Andrew Fishman, MSW, LCSW, is a compassionate therapist specializing in helping preteen and teen individuals navigate the balance between their passion for video games and their daily responsibilities. With a lifelong affinity for gaming, Andrew understands both the social and educational benefits video games can provide, as well as the serious concerns they may pose for some. He recognizes that video games can be habit-forming, making it difficult for players to manage their time spent between gaming and essential activities such as homework, chores, and family time. Andrew employs a Culturally Sensitive and Eclectic approach, combining Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and humanistic techniques to guide his clients in examining their values. By fostering self-awareness and promoting balance, Andrew empowers young individuals to become the people they aspire to be. Read some of his insightful articles on gaming and mental health to gain further perspective.

Emily Goldman, MA, LCSW, is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist who embodies a compassionate and non-judgmental approach to therapy. With over a decade of experience in Chicago, she adeptly guides clients through challenging situations and helps them develop effective coping strategies. Specializing in issues such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and trauma/PTSD, Emily focuses on providing concrete strategies to reduce stress, improve communication, and enhance relationships. She also offers valuable support for those navigating the stress related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Emily employs a relational and collaborative therapeutic approach, integrating elements of psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness. When working with children, she incorporates play-based and creative therapy strategies, alongside providing parenting and family support. Understanding that reaching out to a therapist can feel daunting, Emily creates a safe and welcoming environment for healing and self-improvement, ensuring that clients feel supported throughout their therapeutic journey. She offers flexible options, including telehealth sessions, to meet the needs of individuals and families alike.

Anita Groll is a licensed clinical professional counselor with over 20 years of experience in providing individual, couple, and family therapy in the Northwest Suburbs. She specializes in assisting children, teens, and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, attachment issues, ADHD, infertility, grief and loss, dating and relationships, women's issues, aging, and trauma. Anita is dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment that fosters trust and open communication. Her client-focused and goal-directed practice employs cognitive-behavioral methods for adults and teens, while incorporating theraplay techniques and parent coaching when working with children and families. Being bilingual in English and Polish, Anita is committed to addressing the diverse needs of her clients. She values the opportunity to engage in conversations about individual concerns, with initial sessions focused on gathering information and beginning the assessment process to tackle current life challenges.

Jen Haughey is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with nine years of experience in the field. Specializing in helping adults navigate complex issues such as stress, relationship dynamics, and life transitions, she employs a range of effective therapeutic modalities including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and the Gottman Method. Jen's approach is person-centered and strength-based, making her a compassionate ally for individuals and couples alike. Her expertise also extends to addressing peer relationships, grief, anxiety, self-esteem, and women's issues, ensuring a holistic and supportive environment for her clients. Through integrative and solution-focused strategies, Jen empowers her clients to cultivate resilience and navigate life's challenges with confidence.

Michael Athans is a dedicated Psychologist with a PhD, part of a multi-specialty group of doctoral-level Licensed Clinical Psychologists and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. He works with a diverse clientele, encompassing children, adolescents, adults, and families, addressing a wide range of issues including ADHD, family conflict, and emotional disturbances. Michael believes in empowering individuals by reinforcing their strengths rather than focusing on negative qualities. He emphasizes the importance of positive coping skills and Health Psychology, integrating proper nutrition, exercise, and mental wellness into his therapeutic approach. By understanding and appreciating maladaptive patterns, he guides clients towards healthier behaviors and improved outcomes. Through various modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family systems, and solution-focused brief therapy, Michael Athans is committed to helping clients achieve balance and happiness in their lives.

Veronica Gulezian is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, specializing in working with adults and elders facing various mental health challenges. She understands that choosing to pursue counseling can feel vulnerable, and that many may wonder about the impact it can have on their lives. With her wealth of experience on both sides of the therapist's chair, she confidently offers a collaborative and safe therapeutic environment where individuals can find relief and rediscover their inner strength. Veronica's expertise includes trauma recovery, grief counseling (including support for suicide bereavement), navigating relationship dynamics, anxiety management, identity development, LGBTQ+ matters, and addictions counseling. She works with clients aged 18 and older, helping them address personal, professional, and relationship issues. Through her eclectic range of therapy types such as Compassion Focused, EMDR, and Person-Centered modalities, Veronica empowers clients to unlock their resilience, fostering a more positive and peaceful sense of self. In her nurturing approach, she honors each individual’s journey, making it her mission to walk alongside them as they navigate life's challenges.

Maor Kramer is a compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Mental Performance Consultant who specializes in guiding individuals toward overcoming obstacles that hinder them from living fulfilling and meaningful lives. Maor adeptly supports clients in managing intrusive thoughts and feelings that may stand in the way of their goals. With expertise in working with athletes, musicians, business professionals, and anyone seeking to enhance their performance, Maor offers a wide array of therapeutic approaches, including Culturally Sensitive therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Maor assists individuals navigating transitions in their careers, relationships, and various life circumstances. Their practice welcomes those facing challenges such as depression and anxiety, as well as individuals looking to work through difficult periods. Maor understands that beginning or returning to therapy can be a daunting experience, and they are committed to creating a therapeutic space that is both comfortable and collaborative, ensuring clients feel supported every step of the way.

Dr. Cynthia Yesko, the founder of the Holistic Therapy Institute, is a licensed professional counselor and educator with an impressive over 30 years of experience. She dedicatedly assists clients in transforming outdated stress patterns into more effective strategies for managing both day-to-day hurdles and remarkable adversities. Her renowned institute not only provides counseling but also an educational program for professionals eager to learn from her expertise. Dr. Yesko's specialization in trauma, particularly clergy abuse and betrayal trauma, showcases her commitment to addressing complex issues with compassion and understanding. She employs a range of techniques, including meditation, mindfulness, progressive relaxation, and guided imagery, to facilitate the body's relaxation response. Grounded in neuroscience, she offers tailored counseling for individuals, couples, and families facing stress and trauma. Additionally, she has developed a first responder wellness program that includes workshops aimed at enhancing resilience. Dr. Yesko's passion for health and wellness extends to her own continuous self-improvement, which enriches her practice. She actively shares innovative research, tools, and resources with her clients, leading to valuable feedback that inspired her to create the Stress Pattern Mapping (c) process, empowering others to cultivate a healthier relationship with stress and trauma.

Joan Lepontois is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and therapist with extensive experience in supporting clients who have experienced trauma. She is dedicated to assisting individuals as they navigate emotional obstacles that may hinder their journey toward personal goals. With a robust background in working with clients dealing with chronic illness—including conditions like cancer and diabetes—Joan serves both children and adults, providing them with a safe space to explore their feelings. Her expertise extends to clients experiencing anxiety and depression, and she skillfully employs multiple treatment modalities tailored to each client's unique needs. Joan fosters a warm environment and aims to make the counseling process as comfortable as possible, recognizing that seeking help for the first time can be intimidating. While she prefers in-office visits, she also offers teletherapy options to accommodate varying needs. Joan's approach is rooted in culturally sensitive and relational practices, utilizing methods like Positive Psychology, Trauma Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to create meaningful connections and promote healing.

Rebecca Levin is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and therapist with over 20 years of experience in counseling teens, adults, families, and couples. She firmly believes that counseling can serve as a valuable space for clients to explore and overcome the obstacles preventing them from achieving their goals. In her practice, Rebecca focuses on identifying what is working well in clients' lives and building on those successes to facilitate meaningful change. She is certified in two specialized treatment models: the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach for substance abuse and Brief Strategic Family Therapy for families. Rebecca's therapeutic expertise encompasses a wide array of concerns, including relationship issues, trauma and PTSD, addiction, and emotional disturbances, among others. She utilizes a variety of approaches, including trauma-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy, ensuring that each client receives personalized support tailored to their unique needs.

Paulina Malysko is a dedicated counselor with a wealth of experience in supporting adults through challenging times. She understands that life can be difficult and believes in the importance of meeting clients where they are, providing a safe and supportive environment for personal growth. With over six years of expertise in addressing addiction, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues, Paulina utilizes various therapeutic modalities, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Compassion Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Fluent in Polish, she values the opportunity to learn from her clients, offering active listening and thoughtful guidance. Paulina recognizes that the journey of self-discovery and positive change can often begin at unexpected times, and she is here to help navigate that path towards health and wellness. Whether it's coping with mood disorders, managing life transitions, or enhancing self-esteem, Paulina is committed to fostering resilience and empowerment for every individual she encounters.

Dr. Mari Richko, counselor, ND, LCPC, CEDS, CYI, ABT, is the esteemed owner and founder of the Center for Authentic Living in Park Ridge, IL. With an extensive background in holistic health spanning over 25 years, she has devoted her career to integrating Body Centered Psychotherapy and bodywork therapies into her practice. Renowned within the addiction community, Dr. Richko excels in enhancing recovery for individuals facing challenges such as substance abuse, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety, trauma, and various mental and physical health issues. Her unique therapeutic approach weaves together mindfulness, body awareness, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Traditional Chinese Medicine, facilitating profound connections with clients' inner experiences from a place of curiosity. Specializing in mindful and spiritual methods, Dr. Richko guides individuals towards living their best selves. An accomplished lecturer, she educates on the practical applications of psychology and TCM as vital tools for recovery, while underscoring the importance of yoga and meditation as complementary therapies. Through her empathetic style, she empowers clients toward better health and well-being, underscoring the intrinsic relationship between body, mind, and spirit. Dr. Richko believes that compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom are essential in therapy and that cultivating a spiritual practice is critical for transformative healing. She emphasizes that an optimal treatment program integrates these values for lasting personal growth.

Ann Marie Zakos is a compassionate and holistic therapist who specializes in helping individuals navigate toxic relationships that may be causing them distress. Her clients often include teenagers, adults, and elders facing challenges related to trauma, PTSD, and the complexities of narcissistic relationships. Ann provides a nurturing, safe space where clients can explore their feelings and experiences, encouraging healing for the mind, body, and soul. With expertise in mindfulness-based therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and trauma-focused approaches, she empowers those suffering from symptoms of Complex PTSD to discover their inner resilience. Additionally, Ann incorporates Reiki into her practice to enhance the therapeutic experience. She understands that toxic relationships can impact various aspects of life—mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and even financially. Through her supportive and trauma-informed approach, Ann Marie Zakos facilitates transformation and recovery, guiding clients toward living their best lives and freeing themselves from the burdens of toxic dynamics.