Therapists in Skokie, IL

Welcome! My name is Yvette Medina and I am a bicultural Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois with a sense of humor and a love for helping people. I have 18 years experience working in the mental health field. I am so happy that you are taking the first step in taking care of yourself. I applaud you as you enter this journey. I understand that it is not always easy meeting with a stranger and sharing your fears and vulnerabilities, however, after a few minutes of introductions and exchanged pleasantries we will no longer be strangers. Allow me to help you onto your journey as you discover your inner self.

I’m Abbie, a driven therapist specializing in supporting individuals with depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Autism Spectrum disorder. With four years in the field I have developed a passion for mental health and am eager to provide empathetic and effective support tailored to my clients needs. I aim to help my clients develop their self compassion, resilience, and overall satisfaction with life. By utilizing a strengths-based approach, my clients work toward meeting their goals.

Accepting new clients in-person or virtual. Our approach is goal-oriented at all levels and we truly believe everyone deserves to be free from the things holding them back. At CFC you will find a team of therapists who truly care. We take our time to get to know our clients and create goals that we can support you with. Whether it is you and your partner seeking intimacy or you are looking for relief from anxiety that doesn't seem to ever go away; we are here to help. Our motto is to walk beside our clients and share in this journey. We have 3 EMDR trained therapists, 4 couples counselors, a somatic pain specialist, and 3 interns.

Maybe you have tried traditional talk therapy, yoga, or self-help apps but you haven't found that sense relief from stress, anxiety, depression or grief. Grounded in the use of mindfulness and the creative arts therapies - art, movement, music, and drama - we believe the steps towards clarity, growth, and empowerment are about much more than talking. We are constantly thinking, feeling, sensing, expressing, interpreting, and responding to daily experiences. Your sessions will holistically explore all of these parts of your experience while gaining new skills to cope with stress, trauma, relationships, loss, or a new life change.

We have our own journey full of triumphs, struggles, and failure. Therapy is a perfect format to process and come to the understanding of where and why you are that brings you to seek the service. My belief is that therapy is the place for the person to process and discuss each unique experience without judgment and develop a healthy way to cope or come to terms with the consequences. Therapy also can be your opportunity to be seen and heard, which would help you move toward the acceptance of yourself.

I having training in Somatic Experiencing and EMDR. Clients I serve struggle with effects of past traumatic events, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and the complex emotions related to grief.

When you live with trauma or emotional pain—or just plain feel lost—it can be difficult to manage your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Together, we can sort out what is and is not working for you so you can feel in control and step into your authentic self. You can find a sense of balance and peace as we navigate the patterns you have fallen into and develop opportunities for healing and a new way of being in the world. As a therapist fluent in American Sign Language, I work extensively with the Deaf community. I am passionate about working with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in a way that respects their culture.

Our goal is to serve as your guide and walk with you on your life journey. We aim to help you overcome obstacles that may be holding you back from reaching your dreams, while providing you with healthy strategies to implement in your life outside of therapy. Whether exploring the past, present, or future; discussing coping strategies; processing stressful events; building resiliency; healing from trauma; creative problem-solving, or enhancing communication within your relationship. We serve an array of culturally diverse clients, including: children, adolescents, teenagers, college students, adults, couples, and families.

Are you struggling personally or professionally? Let's work together to resolve conflict, build on your strengths, improve communication and create meaningful connections. I have over 30 years of experience in private practice.

I am comfortable working with a wide range of issues, and working with me is best for clients who are interested in not only talking through their problems, but physically moving about them and getting a felt sense of everything that’s going on. As a dance movement therapist, I think the body can be a marvelous source for solutions and insights, when the movement is approached in a way that’s comfortable and safe. Talking is also an important part of the process, as we are whole mind/body systems, and we work best when both are accessible and well connected to each other. Resolving and integrating the past is part of the work.

Clients that come to me for issues regarding their dissatisfaction with their progress on overcoming their challenges in life. Life issues range from traumatic experiences, LGBTQ issues, addictions & substance use disorders, spiritual problems, career problems, chronic illness, child & parenting issues as well as family imbalances. They want change and they want it with someone who can connect with them in real ways that help them know they are cared for, can be confident, and can overcome the challenges that confront them.

I specialize in working with clients who grew up with the sense that "something was off," those that received the messaging that they were too sensitive. Whether you are a trauma survivor, stuck in cyclical relapse, queer, or neurodivergent, I know what it's like to find refuge in anything but other people. I am specifically trained to work with individuals who want to reconsider their relationship with substances, whether the hope is abstinence or moderation. If you resonate with the idea that you can "get addicted to anything," we may be a great fit.

I am primarily a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT) using these techniques to address clients depression, anxiety and other mood disorders. I also incorporate mindfulness in my work with clients. I have been in private practice for 20 years and work from a strengths based perspective. I believe in each clients ability to change and I enjoy working with people to help them achieve their goals.

Everyone gets stuck now and then, may feel lost or alone. Sometimes you may just need a little support, an unbiased listener to help gain insight or clarity. Other times you may need help to delve more deeply into your emotions to transform and grow. I approach therapy as a collaborative process where together we explore your life challenges with curiosity but without judgement. Although not always easy, therapy can be deeply rewarding. An exploration that will help you reconnect with your inner strength and wisdom, better able to overcome obstacles and to move towards a greater sense of wellbeing.

I don’t know what brought you to this website yet ​you are here for a reason. Understanding that reason is important to me. It takes courage to look for help. You’ve taken the first step! I’d be honored if you shared that journey of self-discovery with me.

How does one eat an elephant? "One bite at a time." I will assist with defining/understanding your elephant, with finding the best place to start and I'll support you along the way. I've worked extensively with and understand the issues of individuals/spouses/families of city workers (police, fire, etc.) and others dealing with anxiety, depression, anger management issues, addictions, trauma & situational stress, and life transitions. I specialize in individual therapy and I'm trained in CBT and as an art therapist who specializes in helping other tap their creative powers and in find balance in living creatively.

As a professional, and a parent I truly understand there is no greater joy than seeing your child happy and healthy. I also know there is no greater heartache than seeing your child unhappy. For adults: stress, anxiety, and depression can diminish time with families. For children: poor self-esteem, decreased confidence, bullying/ loss, academic struggles or a disability can impact friendships,family, and academics. I specialize in working with people who have experienced a twist in life that they were not expecting. I have 25 years of treating adults and children who want to reclaim control of their lives.