Family Therapy in Chicago, IL

I have experience working both with clients of all ages. While I am happy to work with everyone, I am passionate about helping children, teens and young adults through the joys and challenges that those years bring. I incorporate empathy, humor, authenticity and respect into my work in order to build a warm, caring environment for my clients. I have clinical experience working with and treating anxiety, depression, the stress that comes from having ADHD, low self-esteem, body image issues, family challenges, relational issues, grief and loss, trauma and life transitions of all kinds.

Seeking help for life's challenges is a courageous step. I am committed to helping people live happier and more fulfilling lives. Together we will set individualized goals to meet your needs and find solutions to your problems. I am integrative in my approach to therapy and work with clients to better understand how certain thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and interpersonal issues contribute to distress. My style is interactive, collaborative, warm, and relational. I provide clients with a supportive yet challenging environment to attain a better understanding of self and of one's goals and values.

Beginning your therapeutic journey can be both intimidating and empowering. My goal is to empower you to harness your own capacity to heal from trauma and hardship, and to cultivate insight and growth. I will provide you with a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space and effective strategies to help you find your best self, within yourself. I believe in the unique power of connection - with oneself, with others, and with the world - and I want to help you lean into it. With unconditional compassion and empathy, I will walk alongside you in your journey to reclaim your confidence, joy and most authentic life.

Dr. Peoples is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Illinois who specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, and adults. She is a member of PSYPACT which allows for her to practice in multiple states (See approved stated here: psypact.org). She is passionate about her commitment to social justice and devoted to providing an environment conducive to mental wellness. Dr. Peoples was drawn to become a mental health professional due to a lack of mental health services available to individuals in dire need.

Oftentimes, the most basic need that people have is to feel like they're being heard. I am experienced in working with individuals who have experienced trauma and struggle w/ depression and anxiety symptoms. I have completed extensive research regarding PTSD and depression in African American men and am comfortable working with any population and gender. Clients should come to see me because I work to understand their behavior as individuals in the context of the systems we exist within, whether they be work, school, family, or community.

I am deeply committed to my clinical work and consider it a great privilege to accompany my clients in their personal journey as they navigate life's challenges. I strive to create a therapy space that is warm, open, inviting, supportive and affirming. My intervention techniques are strength-based and informed by the latest research. Although I enjoy working with a variety of concerns, my areas of expertise focus on adjustment to life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, and topics related to diversity. In addition to maintaining a thriving private practice, I am also a Professor at Alliant University.

I believe in a healthy balance of the mind, body, and spirit. My practice offers a holistic approach to therapy that looks at an individual as a whole. Thus, I assist clients with becoming more aware of how all aspects of their lives impact one another. For me, the therapeutic process is a journey that allows a client to realize their full potential through exploration his or her strengths and unique experiences.

Navigating relationships can be challenging. Whether it's a relationship with a partner, sibling, parent, boss, self, etc., relationships can feel difficult. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I use my systemic training to work with the presenting problem, in relation to the overall system. Every relationship and partnership looks different. I am here to work with you to build and sustain the type of relationship that you want to have. We will work on our clinical goals by pulling from various therapeutic models and by building a genuine relationship with one another so that you get the outcomes that are important to you.

Even without a crisis, one can still be troubled: "I know what to do to make my life better. But it's hard for me to move on things. . . I always felt that I loved everyone I live with. But now I'm not so sure. . . I am trying to stay in my job until I get Social Security. But I don't know if I can bear eight more years of misery." Thoughts like the above are common. Sometimes, we can confine them to a few moments. Beyond that, they can drain us. Unfortunately, there are risks in confiding these thoughts to those we care about. The risks in disclosing them to a therapist are less. Afterall, they will not benefit from your choices.

Many days we want the fighting and yelling to stop, and it just feels like it won't. No one is immune to this struggle. Families, couples, siblings, and friends can all enter in to conflict day after day when really all they want is connection and peace. I walk alongside clients experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self esteem issues, identity, parenting issues, anger, and life transitions. I enjoy working with couples and adults, as well as adolescents and children using play therapy techniques. I also have experience working with blended families, infidelity, separation, and sexual concerns.

Living in a city as big as Chicago offers many opportunities yet it can sometimes feel overwhelming, lonely, and even isolating. Are you hiding certain pieces of yourself from your friends or family to avoid conflict or to fit in? You might feel like no one knows the real you. You’ve noticed a shift in how you deal with stress. Maybe it’s coming out as increased drinking, binging or restricting food, or turning to other coping behaviors. Or maybe you’re in recovery but other parts of your life continue to feel unmanageable which feels frustrating. You no longer need to feel trapped. Change is possible and hope can be found.

To LIVE after Trauma and Grief was the smartest choice I've made Learning to LOVE as a Parent and Single Woman, feels freeing Having LIFE with Relational Purpose is a class all Its own After 35 years of life experience, 7 years of experience in field of mental health, 4 years as a Licensed Therapist, and continuing education as a 5th year doctoral student I have been able to create a program that eases the stigma of seeing a therapist. Through the recognition of new self-awareness, clients will work towards their goals through her directive and active guidance.

Dr. Zahtz believes that therapy is a fluid process, there is no “one size fits all”. In her work with children, adolescents, and families she very much views each individual and/or family as their own entity with their own experiences, thoughts, feelings, ways of interacting, and values. Therefore, her approach to therapy is to first gain an empathic understanding of the entity that is in front of her and then determine what approach or approaches may be the most helpful for that individual situation.

Feeling down, confused, anxious or angry? Frustated with personal, family or professional relationships? Overwhelmed by life's everyday challenges? Simply need someone to listen? Taylor Counseling Care offers the understanding and guidance you need to achieve greater satisfaction in your life and relationships. While it is not easy to reach out for support regarding personal matters, remember that almost everyone will encounter internal or external experiences that require therapeutic intervention. The counseling relationship provides an outlet to explore and modify aspects of life that cause distress and empowers clients to identify and resolve future challenges.

Feeling stuck or unhappy in your life or relationships? Are you looking to change old patterns, unhappy emotions, or habits that are keeping you from being your motivated and authentic self? I’m passionate and skilled at working with individuals and couples struggling with life transitions, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship/sex difficulties, and family discord. I see my clients as unique, strong, and capable beings and I utilize your strengths to support bringing about positive change. I believe we all need a shoulder to cry on, and a place to be honest & vulnerable, so I make sure you feel safe and comfortable in session.

I am interactive, relational and have a great respect for those who have the courage to ask for help. Most people contact me when feeling anxiety or depression due to life's challenges. My intent is to help you alleviate emotional distress as you access inner strength, identify options for change and implement a course of action. Though many of my clients are individuals I have a special interest in couple and family work.

As a relational therapist, I focus on supporting and witnessing clients in finding healing, connection, conflict resolution, and repair to ultimately build a life and relationships that honor their values and imagination. Therapy is an opportunity for liberation from dominant social narratives that don’t work for us as individuals or in our relationships, and I recognize the intergenerational and ongoing trauma of struggling against those dominant narratives. All relationships can benefit from this lens – whether they're romantic, platonic, brand new, long-term, with others, or with parts of yourself.

Seeking therapy can be filled with uncertainties of how it can really help you. I invite you to contact me for a 15 minute phone consultation to learn how therapy can benefit you. I cover a wide range of needs. So whether you are dealing with symptoms of depression or life stressors that make you feel tired, defeated, anxious, lack of focus, frustrated, and overwhelmed, or you just need help with goal planning, time management skills, developing skills to deal with conflict in the work place, or conquer a fear of public speaking, then look no further, I can provide you the level of service that you need to achieve your goals!

Isn't looking through all these profiles absolutely nauseating? Do you wish you could just fast forward to being connected with a therapist? One that you actually like? Who knows their stuff, but isn't pompous? One that provides a relatable, friendly approach and maybe even has a sense of humor? Well, that's me! I enjoy working with clients who are ready for change. Those who know something isn't right, but don't know what to do about it. I most enjoy helping clients struggling with family of origin issues, those navigating through loving someone with a personality disorder as well as relationship issues.