Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Therapists in Chicago, IL

Welcome to my profile! My name is Stephan, and I'm a licensed counselor with over 15 years of experience helping people overcome a wide range of mental health challenges. As a therapist, my approach is warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental. I believe that everyone has the capacity for growth and change, and I'm committed to helping my clients achieve their goals through evidence-based practices and compassionate support.

You do not need to wait for life to become unmanageable before seeking help to take the steps to find balance and serenity in your life. I pride myself on my ability to see each person as an individual while considering the context of the situations, environments, and relationships that make up your stories. Together we can create a path toward an empowered understanding of your lived experiences and your hopes for the future.

Stepmoms or women dating someone with kids: I see you trying so hard and still you feel like this stepmom gig is not at all what you thought it would be and nothing is ever just EASY in your blended family. When you don’t agree with your partner’s parenting style, when your stepkids don’t say hello to you, or when bio mom isn’t cooperating, it’s enough to make you wonder, “Am I doing this right?!” Stepmom counseling is a service that helps you kick doubt to the curb. Consider booking a therapy session today. You'll get all the personalized support and tools you need so you can be a confident, connected, and HAPPY stepmom.

After practicing law for a few years, I realized I was more drawn to the human experience than the legal one. Now I have the privilege of working with people to discover their unique strengths and gifts, gain a better understanding of what motivates their behavior and make positive changes consistent with their goals. I am an empathic and supportive therapist who listens without judgment while also challenging my clients to seek growth. Through genuine connection and collaboration, I hope to empower my clients to face challenges using their existing strengths and to make positive changes in their lives.

Do parts of your life feel unmanageable? Does reaching out for support seem difficult? I am passionate about creating a safe, non-judgmental space for you to begin the process of working through and healing the challenges that you are facing. I believe that self-awareness is one of the most important pieces to growth and understanding of yourself and the world around you. Together we will take time to build up your self-awareness and discuss how you can make the changes you want to see. Changes in life can be challenging, but with the right support, the road through these challenges can be more manageable.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been providing individual, couples, family and group counseling services in a variety of settings for over 17 years. I truly believe in the power of the therapeutic process working together to identify personal challenges and develop healthy solutions that utilize individual strengths. Whether a client presents issues relating to chronic mental health, stage of life changes, relationship conflicts or simply to maintain mental wellness, therapy is a supportive environment that facilitates personal growth.

You are not alone! Life can be difficult, and we all need support. It takes a lot of courage to reach out to a therapist, and I am excited to help you along this journey. I am here to help you through the good and bad. It is important for you to have a safe space to talk about your thoughts and feelings. I use a collaborative approach when developing meaningful relationships with clients. The most important parts of the therapist-patient relationship are trust and honesty. I work hard to create a safe and open space for clients to express their feelings free of judgment. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.

Greetings! I am a high energy, compassionate behavioral health professional with four decades of experience. I have a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work, a Doctorate in Humanistic Science, and am a certified holistic life coach. I am also the author of two books and am ordained as an interfaith minister.

Are you looking for growth in your personal and professional life? Together we'll work together to identify your strengths as well as any mental blocks standing in your way of becoming your best self. Areas of clinical expertise include working with individuals who are experiencing life changes/ challenges. Folks who have/are experiencing complex trauma, low self esteem, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and domestic violence. I provide relationship/ marriage and family counseling to those struggling with a variety of issues ranging from infidelity, communication and poly couples. As well as services for the LGTBQIA+.

Struggling with anxiety, overcome by stress, can't "think" your way out of that box? I can help you get unstuck, and work with your own unique strengths to overcome problem areas, and find greater joy and peace of mind. I offer a safe, welcoming environment in which to understand yourself and others, and to use the past as a powerful guide for gaining insight and clarity about how to get more of what you really want. I help individuals and couples create healthy communication and connection in their relationships with family, partners and others, with greater confidence and self-awareness.

I use trauma informed care to connect with individuals and help clients and families through emotional distress. I use humor, unconditional positive regard and clinical approaches to assess, diagnose and offer behavioral intervention strategies that promote positive growth, healing and increase life satisfaction.

Thank you for choosing me, Mercedes P Cisneros Watson -Watson MA., LCPC and Path for your Counseling needs. I “Mercedes” a Native of Chicago, am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), in the State of Illinois Department of Professional Regulations since 1998. My Clinical counseling experience spans over 30 years. My areas of clinical interest include addressing adult Women’s and Men’s life issues such as Intergenerational Trauma Survivors, Grief/ Loss, Divorce, Abusive relationships and, General Mood Disorders ie, Depression, General Anxiety Disorders. Gender Dysphoria, and Various personality disorders.

Bilingual and bicultural psychotherapist with over 18 years of experience. I will address your concerns with warmth and total acceptance in a non-judgmental and safe therapeutic environment that fosters healing, self-knowledge, a sense of freedom and expression, vitality, inner peace, joy, and the creation of inspiring possibilities for growth and fulfillment in your life. We will work together to overcome your life stressors so that you develop inner strength and a sense of self-empowerment. You will be lifted to new heights; to an awareness of self and of your higher power.

I seek to set my clients at ease in a comfortable setting so that they can tell their story in a nurturing and non-judgmental setting. Only then can we begin to focus on what they want to accomplish: setting realistic goals for both personal and professional success. I believe that this is done best with a sense of humor, as laughter is the best medicine! I show my clients that therapy can be as fun and as productive as they want it to be, where your thoughts and feelings are taken very seriously, and where what you put in is what you get out!

I have over ten years of clinical experience. I have worked in community agencies, corrections, hospitals, higher education, and private practice. I am a bilingual and bicultural therapist that is passionate about providing culturally sensitive and trauma informed mental health services.

I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I strongly believe therapy is an important asset in life where one is able to talk about life challenges and work on solutions that allow individuals to be the best version of themselves. My goal is to create a natural experience by nurturing a safe and welcoming environment, establishing trusting relationships, and promoting a judgement free zone where one can express themselves freely, overcome their challenges, and find balance in their lives. I believe in the philosophy “give yourself space to evolve” (Krista Aoki).

Whether seeking to address a specific problem, understand patterns, or explore past relationships or trauma, our work will be collaborative, strength based, and affirming. I strive to provide a safe and welcoming space to explore your feelings and experiences. My approach is person-centered, direct and trauma informed. I believe that everyone has the strengths and resilience to achieve self-fulfillment.

I regularly treat the following symptoms: OCD- Intrusive thoughts; needing reassurance; counting, checking, and reviewing for certainty; searching for answers on Google and Reddit; mentally reviewing/planning for any scenario; generally needing things to feel "complete". Social anxiety- difficulty showing up as your true self; struggling to socialize, connect, or date; wondering what others think about you. Panic-Fears about "losing control", embarrassing yourself, or having a heart attack when feeling panicky; not being able to do what you want (ride a train, go to work, etc) due to anxiety.

Amid life's complexities, you deserve a space where self-compassion and curiosity flourish, where every part of your identity is not just welcomed, but celebrated. I'm here to offer that affirming space—an oasis of emotional safety and empowerment where you can explore, center, and grow. I'm committed to creating a therapy space that feels liberating, empowering, and affirming. Your lived experience is not just respected—it's centered in every session. As a queer neurodivergent therapist, I bring a deep passion for supporting LGBTQIA, and neurodivergent individuals on their journey toward self-discovery and understanding.