Emotionally Focused Therapists in Merrillville, IN
Tony Suarez
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, PhD, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Merrillville, IN 46410
I have also spent extensive time working with couples using an EFT approach combined with the Gottman method, as well as high school and collegiate student-athletes as they navigate the stressors of school and athletic competition.
There are many reasons people seek out counseling, but the underlying reasons are that we are looking for change, meaning, or healing. Whatever your individual needs may be, I commend you for taking the first steps in addressing your situation head-on. Each client is unique, and therefore, there is no one right approach that may work best for everyone. Because of this, I use a trauma-informed integrative style to give you, the client, space to be yourself in an empathic and non-judgmental environment.
I have also spent extensive time working with couples using an EFT approach combined with the Gottman method, as well as high school and collegiate student-athletes as they navigate the stressors of school and athletic competition.
There are many reasons people seek out counseling, but the underlying reasons are that we are looking for change, meaning, or healing. Whatever your individual needs may be, I commend you for taking the first steps in addressing your situation head-on. Each client is unique, and therefore, there is no one right approach that may work best for everyone. Because of this, I use a trauma-informed integrative style to give you, the client, space to be yourself in an empathic and non-judgmental environment.
Ruth's Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Merrillville, IN 46410
My focus is to empower families by improving their relationships and communication so family members are more of a support than a burden to each other. Family issues that I commonly treat are couple's communication, sexual issues in a relationship, mixed-agenda couples (where one is considering a divorce), co-parenting after a divorce, behavior issues with children, as well as abuse or neglect in families. I also help families where a member struggles with self-injury, depression, or anxiety.
My focus is to empower families by improving their relationships and communication so family members are more of a support than a burden to each other. Family issues that I commonly treat are couple's communication, sexual issues in a relationship, mixed-agenda couples (where one is considering a divorce), co-parenting after a divorce, behavior issues with children, as well as abuse or neglect in families. I also help families where a member struggles with self-injury, depression, or anxiety.
‘If only I would have… I shouldn’t have… I should have known … Why wasn’t I more careful? How am I going to get through this?’ Having an emotional response to a serious experience like an accident, rape, or natural disaster is normal. Nevertheless, the everyday demands of life can be just as exhausting. Your boss has been pressuring you to work longer hours because of being short staffed. You feel guilty for working and not being able to spend time with your children, partner, other family and friends. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with a focus on your personal self-care, may be complicated.
‘If only I would have… I shouldn’t have… I should have known … Why wasn’t I more careful? How am I going to get through this?’ Having an emotional response to a serious experience like an accident, rape, or natural disaster is normal. Nevertheless, the everyday demands of life can be just as exhausting. Your boss has been pressuring you to work longer hours because of being short staffed. You feel guilty for working and not being able to spend time with your children, partner, other family and friends. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with a focus on your personal self-care, may be complicated.
Ellen Minter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Merrillville, IN 46410 (Online Only)
Life is hard and it certainly didn’t come with a manual. For the most part, we go through life trying to emulate what we see and hear hoping that it will work for us, and most times…..it doesn’t. That’s when you have to do something different. Everyone is on their own journey in life and what works for some, may not work for others. Where some are swimming, other people are slowly sinking. I want to not only help you stay afloat, but provide you with the tools, encouragement, and empowerment to swim your way back to the surface, if you do happen to sink.
Life is hard and it certainly didn’t come with a manual. For the most part, we go through life trying to emulate what we see and hear hoping that it will work for us, and most times…..it doesn’t. That’s when you have to do something different. Everyone is on their own journey in life and what works for some, may not work for others. Where some are swimming, other people are slowly sinking. I want to not only help you stay afloat, but provide you with the tools, encouragement, and empowerment to swim your way back to the surface, if you do happen to sink.
Over the years and after receiving thousands of initial calls and emails from clients, it is clear that many are unsure of what they need or where to go. We find great pleasure in helping clients navigate this process. As a group practice we are able to provide services for a variety of needs: anxiety, addictions, pain management, depression, relationship issues, psychological testing, individual, life transitions and even helping clients who just want to live their best life! We stand out in our efforts to make this process as smooth as possible. Many providers boast about their training in a particular treatment approach (and this is important) but research suggests that the interventions are only part of the story. The fit between client and clinician, the wellbeing of the clinician, the ease of access and the experience of the treatment process matter as much, and sometimes more, than the particular treatment model used. Pillars of Wellness was founded with the hope of ensuring an ideal client-clinician fit and providing both clients and clinicians with a positive experience. We let our clinicians excel at their craft by giving them the space to create their ideal practice.
Over the years and after receiving thousands of initial calls and emails from clients, it is clear that many are unsure of what they need or where to go. We find great pleasure in helping clients navigate this process. As a group practice we are able to provide services for a variety of needs: anxiety, addictions, pain management, depression, relationship issues, psychological testing, individual, life transitions and even helping clients who just want to live their best life! We stand out in our efforts to make this process as smooth as possible. Many providers boast about their training in a particular treatment approach (and this is important) but research suggests that the interventions are only part of the story. The fit between client and clinician, the wellbeing of the clinician, the ease of access and the experience of the treatment process matter as much, and sometimes more, than the particular treatment model used. Pillars of Wellness was founded with the hope of ensuring an ideal client-clinician fit and providing both clients and clinicians with a positive experience. We let our clinicians excel at their craft by giving them the space to create their ideal practice.
I provide individual and family therapy for children and teenagers. I have worked at alternative schools, inpatient hospitals, and residential treatment centers. I am a staunch advocate for youth, and have extensive knowledge of psychiatric medication for children and teens. I am comfortable working with a wide range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, childhood trauma, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. I utilize sensory integration to help children self-sooth and enhance their independence. I enjoy working with children and families in crisis. I also work with young adults and college students.
I provide individual and family therapy for children and teenagers. I have worked at alternative schools, inpatient hospitals, and residential treatment centers. I am a staunch advocate for youth, and have extensive knowledge of psychiatric medication for children and teens. I am comfortable working with a wide range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, childhood trauma, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. I utilize sensory integration to help children self-sooth and enhance their independence. I enjoy working with children and families in crisis. I also work with young adults and college students.
I entered the field of social work because I love people and I have a passion of giving to others. It is just in me to help others which I learned from my grandmother.
I entered the field of social work because I love people and I have a passion of giving to others. It is just in me to help others which I learned from my grandmother.
Tiffany Hutchison
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, LMFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Merrillville, IN 46410 (Online Only)
I am Gottman LV 2 trained and IFS-informed with a background in treating trauma, stress management, anxiety, depression, emotional understanding/regulation, personal development, and marital distress with individual and couple clients. I work with people who may struggle with feeling extremely stressed, feeling controlled by their own emotions, or the feeling of being lost. I offer a semi-direct approach in session and often focus on emotions, perspective, and solutions through a systemic lens.
I am Gottman LV 2 trained and IFS-informed with a background in treating trauma, stress management, anxiety, depression, emotional understanding/regulation, personal development, and marital distress with individual and couple clients. I work with people who may struggle with feeling extremely stressed, feeling controlled by their own emotions, or the feeling of being lost. I offer a semi-direct approach in session and often focus on emotions, perspective, and solutions through a systemic lens.
Specialties: Neuropsychology, psychological testing and evaluation, attachment disorders, personality disorders, sex trafficking victims, domestic violence victims, juvenile delinquency, academic failure,school adjustment, mental illness in all ages, child abuse and neglect, family therapy, couples therapy, marital therapy, trauma treatment, parenting challenges, foster care and foster parenting. She specializes in women's health issues, male relationships and commitment issues, couples therapy, divorce mediation and is a credentialed custody evaluator and disability evaluator. She is the author of two books and two clinical workbooks. The book, "How to Nurture the Traumatized Child" is available on Amazon.
Specialties: Neuropsychology, psychological testing and evaluation, attachment disorders, personality disorders, sex trafficking victims, domestic violence victims, juvenile delinquency, academic failure,school adjustment, mental illness in all ages, child abuse and neglect, family therapy, couples therapy, marital therapy, trauma treatment, parenting challenges, foster care and foster parenting. She specializes in women's health issues, male relationships and commitment issues, couples therapy, divorce mediation and is a credentialed custody evaluator and disability evaluator. She is the author of two books and two clinical workbooks. The book, "How to Nurture the Traumatized Child" is available on Amazon.
First, great job being here! Finding a counselor is an important task, and finding one that matches your needs is even more important. I am so appreciative that you are here. I might be a good match for you if: you are interested in working with a counselor that will take a collaborative journey with you, that will listen, challenge, and validate you, and will sprinkle in a bit of humor (when the time is right). I believe we strive to be our best selves, but we don’t always know what ‘best selves’ mean; that is where I come in!
First, great job being here! Finding a counselor is an important task, and finding one that matches your needs is even more important. I am so appreciative that you are here. I might be a good match for you if: you are interested in working with a counselor that will take a collaborative journey with you, that will listen, challenge, and validate you, and will sprinkle in a bit of humor (when the time is right). I believe we strive to be our best selves, but we don’t always know what ‘best selves’ mean; that is where I come in!
Lindsay Beougher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Merrillville, IN 46410
I am accepting new clients! Are you seeking a therapist who understands and celebrates your unique identity, relationship, and experiences? While specializing in LGBTQ+ issues, I am committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals and families to explore their unique challenges and work toward healing and growth. My years of academic and professional experience have allowed me to effectively work with a diverse client population of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and behavioral/mental health issues, especially those experiencing difficult life circumstances.
I am accepting new clients! Are you seeking a therapist who understands and celebrates your unique identity, relationship, and experiences? While specializing in LGBTQ+ issues, I am committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals and families to explore their unique challenges and work toward healing and growth. My years of academic and professional experience have allowed me to effectively work with a diverse client population of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and behavioral/mental health issues, especially those experiencing difficult life circumstances.
Emily Vassar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Merrillville, IN 46410
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works well with clients of all ages, creating a therapeutic environment for all. I provide a safe and judgement free atmosphere to ensure everyone who comes in my office feels comfortable. I specialize in working with survivors of different types of traumas and abuse including but not limited to sexual, physical, and verbal. In addition, I have experience working with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and bipolar.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works well with clients of all ages, creating a therapeutic environment for all. I provide a safe and judgement free atmosphere to ensure everyone who comes in my office feels comfortable. I specialize in working with survivors of different types of traumas and abuse including but not limited to sexual, physical, and verbal. In addition, I have experience working with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and bipolar.
I have been providing behavioral health services for over 30 years and feel that I am uniquely qualified to assist individuals and families in reaching their potential and overcoming personal challenges. I utilize a strengths based perspective and a holistic approach that incorporates mind, body, and spirit. I provide a thorough assessment and determine with you what intervention is best suited. I have worked extensively with people of all ages and cultures and feel that it is important to create a safe environment where self reflection and transformation can occur.
I have been providing behavioral health services for over 30 years and feel that I am uniquely qualified to assist individuals and families in reaching their potential and overcoming personal challenges. I utilize a strengths based perspective and a holistic approach that incorporates mind, body, and spirit. I provide a thorough assessment and determine with you what intervention is best suited. I have worked extensively with people of all ages and cultures and feel that it is important to create a safe environment where self reflection and transformation can occur.
I am now accepting new clients. You are here because you need help. You want a counselor who will listen to you with concern, engage with you, help you uncover your deep wounds and express the pain they have left in you. I will be that counselor for you. I will help you find your inner goodness and strength, challenge you when necessary, and always encourage and support you. I will help you recover the healthy, happy you, your true self. I will give you tools and guide you in using them. I will dedicate every bit of wisdom, knowledge and experience I have toward your healing and wholeness.
I am now accepting new clients. You are here because you need help. You want a counselor who will listen to you with concern, engage with you, help you uncover your deep wounds and express the pain they have left in you. I will be that counselor for you. I will help you find your inner goodness and strength, challenge you when necessary, and always encourage and support you. I will help you recover the healthy, happy you, your true self. I will give you tools and guide you in using them. I will dedicate every bit of wisdom, knowledge and experience I have toward your healing and wholeness.
It takes courage to begin a process of change. I look forward to collaborating with you on the adjustments you plan to make personally and in your relationships. During our time together, I will strive to create a safe and appropriate process to address your specific needs. My therapy approach incorporates a variety of evidence-based treatment methods and highlights your personal strengths. Throughout our sessions, you will experience a validating partnership that empowers you to make your desired changes. Therapy sessions can take place in the office, over the phone, or through video chat.
It takes courage to begin a process of change. I look forward to collaborating with you on the adjustments you plan to make personally and in your relationships. During our time together, I will strive to create a safe and appropriate process to address your specific needs. My therapy approach incorporates a variety of evidence-based treatment methods and highlights your personal strengths. Throughout our sessions, you will experience a validating partnership that empowers you to make your desired changes. Therapy sessions can take place in the office, over the phone, or through video chat.
Center for Life Enrichment Advancement & Recovery
Counselor, LMHC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Merrillville, IN 46410
Are you frustrated with waiting lists? Are you finding it difficult to find a clinician in your time of need? Responsive and responsible mental health care still exists! CLEAR is a group of mental health professionals who believe in providing evidence-based, cost effective, and timely treatment to our clients. Your needs will not be handled haphazardly! We provide intentional treatment interventions from approaches that are widely known in the profession to be most reliable at treating an identified issue. We embody expertises in treating anxiety, depression, mood, trauma, personality and impulse disorders.
Are you frustrated with waiting lists? Are you finding it difficult to find a clinician in your time of need? Responsive and responsible mental health care still exists! CLEAR is a group of mental health professionals who believe in providing evidence-based, cost effective, and timely treatment to our clients. Your needs will not be handled haphazardly! We provide intentional treatment interventions from approaches that are widely known in the profession to be most reliable at treating an identified issue. We embody expertises in treating anxiety, depression, mood, trauma, personality and impulse disorders.
Diane K Olson-Burkhardt
Counselor, LMHC, NCC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Merrillville, IN 46410
Waitlist for new clients
In this stressful world that we live in today, the essential activities that we all forget to participate in are to: Live, Breathe, & Play! I strive to provide a safe, nurturing and non-judgmental environment for those that I serve so that they may achieve their optimum health and wellness. In my practice, I utilize client-centered, integrative and holistic techniques to aid in helping persons obtain their maximum potential in their life and their relationships.
In this stressful world that we live in today, the essential activities that we all forget to participate in are to: Live, Breathe, & Play! I strive to provide a safe, nurturing and non-judgmental environment for those that I serve so that they may achieve their optimum health and wellness. In my practice, I utilize client-centered, integrative and holistic techniques to aid in helping persons obtain their maximum potential in their life and their relationships.
Angela Marie Swelfer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Merrillville, IN 46410
All clients welcome here. I want to be your safe space to face whatever issues have become a barrier within your path to the best version of yourself. Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar, LGBTQ issues, relationship or family issues, self-confidence or just stressed out, well then you have found the right place to start your journey.
All clients welcome here. I want to be your safe space to face whatever issues have become a barrier within your path to the best version of yourself. Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar, LGBTQ issues, relationship or family issues, self-confidence or just stressed out, well then you have found the right place to start your journey.
We all have the power to attain healthy relationships, optimal wellness, a strong voice, and the ability to show resilience over trials. My work has solely been to enlighten and enhance those inner abilities. I hold my clients accountable and point out discrepancies that foster unwanted thoughts, emotions, behaviors, or outcomes.
We all have the power to attain healthy relationships, optimal wellness, a strong voice, and the ability to show resilience over trials. My work has solely been to enlighten and enhance those inner abilities. I hold my clients accountable and point out discrepancies that foster unwanted thoughts, emotions, behaviors, or outcomes.
Kolano Kounseling, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Merrillville, IN 46410
Are you feeling depressed or anxious about challenging life stressors that you can't seem to shake on your own? Are you and your partner struggling to connect and communicate effectively? Or are you a woman stuck in a toxic relationship where you feel devalued and trapped? If you can relate to any of these issues and you are ready for an improvement, you have already taken the first step by seeking out a therapist! We can all use help from time-to-time, so let’s find a way to relieve the stress building up from those difficulties. Believe me when I say, you are not alone and there is hope that your situation will improve!
Are you feeling depressed or anxious about challenging life stressors that you can't seem to shake on your own? Are you and your partner struggling to connect and communicate effectively? Or are you a woman stuck in a toxic relationship where you feel devalued and trapped? If you can relate to any of these issues and you are ready for an improvement, you have already taken the first step by seeking out a therapist! We can all use help from time-to-time, so let’s find a way to relieve the stress building up from those difficulties. Believe me when I say, you are not alone and there is hope that your situation will improve!
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Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.