• 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.

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!

Donald (Don) Shawler ia a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who uses an integrative approach to working with adults dealing with depression, anxiety and other mental health problems. This integrative approach involves a person centered technique to help clients identify and address issues in an accepting, non-judgmental and safe environment. Using Cognitive based techniques, clients are taught to re-frame thoughts that hold them back and impact emotional and mental well being. Mr. Shawler also helps clients address anger issues by teaching anger management skills. With over 20 years of experience, Mr. Shawler has been successful working with many individuals dealing with a wide range of issues.

I began working with children and youth in 1986 and continued until 2003. As indicated on my resume, I returned to working with a client base providing therapy to the children, and adult population in 2013 at an outpatient mental health facility. Presently, I am employed in the prison system where I am working with the adult population, 19 years old to 70 years. As therapist, I use a caring and supportive style with my clients, believing that they are coming because they need assistance in being able to function and cope with various stressors impacting each lives. My treatment approach is one of understanding and not judgmental. I understand that the client's self-determination is most significant in the counseling relationship. I believe that the client is the most important person in the session and hence in order to help, I need to listen to rather than to tell each what to do.

I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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 a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 16 years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in counseling individuals experiencing a wide range of issues, including severe mental illness, trauma, depression anxiety and relational issues. I am passionate about working with individuals who are are struggling with co-occurring disorders and those who are need of support with daily life challenges or events. I have a wholistic approach to therapy and draw from the various modalities , including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy and dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT), in an effort to meet the need of each individual. Through the collaborative process of therapy, Through the therapeutic process, I will help to guide you to increase self-awareness, gain new perspectives, decrease symptoms, and increase personal strengths to have a more meaningful life experience. By using the power of the therapeutic relationship, I strive to create a nurturing environment and foundation to help clients heal, rebuild their lives and increase their resiliency. In every session, I use therapy as a way to nurture, challenge, support and understand clients. Healing can occur within a safe and trusting relationship.

I have 35 years of professional experience and am licensed in Illinois. My expertise includes helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and parenting challenges to name a few. I work with clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings are shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy is courageous. I am proud of you for getting started! I began by specializing in domestic violence, child welfare and crisis intervention . I have extensive experience with trauma. During my career, my skills have expanded to include many varied modalities and specialties. As a psychotherapist , I have acquired a body of knowledge that I daily integrate into my professional practice. My approach is distinct with each client depending on their individual issues and circumstances. I provide a fresh approach on life’s challenges. A new perspective often brings relief to clients and allows them to be open to a new direction with new behaviors. I have overcome various experiences in life with the help of psychotherapy. This led me into the profession; helping people to heal. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point and earned my master's degree from Smith College. I welcome new clients with open arms. I am with them throughout each phase of their journey of healing and self-discovery.

I am trained in Marriage and Family Therapy and have served as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for over 25 years. I have served in both public and private mental health agencies, primarily for those seeking help with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, addiction and domestic violence. Any client who has the courage to seek counseling is someone worth celebrating. With gentleness and warmth, I try to focus on each of my client's strengths to help them in the area they desire to change. My approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, Systemic Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy as appropriate. I will tailor my dialog and treatment plan to meet the client's concerns. Each client's faith and moral values are recognized as a foundation for their desired growth. I look forward to meeting you.

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 natural helper, I have committed myself and my knowledge towards helping others manage mental health symptoms & improve overall functioning in a safe & healthy way. My ideal client is one who is committed to achieving goals and is willing to work towards prioritizing him or herself toward positive change. Everyone is different, & as a therapist I do not believe there is a quick fix prescription for symptoms & diagnosis. I use a strength based approach to empower and encourage each client towards the achievement of their goals. As a LCPC (licensed clinical professional counselor) with over 10 years of experience in the field of counseling, I have found that it is most important to facilitate the best environment for change. If you are reading this, I commend you for taking a major step toward changing your life for the better. I strive to partner with my client to discover inconsistencies and plan for solutions through evidence and faith based interventions. With my formula to decrease your unwanted symptoms and increase your coping skills, I will help you to become the best version of yourself. My faith in God is what has been a cornerstone in my life and I have overcome many obstacles that seemed impossible and unbearable. I believe God has equipped me with several gifts and allowed to me combine the expertise of mental health counseling with biblical truths, and prayer to help improve of the lives of His children. I use proven mental health modalities along with Christian counseling (when requested) to provide a treatment plan with realistic and timely goals. *Graduated 2012 - Masters of Arts in Community Counseling - Argosy University Chicago *Licensed Clinical Professional Counseling - State of IL - #180013083

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 Illinois with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for 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.

Seeing a therapist for the first time can be uncomfortable-having to go to a complete stranger and start sharing some of the most difficult parts of your life is really intimidating. Just being willing to come into a session already means that you have a great deal of strength, and my job is to help you acknowledge that strength and achieve your goals. I use an empowerment model, meaning that we'll be focusing on what you want to learn from therapy, and we'll figure out together what works best for you. I have an extensive background in domestic violence, trauma, healthy relationships, and the LGBTQ+ community. I have also worked a great deal with issues ranging from anxiety and depression to PTSD. My favorite part of being a therapist is watching that "lightbulb" moment for a client when they understand why their brain is acting the way it is. I see couples and individuals as clients, and I use a strengths-based approach. I really enjoy helping folks figure out how to enhance the skills that they've been using to make it this far. I am licensed in Illinois with my clinical social work license and have 5 years of therapy experience.