Find a Therapist in Wood Dale, Illinois.

Psychotherapy is the process where you seek out truths and understanding and throw away what isn't working. Then you build something that is better. I think the goal of therapy is to develop self awareness and this, in turn, will help create happiness. I don't have all of the answers, but I have a good idea of what questions to ask. That will help guide us to understanding and to develop a resolution to the problems you are seeking help for. For more information, please don't hesitate to contact me.

We offer thoughtful and engaging sessions to help treat your mental health concerns. We do so by building trust and providing evidence to support healthy, functional change, but we also do so by challenging your negative thought patterns. We ask if there is another way to think about the situation and provide skills and techniques for you to practice in session and on your own. Psychotherapy is a work in process.

Not every counselor has the ability, patience or interest in doing psychotherapy which I see as different from counseling as men are from women. I'm an experienced psychotherapist who has helped man clients deal with the internal and family of origin issues which lead to repetitive negative patterns of thinking, feeling and behavior. I'm not only a good listener, but engage the client in a process to feel more related with their internal lives so they can make healthier life choices. My clients have reported feeling more content and capable as a result of our work together.

Counseling is both a relational experience and learning process that can foster much personal and professional growth and healing. My approach is to provide a healthy, encouraging relationship that is both collaborative, instructive, and one that empowers you to become your best self and grow into the life and work that is most meaningful for you. I will model and teach you various skills, provides resources, and support you towards the solutions that fit you best.

In psychotherapy, you will start to more deeply understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with a guide--your psychologist. What I often hear from the clients I meet is, "Wow, I never looked at my mother like that!" or "I guess it makes sense that I would react that way to my son, just like my father did with me." I help you turn yourself inside out & your world upside down so that you can see & experience your life differently, now.

Psychotherapy is a form of "talk-treatment" with psychologists which uses scientifically validated procedures to help you develop healthier and more effective habits. The form of psychotherapy I most commonly use is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is effective for problems with unhealthy behaviors, depression, anxiety, anger, and concentration. I have a more practical approach to treatment so in psychotherapy with me, we will discuss the problem bothering you and how to fix it efficiently, practice coping skills to address the problem, and then implement these into your life. Give me a call today for a free consultation and we can put together a preliminary plan over the telephone.

Psychotherapy is an effective way to gain insights, find hope, and get support. My approach is to demystify the psychotherapy experience. I am down to earth and like to provide support while also teaching you new skills and ideas to use in your life. It's not just talk therapy with me. In addition to processing stressors in your life I will also provide you with new real world tools to use.

It is not always easy or comfortable to share how you are feeling, what you are struggling with, or thing that are bothering you with others even people you are very close to because it is very vulnerable. I am here to help you with that process of opening up and talking about issues that are negatively impacting your life. Therapy can help you acknowledge the issues and become more aware of how you want to manage, resolve, and work through them. This path can help you work towards your meaningful life while address the issues that may be standing in your way.

Psychotherapy is the use of psychological methods to help a person change behavior and overcome problems in a positive manner. Its aim is to help people understand the thoughts behind feeling anxious or depressed and addressing these thinking patterns. Psychotherapy will help you change behaviors and habits that are limiting you, to experiencing your fullest potential.

Psychotherapy is a powerful process that helps you understand yourself, heal emotional wounds, and move forward with purpose. Whether you're facing anxiety, relationship struggles, or simply want to grow, I provide a supportive and collaborative space where you’ll be empowered to make lasting change. Together, we’ll identify goals, build insights, and strengthen your emotional resilience.

Clients who work with me will find a warm, compassionate space where they can safely explore the tender places shaped by love, loss, trauma, and relationship struggles. I believe healing begins when our pain is met with empathy and understanding—within the safety of a trusting, secure connection. Together, we’ll move at your pace, gently uncovering what’s beneath the surface and honoring your unique story. Therapy isn’t about fixing what’s broken—it’s about nurturing what’s wounded, rediscovering your inner strength, and creating space for new possibilities. It’s a sacred journey, and I’m honored to walk alongside you as you move toward greater clarity, connection, and peace.

We can work together to develop a game plan to help you to to accomplish your goals for our work together. This will include decisions about how frequently to meet (example: once or twice weekly), your specific goals (and what will be different when the issue is resolved), options for working towards your goals, and what specific strategies you would like to use (I can suggest a variety of them for you - for example, perhaps you are interested in mindfulness, meditation, or laughter yoga!!)

"Psychotherapy is the informed and intentional application of clinical methods and interpersonal stances derived from established psychological principles for the purpose of assisting people to modify their behaviors, cognitions, emotions, and/or other personal characteristics in directions that the participants deem desirable" (Norcross, 1990, p. 218-220 ) We use Freudian-based theories, object relations, attachment theories and self-psychology to assist our clients in identifying and understanding the underlying issues that may color their current relationships.

Our focus with respect to psychotherapy involves utilizing a solution-focused brief therapy model. This model centers on identifying and building upon the client's strengths and desired future state, rather than dwelling on the problem itself; this includes techniques like asking future-oriented questions, exploring exceptions to the problem, and actively collaborating with the client to set realistic purpose driven goals.

I believe that success in therapy relies upon a foundation of mutual trust and a sense of safety, and that the therapeutic alliance is one of the most important factors in helping clients improve and reach their goals. ​ I identify as a values-based therapist who uses empirically supported treatment options in a safe and confidential environment.

With every client, I strive to create an accepting, empathic, and warm environment while building a strong rapport. Building a strong rapport and therapeutic alliance is a top priority of mine while accurately and empathically supporting the client and creating a treatment plan. Under my care and support, you will feel heard, understood, and advocated for.

Psychotherapy helps you to tap into your inner-most feelings and subconscious thoughts that control social/emotional behavior. Psychotherapy techniques will help you to identify and cope with challenges that keep you from realizing the life you idealize. Therapeutic techniques may include, but are not limited to, the client expressing any thoughts and feelings without censorship (free association) or analyzing dreams for meaning. In doing so, the client will gain self-awareness necessary to promote healthy personality and behavior changes.

Kari Hunter has provided psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families for over 25 years. She offers many types of psychotherapy for problems such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, child and adolescent problems, and relationship struggles. Psychotherapy today incorporates our knowledge about brain science and behavioral change. Evidence from research has led to development of treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness strategies, and many types of Marital and Family Therapy.

Psychotherapy is a process of doing more in depth, "intra-psychic" work. This therapy is used by many who want to create deep and lasting personal change in their life. It's not only thoughts or behaviors or crises that are addressed. It may be about deep unhappiness in life; sexual identity; a sense of emptiness; dreams; long ago traumas or loss. The enduring benefit is a greater self understanding and new confidence in becoming a more authentic, genuine self in the world.

Psychotherapy - for those willing to take the journey - can be one of the most amazing experiences we do in life. When a person gets insight into their own psychological processes, and achieves that understanding of how it all comes together and interacts on a psychological level, it can be really empowering, liberating, and exciting. This can also be a bit scary to try because usually there is a lot going on before someone decides to find a therapist. But any journey starts with that first step - and that first step can be a great step.

Being properly diagnosis is the first order of business. Feeling comfortable with your therapist is also very important. Having clear and concise goals for psychotherapy helps both the client and therapist stay on course and ensure a successful outcome in a time frame that allows for efficient change that is long lasting. Also working in conjunction with medical personal can help better use the therapy process.

Psychotherapy is a wonderful therapeutic approach for people who are experiencing some struggles with life, are ready to change, set goals, and heal. Encompassing talk therapy and a safe, supportive environment, you can begin to explore and challenge yourself, behaviors and thoughts and move toward recapturing your well being, motivation and insight.

This is, to me, the most in-depth therapy that I provide. It requires a relationship with the client. And a level of trust that being in that space together is a safe place. It mandates a great history, an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that drives the process forward. Most psychotherapy leaves clients feeling tired afterwards because it challenges them to deal with their feelings, allowing the insights to come and the revelations to incur. Psychotherapy is the utmost marvel of my work. And the ultimate healing for most clients who engage in it and allow the process to work.

Clients who work with me can expect a supportive, down-to-earth space where they feel heard, understood, and respected. Together, we’ll work toward gaining insight, developing healthier coping strategies, improving communication, and building stronger relationships—with others and with yourself. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, or relationship challenges, therapy with me is focused on helping you make meaningful, lasting changes so you can feel more confident, connected, and in control of your life.

My approach to psychotherapy starts with a careful assessment of the problem and your attempts to solve them. We will look at your whole life, your health, your relationships with loved ones, your relationship with God. Sometimes, we are living life out of balance or we are going through difficult transitions and we just need some coaching on how to get ourselves unstuck. Other times solutions seem much more difficult to find. I can help with both but I am especially committed to finding creative solutions for those times when that problem just doesn't seem to go away no matter how hard you try.