Therapists in Highland Park, IL

• 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.

As a licensed therapist in multiple states with more three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with particular expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, stress management, and life transitions. I offer compassionate support for individuals struggling with various emotions, communication challenges, isolation, and distorted thinking. My practice focuses on helping clients develop worth, worth, value, and dignity while discovering meaningful life purpose. I have experience supporting veterans, individuals facing discrimination, and those working through many of life's challenges. My therapeutic style is collaborative and adaptive, drawing from years of professional experience to create a supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and move towards personal healing and empowerment. I welcome individuals from all backgrounds and belief systems, committed to providing respectful, personalized care.

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.

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

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

As a licensed therapist in Kansas, I bring 17 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering clients to cultivate self-love, navigate interpersonal challenges, and develop resilient coping strategies. I specialize in addressing a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, life transitions, workplace stress, and multicultural experiences. My approach honors each person's unique journey, with particular sensitivity to women's issues, young adult challenges, and the nuanced experiences of marginalized communities. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a compassionate, affirming therapeutic space where clients can explore their deepest struggles and strengths. Whether you're managing social anxiety, processing grief, or seeking greater self-understanding, I'm committed to walking alongside you with genuine empathy and professional expertise. My background reflects a deep understanding of diverse human experiences, and I'm passionate about supporting individuals as they rediscover their inherent worth and potential for growth.

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on empowering clients to develop resilience, self-understanding, and meaningful life strategies. I have extensive experience addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, life transitions, and interpersonal dynamics. My therapeutic practice focuses on creating a compassionate, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their experiences and develop healthier coping mechanisms. I work collaboratively with clients across diverse backgrounds, including women, Veterans, caregivers, and individuals managing workplace stress, social anxiety, and personal growth challenges. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I help clients build self-esteem, improve communication, process trauma, and develop skills for managing stress and emotional complexity. My goal is to support you in discovering your inner strengths and creating positive, sustainable changes in your life.

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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 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.

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.

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients address challenges like social anxiety, workplace stress, life transitions, and personal growth. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to therapy, particularly supporting young adults, women, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. My therapeutic work focuses on empowering clients to develop self-love, overcome isolation, and explore life purpose. I offer targeted support for those experiencing panic disorders, mood challenges, trauma recovery, and interpersonal dynamics. Drawing from evidence-based practices, using DBT, Mindfulness, and Somatic Experience as part of a therapeutic approach, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, build resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. With a deep commitment to understanding each individual's unique journey, I strive to provide affirming, personalized care that honors your lived experiences and supports your path toward healing and growth.

I have been working as a professional social worker for the past 13 years and I am licensed in Illinois with 6 years of experience as a therapist. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. My therapy style is warm and interactive and I use strength based perspective. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectic-behavior, humanistic and psychodynamic therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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.

When was the last time someone truly asked, “How are you really doing?” Maybe you’ve been carrying more than most—chronic illness, nervous system disfunction, ADHD/autism, exhaustion, uncertainty—while still trying to show up for life and the people you love. If you feel worn down or like you’re barely holding it together, please know you’re not failing and you’re not alone. There is space here to breathe, process, and find steadiness again. You deserve support as you navigate both the emotional weight and physical realities of what you’re facing. Life was never meant to be carried alone—we heal best when we walk together. I specialize in therapy for chronic illness, hypermobility, and nervous system dysregulation. My heart is to ensure you feel seen, supported, and cared for as a whole person. Together, we’ll take life one step at a time, trusting that God can bring purpose, healing and growth amidst the pain (Gen. 50:20; Rom. 8:28) I strive to create a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space—one where accountability and kindness go hand in hand. I listen carefully and invest deeply in the relationship, so you have a steady place to turn when life feels overwhelming. Many clients leave sessions feeling lighter, renewed, and better equipped to face life again with hope and strength.

I accept that we all bump or run into rough patches in our life journey. It can be easy or difficult to match up with a person to work through these rough patches. I have been in health care for 40 years and professional counseling for 20 years. I have witnessed a great deal of suffering and spiritual and emotional growth, in others and myself. I take time to learn about the person who comes my way. I believe not every "technique" fits every person. I find using EMDR or guided imagery to reveal a person's deeper concerns fairly quickly, but I draw from other techniques and educational approaches as seems best fit. I am someone who embraces the effectiveness of 12 step programs for a possible solution to addictive compulsions but I totally accept those sorts of approaches are not for everyone .I will forward handouts I think might be helpful to you to guide a session or for later review by you. I look forward to meeting you at this time in your life journey.