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

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!

So, you've already done the scariest part of this whole process, which is deciding that you want support and taking action. That takes incredible strength and humility, even if you may not feel that way right now. From here, it's my job to work together with you to find ways to channel that strength towards the goals you have and help reframe the way you're approaching challenges through support, humor, and compassion. I have experience working with adults and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, grief, identity development, and navigating major life changes. As a queer therapist committed to social justice, it's my mission is to create a space in therapy where all folks feel affirmed and heard, especially if that is not their experience in daily life. My practice is client centered and I believe that mental health and wellness also includes finding ways to include your passions and priorities into treatment. We can also incorporate meditation or spirituality into therapy if that's important to you. You've done the hardest part by starting this process

I am a clinically licensed social worker, LICSW, who has been providing emotional health services in a variety of settings since 1994. I graduated with an MSW from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social Work in 1994. I obtained my LICSW in 2010. I have both clinic and hospital based experience. I have also done a lot of community based mental health work. I am interested in holistic approaches to health and healing. I am open and operate with kindness and compassion. I enjoy partnering with others in their journeys to health, wholeness and well-being. I am practical and my approach is always tailored to the needs of my clients. I always meet my clients where they are and allow them to define their problems and/or crisis.

I am an older male black therapist with a history of military experience. I have worked with teenagers and with adults. My approach is straight forward and solution focused. I am a great listener with a "can do positive" mentality to issues and problems. I am reality based and like to set goals for treatment. I am very drawn to couples therapy and enjoy working to find common ground, and/or highlight the needs for couples to determine the next step in their relationship. I have three male children, all boys, and enjoy my role as a father so I am always available to help improve someone's parenting skills. I have a blended family so I am aware of the challenges, dynamics, and issues associated with such a family model. I know that trust is essential for therapy to be successful. I will do all that I can to establish such a therapeutic relationship with you if you choose me as your therapist. Unfortunately , I have not had much experience working with the LGBTQ community . I am a licensed clinical psychologist and a licensed Clinical Therapist.

As a seasoned therapist with four decades of clinical experience in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, grief, and significant life transitions. I offer compassionate, depth-oriented counseling for adults seeking understanding and healing. My approach is particularly attuned to issues affecting midlife and older adults, including caregiver stress, aging-related concerns, chronic health challenges, and emotional well-being during major life changes. My therapeutic work addresses a wide range of emotional experiences—from workplace stress and relationship dynamics to trauma recovery and self-esteem building. I create a supportive environment where clients can explore difficult feelings, develop resilient coping strategies, and rediscover personal strength and purpose. I'm committed to providing thoughtful, individualized care that honors each person's unique journey and supports meaningful personal growth.

Hello! I am Sara Rivera. 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

As a licensed therapist in Florida, Iowa and Illinois with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenging life transitions, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I offer compassionate, affirming care for diverse populations, with particular expertise in addressing trauma, mood disorders, and interpersonal challenges. My therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in understanding each person's unique journey. I create a supportive environment that honors individual experiences, focusing on areas like self-love, communication, healing from past wounds, and developing meaningful life strategies. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, relationship issues, or seeking personal transformation, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance. I welcome individuals from all backgrounds, with a special commitment to creating a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ clients, those experiencing life transitions, and individuals seeking understanding and healing across various personal challenges.

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients in coping with addictions, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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 am licensed in Illinois with over 20 years of working with children and families both professionally and personally. I have over 10 years of volunteer experience working specifically with divorce recovery and family/ adjustment issues and years of professional work experience in various capacities. 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. I utilize several therapeutic approaches and I strive to provide an empathetic environment for all individuals. I provide cognitive behavioral therapy and my style is client driven and and solution focused. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Missouri with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience, and nearly 6 years in the mental health field overall. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, coping with life changes, & concentration, memory. I also have experience working with focus (adhd). Having worked in the foster care field, an autism clinic, and a private practice setting, I have plenty of experience with almost every type of negative emotion that one can think of. My work in the field has been primarily with adolescents/teenagers, and I find that they are an incredible population to work with. Old enough to understand basic therapy techniques, but young enough to mold themselves into anything that they want to be in life. My current work has a range of working with individuals ranging from age 20, to the age of 11. I am sympathetic to the stressors that teenagers and young adults are facing in our constantly changing world, and I look forward to my interactions with them every day. 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 California, Georgia, Illinois, Oregon and Washington with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!