I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I received my masters degree at the Jane Addams Graduate School of Social Work in Chicago, and my LCSW license in 1990, after taking the first clinical exam ever offered. I have extensive experience working with many different age levels. My post graduate training includes the basic principles of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) with Dr. Albert Ellis. I am selective about this style of therapy but also am eclectic about using different techniques such as mindfulness exercises. I have worked extensively counseling children and teenagers troubled with Asperger's Disorder, ADHD, depression, and impulse disorders. My work with adults has included counseling for adult ADHD, career coaching, depression/anxiety and parenting skills, as well as couples counseling. I generally see clients M-F 12 upto 8 PM. Currently, I have a keen interest in working with tennis and golf competitors on the mental side of their sport.

My name is Marisol Cruz, and I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have 24 years of experience working as a school counselor with children from kindergarten through 12th grade. I have worked with students with various diagnoses. My main objective in working with students is to help them by supporting and guiding them so they can carry on a daily routine in school and any environment. A partnership is developed, whereby children and adolescents are actively involved in helping to create personal growth and development in their lives. I work with families (not family counseling) helping them to create an environment that will establish routines at home so that the changes can be implemented and the children and adolescents feel a sense of support and accountability. I offer wraparound services to help families with the resources they need to live productive lives. Also, I provide services for adults with mild/ moderate depression, anxiety, relational support, life coaching, and more. Sessions will focus on the clients and their immediate needs. At the start of the sessions, we will discuss anything on their mind then concentrate on the main goal of the therapy session and work together towards meeting expectations. The therapeutic process will be empathetic, and compassionate, and the client should feel safe to express themselves in a non-judgmental environment. Specialty: Behavior Anxiety Depression ADHD Clinical approaches: CBT Client Center Therapy Motivational Interviewing Years of experience: 4

As a clinician, my goal is to assist clients in exploring and defining their truest self to allow for self-acceptance. By working from a strengths- based perspective, I hope to collaborate with my clients to equip them with individualized skills, so that they are able to achieve their personal goals. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, issues related to stress, and trauma. I have experience in providing services to children, teenagers, adults and older adults. I believe that we are the experts in our lives. My role is not to 'fix' my clients, but to foster a partnership that addresses their challenges and highlights their strengths. In my practice, I strive to create a setting in which clients can feel comfortable and safe to express themselves without fear of judgment

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with over 20 years of experience working with adolescents and adults. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and addiction. My therapy 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 and patient-centered 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! Charley

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. My practice style is interactive with a strength-focused that involves active participation. 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 practice hours are 6am - 6:30pm Monday - Thursday, Friday 6am-12pm and 2pm - 5pm Sunday. I generally can respond at least once per morning and once per evening, sometimes more! You can also book a live session with me ahead of time. Please remember that Better Help (or specialty site!) is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911 or local emergency services. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to someone right away! I will check my messages several times a day Monday thru Sunday and I will reach to you within 24 hours. 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.

In this giant Carnival of Life, are you on the Roller Coaster full of ups and downs, on the repetitive slow-motion Carousel, on the Tilt-A-Whirl feeling unbalanced and squashed by outside forces, in the House of Horrors where every view is distorted and you can hardly find the exit, or on the Raging River where everyone else stays dry while you get drenched? Are you here by choice and enjoying the adventure, hanging on for dear life and fearing disaster ahead, or confused about how someone was able to drag you here against your better judgement? Though everyone's Carnival visit is unique, if you invite me to join this part of your journey, I can help you explore the decision-making processes and life events that have led you to this place. I will assist you in building skills and finding resources to thrive beyond the dangerous curves, the jarring stops and reverses, and the nauseating spins and loops. You will be empowered to choose and create more positive, adaptive ways forward, to better enjoy the ride and have a more fulfilling adventure. Because the best outcomes are achieved with a good client/counselor fit, I always welcome feedback regarding what has been helpful, as well as not helpful, so that methods can be adapted to achieve the best results. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my doctoral degree from The University of Iowa and I have worked for over 30 years helping individuals and couples become more intentional and response-able in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I began my career doing in-home therapy with complex, multi-problem families, and I have worked in Community Mental Health Centers and Private Practice settings. In addition, I worked for 8 years with the Air National Guard, helping to institute a new program that focused on reducing suicide risk and increasing resilience, while reducing the stigma of using mental health services to maximize personal functioning. When describing people, my least favorite word is NORMAL. I believe that each individual is unique, and deserves to be treated in caring and respectful ways that help them grow, versus being treated like a diagnostic label that needs to be fixed. It is the difference between: "It sounds like you may be struggling with depressed feelings. Let's explore the conditions that seem connected to when those feelings hit really hard, compared to when they seem to lighten up." versus "You are depressed. Here is what you need to do to change."

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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in Illinois with 3+ years of professional work experience. My experience comes from providing direct mental health services to kids, teens, adults, families, and couples. I have worked with a variety of presenting issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, depression, addiction, relational conflict, and parenting issues. I have a genuine interest in people and the different ways we all try to make sense of ourselves and the world. I seek to provide a comfortable space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without fear of judgement. I take a collaborative approach however, I believe that the client knows themselves the best and with some support has the ability to identify what they want and how they can get there. I take a holistic approach meaning I understand the importance and interconnection between the mind, body, relationships, and environment. I also understand that each person is different so I draw from many different psychological approaches to meet the individual needs of those I work with. Reaching out for support is a great first step towards understanding yourself better and making the changes you want for a better life. For every client that chooses to work with me, I am honored to be a support for you on your journey.

I am a Clinical Social Worker with 3 years of providing professional therapy services. My passion is to help others reach their full potential through a strengths based perspective and evidence based research. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process and look forward to our sessions.

Welcome! I'm Deborah, and I'm thrilled to embark on this journey with you toward personal growth and fulfillment. As a mental health therapist, I bring a laid-back style and a genuine commitment to helping you uncover your strengths and achieve your goals. My approach to counseling is rooted in authenticity, compassion, and collaboration. I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly. Whether you're facing challenges, seeking clarity, or striving to reach your full potential, I'm here to support and empower you every step of the way. With a deep respect for each individual's unique journey, I tailor my therapeutic techniques to meet your specific needs and preferences. Together, we'll work to identify barriers, cultivate resilience, and cultivate meaningful changes that align with your values and aspirations. Above all, my goal is to see everyone I work with thrive and live their most authentic lives. I'm here to listen, guide, and cheer you on as you navigate life's ups and downs, and I look forward to accompanying you on this transformative path. Let's embark on this journey together and unlock the incredible potential that lies within you.