Find a Therapist in Woodridge, IL

I have a direct approach to helping people find more peace in their lives. No matter the diagnosis or issue, I tailor my practice to meet you where you are, in each moment.

Why I Love being a Psychotherapist No easy task, the process of therapy requires the unmasking of socially condoned violence done to individuals. In therapy, the uncovering process requires digging through layers of neglect and indifference, contempt and ridicule, shame and humiliation, criticism and guilt, exploitation and manipulation. Almost without exception, each breakthrough involves breakage and releases costly feelings of outrage, hatred, and pain. The reparative process calls for understanding, acceptance, and support, along with a ritualistic observance of the symbolic meanings of the events which come to light. I love being a psychotherapist because this gives me the opportunity to provide assistance, hope and determination that you can make it through anything that might seem impossible. The tools I have used to facilitate this process proceed from what lies deep within the patient's intuition, felt experience, and determination combined with my faith in the patient's primacy, resilience, and self-healing capacity.

Life is about relationships. It is within the safety of the therapeutic relationship that change and growth occurs. I utilize an authentic, easy-going and friendly approach to foster relationships to self and others. Individuals and families from 3 to 103 are warmly welcomed to work with me! Clients will be met where they are. I will work with you to collaboratively develop a tailor-made treatment plan that is as individual as you are. I draw on over 25 years of experience as a therapist to help guide you toward growth and resilience. The modalities of treatment that I utilize are CBT, DBT, Person-centered, Psychodynamic, and supportive. The issues I work naturally with are ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Divorce, Emotional-dysregulation, Griefloss, OCD, oppositional and disruptive behaviors, Self-esteem, Stress and Trauma. Therapy may be challenging, but not boring. Creativity is mixed into treatment where it applies via art, books, guided- imagery, music, poetry, play and role-plays. All topics are invited to be part of the conversation.

You might be feeling completely stressed out, overwhelmed by sadness, or stuck in unhealthy habits. Maybe an important relationship has deteriorated. Or perhaps it's something else altogether that brought you here. No matter what it is, you're in good company. Millions of people use counseling and therapy to feel better and enjoy life more. There's nothing more natural and healthy than seeking assistance from someone who offers a safe and respectful space to explore concerns, and who can understand, listen, and offer new perspectives. I invite you to learn more by giving me a call or visiting my website. My website offers details on the principles that inform my work, the services I offer, and how easy starting therapy can be. And please feel free to call me. My free phone consultation is an open invitation to talk with me about your concerns. I'll be happy to help.

Stressed? Angry? Depressed? Feeling alone with your problems? Tired of not feeling like yourself? Talking to friends or relatives not enough? Therapy means "to remedymake better" -- like learning how to reduce stress, feel more in control, have happier relationships, be more confident and acquire new skills. Excellent psychotherapy = a blend of talent, integrity, training, experience & dedication. I've undergone my own intensive therapy and lived and studied throughout the U.S. and abroad. I'm an effective psychotherapist -- committed to helping you resolve your issues and getting on with your life -- stronger, healthier and more confident.

Is your daughter anxious and worried? Does she struggle with getting to school in the mornings or making friends? Is she more sensitive than normal, irritable and crying frequently? Having trouble sleeping? Is it hard for her to distract herself or control her thoughts? Does she seem nervous and fearful and missing out on fun activities? Are you worried, feeling overwhelmed or even frustrated because nothing seems to help? Many parents reach out because they too are worried about their child, feeling helpless and lost, trying to find the right help for their child. I help parents understand their child's behavior and find strategies that work. Hi, I’m Shelly! I’m a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a passion for helping children and teens build confidence, manage emotions, and reach their full potential. For over 20 years, I’ve supported young people and their families through challenges such as anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, and life transitions—helping them find healthier ways to cope and connect. After earning my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University, I moved to Chicago to attend the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, where I earned my master’s degree in 1999 and my doctorate in 2004. From the beginning, my work has focused on understanding the emotional world of children and teens and helping families strengthen communication and resilience. I believe every child has the inner strength to grow and thrive. My approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in compassion and evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I work closely with both children and parents to uncover what’s behind the emotional or behavioral struggles and to develop tools that foster understanding, balance, and confidence at home and at school. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where your child feels heard and understood—and where you, as a parent, feel guided and empowered. Reaching out for therapy is a courageous step, and I’m honored to walk alongside your family on this journey toward healing and growth.

What if you could treat yourself as well as you do your best friend? What if you could master your thoughts and fears and live a life that energizes you and doesn't leave you feeling "stuck in a rut" day in and day out? What would that feel like for you? I believe that we create our struggles based on how we treat ourselves and we would feel better if we were more self-compassionate and mindful in our daily lives. We need to learn to love ourselves as we are with all of our wonderful strengths, as well as our weaknesses; instead of shaming our own selves for our perceived shortcomings. What strengths you may be asking yourself? We all have strengths and in our work together I will help you to identify and to use those strengths to overcome your struggles in life. Together we will work on changing self defeating thoughts that keep you feeling "stuck" in life and help you to master those thoughts so you can think in ways that are more self empowering and self loving. I believe the key to happiness is learning to overcome our self defeating beliefs and behaviors. Happiness lies within our own selves but sometimes in life we can lose sight of this and end up struggling with having too much worry, too much sadness or too much avoidance of what needs to change in our lives. I will work with you on learning skills that will help you to lessen you worries, your sadness and assist you with lessening your avoidance of the difficult challenges in your life.

I bring a personalized, strength-based approach. Our work together focuses on developing concrete, achievable goals, enhancing self-efficacy, creating sustainable personal growth, and building emotional resilience. Maybe you’re struggling to find your feet at a new school or office. Maybe you’re ramping up to make a major decision. Maybe you’ve come to rely on a network of support, only to find it slipping lately. Or maybe you’re just feeling a bit lost or out-of-sorts, and you’re not exactly sure why. If you’re a parent reading this, maybe you’re feeling like you don’t recognize your son or daughter anymore, or maybe your recent efforts to help your child cope and flourish have been coming up short. Together, let’s move beyond the mental roadblocks and anxious feelings that seem overwhelming and are holding you back. I’ll help you reset and reconnect with the feelings of comfort and calm that have gone missing. And, above all, let’s work together to build your sense of empowerment and move through the world on your terms with feelings of independence, confidence, and pride.

In the chaos of day-to-day life we tend to forget how much our innate strengths can help us deal with and manage what ever turmoil we encounter. In therapy we will work to help you recognize and develop your skills, strengths, and values to help you through some of your toughest situations. Together, we will work collaboratively towards meeting your goals and needs, and in doing so, make your life more comfortable and satisfying. It is my hope that each person who meets with me feels accepted, as I respect each individual's culture, gender, race, religion, and sexual identity.

I take an integrative approach to therapy, tailoring my methods to each client's unique needs. My practice draws from person-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), existential and narrative therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques. I also incorporate multicultural and social justice frameworks to ensure a holistic and inclusive approach that acknowledges the diverse experiences and identities of my clients.

Whether you're aware or not, you find your feelings getting in your way. Perhaps you can't recognize them, or why they're causing you trouble. Boxing them up, pushing them away, or denying them doesn't work anymore. You want to manage on your own but haven't been taught how to do so. Having a compassionate, thoughtful, supportive, at times snarky, person to help you find your own path forward can be just the thing to get you back on your own two feet. Together we can process your past, and help you come up with new ways to navigate life's ups and downs, and side to sides. I offer a safe and comfortable place to work at the edge of your comfort zone. We will explore what brings you to therapy, no matter the topic, no matter your lifestyle. I'm here for you. With support and understanding, you will be better able to understand and cope with the experiences that have brought you to therapy. Respecting your personal experience, identity, and personal level of tolerance for puns and dad jokes, I will work with you to collaboratively address whatever brings you to therapy. Call now for an initial consult at 407-413-8169, or to schedule an initial appointment.

Are you stressed? Anxious? Depressed? Are you suffering from headaches? Pain? Insomnia? Infertility? Cancer? Fatigue? I can help. I am a clinical health psychologist with a specialty in behavioral medicine. I am dedicated to empowering patients to positively heal their mind, body, and spirit. I have received specialized training in mind body interventions across the country including Harvard medical school. I aim to employ innovative practices to improve the lives of my patients. I help tap into my patients hidden potential and healing abilities which reside within each individual to heal the past, gain balance and perspective in life and in relationships, and healthy body from physical symptoms.