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Antonio Ellzey, Sr.

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCPC,NCC,MS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
17 years of experience

Therapeutic Orientation I am Antonio C. Ellzey, Sr., MS, LCPC, NCC received both undergraduate (B. A. / Liberal Arts) and graduate (M. S. / Counseling) degrees at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, Ph. D. / Counseling Education & Supervision (Student), Adler University, Chicago, IL (2018-Present). I am retired military (Army Reserves) after 20 years. I am married, and I have 4 children, two of whom are adult age. Antonio is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). In the Fall of 2018 Antonio entered the Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision at Adler University, Chicago, IL. For many years Antonio has helped clients to discover or recover the zeal of life, and tools needed to manage intense emotions. As a psychotherapist Antonio contends to always be duty bound and obligated to provide genuineness, empathy, and positive regard for any client. Driven with compassion for helping others, Antonio’s counseling experiences have been filled with great edification to help empower others to deal with difficult matters, and to ultimately produce the best viable outcome regardless of the circumstance (s) causing the discomfort. Antonio is noted to be very passionate to help to discover client’s level of functioning in effort to better understand how to help them meet their needs. Antonio has become proficient to help individuals, couples, and families find relief in understanding self and others. It is through some therapeutic assignments and mental health therapy services that many have secured the esteem needed and understanding how to navigate through the natural maturation of forging health relationships with anyone. Antonio along with his wife, has served as chairpersons for the married couples ministry at church for 2 years. Antonio is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (ΑΦΑ) Professional Associations / American Counseling Association (ACA). My approach to therapy shall be the following: A) Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, the short-term therapy technique that can help Clients to find new ways to conduct themselves by shifting their thought patterns. Engaging in CBT can help Clients to diminish stress, manage difficult relationships, and work through other common life challenges. This approach may come with the deep breathing relaxation technique to practice 3x’s per day for 2 weeks, the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or (Tapping) to practice for 2 weeks, or the anxiety diversion technique to practice for a couple of weeks to help manage intense emotions. B) Psychodynamic therapy may provide Clients insight to their unconscious processes as they are manifested in their present behavior, particularly the dissonance that they might have experienced. This approach would assist to help Clients with self-awareness and understanding of the impact of the past on present behavior. This approach will be met with encouraging Clients to process their feelings with supportive people at least 1x per week to help manage intense emotions and to perhaps unlock potential pint up feelings. Additionally, with this approach, Clients could benefit from asserting themselves more toward others about their needs and to help meet resolve in their collective relationships with others. C) Cognitive therapy approach may help to serve Clients needs by developing alternative ways of thinking and behaving which aims to reduce psychological stress. These collective approaches will serve as an integrative approach to help meet Client’s needs.

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Ricci Oppenlander

Offering therapy in IL
License: MA,LPC,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I believe in a goal-oriented approach to therapy by helping clients build on their strengths and values distinct to them. I encourage clients to see themselves as unique, creative, and responsible individuals; capable of striving for self-improvement and self-fulfillment. As a therapist, I see a variety of people, focusing on adults with depression and anxiety and the struggles that come along with those feelings. I am passionate about helping everyone find happiness, direction and fulfillment. I see clients with a holistic approach, emphasizing a trusting, respectful relationship, developing and empowering proactive behaviors, while appreciating their individual qualities. I believe fostering effective change is developed with openness and honesty during our sessions- focusing on individual concerns, questions and frustrations and working from there. I realize sometimes it is difficult asking for help, therefore, believe it shows how much clients understand the importance of making intentional efforts to have good health and happiness in life.

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Dr. Jodi Fourt

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
3 years of experience

Hello. I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Illinois with nearly 13 years of experience. I have worked with individuals to assist them in their therapeutic goals in a variety of settings such as mental health clinics and private practice. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, and women’s issues although I have experience with a wide variety of challenges including autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. I use a variety of techniques including EMDR, CBT, DBT, positive psychology, and Process Experiential Emotion Focused Therapy depending on the client’s unique needs and input on what techniques work better. I find this leads to a treatment that is custom tailored to the individual. You and I will collaborate as a team to assist you in living your life to the fullest. I believe that with an individual’s commitment to change, their own innate strengths, and guidance from me that anyone can achieve their best self. I have a passion for photography and creativity and have utilized these in sessions when relevant. Many clients respond well to this modality as it allows them more avenues of expression rather than just words.

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Tamela Polanin

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
18 years of experience

Hello, Thank you for taking the first step in better living. Our mental health is very important. My name is Tamela, I would love to be your therapist. I look forward to working with you. Just a little about me to help break the ice, I am a mom of 3 boys, one is grown and moved out the other 2 are 12 and 13. I am married to my second husband now for 14 years. We live in the country and raise registered pygmy goats. I have worked in mental health for 17 years. We all want to live our best life. I know trauma on a personal level and treating trauma has become my passion. I use a client centered approach where you are the master of your own life; I am merely here to walk beside you as a guide. My hope is to empower you to work through your trauma and life’s challenges. I provide trauma-focused, client-centered therapy to all ages and all backgrounds. I am well versed in EMDR, TF-CBT, and Reproductive loss Counseling. I believe that trauma is a journey and not one person’s journey will be the same as the next. You are not alone. I will traverse this journey beside you.

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Danae Ganos

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

Hello, My name is Danae Ganos. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing and able to work with clients who are in the state of Illinois during the times of their sessions. I received my Bachelor's degree from Judson University and my Master's degree from Loyola University in Chicago. I have over 23 years of professional work experience in both community mental health and private practice settings. My areas of expertise include: developing coping skills to manage anxiety and depression, moving through grief and loss, healing from abuse and trauma, dealing with transition, managing stress, and codependency. I am also well-versed and comfortable in working with multiple other issues such as family-of-origin, communication, self-love, isolation and loneliness, guilt and shame, recovery after divorce or separation, and women's issues. My treatment approach varies somewhat depending upon the issues being addressed, but most frequently I find client-centered and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to be the most effective. I strongly encourage clients to make use of homework assignments in-between sessions. I have found that most of the real work of therapy happens in between sessions when practicing what is learned during session takes place. It takes a lot of courage to take that first step in reaching out for help on a journey of growth and change. I believe that every person has many strengths that will help them in overcoming challenges along the way. If you think that working with me is a good fit, I look forward to listening to you, to learning your story, and to walking alongside you as you continue to move closer towards wholeness and health. "The world breaks everyone and afterwards many are strong at the broken places." ~ Earnest Hemingway

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Michael Peterson

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

My name is Michael Peterson, and I have been working in the field of Social Work for about 10 years. I I am licensed in Illinois and have done counseling for about three years. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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. I have held a variety of different types of social work jobs (case worker, crisis clinician, therapist, and more), in a variety of different environments, which I feel gives me a deep, multifaceted approach to counseling. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Colin Overton's avatar and link to their profile

Colin Overton

Offering therapy in IL
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCareer difficulties
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting 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.

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This is Wende Pannell's avatar and link to their profile

Wende Pannell

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and 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 am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Alyson Hu's avatar and link to their profile

Alyson Hu

Offering therapy in IL
Self esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois. Since entering the social work profession 17 years ago, I have worked in the areas of healthcare, schools, and early childhood programs. For the past 3 years, I have focused on behavioral health. I have experience in helping clients who are coping with stress, life changes, chronic disease & compassion fatigue. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Erin Fabrizio's avatar and link to their profile

Erin Fabrizio

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 14 years of counseling experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. My work in counseling has largely been with young adults, including college students and athletes, and I have also provided therapy for children and older adults. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that every person has, and can discover many strengths within, that assist in overcoming life's challenges. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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How to find counseling in Mount Auburn

Finding the best therapist close by in Mount Auburn can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Mount Auburn. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Mount Auburn, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Mount Auburn or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Mount Auburn area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Mount Auburn, elsewhere in Christian, or in the greater state of Illinois.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Mount Auburn area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Mount Auburn therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Mount Auburn due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Mount Auburn may not take health insurance, some in the state of Illinois may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Illinois you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Mount Auburn, Illinois working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Mount Auburn above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Mount Auburn helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Mount Auburn therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Mount Auburn therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Mount Auburn therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in IL, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 62547 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Mount Auburn counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Mount Auburn licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Mount Auburn, Illinois can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Mount Auburn has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Mount Auburn.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Mount Auburn:

62547

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