"Is it normal to be sad this long? Everybody worries about something, right? Why is it so hard for me to leave this unhappy relationship? How do I stop being so angry all the time? Why can’t I stop my addiction? … What’s wrong with me? " These are questions that at one point or another I’ve heard my clients ask and I work towards assuring them that: 1) there is nothing wrong with you; and 2) I do not know what you SHOULD do, BUT I will definitely help you figure out what will work best for YOU. My role as your therapist is to support, teach, and encourage you as you go through your learning process without judgment. I use Brief CBT (12 sessions model), DBT and Motivational interviewing interventions, through LIVE PHONE sessions, to work with individuals struggling with a wide range of concerns including: depression, poor self-esteem, anxiety difficulties, relationship challenges, parenting difficulties, addictions, and trauma. I have experience providing therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and youth. I use the techniques and skills that I learned through my master's program in clinical counseling, with a focus on trauma, and years of experience to facilitate your evolution of self. This is done through setting goals and increasing your emotional intelligence. Through live sessions we are able to have the most effective level of communication and therefore yielding timely positive progress. Text/ messaging communication is used to augment live video/phone sessions. My goal is to help you start feeling better as soon as possible. Now, research shows that the relationship between the therapist and the client is the most important indicator of a positive outcome. I am direct but compassionate and relaxed yet professional. Using a collaborative approach and evidenced-based interventions/ techniques we will work together to increase your insight on patterns of negative thinking and behaviors that impact your daily life. By providing you with practical strategies and techniques, that you can apply to life’s daily challenges, you will begin to feel more empowered to make the needed long term changes. These are some tips that will help you be successful in psychotherapy: • Remember that therapy is not a ‘Magic Pill’ (meeting once a week for a video session and then pushing it out of your mind, leads to very slow progress) • Be patience with yourself (feeling better will take practice) • You are your own expert (the more I learn about you, the more I can be of assistance) • Know that therapist help you learn how to solve your problems, rather than solving them for you Making the decision to seek therapy is the first step to saying that you deserve a happier, more fulfilling life. I can assure you that if you commit yourself to the treatment experience and are receptive to implementing evidence-based interventions, you will have the outcome from therapy that you desire. I am here to support you in your personal evolution to a better version of yourself.

• 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.

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker with over 19 years of experience working with children and families. I have worked with individuals with a wide range of concerns such as behavioral problems, anger issues, ADHD, parenting issues, as well as trauma and abuse. I believe in client centered practice using an empowerment approach to help you gain the tools you need to be successful. My counseling style is compassionate and caring. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion . My approach encompasses cognitive behavioral therapy with a solution focused approach. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek help and I am honored to be someone to guide you along in this process. I am here to help and support your needs. I look forward to meeting you!

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois with more than ten years of professional experience working with clients of all ages (including families). I have provided years of crisis intervention in schools and emergency rooms. I have provided individual and group therapy in various settings including outpatient, residential, and corrections. My approach to therapy is secular, apolitical, and based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is a very concrete, time-limited, client driven approach that allows individuals to develop a skill set that they are empowered to use to manage distressing thoughts and intense emotions across a wide range of mental health issues. I teach people to be their own therapist. I have extensive experience working with trauma (simple and complex), and I utilize trauma informed care approaches to help address the root causes of trauma-related symptoms so individuals can overcome the adversity related to traumatic experiences and continue to live rich and healthy lives. I am experienced with providing some court ordered programs such as Anger Management and Divorce Education. I have worked with many families over the years to provide support and assistance for parents struggling with managing behavioral issues in the home. I am certified to provide Parent Management Training (a structured parenting course) and basic behavior management. I want to work to end the stigma with utilizing mental health professionals. I want my clients to feel like checking in with me is just like seeing a family doctor for the occasional illness or injury. I am open to all clients, and provide a safe, non-judgmental space to process their feelings and learn to manage them. I believe the world would be a better place if we all took care of our mental health by seeing a therapist for general care, and I would love to start with you!

My name is Marisol Cruz, and I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have 24 years of experience working as a school counselor with children from kindergarten through 12th grade. I have worked with students with various diagnoses. My main objective in working with students is to help them by supporting and guiding them so they can carry on a daily routine in school and any environment. A partnership is developed, whereby children and adolescents are actively involved in helping to create personal growth and development in their lives. I work with families (not family counseling) helping them to create an environment that will establish routines at home so that the changes can be implemented and the children and adolescents feel a sense of support and accountability. I offer wraparound services to help families with the resources they need to live productive lives. Also, I provide services for adults with mild/ moderate depression, anxiety, relational support, life coaching, and more. Sessions will focus on the clients and their immediate needs. At the start of the sessions, we will discuss anything on their mind then concentrate on the main goal of the therapy session and work together towards meeting expectations. The therapeutic process will be empathetic, and compassionate, and the client should feel safe to express themselves in a non-judgmental environment. Specialty: Behavior Anxiety Depression ADHD Clinical approaches: CBT Client Center Therapy Motivational Interviewing Years of experience: 4

My Approach to Counseling WHEN LIFE CHANGES OR NEEDS TO CHANGE, you want to figure out what this means for you on a personal level and for others in your life. This is true whether you merely feel stuck, you are maybe overwhelmed by various problems, or you feel your life is in crisis. I work very effectively with adults of all ages to overcome tough problems - especially life transitions and all types of relationship issues, including personal, partner, professional, or parent/teen - and help enable you to move through your deeply felt emotions of disappointment, upset, loss, or frustration. I can also effectively help you get through periods of depression, sadness, or stress - as well as unhelpful, or sometimes, seemingly paralyzing anxiety. Your progress will help you experience improved personal functioning and well-being. Based on goals conveyed as important by you, the client, I prioritize your near-term relief from the most serious symptoms and help you gain insight regarding your emotions, physical symptoms, and behaviors. I encourage exploration of alternative thoughts and brainstorm new options available to improve overall quality of life; and we work together to help activate new skills that build on personal strengths by generalizing those current strengths and skills to new areas. We will focus primarily on present-day related issues and problems, yet consider how past experiences might influence your perceptions, expectations, and/or behavioral patterns that are no longer helpful - and try out fresh coping strategies. *** My primary counseling mode via BetterHelp is through phone sessions because I strongly believe talking voice-voice allows us to collaborate more quickly regarding what will likely help you based on interactive feedback about the issues and the strategies we explore. I use messaging primarily for sharing information and maintaining contact (background information, or about what is happening currently - to provide information to support the next session). If you prefer counseling via messaging (written therapy), a BetterHelp therapist focusing on that method is another option for you. Therapy will be provided in most circumstances within our voice-to-voice sessions. [Some therapists at BetterHelp do focus on messaging as a primary counseling tool and choosing one of them is always an option (or perhaps you need a therapist offering evening session times as my available times are during the day). For me to focus on therapy via messaging would require reducing the available voice-to-voice session times (which I believe helps you meet your needs more quickly)]. *** WHEN YOU ARE READY TO FEEL BETTER, I am here ready to work with you. Therapy is provided within a safe, kind, supportive and non-judgmental environment wherein you always have the option to make choices. My personal goal is to create an experience where you can find healing and encouragement. I am committed to helping you feel better, realize your best self, and achieve goals meaningful to you.

Specializing in Therapists, Legal Professionals, Healthcare Providers, Military, Clergy Providing support with Relationships and Goal-setting as you navigate quality of life. It takes courage to focus on solutions. I am here to empower your ability to make decisions to help yourself and your family. My approach is to view challenges thru the lens of your values and beliefs. Whether or not your Situation requires a diagnosis, you’ll receive Support that moves you forward. We may be a good team if you are facing: • compulsive eating, medical obesity • chronic pain or illness • caring for an aging parent or disabled child or both • inter-faith family gatherings or workplace • sensory processing disorder or autism • caring for someone who is dying Expertise • Impaired Professionals • Religions Sexual Abuse • Music therapy, Nutrition, Garden therapy, Assistance Dogs

I am licensed in Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Oregon, Massachusetts and Nevada with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Illinois with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience as a social worker. I am also an English teacher and have lived in Spain for 5 years and understand small and big life transitions, especially as it relates to living in another country, speaking a different language and experiencing culture shock and cultural differences. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem and confidence, & career difficulties. I want my clients to feel they can be open, comfortable and know they are in a safe environment without fear of judgment. I am here to support you in whatever way I can.

Eleni received her bachelor’s degree in social work at Carthage College and completed her master's degree in social work at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Eleni specializes in working with young adults, but works with all populations. She specialized in school social work and has her certificate in CBITS (Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Trauma in Schools). She is also passionate about working with individuals who have struggled with low self-esteem, life obstacles, body image difficulties, anxiety and trauma. Eleni utilizes a strength-based approach that empowers her clients to embrace who they are. She focuses on integrating treatment models such as commitment and acceptance therapy and Cognitive Behavioral therapy.

I am licensed in Illinois with 14 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 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 a bilingual therapist licensed in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts & parenting issues. As a school social worker for the past ten years I have developed a unique set of skills that emphasize strength based perspectives. I have worked with students from pre-kindergarten through high school and have a great aptitude for working with children and parents alike. 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.

My name is Maleka Qureshi, I am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I have specialized training and working experience with adolescence and adults with Intellectual and developmental disabilities. I provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services. I speak English, Urdu, Hindi, and Gujarati. I have over 10 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. The majority of my experience has been working with young adults and adults with dual diagnosis of mental illness, substance related and addictive disorders. I have provided therapy to individuals as well as support to their families. I also have experience helping individuals with phobia, stress and anxiety, anger control problems, low self-esteem, family conflicts and couple/ relationship counseling. I have a passion for helping others achieve more fulfillment and balance in their lives. My approach is to combine different types of psychotherapy and counseling techniques to help you discover and unlock negative thoughts, and patterns of the past, which will allow you to focus on the present and feel more fulfilled and achieve your goals for the future. It is my experience that my clients know themselves better than anyone, they are their own (and my) best resource when it comes to treatment. I see therapy as a joint venture where our knowledge and skills are combined to create solutions. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.