Therapists in Illinois

Who I Am Hi, I’m a psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience—and I still wake up every day passionate about helping people heal and grow. Therapy, to me, is about more than problem-solving; it’s about reconnecting with yourself, rediscovering your strengths, and creating lasting change. I bring empathy, authenticity, and a laid-back, nonjudgmental vibe to my work. My approach blends evidence-based practices like CBT, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness with a deep respect for each client’s unique journey. I also bring the perspective of someone who’s walked through the trenches of life—childhood abuse, trauma, tragedy, and the challenges that come with being human. Those experiences don’t define me, but they do shape the way I connect—with honesty, compassion, and a real understanding of what it means to struggle and to heal. At the heart of my practice is creating a space where you can show up exactly as you are—no pressure, no judgment. Together, we’ll explore what’s holding you back, tap into your resilience, and build tools to move forward with clarity, confidence, and hope. Helping people heal isn’t just my profession—it’s my calling, and it’s an honor to walk alongside others on their journey.

I bring extensive experience from various settings, including treatment centers, community programs, group therapy, and correctional facilities, where I've had the privilege of working with adolescents, young adults, and adults. My approach is rooted in evidence-based therapies, tailored to support meaningful behavioral changes. I deeply understand the mental health challenges that can emerge from incarceration and the unique stressors that accompany the journey of rebuilding life afterward. I’m also dedicated to supporting the family members and loved ones of those struggling with addiction or incarceration, helping them navigate their own emotional journeys with compassion and care. Additionally, I work closely with parents and families of children with complex behavioral issues, providing guidance and support to help them create a nurturing environment for their child’s growth and well-being. In addition to this, I have experience helping clients through significant life transitions, such as starting a family, navigating college, or going through a divorce. I understand how overwhelming these changes can be and am here to provide empathetic support and practical tools to help my clients find stability and confidence during these times. I’m committed to walking alongside my clients and their families as they navigate these difficult transitions, offering understanding and support every step of the way.

Hi I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois and am experienced providing individual, couples, family and group counseling interventions. I work with children through adults, from a variety of backgrounds and varied presenting concerns. I utilize CBT, brief solution focused models, TF-CBT, and person centered interventions. I am a member of the Illinois Counseling Association and Illinois Mental Health Counseling Association.

I am a husband of 14 years, a father of a 11 y/o neurodivergent son and a 7 y/o precocious daughter, a veteran of the US Navy with 12 years served, including 1 deployment, and a geek. I am what the Japanese culture describes as an otaku, in that I work to support my passions. In my free time I enjoy video games (mostly on Nintendo Switch), movies (all kinds, although my favorite is the 2005 animated Transformers movie), books (current favorite author is Brandon Sanderson), and spending time with my family.

Thanks for stopping by I’m glad to see you are taking the steps to change your situation. I view myself as a change agent, I’m here to help you through the process. Almost all of us find areas in our lives in which we need guidance. I have been working to empower others for 18 years. In that time, I have worked in several settings including community mental health, inpatient psychiatric care, acute hospitals, and the public school system. My name is Melissa Hamilton, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have extensive experience working with adults, families, at-risk youth, and adolescents. I earned a Doctorate in Social Work and master’s degrees in both Social Work and Public Health. I hold clinical licensure in Missouri and Illinois. My approach to therapy is that it should be used as a tool to provide the knowledge, help, and support needed to understand problems and develop skills to cope with them. I use Cognitive Behavioral techniques to help clients develop insight and new skills. In addition, I am experienced with trauma-informed practice, including trauma-focused CBT, as well as using mindfulness techniques. I lean towards the use of evidence-based interventions from diverse models to fit the needs of the individual so treatment can be tailored to fit your individual needs. My counseling experience includes mental health and wellness, self-care practices, health and behavioral health advocacy, interpersonal/family conflict and wellness, healthy relationships, children and adolescents, depression, grief and loss, stress, anxiety, crisis management, and anger management. My specialties are working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, anger issues, personal crises, and family relationship issues. I actively work to help clients feel supported and empowered throughout the therapeutic process. I look forward to this journey with you!