Hi My name is Diane I have more than 30+ years of experience doing therapy. I have worked in inpatient, outpatient settings as well as family service agencies and private practice. My approach is client centered with a strong focus on solution oriented short term therapy. I am a direct communicator, but use humor often to help clarify issues and to create an intervention that is easier to remember for my clients. Life sometimes is very hard, it is our reaction to it that makes it harder or easier. We can grow and learn to make our decisions based on our values and interests so that we are not fighting with ourself over the decisions that were always ours to make. We all make choices that have far ranging consequences for ourself and others- let us make them after a careful, honest self examination- therapy can provide a safe place for this self examination. . I have an interest in providing therapy and support for caregivers, clients with new medical challenges and families dealing with end of life issues. I have specialized in grief and loss as well as anxiety and depression. I am a direct communicator and have been able to " speak truth to power" so one of my subset of experiences is coaching executives who have lost their jobs and are going through emotionally challenging times. I am experienced at counseling cross cultural and interfaith families both at the pre-marital stage and further along in the marriage. I also have counseling experience ( as an ally) with GLBTQ+ counseling, coming out, managing the family disclosure and acceptance and straight spouse issues as well. Make no mistake, people need to work in therapy. A good therapist does not provide a NEST ( never ending supportive therapy) but rather a launching point. So if you are ready to launch ......contact me

Hello. My name is Suzanna Bagley and I am Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (license number: 180.009943) in the state of Illinois. I started working a therapist in January 2013. I would like to commend you for taking the steps to get yourself the support you seek. It’s not easy to ask for help. Furthermore, it can be hard to get started when you’re not sure what to expect of the therapeutic process. I typically endeavor to meet my clients wherever they’re at to help put them at ease and help them fulfill their therapeutic goals. I would describe myself as easygoing by nature who sometimes uses humor and positivity to lighten the mood whenever it’s appropriate. If I feel it’s therapeutically relevant, I can be direct to help unpack or process whatever you’re working on. Even when discussing tough topics, I am never critical or judgmental. I work to ensure my clients feel heard and validated. Think of me as your sidekick on your journey toward mental health wellness! Here is a little more information about my educational background and therapeutic practice. I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in clinical psychology. Depending on my clients’ needs, I utilize the following the theoretical orientations: Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Therapy. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy works best for clients who aren’t able to spend much time in therapy and want to find a solution or resolution to any problem they may present in therapy. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy whenever a client’s negative and/or unrealistic thoughts make them anxious and/or affect their mood. I utilize the Trauma-Informed Therapy to anyone who has experienced any sort of long-term trauma. It entails exploring individual triggers; as well as finding the right approach to help the client manage their emotions and move forward in life. For the sake of simplicity, I kept the therapeutic explanations basic but I would be happy to further explain each therapeutic modality via message or in session. If you feel I would be a good fit, I would be honored to work alongside you on your therapeutic journey.

This is Dr. Cassandra April, LCPC. Thank you for reaching out, confirming the information form, and scheduling a session. I notice that you are one of our new insurance clients and I feel it's only fair to let you know that insurance clients have to do an "intake assessment" during your first session, which in reality could take the entire session time to complete. One way I am proposing to try to get around that is to send you the assessment questions ahead of time and you can answer them before the session if you have time. If not, the first session would have to be devoted to answering those questions (sort of like when you go to a new medical doctor for the first time). Let me know which you prefer. I'll copy the questions below. I realize you may have had to answer some when you signed up for Better Help, but now therapists must also collect certain information that Better Help does not give us. This is required for insurance clients. See below for questions. There are 15 of them. 1) What city/town in Illinois do you live in? 2) What is your race/nationality? (If you are bi-racial/of mixed race, name both/all) 3) What country were you born in? What country/countries were you raised in? 4) What is your last name, date of birth, address, phone number 5) Emergency contact, their first and last name, phone number, and relationship to you 6) Employment status (working full-time, part-time, unemployed, etc) 7) Relationship status (i.e. married, single, divorced, etc.) 8) Educational level (GED, high school, trade school, some college, college graduate, etc.) 9) Legal history if any (have you ever been incarcerated? If so, why) 10) Medical history (do you have any major health conditions? Do you have to take medication on a regular basis? If so, for what conditions? The name of the clinic, hospital, or doctor that you receive medical care from. We will NOT be contacting these individuals) 11) Mental health history (have you ever been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, eating disorder, drugs or alcohol, etc. Did you have to be hospitalized? Do you have to take medication for? If so, what conditions? Family history? Have you been to counseling before?) 12) Have you ever attempted suicide or harmed yourself? If so, how long ago? How many times? Did you have to be hospitalized? 13) Do you feel you were abused as a child physically, sexually, verbally, or psychologically? 14) Are you addicted to drugs or alcohol? If drugs, which ones? Is there a family history of either drugs or alcohol? 15) How is your self-care? (are you sleeping well, eating healthy, exercising, etc.) ? Thank you, and I look forward to meeting with you, Dr. April

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois and Indiana, I have spent most of my career working to help people that have experienced trauma understand their own narrative. Sometimes, life events occur in adulthood that necessitate short term intervention to assist us to process, understand and reset. My treatment approach involves not only listening, but more importantly, hearing exactly what each person chooses to tell me so that I can understand their unique issue and help them move forward. Your treatment plan will be created by you and for you so that the piece of you that has been impacted is made whole. I look forward to meeting you and working together to empower you to be excited about today, tomorrow and your future.

Hello! Janet Craig here. I come to Betterhelp with 30+ years of social work/advocacy/counseling experience. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois. I have worked in a variety of settings (child welfare, hospice, and the schools), and am comfortable helping people of all ages explore what makes them tick, what causes them pain, and how they can best take care of themselves. Being a human being is hard work no matter your age or life experience. I am especially skilled in helping parents with a variety of parenting issues, and have a passion for working with parents of teenagers. Raising a family is one of life's biggest and most important challenges. I'm here to help parents navigate new territory as their kids grow through adolescence. As a bereavement counselor, I have helped individuals and families cope with loss and it's resulting aftermath. Grief can feel very lonely and overwhelming at times. Sometimes it helps to sort out thoughts and feelings with someone outside the family. That's where I come in. My approach is one of compassion, careful listening, and guiding individuals toward meeting goals that they set for themselves. I firmly believe that people have the capacity to heal themselves, and that no one has to make that journey alone. My approach to my life and profession is that of acceptance, respect and kindness. The bumper sticker on my car says, “Human kind (be both).” My life's motto. EXPERTISE parenting grief/loss stress management relationship issues self-esteem anxiety coping skills

I have over 20 years of clinical experience helping individuals, couples, and families seeking help to resolve some of their problems with conflict, adjusting to life event stressors, recovering from trauma to become survivors and not victims. Furthermore, I like to help others with addictions of practically every kind to change their habits with replacement thoughts, behaviors, and actions that improve their sense of purpose in life and handling their emotions rather than avoiding them with their maladaptive behaviors. A majority of my training and experience has been on helping clients incorporate positive communication skills, conflict resolution skills, and improve upon their ability to stop negative thinking habits that tend to interfere with change.

I am licensed in Illinois with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with career difficulties. 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 social worker with two Master's degrees, one in Community Health and one in Social Work! I have 40 plus year of clinical experience. I am a registered play therapy supervisor with extensive training in the use of Play therapy with all age populations. I have had clinical training and certification in EMDR. I have worked in every clinical setting, inpatient psychiatric, outpatient community mental health. In outpatient community mental health I have worked in Emergency/Crisis Intervention Services. I have been a Qualified Examiner. I have worked with Adults with chronic mental illness in Outpatient Day treatment and Extended Day Treatment Programs. I have worked Case management with Adults and Children and Families. addressing parenting, developmental growth and development and behavioral problems. i have worked Ih-home programs and in private practice. . I have provided services in Emergency rooms, school settings, churches, social service agencies and community settings. I have worked with all age populations, birth to Seniors in individual, family and group therapy in community mental health and in the child welfare system. My initial style is client centered until a trusting relationship has developed and then will switch to whatever theoretical approach which addresses the treatment issue and what fits your personality and understanding. I am compassionate, supportive, and sensitive to you but when that right moment comes I will challenge your belief system. I do not fix people and tell them what to do. You are in charge of your treatment. I help people explore their options and find their own way. We will laugh a little, cry a little and disagree at times but you will feel better.

Life can be a challenge at times and everyone needs someone that they can talk to. Seeking out counseling is a wise choice and is the first step in becoming your best self. Let me tell you a little about my self. I am a licensed Clinical Counselor Professional Counselor (LCPC) and educator that has worked with adults, teens, and families. I have worked with both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric clients. My background includes working with clients that have multiple issues including depression, stress and anxiety, PTSD, anger and relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and substance abuse. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. In addition, I have worked with clients that are receiving special education services and have academic and behavioral concerns, including autism and ADHD. My therapist style is one that is open, warm, nonjudgmental, and is client-centered and focused on providing a space where clients feel heard, valued, and respected. I believe this type of therapeutic environment is essential for healing and allows the client to adequately grow and have a successful positive experience. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, hypnotherapy, and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor a 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 and becoming your best self. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Hello, my name is Dori Choy and am a licensed clinical social worker. I have been in the social work field for 20 years, have been a therapist for the past 12 years. My approach is realistic, strengths based and confidence building. I believe that there is value in every life and that hope can be found in any situation. My preference is to work alongside my clients, allowing them to explore their own thoughts and feelings week to week. Feeling heard, supported and understood is the foundation needed to build healthy habits and work through difficult seasons in life.

I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of counseling experience. I have experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, building confidence, career difficulties, and coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where their thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgement. Taking the first step to creating a more fulfilling and balanced life takes courage. I am here to support you in your journey.

Hi there! I'm Susan and I am licensed in Texas and Wisconsin with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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.

  As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each person's unique journey. I have extensive experience helping clients navigate diverse issues including anxiety, depression, relationship dynamics, family conflicts, professional challenges and personal growth. My therapeutic practice centers on creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their emotions, develop stronger communication skills, and work towards healing and integration. I'm particularly passionate about addressing challenges related to self-care, isolation, life transitions, parenting challenges, and interpersonal relationships. I also have expertise in occupational counseling, healthcare, leadership, and family businesses. In my free time I am a dedicated partner and mom of two boys. I am passionate about nutritious cooking, holistic and spiritual development, lifelong learning, community building, financial planning, and travel. I have lived abroad, speak Spanish, and enjoy working with people from many different backgrounds and cultures. 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 bring a holistic perspective to therapy, understanding that each person's experience is multifaceted. Whether you're struggling with workplace stress, relationship difficulties, or seeking deeper personal understanding, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise. My goal is to help you build resilience, discover your inner strengths, and create meaningful, positive change in your life.

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!