As a child, you may have developed fears of certain things that may have caused you trauma in your early years. Having a traumatic experience at any age can cause a condition called post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. This condition may be caused by abuse, a natural disaster like tornado or flood, terrorism, or being in the war. There are many counselors based in Oak Forest who are trained to treat PTSD.
Oak Forest is named as such because of the oak trees that blanket the city. Being alone in the forest can be traumatic to someone with PTSD as can many other situations that would not bother most people. Treatment for PTSD is available by one of our devoted counselors in Oak Forest.

Dr. John Cooley
My name is Dr. John Cooley. I have a Master of Arts Degree in Psychological Counseling from Southeast Missouri State University and Ph.D in Psychology from California Southern University. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and I am a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. I have 25 years of counseling experience working with Adults and Families who present with a variety of mental health and substance abuse problems. I have worked in outpatient and hospital settings. My treatment approach is very eclectic. I draw from a lot of counseling theories that can best fit a person's needs. Some of those include Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Focused Treatment. I believe that clients have the resources within them to make positive changes so as to improve the quality of their lives. I provide a warm compassionate approach to counseling and want my clients to feel that they have been heard, validated and understood. At the same time I help clients find solutions to their problems and learn valuable coping skills to manage the problems they are experiencing. I look forward to working with you!

Beverly Smith
Beverly (Ann) Smith Bio In addition to being a therapist, I am a licensed clinical social worker (MSW, LCSW), certified dementia practitioner and former Baccalaureate trained nurse. This unique background enables me to empower others in multiple ways. My over 20 years of experience includes working in hospitals, clinics, adoption/foster care agencies, assisted living facilities, and teaching as an adjunct professor at local junior colleges. I have counseled children, teens, foster parents, grandparents, young parents, members of the LGBTQ community, and cisgender adults using cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy. I believe that good outcomes with therapy are significantly linked to being matched with the therapist best suited for you. My goal is to be caring, honest, compassionate, committed and effective.

Jamie Blakeman
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 16 years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in counseling individuals experiencing a wide range of issues, including severe mental illness, trauma, depression anxiety and relational issues. I am passionate about working with individuals who are are struggling with co-occurring disorders and those who are need of support with daily life challenges or events. I have a wholistic approach to therapy and draw from the various modalities , including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy and dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT), in an effort to meet the need of each individual. Through the collaborative process of therapy, Through the therapeutic process, I will help to guide you to increase self-awareness, gain new perspectives, decrease symptoms, and increase personal strengths to have a more meaningful life experience. By using the power of the therapeutic relationship, I strive to create a nurturing environment and foundation to help clients heal, rebuild their lives and increase their resiliency. In every session, I use therapy as a way to nurture, challenge, support and understand clients. Healing can occur within a safe and trusting relationship.

Teretha Lewis
I am licensed in Illinois with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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!

Christianna Sullivan
I am licensed in Illinois with over 20 years of working with children and families both professionally and personally. I have over 10 years of volunteer experience working specifically with divorce recovery and family/ adjustment issues and years of professional work experience in various capacities. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. I utilize several therapeutic approaches and I strive to provide an empathetic environment for all individuals. I provide cognitive behavioral therapy and my style is client driven and and solution focused. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

James Seminaroti
I am a licensed clinical social worker with 17 years of professional work experience in a multitude of settings with different populations. I have worked with clients dealing with various stressors, depression and anxiety, substance use concerns and other addictions, trauma and abuse, and working through grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the steps to begin therapy can be a very difficult decision for some people. I pride myself on creating a safe place for you to share, heal, and grow.

Dia Lieberenz
I am licensed in Illinois with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related 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. 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.

Andrea Bercos
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Illinois with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have a depth of experience working in community mental health, substance abuse treatment centers, domestic violence and sexual assault centers, the public school system and private practice. I have extensive experience working with issues related to childhood trauma and abuse, addictions, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and LGBTQIA issues, including supporting individuals through the gender transition process. I strive to create an open, safe, and supportive environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared openly without fear of judgment. My clients have described me as safe, free of judgment, empathic, affirming empowering and warm. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to working with you!

Stefani Jivkova
I am a licensed therapist of 5 years in Illinois with professional experience working with trauma, grief, interpersonal relationships, career counseling, and more. My therapeutic approach is solution-based and I believe my role is to help guide you in the process of achieving your goals. I am here to support you in your journey by emphasizing your strengths and values to help move you to a more fulfilling life.

Antoinette Senjanovich
Antoinette Senjanovich is a compassionate and experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Illinois, dedicated to helping individuals find their path to healing and growth. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago and has over six years of clinical practice. Antoinette specializes in therapeutic approaches like DBT, psychodynamic and attachment theory, and CBT, which she uses to guide clients in exploring their innermost thoughts and emotions within a warm and safe space. She works with clients experiencing complex challenges, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex PTSD (CPTSD), eating disorders, and borderline personality disorder. Antoinette values diversity and inclusivity, and she has significant experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community. She believes that our diverse identities enrich who we are and that the world is more complete when all people are embraced for their uniqueness. Antoinette creates a collaborative, empowering environment in her therapy practice, helping individuals reflect on their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Her approach is non-imposing, meeting clients exactly where they are, and supporting them through their personal journey of self-discovery and growth. Beyond her professional work, Antoinette is passionate about animals and enjoys spending time with her dog and two black cats. She is an active member of her church, advocating for the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals in worship and leadership. Antoinette is also committed to social justice causes, serving her community, and enjoys swimming, spending time with family, singing, and reading in cozy coffee shops.
Find a therapist serving clients in Illinois
Types of therapists available to clients in Oak Forest
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Oak Forest that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Oak Forest available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Oak Forest therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Oak Forest therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Oak Forest region and in the state of Illinois.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Oak Forest can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Oak Forest may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.