As an experienced School Social Worker with an LCSW in IL, I have a demonstrated history of working with children, preteens, adolescents and adults in both education and in private practice. I am also a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional. I earned both my bachelors and my masters degrees in social work, I have been committed to working with children and adolescents from the start of my career. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago Jane Addams School of Social Work. I am always working to grow and improve my practice by researching, finding and providing effective supports and using the most current, best-practices in the field. Using a strengths-based approach with Cognitive Behavior Theory, Person-Centered counseling approach and the integration of other approaches, such as Solution Focused Therapy, and Positive Psychology-I work with clients to find more positive, effective social and coping skills. Through my work with clients, they can begin to see improvements in their relationships and their positive connectedness to the community. I specialize in working with clients of all ages-12 years to adulthood- who have difficulty with self-esteem, depression, trauma, anxiety, Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), parenting and behavior management issues. I have a special interest in working with adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and clients/students with trauma. I assist clients to learn distress tolerance, emotion regulation and how to incorporate mindfulness and other coping strategies in order to manage their bio psycho-social environments.

My name is Dr. Olushola Bakare, and I'm a board-certified Psychotherapist. I attended St Joseph College. I'm happy to help you today with any of your concerns. I enjoy empowering people and digging out their strengths. I don't ask fish to fly, neither do I ask birds to swim. I respect everyone's strengths and help my client recognize them. I love to highlight my client's strengths. I offer a safe, warm, therapeutic, judgment-free space for Adults (18+) and Older Adults (65+). I am sorry, but I do not accept clients who pay in cash. Also, every late cancellation or no-show accrues a late charge fee. It is my ethical duty to officially terminate our therapeutic relationship when it is reasonably clear that the client is no longer beneficent, services are no longer required, counseling no longer serves the client's needs and interests, or Dr. Olushola Bakare, LMFT limits do not allow the provision of further counseling services. It is the policy of Dr. Olushola Bakare, LMFT, that our professional relationship will be terminated after a one-month consistent lapse of meeting with a client. Dr. Olushola Bakare, LMFT, will attempt to notify you of this change in status as soon as possible after one month. My ethical duty is identifying, being available, and caring for current clients. It could feel awkward for our relationship to end, yet it is not meant to be discourteous in any way. I do not complete disability forms (Social Security, work excuse, FMLA, Court papers/legal papers, emotional support letters, etc). NO COUPLE THERAPY OR MEDICATION MANAGEMENT, PLEASE!

Hello, I'm Tracey. "Relationships often die not because of conversations that were had but rather conversations that were never had," (Lysa Terkeurst). Did you know that people do one of two things when they feel like no one is listening? The person either repeats oneself over and over or just stops talking. Did you know that research supports that any person surviving an adverse or traumatic experience will need on average about 7 times to tell their story to begin the healing process? Do you feel tied to a toxic dynamic with one or both of your parents despite you being an adult that has left you living in the past and feeling like a burden, not measuring up, chasing that parent in hopes of a glimmer of insight while finding many of your current life domains are plagued with patterns of problems? Then you are in the right place. I counsel and coach individuals and couples on how these historical, upbringing-related thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are immobilizing you and your relationships with others. People pleasing, perfectionism, avoidance, and anxiety from worry about what others think of you are just some of the ways it can show up in adulthood. Whatever you are experiencing, from trauma to depression to anxiety to addictive behaviors, it does not need to go with you moving forward. You deserve and should be encouraged and supported to be You as You Define You according to your values and beliefs. "We must not confuse the command to love with the disease to please,' (LT). My holistic approach is individualized to You and aims to take the weight of the world off your shoulders, but most importantly allows You to be human. Tackling the issue is overdue. So, let's get going and get You Back.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing services in Illinois and Tennessee. I've been working with children and adults since 2009 when I received my Masters in Social Work in Iowa. I enjoy working with children, teenagers, and adults and have worked with clients through private mental health agencies, within the public school system, and through special education services.

My passion lies in supporting individuals on their emotional health journey and creating a safe space for healing and self-discovery. I believe in a holistic approach to therapy, addressing all aspects of a person's being - the good, the bad, the ups, the downs. By focusing on the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of an individual, I aim to help clients embrace all parts of themselves as they heal and grow. My goal is to empower individuals to confidently present their true selves to the world and live their desired lives.

I believe therapy should feel calm, respectful, and genuinely supportive. I create a space where people can slow down, speak openly, and feel heard without judgment or pressure. My approach is warm, grounded, and collaborative, allowing clients to explore their experiences at a pace that feels comfortable while still working toward meaningful change. Many people come to therapy carrying stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, or past experiences while continuing to manage daily responsibilities. I enjoy helping people make sense of what they are going through, build insight, and reconnect with their strengths. Conversations are honest and thoughtful, with a focus on understanding the whole person rather than just one concern. My goal is to offer steady guidance while respecting each client’s individuality, goals, and values. Therapy becomes a space to reflect, gain clarity, heal, and begin moving forward with greater confidence and emotional balance.