I am a licensed clinical social worker with an extensive and diverse experience working with adults, children, couples, and families. I earned my master’s degree from the University of Chicago in Illinois in 1997. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University in Illinois with a major in psychology. I enjoy the work I do and have worked in both the public and private sectors in the fields of social services and mental health. Having worked with children and families and the many challenges they face for more than 20 years, I know that the decision to seek professional help can often be a very difficult one. If you are trying to make that decision right now, it may help you to know that I am someone who is not here to judge you, and who really believes that there is a way out for you that together we can find. You have already taken the most important step by acknowledging that, for now, this is something you cannot handle alone. I have been in private practice for the past 12 years and currently specialize in marriage, couples and family therapy. I also have a background in child and adolescent mental health and have worked with families extensively around these issues. Other areas of expertise include Grief and Loss, Depression, Stress, and Anxiety, My approach to therapy is that it should be used as a tool to provide the knowledge, help, and support needed to understand problems and develop skills to cope with them. I use Cognitive Behavioral techniques to help clients develop insight and new skills.. Most importantly, I want to empower my clients so that they are able to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences, make informed choices about what actions they need to take, and develop skills that will help them handle difficult situations in the future. Working together, I believe we can accomplish those goals.

Welcome! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I earned my Master of Social Work degree at Aurora University in 2000. I've been a practicing therapist in hospitals, outpatient clinics, residential treatment, and court/jail. I have extensive experience working with those who are coping with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and trauma. Relationship problems and addictive behaviors are also a specialty of mine. My treatment approach involves tailoring your needs and goals with evidence-based treatments. However, the most important aspect of counseling by far is the connection and comfort you feel with the person you choose to witness your personal struggles. I believe we can all grow through challenging experiences by increasing our self-awareness. Sometimes another person, one who isn't in our immediate circle, can offer a perspective or additional support, that give us movement on a difficult situation when we feel stuck. It would be my privilege to walk with you on your journey. We all want to be able to share our personal truths and be accepted and understood. I believe it's very important to be open-minded and non-judgmental when someone shares their personal story or experiences with me. Our relationship with our self and others has worth and is useful to explore in counseling. I look forward to working with you! Specialties Stress, Anxiety Addictions Grief Depression I also have experience in Family conflicts, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties Years of Experience: 20

Welcome! I am a person, who like many other human beings, has skills and talents. As a qualified mental health care provider with a doctorate in Clinical/Community Psychology, I have been using my talents to help people afflicted with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychological disorders. While I appreciate the wide-range benefits of an eclectic approach, I prefer and tend to apply cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and sociocultural models in counseling and therapy sessions. I view life as a journey in which we, as human beings, use our mind, body, and spirit to solve problems, overcome adversity, and enjoy life. Besides helping people alleviate symptoms derived from mental illness, I provide support for personal growth within the context life coaching and wellness sessions. The span of my career is more than twenty years. The local and global scopes of my vision as a healer, have led me to provide community psychology services in Chicagoland, numerous cities in other parts of the United States, and Ghana (Africa). These community-wide services entail conducting presentations at community health fairs, disseminating information for various type of awareness campaigns (examples: suicide prevention, domestic violence, PTSD, HIV/AIDS, smoking cessation, substance abuse, and Covid19). Moreover, I have imparted information about mental health through the media. I love providing psychological services! I am grateful to be gifted as a healer! Furthermore, I look forward to serving you! Enjoy balance in body, mind, and spirit, Dr. Athena Porter

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring 15 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on creating compassionate, affirming spaces for healing across diverse experiences. I specialize in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, and LGBTQ+ concerns, with a deep commitment to understanding each client's unique journey. My therapeutic approach is holistic and person-centered, focusing on areas like self-love, communication, life purpose, and personal growth. I work closely with clients navigating relationship dynamics, workplace stress, identity exploration, and emotional wellness. Whether you're experiencing isolation, processing past trauma, or seeking meaningful personal transformation, I'm here to support your path forward with empathy and professional expertise. I welcome individuals from all backgrounds and life stages, offering a non-judgmental environment where you can explore your challenges, strengths, and potential for healing and growth.

Hello, I am Heather Friend, a licensed clinical therapist, and I am glad you have come in for support. Reaching out takes courage, and a big part of my job is working to promote a safe and accepting space for you. My approach to therapy is warm, supportive, and open-minded, with a strong focus on helping you recognize your strengths and build a sense of confidence and emotional clarity. I strive to create a space where you feel respected, and free to be yourself, without judgment or pressure. Therapy with me is collaborative, thoughtful, and paced to meet your needs, because this is your healing space. I believe therapy works best when you feel understood and empowered. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or simply needing a place to process what you are carrying, we will work together to help you feel more grounded and capable in your day-to-day life. If you feel nervous about starting therapy, that is completely normal. We can take things step by step, at a pace that feels right for you, and focus on building comfort and trust along the way. I offer daily and evening sessions. I also offer sessions on the weekend. In addition to sessions, you are welcome to message me anytime for additional support. I typically respond within 24 hours. Live sessions are 45 minutes and can be scheduled easily through my calendar at times that work best for you. My goal is to make therapy feel accessible, supportive, and flexible. Please let me know if you have questions and looking forward to working with you!

I am licensed in Iowa and Illinois with 9 years of professional clinical work experience. I have a Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling, a Masters of Divinity with 4 Units of Clinical Pastoral Education, and over 15 years of Ministerial/Pastoral Practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & dementia caregiver stress. 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 military spouse of 23 years, I’ve had the unique opportunity to work in various therapy settings with both military and civilian communities. With 10+ years of professional counseling experience, 4 years in private practice, I’ve helped adults, teens, and children navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, substance use, relationship struggles, parenting, and anger management. ​I believe everyone’s journey is unique, which is why I tailor my approach to meet your specific needs. While my foundation is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I also incorporate techniques from other methods, like Solution-Focused Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, to help you reach your goals. What makes my approach different from others? It’s the attention and care taken to ensure a genuinely client-centered therapeutic experience. I aim to provide a safe, supportive space where we can work together to create positive changes in your life.

I'm a therapist licensed in clinical social work with 30 years of professional work experience. In practice I have been successful in helping clients coping with addictions, relationship issues, marriage and family conflicts, grief and loss issues, parenting problems, anger management, motivation 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. I see my clients in the light of their capabilities, talents, visions, and hopes. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am here to help you get started.

I am licensed in Illinois with 38 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & bipolar disorder. 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 am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with 12 years of experience. Currently, I serve as Clinical Director at a community mental health agency. Also, I facilitate a parenting group which is extremely rewarding. I am a Managing Adaptive Practices Certified Therapist, a Triple P Parenting Group Certified Instructor, a Teen Mental Health First Aid Certified Instructor, and Youth Mental Health First Aid Certified. My training and experience enables me to help clients with depression, stress and anxiety, 0-12 age parenting skills, and motivation and confidence. I am most knowledgeable and passionate about brain development, self-regulation, thought patterns, and quality parenting strategies. My training exposure is varied and my treatment philosophy is eclectic. However, I lean towards a strengths-oriented, solution-focused approach. Although I do take my work seriously, I try not to take myself too seriously. My hope is to have a genuine and positive impact in your life. I look forward to meeting you, listening to your story, and supporting you in your goals.

I am licensed in Illinois and Missouri with 23 years of professional counseling experience. I have assisted individuals with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss and so much more. I facilitate an open and safe environment where you can share your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. It takes courage and determination 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.

Dedicated to working with individuals of all ages, I focus on collaboratively uncovering each person’s inherent strengths and talents. I am passionate about helping clients craft new life stories that highlight their perseverance and resilience in overcoming life’s challenges. My clinical practice draws from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), all within a trauma-informed, strength-based framework. I hold a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Nevada Las Vegas and a master's degree in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

I am licensed Social Worker in Illinois. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working on 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.

Specializing in women's mental health needs, I support each client to identify and meet her specific needs in order to promote healing, self-growth, breaking negative life cycles, and the achievement of her goals. I have specific focus in the areas of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationships, life purpose, grief/loss, attachment, and family systems. Whether it's healing deep areas of trauma and loss or managing daily life stress, I walk alongside clients as they journey towards healing and making positive life changes. My clients often come to therapy feeling overwhelmed and stuck, but after working together, they often feel more hopeful, empowered, and purposeful. Together we can work to take steps to help you make positive changes. Reaching out for help can feel overwhelming and scary. Therapy helps us to know that were are not alone in our journey! We can take steps together as you move towards healing and purpose.