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, Gottman, 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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with special certification in Trauma Counseling and in Grief Support. I have experience helping people with a variety of conditions. I practice from a client-centered approach, meaning that I believe YOU are the expert about yourself, and I believe we can work best together as a team. I approach people with a non-judgmental attitude and a curiosity that creates a space where they can feel comfortable with me. It’s important for you to be involved in decisions regarding your mental health and well being, and it is important to set goals that are realistic and relevant to you. I believe my role is to help you by providing resources and guidance. I look forward to getting to know you and helping you find ways to live your best life now!

Welcome to BetterHelp. Life events can cause anyone to experience symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. How you respond to these symptoms makes all the difference in your overall health. Together we will work to identify your goals of managing these symptoms and develop steps to reduce their affect on your day to day life. Sometimes these life events are traumatic, which can cause much longer term effects on your health. Processing trauma, no matter how long ago it happened, is vital to moving forward past the traumatic event. A little bit about me personally. I am a Southern Illinois native. I attended SIU and completed my Bachelor’s of Social Work in December of 2012. After taking a semester off, I moved forward to obtain my Masters of Social Work which I completed in May of 2014. Since completing my education, I have worked as a therapist with adolescents with extreme trauma in a residential setting. I then worked with the public schools in Williamson County to provide therapy in the schools to students with a variety of disorders, including behavior disturbances. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in an outpatient setting for the past 3 years. I have found that therapy is my passion and I look forward to helping you discover how therapy can improve your quality of life.

I have years of experience helping clients cope with both the symptoms as well as the underlying causes of their struggles with issues of anxiety, trauma and PTSD, depression, difficulty managing anger, alcohol or other substance use disorders, and relational difficulties that often stem from low self-confidence and the need for updated and enhanced communication skills. My clinical style combines a personal approach that aims to make the client feel genuinely understood, supported, and safe. I utilize a variety of therapeutic interventions that help to update coping skills and strategies, while operating from a psychodynamic base that can facilitate both shorter- and longer-term psychotherapy for deeper-reaching, more stable positive change. I am also certified to provide EMDR when appropriate. I received a Master's degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 2010, and I also hold degrees in philosophy, theology, and consciousness studies. I have lived and/or worked in California, Illinois, and Indiana, and I currently reside in Louisiana.

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 Illinois with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, parenting, anger management and other issues. 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 licensed in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings and have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, career struggles, stage of life transitions, & 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 takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I specialize in grief, anxiety, and attachment with special interests in applying these concepts to non-death related losses. I believe strongly that it’s an honor and privilege to walk with people on their journeys as they navigate grief and finding a light when the world feels like it has gone dark. I have experience working with clients in variety of settings including those experiencing homelessness, veterans, perinatal populations including those experiencing pregnancy and baby loss, parents navigating children of all ages, and geriatrics. I have experiencing working with foster and adoptive parents, biological, blended, and chosen families. I take a strong, action-oriented approach to therapy offering education and resources alongside tools with the goal of making heavy things more manageable to carry.

I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, intimacy related 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. 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 specialize in supporting individuals navigating life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients develop self-love, improve communication, and work through challenges related to anxiety, self-esteem, and personal growth. I bring a compassionate, holistic approach to therapy, with expertise in addressing women's issues, young adult transitions, family dynamics, and personal identity exploration. My therapeutic style is warm and collaborative, focusing on empowering clients to discover their inner strengths and create meaningful life changes. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, relationship patterns, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance. My approach honors each individual's unique journey, creating a supportive space for healing and personal transformation. My expertise is working with female clients and at this time I am only offering video and phone sessions, no chat sessions.

I am licensed in Illinois with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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 it is great that you are getting started!

I am an Illinois licensed clinical social worker with over 12 years of experience helping individuals coping with grief and loss, trauma, relationship issues, family conflicts, improving motivation, self-esteem and confidence, and addictions. 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 pleased you chose to place your trust in us. I take a person-centered approach when working with my clients. This means that our work is collaborative and based on your goals for the specific areas you'd like to focus on. I collaborate with clients to explore their entire person: your physical and mental health, your core beliefs and history, your living and working environments, and what gives your life meaning and purpose. I endeavor to meet my clients where they are. I do not view my clients as "having problems" or worse, "being a problem". Rather, we are just human beings having human experiences - and, because humans are social beings, we often need to turn to others for help. Healing is a process of discovery and change. The support and guidance of a therapist can help bring out the best in you. Together we embark on a path of exploration and discovery. We identify your strengths, and confront and learn to cope with challenges. Your best self emerges, and you'll discover that creating and maintaining meaningful relationships, and enhancing your enjoyment of life is not only possible, it is an adventure.

I am a licensed clinical social work therapist in both Wisconsin and Illinois with three decades of professional experience, including as a registered nurse. My clinical experience includes eating disorders, depressive disorders, issues with anxiety, stress, loss and grief, motivation, self-esteem, & confidence. 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 will support and empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, executive coaching, professional coaching, concentration, & memory. I also have experience working with focus. 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!