anger control to depression and suicidal ideation, the stressors of these individuals require an understanding and knowledge, which I have.

‘A speaker raises a glass of water and asks the audience, “How heavy do you think this glass of water is?” His answer: “It depends on how long you hold it. It is the exact same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, we will not be able to carry on, the burden becoming increasingly heavier.”’ Occasionally, we have to set our burdens down so that we are able to recharge and prepare ourselves to continue moving forward. I am deeply committed to providing pathways to support and to create the best environment possible for clients.

After many years in multiple different employs within social work, I have settled in to a love for helping children, adolescents and young adults cope with life's stressors. I am equipped with individual and small group space and accepting new clients. I utilize several evidence based therapies, including, but not limited to cognitive behavioral (CBT), Mindfulness CBT, and Strengths based.

My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is in concert with the best version of your self.​​​​ By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. ​ If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.--Tony

I believe in the power of self-awareness and personal growth, and am dedicated to helping clients develop the tools they need to navigate life's challenges with resilience and strength. Therapy is a collaborative process, where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe and non-judgmental space. I have experience working with children/youth with special healthcare needs; and have worked closely with other professionals such as Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Specialty Physicians and Schools to provide a holistic approach.

I have experience and knowledge working with individuals who live with; depression, anxiety, bi-polar, personality disorders, schizophrenia, PTSD, substance abuse disorder, suicide and self-harm, LGBTQ+, and grief. I have an education in evidence-based therapies, such as but not limited to: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, harm-reduction, and SMART recovery. Newly (2024) added to my services, is animal assisted therapy. I acknowledge the uncertainty that comes with starting therapy, you’re not alone. I urge you though to not let fear stop you from getting the help you deserve.

I am a Mental Health Therapist in private practice. My years of experience include work in a group home setting with children with special needs, a behavioral health setting with adults and seniors with chronic mental illness, an alternative school setting with at risks students from 6th grade to seniors in high school and a social service agency. I have extensive experience treating symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also have experience with grief, caregiving support for those who are sick and surviving your troubled teen.

Elyse is an experienced clinician with a passion for helping children, teens, families, adults, and couples overcome life’s challenges. She has had the privilege of working with clients in various schools, private practice, and community mental health settings and she utilizes a variety of therapeutic techniques to meet the needs of each of her client’s. She acknowledges that therapy is hard work and is constantly humbled by the strength her clients demonstrate throughout the therapeutic process. Elyse approaches therapy with a warm and genuine care for others which allows her clients to grow in a meaningful and purposeful way.

All of us need help at some time. My clients tell me they feel understood but not judged when they meet with me - and that their own understanding of themselves and their challenges grows. But I know that effective therapy work must go beyond being cared about and understood. I bring a commitment to helping people change problems in their lives.

Dr. Santiago is co-owner of ArtWell Therapy Center. Her role is to create a safe, nurturing environment and construct a positive, non-judgmental collaborative process. She is direct in her therapy style which assists clients in a more structured approach to set effective goals. She has experience working with individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, multicultural/diverse individuals/couples, Autism Spectrum Disorder, college life transition, developmental milestones, parenting education, etc. As a Latina, she will help clients discuss their personal stories of prejudice, racial oppression, social privilege, and mico/macroaggressions.

Whatever may be going on, life can get overwhelming and an outside perspective can help. At CalmWaters you will be treated with respect, dignity, and empathy. We have 7 therapists available to see in person or virtually. If you aren't sure which counselor you want to see, we'll help you find the best fit. You are not alone. Difficult things happen to everyone in life and sometimes a helping hand is just what is needed. Our licensed counselors will walk with you through the situation that brings you into therapy until it is resolved or improved. We meet each client where they are, provide support and tools, and foster growth.

Do you feel like you have somehow became lost on the pathway of your life? Losing touch with those wonderful and unique parts of ourselves often leaves us feeling powerless and keeps us from moving forward to the bigger and better things we deserve. If you feel that the time to find yourself again is now, I would be happy to assist you to get back on the path to empowerment so you can get to where you're supposed to be.

Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.

Struggling from time to time with life's stresses is something we all have in common. I'm easy to talk to, practical, down to earth and good at what I do. I specialize in helping people just like you discover meaningful and lasting solutions to emotional, behavioral and relational struggles.

Is your heart heavy from various forms of trauma, resulting in C-PTSD/PTSD, panic attacks, anxiety, addiction, or dissociation? Do you feel alone and stuck? Do you always end up in similar toxic relationships? Do you always feel psychologically unsafe or powerless even when there is no more abuse? Do you feel overwhelmed and use external resource to try to forget or numb the pain? I understand how trauma can lead to mental and behavioral challenges. Trauma can prevent you from living authentically, triggering fear-based reactions and self-defeating thoughts. I'm here to help you unravel some of these thoughts and find inner peace.

I appreciate a person who is ready to work on becoming the best they can be. I have a "get real" approach to what matters and that is you! I utilize your strengths to identify interfering issues and will help you to develop effective coping strategies in a confidential setting.