My name is Daniel, and I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois, where I have been providing mental health services for over 22 years. Regardless of your background, financial status, or the countless other aspects of yourself that make you unique, there is one universal fact that impacts us all: life is inherently unpredictable. We all face unexpected changes and events that range from extremely positive to brutally challenging, increasing our risk of feeling unprepared, isolated, and possibly overwhelmed, with no idea of what to do next. My training, skills, and years of experience enable me to help people deal with and move beyond the emotional fallout that often occurs during and after significant changes and events. These can commonly include anxiety, sadness, depression, grief, or negative self-image, and may result in the development of problematic coping strategies and issues related to self-confidence, motivation, communication, healthy relationships, or substance use. Everything we experience is based within the current context of our lives, including our age, gender, location, sexual identity, relationship status, financial position, job status, life stage transition, and physical health. It’s crucial to take all these aspects into careful consideration to make true and lasting progress. I work collaboratively with clients and am dedicated to creating an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes tremendous courage to seek happiness and even more to take the necessary steps. I’m here to guide and support you in your efforts.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our initial phase of sessions, our primary focus will be on understanding the reasons and goals that led you to seek therapy, exploring your relevant history, and building a strong foundation of mutual understanding. It is essential for successful treatment that we establish a strong therapeutic alliance. We will then proceed with sessions that primarily revolve around your current day-to-day activities, emotions, and any specific problem areas or concerns you would like to address. As your therapist, my role is to guide and support you on your journey toward self-discovery and growth. I am trained to ask thoughtful questions to help you identify and tap into your inner strengths. Together, we will uncover patterns, examine thinking and coping styles, and gain valuable insights that can be adjusted as you navigate your path and pursue your goals.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
In my practice, my therapeutic approach is rooted in a collaborative relationship with my clients, where their unique needs and circumstances guide the treatment process. In a structured manner, I draw upon a range of therapeutic theories and methods, including Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I am dedicated to identifying the most effective approach for each client, helping them gain deeper insight into the causes of their challenges and finding solutions to move forward. I strive to create a warm and empathetic environment where clients can explore and address their concerns.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Working with people who have problems with self-confidence and self-esteem has always felt especially important to me. It's common to minimize the effects these self-image problems can have, although they have impacted virtually every person at some point in their life. Often cultivated by issues within the family system of origin, these can leave individuals without a clear sense of themselves, their needs, or their desires which are all necessary in order to live a fulfilling life. Helping people who are struggling with aspects of their sexual identity also represents an area of particular strength for me, as I offer a space which is free of judgment or expectation of conformity to dominant social constructs which can be the source of many unnecessary obstacles for people.