Hello my name is Jim. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has been working in the counseling field for the past thirty years. I have been privileged to provide counseling and therapy services to individual, couples and families and use an approach that empathizes collaboration and measurable results. My counseling style creates a warm and accepting environment in which people learn to identify and express their feelings so that we can work together to deepen your understanding of feelings and the thoughts that typically accompany them. Once we learn more about our feelings and the thoughts them behind them, we can do more to make changes in thoughts and behaviors that enhance our growth and and help us meet goals. I use various techniques such as those derived from cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral therapy and Adlerian Life-Style analysis . These help to make situational changes and to gain awareness of how many of our automatic thoughts, reactions, feelings can be facilitate change once they are understood. This can increase our range of choice and better feelings once we understand more about our personal automatic reactions. My technique and style is helpful for Depression Anxiety Relationship issues Self-Esteem Trauma Growth Shyness/Social Anxiety I am very happy that you are taking these steps to better understand yourself an d work towards more fulfilling relationships in your work, love and friendships and most importantly for your self-care, self-esteem and your relationship to yourself! I look forward to working with you!

My name is Dorian A. Ortega, LCPC I am a licensed mental health therapist in private practice. My therapeutic approach centers BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ and is inspired by liberation, feminist and multicultural psychology. As a person of color, I believe in focusing on first loving yourself by having therapy as a tool for guiding that process. I am also co-founder of healing poetry circles to introduce accessibility for mental health services. For the passed 2 years, I have organized a series of free poetry healing circles and other events that seek to use art as a culturally relevant, accessible, inclusive tool of expression, education, resistance and community healing in Humboldt Park.  My approach is client-centered and also based in building community wellness. I believe in a practice style of loving yourself first and I encourage building up strengths and help to find holistic ways to heal through mental health challenges. I believe when we create love for ourselves and honor our communication and relationships with ourselves and others, we can build a healthier future for ourselves and our loved ones. I am not only a practitioner but a community advocate for mental health and utilizes poetry, writing, and social media presence to intentionally build intersectional and restorative connections to uplift and liberate marginalized communities.

As an individual therapist for over 10 years, my background combines psychodynamic understanding with cognitive-behavioral techniques and approaches. I specialize in helping my clients to make connections, and to better identify and understand the patterns of decisions and actions that can often have unwanted consequences on their lives. With this insight, they often have much greater success with breaking negative and harmful cycles in their lives and making more thoughtful decisions. More recently, I have guided my clients through the challenges of quarantine, helping them to identify effective ways to manage their moods and anxiety, to stay connected with others, and to stay informed with limited resources. My strengths lie in being a warm, attentive, and empathic listener, ensuring that my clients feel heard, understood, and respected, and providing insights that help them to better understand themselves. I ensure that therapy remains focused on the client's goals, meets each client where they are at, and lets the client stay in control of the pace. I look forward to getting to know you and providing you with support and understanding.

I have achieved my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and Masters degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Adler University in Chicago. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I achieved my undergraduate degree from Western Illinois University, majoring in Biology with Chemistry and Psychology minors. I currently work at a private practice in the Chicago southwest suburbs. I have been working in mental health for approximately 13 years. I have a variety of different experiences serving diverse clientele ranging from children through seniors. I have provided counseling in community mental health, shelter services for DCFS, crisis assessments in homes and ER settings, post hospitalization counseling, worked in correctional settings and with detained youth and within a private practice with individuals, couples, families, youth as young as 5, LGBTQ and seniors. I have provided group therapy in the areas of parenting skills, addiction and anger management. I am open-minded, non-judgmental and take a holistic approach to helping individuals with life changing and life-long issues. I have worked with individuals diagnosed with adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, grief, substance abuse and anger issues. I utilize a variety of different approaches with therapy such as CBT, Adlerian/Individual Psychology, Solution -Focused, Emotional Focused Therapy, etc. in a integrative style. I am a lifelong learner and we are always becoming. This is my third life career. I began in with career in business and customer service, was a stay at home mom and volunteer before becoming a licensed therapist. I look forward to the opportunity to meet and work with you.

Melinda Osborn is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in Springfield, IL. Melinda has earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work with a minor in Sociology from Illinois State University in Normal, IL, and later went on to earn a Master of Arts in Community Agency Counseling from Bradley University in Peoria, IL. She developed a particular interest in healthcare casework and counseled the sick, dying, and bereaved in a hospice facility. Other areas of experience include life stage transitions, self worth / value, general anxiety, and situational and chronic stress and depression. Melinda is familiar with addressing a client’s psycho/social /spiritual wellness, and takes a systems approach to info gathering. A lifelong Christian, Melinda also has further training with integrating faith based & religious strengths with psychology to work through challenging situations for clients who so choose. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which is an approach that challenges cognitive distortions and behaviors and works to chage them to improve a person's emotional regulation and develop personal coping strategies going forward.

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.

My name is Rita Seggelke and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Illinois. I have been a Social Worker for over 30 years. I graduated from the U. of I. in 1988 with a specialty in Child Welfare and additional certification in School Social Work. I received my LCSW in 1991. My experience includes many years working with families experiencing various problems including, divorce; child abuse or neglect; blended family issues; custody/marital issues; general relationship issues; career issues and major life transitions. I am a certified Life Coach, a former Hospice Social Worker and have been a Red Cross volunteer. I have deployed to several National disasters including, Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Harvey. I enjoy working with women who are divorced, widowed or never married and looking to enrich their lives with new possibilities. Finally, I am a Christian and available to discuss your presenting issues from a faith-based perspective, if that is your preference. I am a therapist, who is compassionate and a good listener. I look forward to meeting you and developing a relationship that will be rewarding and help you reach YOUR stated goals.

I am an experience clinician who is dedicated to treating teens and adults deal with and overcome anxiety, depression, and trauma. My philosophy is client-centered, Mindfulness based, trauma informed, and goal oriented. I have training and experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness. My areas of focus include trauma, attachment issues, and difficulties with distress tolerance and emotional regulation. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC in Illinois), and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC in Washington State). I want perspective clients to know I genuinely care about the people I work with and have a passion for joining people on their journey to a new self. The fact that you are searching for a therapist shows you would like something to change. This is very brave. We can often lose perspective about situations and how we deal with them. We can also struggle with things we have buried from our past, or relationships that did not support us in the way we need. I will give you a safe and supportive place to look at your unwelcome patterns and find a way to make your journey more fulfilling. Your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are what make you who you are. As we work together to understand these parts of you, we will find a way to alter those thoughts that no longer work for you and strengthen those that are helping you become who you wish to be.

Oftentimes reaching out for help is a big step towards wellness and healing. Congratulations on taking that step! My name is LaDonna Miller and I am a clinical social worker in Chicago, Illinois. I have over 8 years working in the mental health field and would love to work alongside you to accomplish your goals! I have experience working with adults with depression, ADHD, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, multicultural issues, and complex trauma. I would describe my style as warm and supportive, and I am ready to help you tackle your struggle head-on. Collaboration is important - together we can work on establishing concrete goals and steps for you to help overcome your current problems. My passion for mental health stems from personal experiences with myself and those around me. I grew up with family members living with mental illness and I have personally overcome some mental health challenges, too. I know firsthand that getting help can be a challenge. There is still so much stigma around having mental health issues, the process for getting help can be overwhelming, and it can feel so frustrating and lonely. However, I also know from experience how much life can change for the better when you find support and take steps towards taking care of yourself! I look forward to speaking with you to see if we are a good fit to partner in your journey!

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. We all need help, support, and the opportunity to vent at different times in our lives, and it takes courage to begin this process. You took the first step by reviewing this profile. I look forward to working with you! I believe establishing a positive therapeutic relationship/having a good connection with the person I’m working with helps facilitate effective counseling and positive outcomes. You are the expert of your own life, and I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. My counseling style is conversational, approachable, supportive, holistic, and interactive. My approach is eclectic, as I use a variety of treatment modalities to best meet the needs of the individuals I am working with. I believe in the importance of treating others with respect, and for 12 years was the Character Education Coordinator for a school district. I continue to educate myself and attend seminars to learn, grow, and to stay up to date. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in both Illinois and Missouri, and a Licensed School Social Worker. In addition, I’m certified as an evaluator and psychological services provider in the State of Illinois for the Early Intervention program, which works with children (and their families) from birth to three who exhibit developmental delays. For a child’s success, it’s important to work with parents. My more than 20 years of experience includes working with children of all ages, adolescents, adults, and families, in a variety of settings (home, community and school environments). This includes children and adolescents with behavioral problems, ADD/ADHD, as well as individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and adjustment problems. I worked for several years as a School Social Worker (Pre-K - grade 12), and in the child welfare system. I have worked in a short-term in-home placement stabilization program and treatment foster care program, then supervised the in-home Placement Stabilization, Treatment Foster Care program, Reunification, and Specialized Foster Care programs. In addition, I have worked in the field of adoption, in the licensing and adoption process, and with adoptees and adoptive parents doing individual counseling, support groups for adoptees, and support groups for adoptive parents. I am here to support you, and I look forward to working with you. Wendy Phillips, LCSW, C-SSWS, BCD ** Please Note -- I do not provide legal/court documentation, diagnosis, assessment or treatment reports, written documentation, or letters for ANY clinically related and/or other purpose. People who need such things, will need to work with another provider.

I am licensed in Illinois and Utah with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with a variety of lifes challenges. 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.

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Illinois with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 am licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Illinois with more than 10 years of clinical practice experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and career difficulties. I use a strengths-based and ecological approach in my work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. In addition to my clinical practice, I am an assistant professor in social work whose research focuses on building knowledge and developing theory that informs policies, practices, and culturally relevant, and evidence-based interventions to reduce depression and improve well-being among Black women. Because depression and well-being do not occur in isolation, I also focus on social class, gender, culture, and race as intersectional social determinants of health and mental health disparities. Given my clinical practice and research expertise, I know that it takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life. I also know that it takes courage to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Illinois with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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.