Thank you for taking time to learn more about me as a therapist, as you contemplate taking this important step toward attending to your own wellbeing. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois with 10 years of experience as a therapist. I would describe my approach as warm and compassionate, but I will also challenge you when needed. My ultimate goal is to help you gain the tools and insight to live the life you want. I meet my clients where they are and work collaboratively with them to develop a plan for getting them where they want to be. I believe establishing a strong working relationship and attending to the therapeutic alliance is a key aspect of successful therapy. That is to say, we will work together to get you where you want to be and will have an open dialogue to be sure your therapeutic needs are met. I offer counseling for individuals with trauma/abuse, personality disorders, mood disorders, LGBTQ related concerns, addictions, and anxiety disorders. My approach is rooted in psychodynamic theory; however, I pull from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, CBT, and Mindfulness to help my clients gain the tools needed to face whatever challenges arise. I look forward to working with you and want to commend you for taking this step toward personal growth. Best, Andrea

The first thing I do with every new person I work with is to listen to or read their story. After 26 years of clinical social work experience, I have learned the vast importance and value of people telling their stories. You are the expert on your life,and if you are seeking counseling, you want to change your future story. As you describe the changes you desire, we will also look at your strengths. Together, we can set goals to make those changes.Together we can work to meet your goals. I use an eclectic mix of therapeutic approaches to help those I serve. I am always client centered and solution focused. Frequently, a short term goal people set is to alleviate the discomfort that led you to seek counseling. I have experience and training in working with people who have experienced anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. My focus is on you, not the label. We will build on your strengths to build a new future.

For those of us experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic illness/disability, grief and loss, relationship issues, and work/life balance difficulties, trying to adapt to the changes these issues inevitably bring is a common thread that binds us all together. Change is a natural part of life, but it has ways of bringing up feelings of fear, uncertainty, doubt, and sometimes even apathy and pessimism. Since we cannot control change – we can only control how we respond to it – we often feel “stuck”. Together, we can work to address these feelings and adjust our mindsets so we can become stronger from the inside out. Realizing that we have the power to “course correct” our circumstances can be empowering. Our aim in the therapeutic process is to address change by: *learning to “reframe” the situation and see it differently. We can become more aware of what our minds are saying to us and change the narrative to something that is more aligned with our needs. Sometimes we don’t see the possibilities that change can bring because we are locked in a mindset that this is how things are supposed to be. *re-examining our core beliefs about ourselves and the world around us. When we know ourselves, our truths, our current beliefs, we can weather change more effectively. Sometimes difficulty comes when we are living out of alignment to our core values. *acknowledging that it can be uncomfortable but that difficult moments to not define us. Although social media may have us believe otherwise, life is not meant to be lived perfectly. We can learn from our mistakes, alter our actions, and see where we can do better. Avoiding discomfort can lead us to miss out on amazing experiences. Together, through the therapeutic process, we can discover what might be on the other side. *identify supports and health self-care practices. We can explore those relationships and practices that are reflections of our worth and learn to let go of those that don’t. The therapeutic process can also address how our communication styles can either enhance or diminish our support systems. These are my beliefs. I blend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), person centered therapy (PCT) and solution focused therapy tailored to each person’s needs. In the past 4 decades as a social worker (yes, it has been that long!), I have worked with individuals in long term care and hospice, both as a social worker and as an administrator, and as a mental health practitioner in group practice settings. If I have learned anything over those years it is this: It is never too late to try something new, to start again, and to create a life we truly desire. We are all connected. Our journeys may look different and feel different, but we are all here on this earth for a reason and for a purpose. Let us discover yours – together.

Hello. My name is LaShara, and I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor. I am also a Doctoral candidate for Pastoral and Christian Counseling. It has been my pleasure working with consumers of varied ages, from children to senior citizens. My aim is to discover areas of difficulties and build strengths to foster a flourishing and meaningful life. I endorse an integrative perspective of treatment to acknowledge the contexts of the body, mind, environment, and spirituality within treatment settings. I work in secular and Christian settings, and I respond to the goals of the consumers. I embrace compassion, empathy, and recognition that life has moments of suffering, but through value-driven committed action, there can be beautiful outcomes. It will be wonderful to hear from you soon. Thank you.

Hello and welcome! My name is Tzu-Ping, and the pronunciation sounds close to Su-Ping. I am from Taiwan and am licensed in Illinois for the past 12 years. Here are some stories about me, and hope to share about yours! Since childhood, I have always been curious about different parts of the world and people’s lives in various cultures. I started to live in the United States in 2008 and have experienced many moves and life transitions since then. I began to have first-hand experiences and more understanding about what it means to have interruptions to the comfortable familiarities and breaks of the sense of self, struggles, isolation, uncertainty, and doubts are all part of these adjustments. However, it’s also because of these life transitions, I believe that the preferred self and new developments in life also grow from these challenging and seemingly unstable times. Therapy can be a journey to new territories of meaningful developments and exploration of how we want to be in this world. My therapy approach is narrative and collaborative, and I care deeply about equity and respect for diversity. I also believe in the multi-facet of an individual and the possibilities of life that labels would not define. Our conversations aim to support you toward your preferred direction in your life journey. I am looking forward to working with you!

My name is Khalisha D. Wesley and I am a fully Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Born and raised in the windy city, Chicago, Illinois. My experience dates back to 2011, where I worked with adults suffering from chronic and severe mental Illinois for an outpatient Behavioral Health facility. Since then, I have worked with a host of populations. As a LCSW, I am able to assess, diagnose, treat and prevent mental illness, emotional and other behavioral disturbances. I specialize in patients across the lifespan (0-99) experiencing trauma, anxiety, panic, depression, life transitions couples/family therapy, teen issues, life after institutionalization, and many others. I believe that mental health is a right and not a privilege. Everyone should have access to adequate services no matter their age, gender, socioeconomic status, criminal background, etc. Addressing mental health should not be uncomfortable nor embarrassing. At some point in all our lives we need this support and I want to be this for you.

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. Throughout those years, I have gained experience providing therapy to individuals who may be dealing with substance use, anger/stress management, anxiety, depression, grief & loss, as well as trauma. I have experience working with teens, young adults, BIPOC, and adult men. I believe in the necessity of cultural competence and sensitivity when working with clients from diverse backgrounds and populations. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and discuss how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. I also focus on empowering clients by using empathy and a strength based approach. 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. It will sometimes be challenging, frustrating, and complicated, but also very rewarding and reflective. I do want you to know that throughout the therapeutic process, I am here to support you along this journey. With some hard work and dedication, you will be on a path of growth that will truly make you happy. Congrats on being an advocate for your own mental health and wellbeing! I look forward to working with you.

I am Arnold A Lavaire, a bilingual Christian counselor licensed in the state of Virginia and Illinois. I was born and raised in Honduras and moved to live in the United States in 1996. I served 5 years of military service in the US Navy. I am fluent in Spanish, I can conduct counseling in English and in Spanish. I earned a B.S. in Psychology from Campbell University, a M.A. in Counseling from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, and a M.Div. from Mid-America Reformed Seminary.

I am an art therapist (A.T.R ~ Registered Art Therapist) and hold my L.C.P.C. (licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) from Illinois with almost 20 years of professional work. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss/living with terminal illnesses, depression, and coping with life changes as well as other areas. Many things that we experience in our lives are beyond words, which is how art therapy can be a more engaging way to process and tell our stories. Please understand that do not need to identify as an "artist" in order to engage with and benefit from art therapy. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Missouri and Illinois with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Florida with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma experiences, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd) for school aged clients and adults. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. The LGBTQIA community is one that is an area that I have specific expertise to assist individual clients and families to navigate with support and sincerity. I believe that taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process today and moving forward.

Please be aware my availability is early mornings sessions. Monday - Friday. (5am - 7am) This may change some in the summer. I am licensed in Missouri with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). 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 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, & depression. 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 a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with over15 years of professional experience. I want to support you in bringing forth your best. I embrace the adage, “When you are ready for the next step, you will approach that step.” As a therapist, I see my role as helping you become the person you want to be. The change process requires (1) self-exploration (which may require you to talk about difficult and challenging issues, and (2) stepping out of your “comfort zone” (when you feel ready) to try new behaviors. As you talk about the situation you are in and the challenges you face, I may ask questions such as, "How have you previously approached similar challenges?" What worked? What didn't work? What can you do to improve your chance for success? If you seem to be taking a self-limiting perspective, I might suggest replacing the self-limiting/self-defeating messages you are giving yourself with messages that are more appreciative and optimistic about who you are and what you have to offer (like “I am worthy” or “I am good at ________.”) What If you don’t think you are worthy or what if you don’t think you are good at ________? Then, I will ask you to explain how you concluded that. Or else, I may merely sit with you in support of you, leaving it up to you to tap into your gifts and bring them forth. Whatever you come up with, I will listen to you and reflect back what I am hearing from you, possibly offer my perspective, and hope that you can put it together to give it your best.

I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!