Therapists in Illinois

• B.A. in Human Services from National-Louis University • MSW from Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work • Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe Throughout our lives we are challenged by obstacles that can be difficult to manage on our own. Reaching out for help in those times can be incredibly difficult. Working with a therapist during those struggles in life can help find the insight into some of the most rewarding and positive changes we make; leading to a more fulfilling and peaceful life. The first step in making changes in your life begins now. I have been working the mental health field for over 16 years with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, grief & loss, addiction & co-dependency issues, and relationship or family dynamics. I have provided services in outpatient, inpatient, residential, as well as rehabilitation long-term care settings to clients ranging in age from adolescent to geriatric, both in individual and group sessions. My professional philosophy stems from the belief that every person deserves to live fully; with hope for the future and the self-respect to believe you are worthy of it. I believe every individual is capable of change and possesses the resiliency within ourselves to improve our lives. We will work together to identify the aspects of yourself that are not working for you and discover a healthier direction for your life.

I appreciate the courage and strength it takes to enter into a counseling relationship and the anxiety that may accompany reaching out to a stranger I am here to support and empower you in your journey to a better life. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) licensed in Illinois with over 36 years of experience in the counseling profession. I have helped clients with a wide variety of life challenges including ADHD, Abuse including Domestic Violence, Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Life Changes/Transitions, Panic and Panic Attacks, Relationship Issues, Self-esteem, Stress, and Work-related and Career Issues. It is my belief that sometimes it is a lack of skills that keep us stuck in life so I also teach therapeutic life skills to manage the difficulties in your life. I think of it as equipping you with tools for your "life skills toolbox". I engage in individual, couple, and family counseling with ages 7 through 99. I specialize in serving teachers and nurses, as well as victims and survivors of domestic violence. I believe in everyone's ability to grow and progress and I will join you on your journey to a more fulfilling and peaceful life. I highly respect the way each individual learns, changes, develops, and grows in their own unique way. I counsel with empathy and compassion and without judgment or condemnation. My goal is to provide a safe, peaceful, encouraging, uplifting, and respectful environment in which you can explore the challenges that interfere with you achieving your goals. My evidence-based counseling approach includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) from a person-centered and humanistic perspective. I am looking forward to helping you live your best life!

For those of us experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic illness/disability, grief and loss, relationship issues, and work/life balance difficulties, trying to adapt to the changes these issues inevitably bring is a common thread that binds us all together. Change is a natural part of life, but it has ways of bringing up feelings of fear, uncertainty, doubt, and sometimes even apathy and pessimism. Since we cannot control change – we can only control how we respond to it – we often feel “stuck”. Together, we can work to address these feelings and adjust our mindsets so we can become stronger from the inside out. Realizing that we have the power to “course correct” our circumstances can be empowering. Our aim in the therapeutic process is to address change by: *learning to “reframe” the situation and see it differently. We can become more aware of what our minds are saying to us and change the narrative to something that is more aligned with our needs. Sometimes we don’t see the possibilities that change can bring because we are locked in a mindset that this is how things are supposed to be. *re-examining our core beliefs about ourselves and the world around us. When we know ourselves, our truths, our current beliefs, we can weather change more effectively. Sometimes difficulty comes when we are living out of alignment to our core values. *acknowledging that it can be uncomfortable but that difficult moments to not define us. Although social media may have us believe otherwise, life is not meant to be lived perfectly. We can learn from our mistakes, alter our actions, and see where we can do better. Avoiding discomfort can lead us to miss out on amazing experiences. Together, through the therapeutic process, we can discover what might be on the other side. *identify supports and health self-care practices. We can explore those relationships and practices that are reflections of our worth and learn to let go of those that don’t. The therapeutic process can also address how our communication styles can either enhance or diminish our support systems. These are my beliefs. I blend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), person centered therapy (PCT) and solution focused therapy tailored to each person’s needs. In the past 4 decades as a social worker (yes, it has been that long!), I have worked with individuals in long term care and hospice, both as a social worker and as an administrator, and as a mental health practitioner in group practice settings. If I have learned anything over those years it is this: It is never too late to try something new, to start again, and to create a life we truly desire. We are all connected. Our journeys may look different and feel different, but we are all here on this earth for a reason and for a purpose. Let us discover yours – together.

Background: I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I graduated from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. Additionally, I have obtained certificates in Grief Counseling and Narcissistic Abuse Recovery. I work with clients who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, narcissistic abuse, and/or grief related to their relationships or in their daily lives. I have an eclectic background working in the school system, social services, Early Intervention with the State of Illinois, and private practice. During our initial sessions, we will delve deeply into the issues at hand, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. Most of my clients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first month and sustained improvement afterward. Using a non-judgmental and collaborative approach to therapy we will work together to find your strengths and utilize those strengths to meet your desired goals. Who I Treat: I work with adults, couples, and teens utilizing both client-centered and holistic approaches. My areas of expertise are anxiety, depression, narcissistic abuse recovery, grief, gender identity, and LGBTQ issues. I have a particular passion for working with those struggling with or recovering from Narcissistic Abuse. My Treatment Approaches: Client-Centered Therapy / Insight Oriented Therapy / Mindfulness/ CBT / Grief / Problem Solving

I am licensed in Illinois with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & relationship issues. I also have experience working with depression. 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.

Hello, and so glad you have come in for support! My name is Heather Friend and I am a licensed mental health therapist with years of experience working with people of all ages and all types of needs. If you have been struggling and not only need someone to talk to but also need guidance on how to move forward for healing, you have come to the right place. I specialize in working with clients experiencing significant stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, parenting issues and more. It is my belief that everyone is able to work through what they need to, they may just need a safe and accepting space to be able to do that. We will work together to help you create this space and also to help you gain insight about your needs so that you can work to feel fulfilled and whole again. If you are new to therapy, know that feeling nervous about all of this is natural and it is part of my job to help you feel safe and grounded in therapy. So please reach out if you have questions and looking forward to meeting with you.

I am licensed in Arizona with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

I am licensed in Illinois with 39years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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. After working a couple of years, online with clients, I have a positive feeling this is a strategy that can help more people access assistance. Sometimes, it's having someone to talk to and sort out changes in your life, other times, it's to assist people desiring to make self-improvements for their lives.

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 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 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.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with 30 years of professional experience. My work is rooted in a trauma-informed approach that recognizes the strength and resilience each person brings to therapy. I have supported clients through family conflicts, parenting challenges, motivation and self-esteem concerns, confidence building, and career difficulties. In our work together, I strive to create a safe, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions at your own pace. I honor the impact that past experiences—including trauma and adversity—can have on your well-being, relationships, and daily life. My role is to support you with compassion, transparency, and respect, helping you feel grounded, understood, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process. Reaching out for help reflects courage and hope. Taking steps toward healing and a more fulfilling life can feel vulnerable, and you don’t have to navigate that journey alone. I am here to walk alongside you, offering guidance and support as you build the life you want and deserve.

I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, & executive coaching. I have extensive experience working with teens and their families in the juvenile justice system with an emphasis on behavior change techniques ranging from general defiance to serious criminal activity including sexual offenses. I am also trained as a Professional Coach through the Co-Active Training Institute, where I empower leaders to develop confidence, align their values, develop increased self-awareness and enhance their decision making skills. I also have extensive knowledge in diversity, equity and inclusion and actively work to dismantle personal and systemic biases and promote fairness in my practice. 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.

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring 14 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, grief, and personal growth. I specialize in creating compassionate, affirming spaces where individuals can explore their emotional landscapes and develop meaningful strategies for healing. My approach is deeply client-centered, focusing on areas like self-love, communication, social connections, and personal purpose. I work closely with clients experiencing diverse challenges, including workplace stress, mood fluctuations, life transitions, and interpersonal dynamics. Whether supporting young adults, caregivers, or individuals managing chronic conditions, I strive to offer empathetic, personalized guidance. I am committed to understanding each person's unique journey, honoring their experiences, and supporting their path toward emotional wellness and self-discovery. My therapeutic style emphasizes collaboration, respect, and empowerment, helping clients build resilience and cultivate deeper self-understanding.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. My passion for helping others is rooted in lived experience. I understand the challenges of navigating mental health struggles, addiction, and limited access to support. Over the years, I’ve worked with diverse populations, including individuals facing major life transitions, trauma, and high stress. My approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. I draw from evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused techniques, and mindfulness to help clients gain clarity, build coping skills, and move toward meaningful change. I believe in meeting people where they are, honoring their strengths, and creating a safe, supportive space for growth. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready to invest in your well-being, I’m here to help you find stability, resilience, and a renewed sense of direction.

I am licensed in Illinois with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, coping with life changes, & executive coaching. I also have experience working with 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. 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.