Therapists in Evanston, IL

My approach derives from psychodynamic, family systems, relational and cognitive schools of psychotherapy. I want to help my clients achieve greater clarity about their circumstances, choices, relationships, and ultimately, themselves. I am highly engaged and attuned, warm, enthusiastic and personable. I find that when clients feel seen, deeply understood, and accepted, their internal compasses become more finely tuned, enabling them to make life choices that better align with their values and personal nature. These changes become vehicles for developing new ways of thinking, feeling, and relating to others.

I am Dr. Sylvia Kobe, and I am a Licensed Clinical psychologist. My associate Dr. Mary-Zitta Muabe and I collaborate to cover a broad counseling spectrum. Together Dr. Muabe and I specialize in marriage, family therapy, and spiritual maturity. We also work with teens, young adults, and individuals battling anxiety, depression, or struggles to cope with every-life issues. We believe in empowering our clients, encouraging them to see that life is all about second chances, and with the right kind of intervention, the best is yet to come.

"We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time" T. S Eliot I believe that self-knowledge and understanding leads to self-compassion. Gently exploring aspects of the your experience within a collaborative relationship with a therapist in a warm, safe, nurturing, and empowering environment can move you toward a greater sense of connection to self. This can lead to more authentic, connected relationships with others-which as human beings is what we ultimately seek.

I am Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in children, adolescent girls, Trans-kids, families and woman. I have been working with families on Chicago's North Shore and surrounding areas, for almost two decades. Although my training emphasized an Adlerian approach to therapy, I have a broad range of experience with many therapeutic modalities and am able to tailor my practice to the needs of you or your family. I believe in treating the "whole-person," which means a one-size-fits-all approach will not work.

Being a human in the world is tough. If you feel stuck, alone, overwhelmed by anxiety or sadness, or are struggling in relationships, you're in the right place. My specialties include the treatment of anxiety, relationship difficulties, perinatal and postpartum mood disorders, parenting, infertility, divorce, trauma, and identity development. As a mom myself, I have experienced first-hand the impossible demands placed on parents. I am passionate about providing identity affirming care to members of the LGTBQIA+ community, and I love working with parents of gender-expansive children as they navigate their transition process.

Congratulations on taking this step toward healing. You are not alone. I have experience working with adults of all ages struggling with trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, co-dependency, relationships, and life transition issues including young adulthood, marriage, pregnancy, postpartum, parenting, separation, divorce, and grief.

Are you struggling with stress, sadness or conflict in your relationship? If so, we can help! The therapists at Lakefront Counseling Group have successfully worked with couples and individuals who want to grow, heal and feel more fulfilled in their lives. Through a collaborative approach, we help you to be an active part of your therapy as we work together to achieve your desired goals. We are seasoned, highly trained and doctoral level therapists who have a strong track record of success in helping you to increase self-awareness and life satisfaction and feel more successful in your relationships.

Individuals can lead a happier, more productive life when they are engaged in the therapy process. I specialize in assisting individuals who are experiencing life transitions including divorce, illness, bereavement, and change of careers. I also treat depression, anxiety, addictions (including substance abuse), trauma, and a variety of other psychological concerns. I routinely work with individuals' physicians and a variety of other practitioners to create a comprehensive treatment plan. I am an anger management specialist, certified by the National Association for Anger Management Specialists as well as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). I am also a certified EMDR therapist.

The decision to begin psychotherapy is a significant one and finding the right therapist is half the battle. The therapeutic relationship plays an important role in our work together. My goal is to provide you with a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings about your circumstances including developmental transitions such as entering college, young adulthood; experiencing work or parenting concerns; pre-marital and marital transitions such as those almost or newly married, infidelity, divorce, relational strain; and concerns of general life dissatisfaction resulting in symptoms of depression and anxiety.

My areas of expertise: couples, premarital counseling, interracial relationships, multicultural families, teen pregnancy/parenthood, parenthood, infertility and pregnancy concerns, infidelity, divorce, remarriage and/or blending families, helping you and your partner if you have different attachment styles, and singles who are navigating dating, going through breakups or are unsure if they should stay or leave a relationship.

I use a collaborative model, where sessions feel like two people having a conversation in my living room, versus a stereotypical doctor/patient interaction. I don't view your issues as coming from an abnormal psychopathology, but instead as a reaction to living in a stressful, complex, and contradictory world. I seek to understand your issues in the context of your unique experience rather than viewing you as having something wrong or being broken. My focus is on what you need from me....I take my lead from you.

I have worked in multiple settings nationwide assisting individuals who are experiencing life transitions including divorce, illness, bereavement, and change of careers. I also treat depression, anxiety, addictions (including substance abuse), trauma, and a variety of other psychological concerns. I routinely work with individuals' physicians and a variety of other practitioners to create a comprehensive treatment plan. I am an anger management specialist, certified by the National Association for Anger Management Specialists as well as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). I am also a certified EMDR therapist.

My life’s journey has allowed me to gain knowledge and experience in many areas. I would be honored to share guidance on a deeper level which is why I received my Master’s in Social Work. My specialties are grief and loss as well as life/career transitions. Grief can take many forms. It can be due to the loss of a loved one, but can also follow from the loss of a job or home, a divorce, loss of a beloved pet, or becoming an empty nester. I can assist with rediscovering a positive future and guide you with redefining who you choose to be in the wake of your loss. Please go to our website to fill out our Google Form for an appt!

As a results oriented clinician, I welcome clients across the lifespan for individual, couples, and family therapy. My specialization is working with clients facing depression, trauma, grief and loss, infertility, self-esteem, mood and motivational challenges. My approach to psychotherapy is insight based integrated with other methods to meet the unique needs and goals of my clients. Additionally, my interests expand to family psychology, supporting clients through separation and divorce as well as parent-child therapeutic reintegration and reunification therapy.

On the journey through life we ride the path through an ever changing landscape. We encounter both predictable challenges precipitated by typical life cycle events as well as the unpredictable and unexpected. Sometimes we veer off course, lose our way or hit a road block. Lifecycle Therapy provides the guidance needed to try a new path and find our way forward again.

Through research, education and clinical services, The Family Institute at Northwestern University is one of the nation's leading relationship-based behavioral health organizations committed to strengthening and healing the whole family system by bringing together the right partners to support children, adults, couples and families across the lifespan. As researchers, educators and therapists, we work with our clients and PARTNER TO SEE CHANGE. By weaving together 175 therapists and therapists-in-training, we create a high quality, collaborative system of behavioral health care. One that gets results.

I believe therapy has a power to HEAL, enhance growth, and obtain inner peace. As a psychotherapist, I strive to empower my clients by building on their own strengths and encouraging insight within a nurturing environment. Together we can identify goals to facilitate growth and healing. My specialties include trauma therapy, domestic violence/sexual assault counseling, substance abuse, and empowerment training. I am experienced in working with clients struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem/body image concerns, women's issues, relationship concerns, and troubles with adjustment and life transitions.

My goal is to empower my clients using a client-centered, trauma-informed, and integrative approach. I approach life and my work with compassion, humor and empathy. It is my hope that by understanding and walking alongside my clients without judgement, I can help them cope with difficult circumstances. I work with adolescents and adults struggling with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, life transitions, relationship concerns, abuse, and difficult family dynamics.

Maybe you are reading this because you want something to change in your life. It’s a daring step to reach out to a stranger and trust them. I know therapy can help. It has helped me in my life, and it has helped many of my clients over the years. I offer free consultations with clients before we begin because a good fit is important. Although I have worked in agencies, hospitals and group practices, I think some of my best training has come from navigating a 24 year marriage, raising kids, and launching them into adulthood. I enjoy helping people work through anxiety and depression and get their life back.