Counselors near Crest Hill, IL

Care Philosophy: ? I am mindful to take a collaborative approach with clients to make sure they are getting the treatment that is working for them. I primarily operate out of a psychodynamic approach and use motivational interviewing to gain direct insight into my clients point of view. For my clients who have ADHD I put a large focus on better understanding executive functions and ways to manage them. When helping couples or people in relationships I focus on how their interactions with one another are having impact on the relationship while setting the structure for improving communication. ?

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and you can be proud of yourself for getting started!

Biography: I am a professional counselor independently licensed in Illinois after moving back and practicing in Arizona for nearly a decade. I have over 15 years of experience in a wide range of services and populations both in Arizona and Illinois. I have both experience in crisis intervention and outpatient therapy. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, abandonment, abuse, bullying, parenting problems, grief, addiction and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I have worked with schools, DCFS, foster parents, Emergency Rooms, Police/Fire, Psychiatric Hospitals, Psychiatrists, Probation. My internship was completed at a shelter that provided counseling for women in need of therapy for domestic violence situations and sexual assault trauma. I completed an additional internship that focused on substance abuse and addictions. I served working with juveniles on probation/parole initially in Arizona and then entered the crisis world. I then changed to outpatient work with individuals and families for over 5 years before moving back to Illinois. I have been working in a combination of crisis work and outpatient therapy for almost 5 years now. My style is warm, empathetic, supportive and a little humor at times. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I have worked with all populations, including children, adults, LGBTQ+, people of various backgrounds, spiritual beliefs and appreciate diversity. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, crisis intervention, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, humanistic, client centered and rational-emotive counseling. I will ensure the treatment plan is unique to you and your specific needs, so this is a team effort. I want you to feel heard, valued, and our interactions to feel genuine and promote your growth and wellness. I know this is difficult and I applaud you for reaching out to take care of yourself, it is so important to take care of mental health and learn tools and ways to carry with you the rest of your life.

Biography: I am a licensed mental health and addiction therapist in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence, and addiction. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Biography: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. One of the most difficult things for a person to accept is that they need the help of a therapist. Seeking the help of a therapist for yourself or your child is a very courageous step and a sign of great internal strength. We will work together to get you to a path of healing, happiness and change that you deserve. Therapy is a place for you to explore yourself freely and with no judgement.

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with addictions, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with clients who are coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. My job is to be a guide in being the one to help those qualities within you surface and finding ways to overcome obstacles, from trauma to self-doubt.

Biography: I am glad that you are taking the first step into the journey of finding inner peace. I have helped adults, teens and children struggling with adaptation, resolution of life tasks, difficulties confronting problematic levels of stress, that may or may not lead to anxiety and/or depression, and any other emotional difficulty such as trauma, grief and addictions. Together, we will find new paths to resolve these challenges and moving closer to a sense of satisfaction and happiness. I provide a therapeutic environment that you can trust and feel confident that together we can find the best solutions to your problems I have been working as a mental health therapist for over 2 decades and I am passionate about seeing the process of change and improvement over time as therapy move forward. I want to guide you to do this using a strength-based method and an eclectic approach during this process as we develop our therapeutic alliance and try to obtain treatment success.

Biography: I am licensed in Rhode Island with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Biography: Thank you for sharing information about yourself here. I'm glad that you reached out for help. My name is Larry Westenberg, and I am a licensed therapist with over 40 years of experience in counseling. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and therapy approach by clicking on my name on this page. I have been a professional counselor for over 40 years. I started out on a 'back ward' of a state mental hospital, counseling extremely mentally ill people and helping them to access their resources, use their strengths and improve the quality of their lives. It was a tremendous challenge. At that time, I had my bachelor's degree in psychology, and no other training. The State system allowed people to do counseling who had no training in counseling whatsoever. In fact, many of them had never been to college. I discovered the 'uneducated counselors' were usually MUCH more effective at helping their clients. They were not 'full of themselves' and their degrees. Instead, they used what they knew about helping people, did what they could, and learned to help people by figuring out what worked as they went along. They also expected the same from the people they were counseling - that they would use the resources they had, do their best, and get better at improving their lives. Meanwhile, the majority of the 'professional therapists' were lost in their long explanations and mythologies that tried to explain the patient's behavior, and they often developed bizarre theories and treatment methods they imagined would make the patients get better. When you make a connection to another person in counseling, you offer them a safe space to "step out of themselves," and discuss their own behavior from a different perspective of detached observation. Recognizing their own skills and the tools they have can help them make meaningful changes strategically, that utilize their own abilities. I specialize in trauma, anxiety and panic, ADD, relationships and finding meaning in life. I have extensive training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) - which is bashed as unscientific non-sense on the internet. This criticism is thrown from the allegedly "Scientific field" of psychology which is founded on the idea of repressed urges of the id and wanting to kill your father to take possession of your mother. Not the best scientific theory for validating your experiences of life. I am a published author in the field of Belief Change, Ericksonian Hypnosis and NLP. I enjoy helping others uncover treasure within themselves. I don't work with lab rats. I work with people. I would appreciate the opportunity to work with you. I have worked in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization and crisis intervention treatment. I have worked with LGBTQ+ individuals since long before we had an acronym. I have supported individuals in compartmentalizing alternative lifestyles so that they don't embarrass themselves at work or in social situations. I help some people accept the fact their family may be a toxic gaggle of illnesses and it really is okay to not be in contact. I help others discover how they create anxiety in themselves and teach a variety of skills for managing emotional states. My passion is helping people find insights into HOW they do the behaviors they do, so they can more easily shift the behaviors to get the same results - or different results. I also like helping people discover how past traumas and negative events can "echo" into present interactions and circumstances. Rather than label this a disease, I show people how to notice these connections and respond less to the resonance in the present. I laugh frequently and I may even tease about symptoms as an attempt to help you shift your perspective on your issues. I do not make fun of problems. I take my work seriously, but I will never take LIFE seriously - because it has this surprise-ending feature. I would be delighted to meet with you and find out if I can support you in making the shifts and changes that will help you build the life you desire.

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, depression, coping with life changes, & concentration, memory. I also have experience working with focus (adhd). I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Biography: I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 14 years of experience working as a mental health therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting struggles, career challenges, OCD ,ADHD, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder. I also helped many people who have experienced past trauma and abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I prioritize the therapeutic relationship as I believe it is the most important element of facilitating change. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, dialectical behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois , Colorado and Georgia with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Biography: Hello! I am Sara Singleton. I am a clinically licensed bilingual (English/Spanish) social worker licensed in the state of Illinois and Wisconsin. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service in New York City, where I am from. I have over 14 years experience in various parts of the field of social work: Child welfare advocacy, substance use disorders, crisis intervention, psychotherapy, sexual assault response advocacy and hospice/grief counseling. I have worked within a variety of settings with diverse individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds, including LGBTQ. In my work as a clinician, I ensure my clients are free from judgement in a safe environment in which they can safely process their feelings while I help to guide them on their journey to healing and/or helping them reach their goals. My focal point is ALWAYS meeting my clients where they are at in life and not where I would like them to be as this is their journey not mine. I utilize a variety of combine clinical approaches that are individualized to each client's needs, all treatment plans are developed together and with the approval of the clients I work. If you are ready to take the next step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to beginning our work together soon! With care and attention to all that matters to you, Sara

Biography: Please call me Dorrie. I have been a counselor for 24 years primarily working with Veterans and their families. I am excited to be on Better Help to use my clinical experience on this online platform. I like to use worksheets and journals to get to know you when we are not doing sessions. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of South Carolina. I use positive psychology, cognitive behavioral approach and emotional literacy to guide you through your issues. Positive psychology helps you to explore yourself through recognizing the positives in your life and accentuating them. The cognitive behavior approach helps you look closely at the decisions you make and the emotional literacy approach looks at how your emotions effect your decisions. I call myself a resource counselor because I will give you lots of material - handouts, worksheets, and internet links - to review and hopefully apply to your life. I am Christian and believe using the Bible that expresses wisdom and encourages love. God made each of us unique and "God saw that it was good." As an experienced therapist, I will adjust my style to your needs. My goal is to help you enjoy life.

Biography: I'm so glad you've made the decision to start personal therapy through BetterHelp! I truly believe therapy is for everyone. Therapy can be such a wonderful catalyst for improving your life and getting things on track the way you want them. My therapy style is empathetic and respectful, and I believe in creating a safe space that optimizes reflection, healing, growth, and fulfillment. I strongly believe that you are the "expert in you" meaning that you know yourself best, and I highly value your input and experiences in our work together. My approach is collaborative, and we will decide the agenda for each session together. I am a clinical counselor licensed in Illinois with 13 years experience working in mental health. I have worked with clients with a wide array of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with life changes, self-esteem issues, parenting problems, ADHD, and Autism. I hold a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science and I have been fortunate enough to work in a variety of settings, ranging from community mental health, to private practice. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, solution-focused, and mindfulness-based techniques to help you recognize your strengths and develop skills that will help you address your specific needs and live your best life.I'd love to be an ally for you on your journey to better health and fulfillment! I look forward to working with you!

Biography: I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with 5 years of experience working as a therapist in community mental health. I have worked with clients with various mental health concerns including depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, life adjustments/transitions, career challenges, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. I also worked with children who have been diagnosed with being on the Autism Spectrum. My therapy style is collaborative, warm, and welcoming. I believe in treating everyone with respect, compassion. I believe that therapy should be a safe place to share with no judgement. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, and solution-focused therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Biography: Welcome! I want you to know I am so glad you reached out for help, that is very courageous and wise. The willingness and desire to do something different is fundamental to growing. You are right to hope that things can change and will get better. This is work we can't do alone and the results are not instantaneous, though with effort and a little faith I'm sure you will discover the answers you seek. There is not really a typical problem. I treat people, not a diagnosis! This is about you. Mine is a client-centered approach, emphasizing strengths-based and goal-focused therapies. My role is in providing a safe space for you to explore what you are experiencing. Everyone's journey is different. We will explore strategies together finding out what works for you. This may require a little thinking outside the box, using your innate creativity to learn about yourself. As a father to an LGBTQ+ child I understand how difficult navigating identity can be in a slowly shifting culture. Your comfort and peace of mind when seeking counseling are important and I strive to create an understanding environment regardless of where you come from and who you are. Here is a little information about me. I graduated in 2009 with a Master's Degree in Social Work. Since then, I have worked in a variety of positions treating a diverse range of issues, most recently as a substance abuse counselor. With all the co-occuring issues that predate and accompany addiction, I have learned that primarily my clients are people who just want to be happy. I have worked in both outpatient and residential treatment programs, utilizing an arsenal of evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, REBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness and other approaches. Before social work, I had a long career in television news. Working as a street photographer and editor helped me develop deep empathy for the complexities of peoples' struggles in all walks of life. Helping to change the world through storytelling inspired me to help change the world one person's story at a time. From my professional and personal experience, I can guarantee, that though it may be tough at times, you will benefit from the journey. Now is your opportunity to use the present moment to grow and meet a stranger, the real you. So what's going on with you, why have you sought out help?

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois and California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Biography: Hi there!! My name is Katie, and I'm a licensed Clinical Social Worker. I specialize in child, teen (13-19y), & young adult (20-25y) therapy, and disability advocacy. My counseling style is pretty laid back. I have been described as supportive, thoughtful, and empathetic, with a pretty good sense of humor. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I recognize that during these earlier stages of life where you are transitioning through school and into the "real world" can be intimidating! I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. I am also a certified Animal Assisted Therapist, and my Therapy Dog Trekk is available to accompany our sessions on request! You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. I'm sorry you are having a tough time right now, but I'm really glad you are reaching out. I'd like to help you work on the struggles you are facing; and offer you a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings. I offer all services, but contact me prior to schedule video sessions please. Once you respond to this message, I will send you some additional general information about how this online counseling process works, and then we can get started. Please feel free to ask questions at any time! Should you feel in need of urgent help or that you are in crisis at any time during our work together; please call 1-800-273-TALK 24 hours a day; or 911. This forum does not provide any type of emergency services, so I want to be sure you know who to contact if you need immediate help. You are not alone. Things can and will get better. I'm really looking forward to working with you! Take care, Katie

Biography: Hi there! I'm so glad you're here. I'm a licensed therapist in Illinois, and for the past few years I've had the honor of supporting amazing kids, teens, and adults as they move through tough emotions like anxiety, depression, and self-doubtand start to feel safer, stronger, and more confident in who they are. I've worked with people navigating all kinds of life experiences: everything from grief and trauma to relationship challenges, self-worth struggles, and major transitions like postpartum changes, gender identity exploration, or starting over in a new environment. I've also supported families through things like childhood behavioral concerns, emotional outbursts, perfectionism, and trauma recovery. My vibe in sessions? Think safe space meets deep healing meets gentle energy work. I believe strongly in the mind-body connection, and I love integrating Reiki and other calming tools into the process when it feels aligned for you or your child. I've always been that go-to friend or family member who wanted to help, problem-solve, and offer support from the heart. That deep care led me to become a social worker, and eventually a Certified Reiki Master Teacher. I completed my undergrad at Columbia College of Missouri and my master's in social work at Aurora University. Whether we're working together on stress, trauma, LGBTQ+ identity support, relationship concerns, or building confidencemy goal is to co-create a space where you can show up fully, feel safe being yourself, and explore healing without fear of judgment. Taking that first step can feel bigand a little scarybut you're not doing it alone. I'm here to support you every step of the way.

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have had my license for 7 years. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Biography: I am licensed in Colorado, Illinois and South Carolina with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, depression, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Biography: I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and have over 15 years of experience in the behavioral healthcare field. Over the years, I have served as a Mental Health Therapist, Child Welfare Supervisor, School Counselor, and Crisis Screener/Therapist. I am experienced with the adults, adolescents, children and families who struggle with adjustment issues, depression, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, dual diagnosis, and chronic mental illness. Finally, I have been trained in a number of therapeutic evidenced-based practices that I use when working with clients; including but not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Experiential Therapy, and Stress Management/Mindfulness. I believe in providing goal-directed treatment. This means that a goal or several goals are established after a thorough assessment. All treatment is then planned with the goal in mind and progress is made toward the goal in a time-efficient manner. I use a collaborative approach and supportive stance when working with clients and clients tell me that I am easy for them to talk to. I assume you wish to begin therapy because you desire certain changes in your life. I will do my best to help you achieve your goals, but I cannot guarantee any particular results. You are likely to gain the most benefit from counseling if you are committed to the process and actively engage. You and I will agree upon a frequency that will work best for your needs. I look forward to working with you.

Biography: I am a psychotherapist who is licensed in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as individual psychotherapy. I am a graduate of Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois), The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and The Institute for Psychoanalysis (Chicago). I have been mentored personally by several of the top Family Therapy theorists in the United States. While obtaining my graduate degrees and certifications at Northwestern, I was awarded with an Honorarium to lecture and teach a 300 student 11 week psychology course at Northwestern because of my expertise in counseling. In addition, I have served as a faculty member at Lake Forest College, where I have counseled, taught, and supervised students. I have been a Clinical Fellow at the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy for over 20 years. I have been associated with Betterhelp since 2014. Tele-Medicine Psychotherapy allows my clients/patients more access to me through their virtual visits and unlimited email, which is far more helpful, convenient, and safe then weekly or bi-weekly office visits, as well as, less expensive in cost. My clinical experience includes, but is not limited to, individual, couple, and family therapy. The patients that I have successfully treated include people who present with issues relating to Life Transitions, Relationship and Marital Counseling, Child and Adolescent Issues and Concerns, PTSD & Trauma Resolution, Anxiety and Stress Disorders, Depression, Bipolar, Grief and Loss, Personality Disorders, Military-Veterans, Career Challenges, Weight Loss/Maintenance, Family Therapy, Family of Origin Healing, and Personal Growth & Self Awareness. I also work with clients who need assistance in life coaching. I am licensed to advise clients on issues and matters that come up as they navigate parenthood. My goals for each patient are individually thought-out according to a collaboration between patient and therapist. I can teach you how to become your own best advocate. My objective as your counselor is to assist in making you the best that you can be. I am extremely prompt in responding to all of the Betterhelp subscribers who are assigned to me. If you want my assistance on a daily basis, I am available to work with you. I am here for you as often as you'd like me to be. My objectives are to help you to exist in the environment in which you live and to assist you in getting to the next place in your life. For those of you who are in relationships that have ended, I will assist you with survival skills which focus on THE WHY, THE HOPE, THE WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN, and THE LETTING GO, a system that I have developed that has helped hundreds of my clients. The modalities that I use in my counseling approach are Psychodynamic, Family of Origin, Humanistic, Behavioral, Cognitive, CBT, Systemic, Solution Focused, Trauma Focused, as well as others. I set up a compassion-focused alliance with my clients. I offer Live Camera Sessions, Live Phone Sessions, and Email Chat Sessions, as well as continuous email communication, to my clients. The choice is yours. People start to heal the moment they feel heard. I look forward to joining with you as your counselor.

Biography: Aida is an astute and an accomplished psychotherapist and hypnotherapist and a gifted intuitive who has, for the last 20 years, chosen to dedicate her life to helping others live in peace, free and liberated from the sufferings that bind them. For Aida, being a psychotherapist is more than a profession- she considers it as her mission and her purpose. Aida was born in Penang, an island located on the west coast of the Malaysian Peninsula. Her interest and curiosity in people developed early on in her life when she had the privilege of forming close friendships with many others whose culture and socioeconomic backgrounds differed from hers. As a highly sensitive child, she took a keen interest in the human conditions, after encountering homeless individuals on the streets of Penang, and what she witnessed was etched deep in her soul. Yet it was only after she graduated from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration that Aida realized her learning as a student of life had just begun. She heeded the echoes in her soul to bring psychiatry to the streets by serving the homeless living on the south and west sides of Chicago for 7 years. She is an avid proponent of equal access to mental health care-for several years, she dedicated herself to serving low-income seniors, clients with disabilities and clients living with HIV/AIDS by making home visits in economically distressed communities. Over the years, her strong desire to ease sufferings was evidenced by her work with Hospice, in drug rehabilitation centers, in hospital in-patient units, in nursing homes, in the courts system, in weight loss center and in private practice. She has seen through her years of living and working that none of us will leave this world unscathed; and with the same token, none of us is beyond redemption because we are all greater than the pains we had held within us. Aida brings a wealth of knowledge, patience, perseverance, warmth, compassion, empathy, deep listening, humor, curiosity and creativity into her sessions to engage with her clients who are adolescent, young adults, adults and older adults. Her understanding of human nature combined with her deep emotional depth and a sharp intellect make her a therapist who gets it; and is therefore, able to form strong relationships even with her most resistant clients. She firmly believes that the medicine required for healing is embedded within the therapist-client relationship, making therapy an art form that is anchored in science. She is certain that peace-a priceless treasure- is achieved when we are awakened to our true selves, untainted by circumstances, or even traumas, that distort our perceptions of ourselves and others, and incapacitate our adaptability and functioning. Through her work, she has come to understand that self-distortion is at the root of our sufferings and influences how we relate to ourselves, to others and to circumstances. To that purpose, Aida is successful in serving many clients who have crossed her path due to her unrelentless pursuit in guiding them to journey deep into their psyche, to feel their emotions, to embrace all parts of themselves, in search of understanding what happened to them. She has helped her clients gain new insights about themselves, to shape their new decisions moving forward, to live the life they had always wanted but never quite knew how to achieve. She has seen through her years of living and serving that none of us will leave this world unscathed, yet none of us is beyond redemption, no matter what we endured, because we are all greater than the pains we have held within us. Aida continues to attend to her own healing process as she walks through life with her clients. She considers herself a pilgrim seeking spiritual growth, seeking the pathless path towards an ever greater awareness, evolution, connection and Oneness with all creation. She is an avid student of Jungian psychology and altered states of consciousness as well as a long time practitioner of yoga and meditation. Her wisdom which she integrates into her sessions comes from studying various traditions including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Shamanism and the Yoga Sutras. She gives gratitude to her years of learning and healing under the guidance of her current teachers, David Hartman and Diane Zimberoff, who are founders of the Wellness Institute and Zacciah Blackburn who founded The Center of Light.

Biography: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor licensed in Wisconsin with over 5 years of experience working as a clinical social worker, psychocounselor and Substance Abuse Counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, other Mental Health concerns, relationship issues, parenting problems, Domestic Violence-both victims and predators, Anger Management, and addictions. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic and person-centered, and strengths based counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with over 20 years of professional work experience. I I have worked as a licensed therapist in a private practice setting, as well as a school counselor in the educational setting working with children (ages elementary, middle and high school). I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with 11 years of professional work experience. My style is warm, direct, culturally sensitive, and collaborative. I use IFS, CBT, and client-centered modalities to help Clients gain insight and understanding into their experiences, coping styles, and behaviors. My specialties include depression, mood disorders, anxiety management, parenting, relationship difficulties, and inter personal effectiveness.

Biography: I am licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage and I am here to support you in that process!

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, depression, concentration, & memory. I also have experience working with focus. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional counseling work experience, numerous years in the corporate world with many years of life experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Biography: Queena Howard is a Board Certified, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA who specializes in helping her clients overcome depression, anxiety, stress, anger, loss and substance use in a matter of months rather than years. She has been practicing for more than 20 years. Her therapeutic style incorporates: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness, so that clients can once again live purposeful, joy-filled lives while honoring past losses and struggles. Today Queena offers individual services and couples counseling. She has worked with diverse populations from couples, families, adults with substance abuse, depression through geriatric population. Her feedback from clients and colleagues supports her demeanor of calmness, empathy, compassion and insightfulness that have assisted others with resolving some of their most complex dilemmas. She strives to meet her clients where they are on their journey and challenges them to make their courageous next steps on the road to to recovery and wellness.

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with over 25 years of professional clinical experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflict, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with coping with life changes throughout adulthood. Additionally, I have training and experience with Christian pastoral ministry and counseling. I am able to utilize both my clinical and pastoral training in sessions for those clients who prefer a faith based approach in addressing their psychosocial and spiritual needs. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (ADHD), anxiety and depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Biography: I have been a licensed social worker since 1978. i am most experienced in working with individuals. I have had training in dealing with addictions, and depression. I believe in identifying peoples strengths to help them overcome their problems. I am an active listener and will offer you a variety of tools to help yourself

Biography: I've met with many clients who have shared they don't feel really heard or understood by others. As a result-they feel lonely, isolated, and hopeless. I believe that to feel a sense of personal wellness we must also feel heard & connected! Finding and connecting with a counselor is a valuable and courageous choice to move forward! It is important for me to create a space where my clients feel trusting and comfortable. This space is a 'judgement-free zone'. I want to create an atmosphere in relationship to my clients in which they can share those things which might feel 'unspeakable'. It has been my experience that those are the things that need saying. I have a well-seasoned 17+ years of experience working as a therapeutic counselor. I am thankful to be able to do this work! I consider myself to be a resourceful, creative, & patient therapist with a robust combination of life experience, clinical expertise, and therapeutic skill. My trauma-informed approach may be considered integrative, as I will often utilize techniques from: CBT, DBT, IFS, Positive Communication Skill Building, Anger Management, and Art Therapy. I must also add here that I try to incorporate humor, when appropriate. Let's call this 'chuckle healing'. Currently I am accepting individual adult clients 18+. I see a wide variety of clients seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, adjustment concerns, and more. Additionally, I welcome those who identify as LGBTQIA2S+, or who are exploring/questioning. I received my Master of Arts Degree in Community Counseling from Governors State University, and I received an Art Therapy Certificate from Northwestern University. I'd consider it an honor to be a part of your journey.

Biography: Hello! Welcome to our BetterHelp Community and congratulations in taking that courageous first step in feeling better! My name is Marikay Gazda and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1991. Through these many years I have provided counseling to those experiencing feelings of generalized anxiety, depressed thoughts, feelings of isolation, chronic or life threatening medical conditions, end of life issues, caregiver stress and fatigue and general life transitions. As a Certified Grief Counselor I have worked with individuals struggling in their feelings of grief and loss who feel stuck in moving on. But I have also found that those physical and psychological responses felt in grief is not unique to a death, as loss can be found across the board in relationships, health, a job or simply an empty nest. Those feelings of sadness, anxiety, depression and physical symptoms can certainly be generalized to any type of loss as it impacts an individual's ability to engage in a full and happy life. My demeanor is warm, compassionate, interactive and positive. I consider the client/therapist relationship to be the most important element to a successful therapy experience. As a clinician, my approach is client centered, goal oriented and grounded in a strengths perspective. I use the models of Emotional Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy in helping my clients understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings and behavior and creating goals to effect a change. In my work with grief and loss the Duel Process Model teaches a client to regularly "take breaks" from their feelings of loss while the Continuing Bonds Model works towards creating new meaning and a new relationship within the loss. My goal as a therapist is to partner with you in an empathetic and safe space and that each interaction leaves you hopeful that change can occur. I wish you all the peace that your day can bring knowing that you have taken that first step in feeling better.

Biography: As an individual therapist for over 10 years, my background combines psychodynamic understanding with cognitive-behavioral techniques and approaches. I specialize in helping my clients to make connections, and to better identify and understand the patterns of decisions and actions that can often have unwanted consequences on their lives. With this insight, they often have much greater success with breaking negative and harmful cycles in their lives and making more thoughtful decisions. More recently, I have guided my clients through the challenges of quarantine, helping them to identify effective ways to manage their moods and anxiety, to stay connected with others, and to stay informed with limited resources. My strengths lie in being a warm, attentive, and empathic listener, ensuring that my clients feel heard, understood, and respected, and providing insights that help them to better understand themselves. I ensure that therapy remains focused on the client's goals, meets each client where they are at, and lets the client stay in control of the pace. I look forward to getting to know you and providing you with support and understanding.

Biography: My name is Michael Peterson, and I have been working in the field of Social Work for about 10 years. I I am licensed in Illinois and have done counseling for about three years. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I have held a variety of different types of social work jobs (case worker, crisis clinician, therapist, and more), in a variety of different environments, which I feel gives me a deep, multifaceted approach to counseling. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Biography: I am a licensed therapist in Illinois with 24 years of professional experience. I specialize in helping clients manage stress, anxiety, build motivation, improve self-esteem and confidence, navigate career difficulties, and cope with life changes. My approach creates a safe, non-judgmental space where you can openly share your thoughts and feelings without fear. Taking that first step towards a more fulfilling and happier life is courageous, and I'm here to support you through that process. My therapeutic style is non-judgmental, compassionate, and empowering. I meet clients where they are in their journey, using an eclectic approach that combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, narrative, and humanistic therapies. Together, we'll work towards your healing and growth. I would be honored to guide you on your path to healing and personal growth.

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Biography: I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with over 10 years of professional work experience in the mental health field, and I have been working with clients seeking individual therapy for the past 6 years. I have experience in helping clients who struggle with anxiety and depression, stress, body image issues, & self-esteem struggles. I believe in a collaborative approach to counseling as well as treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to support you in that process. I look forward to working together to create a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Biography: Eleni received her bachelor's degree in social work at Carthage College and completed her master's degree in social work at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Eleni specializes in working with young adults, but works with all populations. She specialized in school social work and has her certificate in CBITS (Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Trauma in Schools). She is also passionate about working with individuals who have struggled with low self-esteem, life obstacles, body image difficulties, anxiety and trauma. Eleni utilizes a strength-based approach that empowers her clients to embrace who they are. She focuses on integrating treatment models such as commitment and acceptance therapy and Cognitive Behavioral therapy.

Biography: Life can be overwhelming at times. When we face trauma or severe stress, it's not uncommon for our world to feel like it's unraveling. You may have noticed changes in your sleep patterns, appetite, mood, or how you interact with the world around you. These are signs that your usual coping mechanisms and support systems might need reinforcement. That's where I come in. As a therapist, I'm here to provide that extra support when you need it most. My goal is to help you regain balance and navigate life's challenges with confidence. I specialize in a range of areas to address diverse needs: Addiction and substance abuse Trauma recovery Anger management Anxiety and depression LGBTQ+ issues, including transgender support (WPATH trained) Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Family issues related to incarceration Support for individuals. My philosophy is that every individual can heal and function in a healthy environment. My work is grounded in evidenced base practices. I strive to meet each client where they are at. I establish client focused goals with the client and will help clients to reach them. You will find that I am patient and empathetic towards all who I work with.

Biography: I'm an LCSW with 8 years of experience helping clients navigate trauma, loss, and the complexities of new or existing medical conditions. I use a strengths-based approach to help you make sense of what feels overwhelming and to support you through the challenges you face. I believe that the only way out is through, and while this journey can be challenging and painful, I'm here as a guide to help you reach the other side. Seeking help takes courage, and I'm truly grateful that you've chosen to take this important step.

Biography: Hello! My name is Katie Wooldridge. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I currently have 5 years of professional work experience. I'm excited that you are here and wanting to make the first step towards a positive change. It is my hope that we can work together to help you navigate life's challenges, make meaningful changes, and work towards a greater well-being and sense of self. Together we can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as we work on strategies that align with your values and goals. I understand that therapy can be a personal journey, and it is my goal is to create a safe space for you to feel heard and understood. I believe each person is the expert of their own life. I encourage clients to build upon their strengths in order to create a life they enjoy and are proud of. I will be here to support and empower you as you discover your goals and make meaningful steps in achieving them. If you're ready to take the first step, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Biography: I began private practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 1991, helping people find their individual voice within themselves and their relationships. My work with people is relational and focuses on the thoughts, beliefs, and patterns in thinking that cause us distress in our daily lives. I work with individuals to explore how they have adapted to life and what works, as well as what no longer serves them. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Missouri. I am also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I have been providing psychotherapy for a wide variety of issues and populations for over 20 years. I graduated from Loyola University of Chicago with a Master in Social Work. I have been working as an Independent Therapist in private practice and group practice settings as well as in a corporate environment which has broaden my understanding of work related stressors.

Biography: Nicole Bowker, M.S.Ed, LPC, NCC Nicole is a licensed professional counselor specializing in trauma informed counseling for adolescents and adults. Tailoring her therapy to the unique needs of her client, Nicole can provide a collaborative, holistic approach to help clients achieve their desired goals. Nicole believes in the power of stepping outside of one's comfort zone; by starting the therapeutic journey, a first step in a new direction has been started. She works with clients suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and other issues interfering with daily life. Nicole is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to provide an alternative treatment modality to her clients. Nicole utilizes CBT, DBT, and trauma informed methods to best serve her clients and their needs.

Biography: I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Art Therapist with 10 years of professional work experience. Do you feel like everyone else received a set of instructions on how life operates that you are missing? Do you feel like you are always playing catch up just to meet normal expectations? I am here to translate the manual of life. We together will navigate every intersection in life while discovering your best self. I specialize in art therapy as a modality of counseling because it encourages processing emotions through creative expression. Art therapy accesses the right hemisphere of the brain where all emotional and traumatic memories are stored. Each session I create an individualized approach through combining traditional talk therapy techniques with specialized art therapy prompts in order to help individuals release life's emotional and mental blocks. I am excited to begin this journey with you.

Biography: Hi! My name is Ashley Kesraoui. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor licensed in the state of Illinois with 7 years of experience. I have worked with clients of all ages (2-75), ethnicities, and socio-economic groups. I have experience with trauma therapy, the foster care system, depression and anxiety issues, family therapy, and daily life and family stressors. I am experienced in many counseling techniques with my main approaches being the ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) approaches. I like to meet clients wherever they are in life. I view each client as an individual with their own unique needs and goals for therapy. I feel it is important to understand how our thinking and our actions work together and then we can use both to help us cope with our life circumstances and reach the goals we set for ourselves. I look forward to working with you! Ashley

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, career difficulties, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Biography: I am a licensed, male, African American, mental health professional in Florida and Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I specialize in helping you work through such issues as stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts, feelings and risk can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process and celebrate small successes!

Biography: Este mensaje se repitirara en espanol. Hi there! My name is Christopher and I am an effective and down-to-earth therapist. I think the relationship is of the utmost importance and am eager to hear what is important to YOU and what YOU hope to accomplish. I've successfully treated Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder (which is just a fancy clinical way to say circumstances that are exceptionally difficult). I have lots of experience working with adolescents, young adults, and adult populations and I absolutely love what I do. I'm originally from metropolitan Detroit, spent a decade in Los Angeles, and just recently moved to Chicago. I love music, travel, parenting, photography, language, social justice, and FOOD! I look forward to hearing from you and feel free to reach out regarding questions!

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with executive and professional coaching. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Biography: I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started. I look forward to working with you and helping you become the best version of yourself.

Biography: I am licensed in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!