Find a Therapist

Dr. April Crawford is a compassionate psychologist dedicated to empowering individuals as they navigate their paths to self-fulfillment. Graduating in 2015 from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Chicago, Dr. Crawford specializes in treating mood disorders, trauma, and PTSD, while also offering support for those facing challenges such as job transitions, relationship changes, pregnancy, and educational journeys. With years of therapy experience, Dr. Crawford brings a unique and culturally sensitive perspective as a biracial member of the LGBTQ+ community, fostering an open dialogue about diversity in her sessions. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in client-centered interventions, complemented by evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Dr. Crawford is committed to creating a safe environment where individuals can explore their experiences through their personal and cultural lenses, ultimately facilitating significant improvements in mental health and quality of life at the Chicago Center for Growth & Change.

Michael Cummings is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor (MA, NCC, LMHC, LPC) who specializes in supporting adults through their challenges with life, work, family, and education. His therapeutic approach centers around the effective use of EMDR therapy, a proven method for addressing issues like trauma, PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder. Michael's practice includes guiding clients to overcome emotional obstacles and irrational beliefs that may hinder their ability to lead fulfilling lives. With extensive training in various modalities, including mindfulness-based therapy, transpersonal psychology, solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), and hypnotherapy, he offers a comprehensive and eclectic approach tailored to each individual's needs. Committed to fostering personal growth, Michael works diligently to create a therapeutic environment filled with respect, sensitivity, and honesty. He recognizes that therapy is a journey unique to each person, and he focuses on equipping individuals with the necessary tools to facilitate their progress towards a brighter future.

Michelle Byrd, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC, NCC), brings a wealth of experience in supporting teens, adults, and elders facing anxiety, depression, and alcohol use challenges. With a background as a high school counselor, she excels in empowering young adults to navigate life's complexities with confidence. Michelle employs a holistic approach that honors each individual's identity, creating a non-judgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and feelings. Utilizing a range of effective therapy modalities, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, she helps clients develop essential skills for managing stress and achieving a satisfying and sustainable life. Through personalized guidance, Michelle assists clients in uncovering their strengths and aligning their values with their goals, fostering a sense of clarity and calm. With a commitment to understanding and support, Michelle is dedicated to helping individuals and families turn their ups and downs into manageable challenges. She is there to walk alongside them on their journey to wellness.

With over 20 years of experience, Jamie Pellar, LCSW, BCD, CYT, MA, empowers her clients by equipping them with essential tools to navigate upheaval, heal, and ultimately thrive. She believes in the profound connection between the mind, body, and spirit, emphasizing that a balanced life is achievable for everyone. By integrating various modalities—including mindfulness-based therapy, expressive arts, acceptance and commitment therapy, hypnotherapy, and yoga integrated psychotherapy—Jamie accelerates the healing process for her clients. In her safe and nurturing environment, she promotes growth through diverse forms of expression beyond just conversation, utilizing techniques such as meditation and body awareness. Jamie specializes in addressing the complexities of infidelity, divorce, betrayal, and adolescent challenges, which can disrupt lives and necessitate new coping strategies. By employing a holistic approach, she effectively alleviates sadness, anxiety, and depression when traditional talk therapy may fall short. Additionally, she assists couples and families in restoring effective communication and re-establishing faded bonds, while also addressing challenging parent-child dynamics. Jamie serves as a parent coordinator, divorce coach, coparent specialist, mediator, and couples therapist, helping her clients find their way back to a healthier, more connected life.

Dr. Aimee Daramus is a dedicated psychologist with extensive experience in helping individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders. Her clients are on challenging journeys, and Aimee is honored to walk alongside them in their struggles. The name of her practice, Audeo, is derived from the Latin word for 'I dare,' reflecting her understanding that seeking therapy often requires immense courage. She deeply respects those who take this brave step, recognizing the efforts it takes to engage in therapy, utilize coping skills, or simply get through the day. Dr. Daramus specializes in a tailored therapeutic approach, utilizing evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Heart Rate Variability (HRV) biofeedback, and Adlerian therapy, an effective approach rooted in psychoanalytic principles. Her goal is to create customized treatment plans that align with each client’s specific needs, fostering their growth and healing journey. Known for her timely responses, Aimee encourages open communication and is always available to answer questions, helping clients feel more at ease in their therapeutic experience.

Liza Daroff is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and therapist committed to supporting individuals through life's challenges. She understands that everyone encounters obstacles and, at times, needs guidance in discovering new perspectives and tools for growth and healing. Liza creates a nonjudgmental, safe space where clients can feel comfortable sharing their authentic selves. She works with adolescents, young adults, and adults of all ages, as well as families and couples, addressing concerns such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and significant life transitions. With expertise in various therapeutic methodologies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Trauma-Informed care, Liza helps clients navigate emotional distress while finding meaning in their lives. Her compassionate yet direct approach encourages individuals to gain deeper insights into their past experiences, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, empowering them to achieve greater control and satisfaction in their lives.

Dr. Plamena Daskalova is a dedicated clinical psychotherapist and the Director of Training at Allow Wellness. She demonstrates a deep passion for working with clients of all ages, with specialized expertise in supporting undergraduate and graduate students, as well as young professionals. Dr. Daskalova has notable training and experience in addressing various concerns such as identity and career development, adjustment and acculturation, family-of-origin issues, mood disorders, and trauma. Additionally, she is particularly skilled in assisting clients from immigrant or international backgrounds. Known for her warm, empathic, and collaborative therapeutic style, Dr. Daskalova effectively utilizes a diverse range of evidence-based interventions, prominently including relational and cognitive-behavioral approaches, to foster meaningful change in her clients' lives.

Jessica Dattalo, LCSW, understands that life can often feel overwhelming. Whether individuals are grappling with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, maladaptive coping skills, or navigating stressful life transitions, she is committed to ensuring no one has to face these challenges alone. With an empathetic and collaborative approach, Jessica guides her clients through a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth. She believes that it is never too early or too late to begin uncovering one's true self. Jessica recognizes each person within the context of their environment and emphasizes values exploration, skills training, thought restructuring, and motivational interviewing to help individuals achieve a state of happiness, health, and integration. By fostering a new relationship with struggles and emotions, her clients can create the fulfilling lives they were meant to lead. Jessica is devoted to integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into her sessions. These evidence-based approaches equip her clients with essential skills and strategies to manage life's challenges effectively. Resilience is at the core of her practice, and she looks forward to supporting clients on their journeys to healing, self-discovery, and a more meaningful life.

Laura Davis is a dedicated licensed professional counselor who brings a wealth of experience to her practice, having transitioned to therapy as a second career. She understands the search for a more meaningful life and works with adults and elders, addressing key issues such as depression, relationship challenges, and men's issues. Holding a master’s degree in counseling, Laura has completed an intensive year-long immersion in narrative therapy and has recently finished coursework toward a PhD in social work, focusing on psychodynamic theory. Her background in psychodynamic therapy allows her to listen in a unique way, fostering a deeper understanding of oneself that is both curious and open. Currently, she is conducting research on the impact of dating apps on relationships for her dissertation, recognizing that modern dating can often feel like navigating a landmine. Laura promotes long-term therapeutic relationships, believing that interpersonal challenges can arise within therapy, providing an opportunity to address perceived immovable problems. Through her training in social work and narrative therapy, she appreciates the various systems that influence individuals. Laura is committed to supporting her clients through the complex process of change, acknowledging that if a simple solution existed, it would have already been discovered. She is prepared to accompany clients through experiences that may feel intolerable, shameful, or uncertain, offering a safe space for growth and transformation.

Emily Dawson, LCSW, understands that many individuals seek therapy for various reasons, whether it's feeling stuck, out of balance, or the desire to develop new and positive coping strategies. She believes that therapy offers hope for healing, acceptance, and personal growth, providing valuable insights into oneself. Starting from where her clients are presently, she harnesses their personal strengths, internal resources, and resilience, enabling them to recognize their inherent power. Emily's goal is to equip her clients with the tools, skills, and support necessary to create a life filled with meaning, intention, and value, a life worth engaging with daily. Her therapeutic approach is both collaborative and empathic, grounded in the belief that everyone is doing their best to navigate life's challenges. Utilizing a strengths-based methodology, she helps clients develop new adaptive tools and coping skills. Emily employs evidence-based practices such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), and Narrative Therapy. She specializes in supporting adult clients dealing with anxiety, eating disorders, depression, trauma, as well as various issues surrounding gender identity, LGBTQ challenges, and relationship dynamics.

Neiha Dhar, MS, LMFT is a compassionate Marriage & Family Therapist who understands the struggles individuals face in feeling unseen and unheard. She recognizes that many people, at various life stages from preteens to adults, often lack the opportunity to slow down and reflect on their true desires, separate from societal and familial pressures. Neiha guides her clients toward feeling acknowledged and valued, fostering their understanding of their presence and impact in both the world and their key relationships. With a Master's Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy, she combines her expertise with clinical interests that encompass chronic illness, relational conflict, multi-ethnic couples, and the challenges of gender role pressures, particularly when working with male clients. In today's fast-paced world, filled with transitions and grief, Neiha creates a safe space for individuals to process their emotions and find meaning in their lives and relationships. Her therapeutic modalities are diverse, including Somatic, Culturally Sensitive, Positive Psychology, Family/Marital, and more, ensuring that she meets the unique needs of every individual. Neiha aims to be a supportive ally as clients explore their journey together.

Chelsea Dillavou, LCSW, understands that life presents numerous challenges, and many people struggle with feelings of low mood, energy depletion, and persistent worry. Her clients often find that negative thinking patterns amplify unpleasant emotions and strain their relationships. Faced with experiences that leave them feeling stuck, defeated, or unworthy, it can be hard to envision a life beyond these obstacles. However, Chelsea believes that transformation is possible, and no one needs to navigate these difficulties alone. Through effective skills and supportive guidance, individuals can create the life they have always desired and overcome the challenges they have faced. Chelsea specializes in working with clients dealing with trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders, and she offers skills-based training for those facing thought disorders. With training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), she is dedicated to helping individuals liberate themselves from their past experiences. Employing approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training (CBSST), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Chelsea helps enhance distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relations. She is committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental, and trusting therapeutic space, which is vital for achieving therapeutic goals. Together, she collaborates with clients to tailor the therapeutic approach to their specific needs, empowering them to build a life worth living.

Rachael Dobis, LCSW, is a compassionate and non-judgmental therapist dedicated to assisting adults who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck. She creates a warm and empathic environment where clients can openly explore the barriers, behaviors, and thought patterns that keep them feeling confined. With a strong commitment to a client-centered and feminist approach, Rachael guides individuals in identifying meaningful goals, building awareness of their strengths, and developing effective coping skills, ultimately cultivating hope. Her areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, binge eating disorder, emotional eating, trauma, body image, relationship issues, and women's health. Rachael's foundation in Health at Every Size (HAES) and Intuitive Eating enriches her treatment approach, which is rooted in evidence-based practices tailored to meet each client's unique needs. She is dedicated to helping others explore their values and enhance self-understanding, fostering growth and meaningful change. Rachael is honored to support her clients in transforming painful experiences into opportunities for growth and helping them develop a life that feels truly worth living.