Eclectic Therapists in Northfield, IL

Life can feel overwhelming when you're faced with loss or change. As much as you try to adjust, it can be scary and confusing to realize that life isn't turning out the way you had planned. Life stress -- such as divorce or relationship loss, death of a loved one, job loss, illness, caregiving -- happens to most of us at some point and it can seem nearly impossible to bounce back from such heartache.

Every morning each of us wakes up with a new opportunity to be our best self. A chance to take the best of who we are and utilize those skills and talents to explore, challenge, and grow. In me, you will find a partner willing to collaborate with you to do the necessary work to evoke change in whatever spheres of life you have identified as needing attention. Through introspection, self-awareness, and acceptance we will collectively engage in the therapeutic journey that will help you gain clarity, reach higher heights, and live well.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 12 years of experience. After graduating with my PhD, I changed my focus from research and teaching to direct clinical work in response to the pandemic. I’m also the owner of Northside Clinical Psychologists. I provide individual psychotherapy and couples therapy for a variety of different relationship configurations. I also conduct psycho-educational and diagnostic assessments for adults and teens. I specialize in depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, and relationship issues. I have extensive training in ERP (Exposure Response Prevention), CPT, CBT, DBT, ACT, family interventions, and IPT.

Finding the right therapist is essential in one's journey toward overcoming obstacles. I believe counseling is a collaborative and creative process where we join together to establish the change you desire. I utilize a direct, honest, and genuine communication style in our relationship. My approach combines psychotherapy and the use of experiential therapy as a means of building communication, trust, and decision-making through individual and family treatment. My treatment also involves the partnership of animal assisted therapy with my Labrador Retriever.

I have been working for 20+ years with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I am a certified alcohol and drug counselor. I also focus on depression, anxiety, ADHD, adolescent turmoil, adoption issues, healthy parenting, and family/relationship issues. My passion also includes working with young adults and adults on exploring personal growth and life management issues. I have created an alternative to suspension program in numerous local high schools.

Are you struggling but don't know where to turn? When you talk to friends do you feel judged or worried about burdening them with your problems? Maybe you feel that low self-esteem is preventing you from having fulfilling relationships. These are common problems that many people face but you can learn to feel better about yourself, let go of old hurts and change how you react to challenging situations in the future. These changes are possible and you can get the support you need to develop effective coping strategies and get your life on track.

Welcome! I'm glad you're here. Whether you're feeling the increased stress from the pandemic, struggling with new or chronic anxiety and/or depression, substance abuse/addiction, or destructive thought patterns, dealing with recent loss or change, struggling with past trauma and/or recent traumatic events, you have come to the right place! I meet you where you're at, and work in partnership with you to identify, explore and understand your current difficulties, strengths, resources, barriers, supports and goals in order to develop and implement a plan to get you feeling better.

Helping others through difficult times is my passion, and we all go through difficult times. As a therapist, I try to become part of the situation, feeling the tough times with my client and helping them see things from a different perspective. Together we find ways to solve problems, tackle situations and create beneficial solutions. My style is direct without being overwhelming. I believe therapy can often be positive and fun. Knowledge is power and often therapy turns out to be a great learning experience, allowing clients to realize their strengths and achieve their lifelong goals.

My name is Melissa Pollack, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 22 years of experience helping people of all ages. My clients presenting issues and challenges vary but include depression, anxiety, social skills, relationship issues, trauma and stress management. My clients describe me as supportive, caring, and real.

I specialize in helping clients holistically work through anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, marital/relationship issues, communication, and family of origin issues. Whether it is managing anxious symptoms, navigating inhibiting conflict, or even just tackling the stressors that come up in the day-to-day, I work with you to uncover your inherent strengths, and help you leverage them with quality strategies to achieve healthy, desired change. Each session, I collaborate with you to lift your biggest constraints, offer quality guidance, and provide the tools to connect with yourself and others more freely.

In life, we face a myriad of transitions, which impact us throughout every decade of our journey. Such transitions often cause anxiety, depression and/or a sense of sadness, loneliness or loss of direction. We may wonder "who am I now" or "where do I belong". Life changes impact our relationships with romantic partners, our parents, our children and our friends. I specialize in working with people as they navigate life's transitions. I help clients to understand and make sense of what can bring greater satisfaction into their lives, with a focus on building more effective and adaptive coping skills.

You deserve love, warmth and acceptance in your life. If you're feeling exhausted, anxious, discouraged or alone, we're here with open arms for you. You have found a safe place to rest, and regroup. You’re smart. You know life can be better than this. Whether you’re looking for yourself, or a family member–you are looking in the right spot. With a quick call or email, you can start living your best life! I founded Inspire Counseling Center to help you feel the freedom, joy and connection counseling can bring. We have nearly 20 incredible therapists I work closely with who are available evenings and weekends.

Throughout our lives we face many different changes that require us to transition. We navigate shifts in our relationships both within our families and outside of our families. We experience shifts in our careers, parenting, in loss and in love. With every new chapter, we process these changes and we move forward.

Life gets complicated. You have been trying all that you know how to do to make things better for yourself or for someone you love but have run out of energy, ideas or both. You may have a relationship with someone you love but just can't seem to get along. You may be a parent trying to best figure out how to help a child or teen who is having problems. You may feel burdened by sadness, fear or stress.Or, perhaps you have old wounds that seem to keep interfering with you creating the life you want.

I believe that progress in therapy should be a collaborative endeavor in a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere. Therapy with my clients is driven by their goals as we explore feelings, beliefs and relationships in a comfortable and confidential atmosphere. My practice specializes in anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, anger difficulties, and family relationships in children and adults. I utilize evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Activation Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Solution-Focused Therapy as well as mindfulness-based practices to meet the specific needs of each client.

Whether you are seeking therapeutic support to find new perspectives on old issues or have been confronted with a new crisis, finding the right therapist can seem daunting. Regardless of your presenting problem, you will be welcomed into a safe, nonjudgmental environment. We will work thru the dilemma and come to a resolution that enables you to feel better. I began my career specializing in children and adolescents in the school setting and subsequently have expanded to young adults, adults, couples, and families. A particular focus and thread throughout my career has been the ongoing support and advocacy of the LGBTQIA+ community.