Therapists in Machesney Park, IL

I'm a licensed therapist in the state of Illinois. I have been in the field for 15 years working together with people to better their lives. I've been honored to work with many different people going through many different things. My clients have presented with issues such as: Depression; Anxiety/OCD; Addiction; Trauma and Abuse; Eating Disorders; Self-Injury: Bi-Polar; Couples Issues; Life transitions and many more more. I would describe myself as an interactive therapist, one who is engaged in the therapeutic process. I will play an active role in the therapy process. I would be described as a Cognitive Behavioral therapist. That means that we will review your past and present and consider how they have shaped your current patterns. Psychology Today said " Evidence has mounted that CBT can benefit numerous conditions, such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and many others. Research also indicates that CBT can be delivered effectively online, in addition to face-to-face therapy sessions." I look forward to getting to know you and work with you!

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring nearly three decades of compassionate counseling experience to supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My approach centers on helping clients navigate emotional struggles with empathy, understanding, and faith-based sensitivity. I specialize in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, grief, and self-esteem challenges. My therapeutic work focuses on helping individuals overcome isolation, social anxiety, trauma recovery, and life transition difficulties. I'm particularly committed to supporting those experiencing guilt, shame, and challenges related to personal purpose and communication. My practice offers a supportive environment for individuals seeking guidance through difficult emotional landscapes, with a deep respect for personal faith and individual journeys. I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and move toward healing and personal growth. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I provide thoughtful, personalized support tailored to each individual's unique needs and spiritual perspective. My goal is to walk alongside clients as they rediscover their strength, rebuild confidence, and create meaningful pathways forward.

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring over a decade of experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, grief, and self-esteem concerns with compassionate, culturally responsive care. I specialize in supporting individuals through nuanced personal growth journeys, focusing on areas like self-love, communication skills, life purpose exploration, and healing from codependency. My approach honors each person's unique experiences, with particular sensitivity to blended families, caregiver stress, and aging-related transitions. Drawing from a deep commitment to understanding human experiences, I create a supportive therapeutic environment that empowers clients to develop meaningful insights and sustainable emotional wellness. My work is grounded in respect, empathy, and a belief in each individual's inherent capacity for positive transformation.

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!

Please note that I do not accept insurance because billing an insurance company requires that I diagnose/label you with a major mental illness so I can bill them for your "treatment. They also demand a complete focus on symptoms of this "illness" and force every question to fit their disease model and justify your continued therapy. This means 80% of your time in treatment is me staring at my computer screen, checking little boxes saying I asked you all the disease questions, and then an AI puts it all together into something for which they will HOPEFULLY reimburse me. Perhaps you have experienced this when you visit your Primary Care Physician, and he/she stares at their tablet the entire time, rushing you through the questions as they tap each question on the list. I work under a strengths/solutions model in my counseling. I help you find the resources to make positive changes in the direction YOU want to go. ABOUT ME: Thank you for sharing information about yourself here. I'm glad that you reached out for help. My name is Larry Westenberg, and I am a licensed therapist with over 40 years of experience in counseling. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and therapy approach by clicking on my name on this page. I started out on a 'back ward' of a state mental hospital, counseling extremely mentally ill people and helping them to access their resources, use their strengths and improve the quality of their lives. It was a tremendous challenge. At that time, I had my bachelor’s degree in psychology, and no other training. The State system allowed people to do counseling who had no training in counseling whatsoever. In fact, many of them had never been to college. I discovered the 'uneducated counselors' were usually MUCH more effective at helping their clients. They were not 'full of themselves' and their degrees. Instead, they used what they knew about helping people, did what they could, and learned to help people by figuring out what worked as they went along. They also expected the same from the people they were counseling - that they would use the resources they had, do their best, and get better at improving their lives. Meanwhile, the majority of the 'professional therapists' were lost in their long explanations and mythologies that tried to explain the patient's behavior, and they often developed bizarre theories and treatment methods they imagined would make the patients get better. When you make a connection to another person in counseling, you offer them a safe space to "step out of themselves," and discuss their own behavior from a different perspective of detached observation. Recognizing their own skills and the tools they have can help them make meaningful changes strategically, that utilize their own abilities. I specialize in trauma, anxiety and panic, ADD, relationships and finding meaning in life. I have extensive training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) - which is bashed as unscientific non-sense on the internet. This criticism is thrown from the allegedly "Scientific field" of psychology which is founded on the idea of repressed urges of the id and wanting to kill your father to take possession of your mother. Not the best scientific theory for validating your experiences of life. I am a published author in the field of Belief Change, Ericksonian Hypnosis and NLP. I enjoy helping others uncover treasure within themselves. I don't work with lab rats. I work with people. I would appreciate the opportunity to work with you. I have worked in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization and crisis intervention treatment. I have worked with LGBTQ+ individuals since long before we had an acronym. I have supported individuals in compartmentalizing alternative lifestyles so that they don't embarrass themselves at work or in social situations. I help some people accept the fact their family may be a toxic gaggle of illnesses and it really is okay to not be in contact. I help others discover how they create anxiety in themselves and teach a variety of skills for managing emotional states. My passion is helping people find insights into HOW they do the behaviors they do, so they can more easily shift the behaviors to get the same results - or different results. I also like helping people discover how past traumas and negative events can "echo" into present interactions and circumstances. Rather than label this a disease, I show people how to notice these connections and respond less to the resonance in the present. I laugh frequently and I may even tease about symptoms as an attempt to help you shift your perspective on your issues. I do not make fun of problems. I take my work seriously, but I will never take LIFE seriously - because it has this surprise-ending feature. I would be delighted to meet with you and find out if I can support you in making the shifts and changes that will help you build the life you desire.

Life stressors and managing different areas of our life can sometimes become heavy to hold alone. Many times, there is nothing "wrong" with us, we are just learning to navigate life and ourselves. It is beneficial when we have a designated time to devote to this process via a guided telehealth setting. Let's explore the unknown and get to the root of what you are feeling and thinking.

As a licensed therapist serving clients in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering women through transformative healing, with a deep understanding of challenges related to trauma, anxiety, depression, and personal growth. My therapeutic approach is rooted in compassion and cultural sensitivity, drawing from evidence-based practices to help clients develop stronger self-understanding and resilience. I'm particularly passionate about addressing workplace dynamics, family systems, and personal identity challenges. I create a supportive, faith-affirming environment where clients can explore their experiences, heal from past wounds, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, processing traumatic experiences, or seeking greater self-love, I'm committed to walking alongside you with genuine care and professional expertise. My work honors the unique journey of each individual, recognizing that healing is a deeply personal and courageous process. I aim to provide a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore your challenges and rediscover your inherent strength and potential.

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring over two decades of professional experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each client's unique journey. I specialize in addressing a wide range of emotional experiences, including depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients navigate significant life transitions, overcome social anxiety, and develop stronger self-understanding. I'm particularly skilled at supporting individuals struggling with isolation, self-esteem challenges, and complex emotional patterns. Whether you're dealing with workplace stress, relationship difficulties, or seeking deeper personal insight, I offer a supportive and non-judgmental space for exploration and healing. I believe in empowering clients to discover their inner strengths, develop healthier coping strategies, and create meaningful personal transformation. My practice is grounded in understanding the nuanced experiences of individuals across different life stages, with a special commitment to creating a safe, affirming therapeutic environment.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 11 years of professional work experience, primarily working with individuals ages 3-25. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I also have experience working with 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. 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 Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & relationship 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 specialize in ADHD, neurodivergence, autism spectrum, self-esteem, confidence, and executive functioning challenges, helping people better understand how their minds work and develop strategies that set them up for success. Growing up, I was surrounded by highly successful individuals who thought differently due to ADHD. As someone who has experienced similar challenges, I understand both the struggles and strengths that come with it. APPROACH My approach is direct, practical, and goal-oriented. • I use Solution-Focused Therapy to identify what’s already working and help you build on your strengths. • Motivational Interviewing allows us to explore what truly drives you, so we can create change that feels natural and sustainable. • With Systemic Therapy, we look at how your environment—work, relationships, routines—shapes your challenges and how small adjustments can lead to big improvements. Many of my clients feel stuck—struggling with self-doubt, follow-through, and communication issues that impact relationships, career growth, and confidence. My goal is to help you break that cycle, build self-trust, and create practical systems that work with your brain, not against it. MY BACKGROUND My background includes private practice, group therapy, large-scale mental health programs, and training mental health leaders in coaching and strengths-based therapy. I’ve also built outcome-tracking systems for people in unstable situations—including those without phones, housing, or coping skills—and in the Philippines, where we worked without computers or a library. Beyond therapy, I have extensive experience in employment advocacy, having served as a union officer and EEOC investigator. I understand workplace challenges, career struggles, and professional communication—insight that helps clients navigate work environments with more confidence. I’m trained in Trauma-Informed Care, Psychoanalysis, CBT, and MBCT and certified in EMDR, but I focus on helping people build confidence, improve communication, and develop sustainable systems that make life easier. WHAT TO EXPECT Therapy with me feels more like coaching, with a flow focused on curiosity, observation, and tracking progress. Instead of just talking, we’ll build practical systems to make growth easier and more engaging. • Boost Self-Awareness & Confidence – Learn to recognize how your thought patterns impact decision-making, habits, and self-perception. • Set Flexible Goals – Use data-driven insights to build motivation, improve focus, and create supportive environments. • Develop Effective Communication & Productivity Strategies – We'll create simple, effective systems that improve how you express yourself, manage responsibilities, and stay on track. • Build Better Habits & Supports – Automate routines and design an environment that reduces friction and increases success. • Reframe Challenges & Strengths – You don’t need to fight against how your brain works—you need strategies that help you use it to your advantage. I work primarily with adults and teens with ADHD, focusing on executive function, motivation, and real-world strategies that create lasting change. THINGS I'VE WRITTEN • Where Does Self-Esteem Come From and How Can I Develop It? – GoodTherapy • You Habit or You Don’t: Why There’s Hope for Your Resolutions Yet – GoodTherapy • Embracing Irrationality in Communication – Marriage.com LET'S GET STARTED! If you’re ready to build confidence, improve communication, and develop strategies that work for you, let’s create a system that makes life easier. Therapy with me is engaging, action-oriented, and focused on real results. Let’s get to work!

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.

As a licensed therapist in Illinois with over a decade of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on creating affirming, culturally responsive spaces for diverse communities, with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ experiences, trauma recovery, and personal empowerment. My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices to address a wide range of challenges, including social anxiety, relationship dynamics, self-esteem, and personal growth. I bring deep expertise in supporting individuals through life transitions, healing from past experiences, and developing meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. I am committed to honoring each client's unique journey, offering compassionate guidance that respects individual identities and experiences. Whether you're exploring personal growth, managing challenging emotions, or seeking support through significant life changes, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, understanding, and professional insight.

I've been a practicing LCPC since 2014 with extensive experiencing working with children and their families. My background is in trauma and emotional and behavioral issues. But over the years, I've developed a passion for helping caregivers and women feel calm and confident. Collaborative and supportive -- I approach everything with curiosity. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m here to help you find them. I pull from attachment and cognitive behavioral theories to help you challenge unhelpful beliefs and develop a strength-based, solution-focused approach to life.