Therapists in Illinois

I am an LCSW with 20 years experience working with a variety of age groups to manage mood disturbances, attention/focus/motivation issues, stress management, and all the functional difficulties that accompany these challenges. My style is direct, honest, and compassionate. I don’t believe in sugar-coated so it’s important that there's open communication and transparency throughout the process. I’ve worked with many different people and situations in my career, so this is a judgement-free-zone. I use Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Solution Focused, Reality, and Psychodynamic therapies. I believe in the power of each person to work through issues with appropriate support. I know personally what it means to struggle and experience loss. I have experience in encouraging the strength and abilities of individuals, and also in working with known limitations. To me therapy is a partnership; you guide the process and I will not only listen, but offer support and resources to help you overcome or mitigate what’s going on for you. Together we will break things down, determine common themes, and identify what is and is not working for you. Using your vision for what you want in your life, you’ll gain the skills to go after it and replace the parts which no longer serve you.

I am an African American female located in the Chicago land area. I have been a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois for over 25 years. I also have many years of experience teaching counseling and psychology as an adjunct professor at eight different colleges and universities. As a therapist who is also a Christian, I assist people in the areas of faith and spiritual matters, if requested. I am the author of the book "Tending to Broken Hearts: Reflections from Three Decades in the Counselor's Chair" available on Amazon. I do not operate according to the medical model and don't work with issues pertaining to psychotropic medications or imbalanced brain chemistry. I operate from the perspective that we all have choices, and need to make healthy ones in order to live mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy lives.

Hello! Welcome to our BetterHelp Community and congratulations in taking that courageous first step in feeling better! My name is Marikay Gazda and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1991. Through these many years I have provided counseling to those experiencing feelings of generalized anxiety, depressed thoughts, feelings of isolation, chronic or life threatening medical conditions, end of life issues, caregiver stress and fatigue and general life transitions. As a Certified Grief Counselor I have worked with individuals struggling in their feelings of grief and loss who feel stuck in moving on. But I have also found that those physical and psychological responses felt in grief is not unique to a death, as loss can be found across the board in relationships, health, a job or simply an empty nest. Those feelings of sadness, anxiety, depression and physical symptoms can certainly be generalized to any type of loss as it impacts an individual's ability to engage in a full and happy life. My demeanor is warm, compassionate, interactive and positive. I consider the client/therapist relationship to be the most important element to a successful therapy experience. As a clinician, my approach is client centered, goal oriented and grounded in a strengths perspective. I use the models of Emotional Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy in helping my clients understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings and behavior and creating goals to effect a change. In my work with grief and loss the Duel Process Model teaches a client to regularly "take breaks" from their feelings of loss while the Continuing Bonds Model works towards creating new meaning and a new relationship within the loss. My goal as a therapist is to partner with you in an empathetic and safe space and that each interaction leaves you hopeful that change can occur. I wish you all the peace that your day can bring knowing that you have taken that first step in feeling better.

Hello! My name is Jessica Milgrome, and I have been a licensed mental health clinician for the past 10 years. I am also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (Career Counselor) and a Nationally Certified Counselor. My therapeutic approach is centered around the belief that therapy should be the least stressful aspect of your life. I have a very modern, casual style, and I aim to create a supportive and relaxed environment where you can feel comfortable and open. I have a very informal, direct, and casual style of communicating, often incorporating humor into our sessions. I like to ask questions and am happy to direct the session if that’s preferred, or I can simply sit and listen. I appreciate when clients tell me if they are seeking guidance, feedback, or just want to vent. I have worked with clients facing a wide range of concerns, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, ADHD, and relationship issues such as breakups and marital conflicts. I also have experience in managing more severe mental health conditions like psychosis and trauma. My expertise extends to helping individuals cope with grief and loss, as well as addressing anger management issues. In addition to these areas, I focus on the development of interpersonal relationships, helping clients build and maintain healthy connections with others. I provide practical support with job placement and interview skills training, assisting clients in navigating career transitions and enhancing their professional lives. Most importantly, I offer guidance in cultivating self-love and navigating the process of forgiveness. I believe that developing a strong sense of self-worth and the ability to forgive oneself and others are crucial steps toward emotional healing and personal growth. My approach is holistic, addressing both the emotional and practical aspects of my clients' lives to help them achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. To give you an idea of the type of person I am—I'm a massive fan of stand-up comedy (laughing is life), I actually look forward to Mondays because that’s when Spotify releases new Discover Weekly playlists, and "When words fail, let the music speak" is essentially my mantra. Oh, and I have six dogs! As a therapist, my goal is to help my clients become the best version of themselves. Working together, we will improve self-esteem, identify triggers of symptoms, develop and effectively utilize coping skills, explore psychoeducational materials on areas of concern, facilitate and improve family relationships, discuss the effects of psychotropic medications, and develop a strong sense of self. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! Jessica Milgrome

My name is Sofia Dickey, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois with over 12 years of experience working in the mental health field. Additionally, I am a Certified Addictions Counselor in the state of Illinois. I have worked in residential and outpatient treatment centers for youth with behavioral concerns and adults with various mental health issues. I have also helped a wide variety of individuals from different backgrounds to better manage issues with depression, anxiety, addictions, and trauma. My counseling style is that of acceptance and compassion while using the approaches of cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapies as well as motivational interviewing. I am here to listen to you without judgment, and I am here to help. One of the benefits of online therapy involves the added daily support that may not be available through regular outpatient counseling. Therefore, I encourage you to message me at anytime as I check my messages at least once a day every day of the week. I also offer messaging, live chat, phone sessions and video sessions. Although I encourage video sessions, I am available through the means that make you feel the most comfortable. I look forward to working with you and helping you reach your goals.

Hi I’m Monica, Are you feeling stuck, unsettled and ready to regain some normalcy in your life? Are you hoping to become the best version of yourself? Allow me to assist you in becoming more self-aware and regaining more control of your life. I am a licensed counselor for the state of Illinois and a certified substance abuse counselor for California. My experiences have allowed me to work with diverse clientele ranging from children and adolescents to adults with varying needs. My therapeutic style is collaborative and engaging and I assist you in learning to live an enriched and full life. I have fifteen years’ experience working with individuals who needed help with emotional regulation, developing coping strategies, struggling with alcohol, drug or behavioral addictions as well as with individuals or couples needing to enhance their communication skills. I also have several years of experience working with veterans. I offer phone and video sessions for clients who are distancing or quarantined. I have immediate openings for new clients. Allow me to assist you in taking the next step towards living a more fulfilled life!

I am licensed in Illinois with 24 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 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 licensed in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings and have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, career struggles, stage of life transitions, & trauma and abuse. 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 takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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.

I am licensed in Illinois with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with career difficulties. 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.