Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Therapists in Illinois

Hello, I'm Laura Meade, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in providing compassionate psychiatric care through telehealth services. I have diverse experience working with children, adults, and seniors across various settings including outpatient care, substance abuse treatment, and crisis residential environments. Previously, I've supported the elderly in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers working in the psychiatric field. I've also worked in correctional psychiatry, offering essential mental health services in a maximum-security prison. My experience also includes working in federally qualified health centers, providing psychiatric care regardless of a patient's insurance status, and offering Medication Assisted Therapy for substance use disorders. Before diving into psychiatric care, I worked in dialysis as a Registered Nurse, both in hospital settings and by providing home-based education and support. This varied background helps me understand and cater to the unique needs of patients from all walks of life. Education has been a cornerstone of my career. I am on the path to earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Maryville University, with graduation anticipated in December 2024. I hold a Master’s Degree in Nursing and am committed to lifelong learning and advocating for my patients' well-being. When you choose care with me, you can trust that you will receive dedicated, empathetic, and patient-centered care tailored to your needs. I look forward to providing you with the highest standard of psychiatric care. *Specialties •Mental Health *Conditions treated •Depression •Anxiety •Bipolar disorders •PTSD •Addiction •Eating Disorders •OCD •Stress •Anger Management •Relationship Issues •Trauma *Treatment philosophy I prescribe medications only when necessary, and treat the whole patient and not just their diagnosis. I use a therapy-based approach and spend time getting to know my patients so I can treat them to the best of my ability with a whole-picture view. *Treatment approach •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) •Culturally Sensitive •Emotionally Focused •Mindfulness-Based(MBCT) •Person-Focused •Attachment-based •Behavior Modification •Positive Psychology •Trauma Focused •Motivational Interviewing *Practice description I provide mental health services for adolescents and adults through telehealth. I specialize in treating patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse issues. I also have experience working with many other diagnoses including personality disorders. *Insurance •Blue Cross Blue Shield •Aetna •Cigna •UnitedHealthcare •Optum •Oscar Health •Oxford •Cigna Behavioral Health •Coventry •Allied •Meritain

Hello, I’m Tajuana Johnson, a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience providing compassionate and comprehensive healthcare. Based in the Chicago area, I am committed to helping clients achieve their wellness, beauty, and weight loss goals through a patient-centered, holistic approach. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from The University of Alabama and my Master’s in Nursing from Saint Xavier University. My focus is on empowering clients to become the best versions of themselves, both physically and spiritually, by offering personalized care tailored to their unique needs. Specializing in weight loss, I prescribe Phentermine when appropriate, alongside customized wellness plans to help clients achieve sustainable results. My background includes expertise in chronic and acute illness management, women’s health, and nutrition, allowing me to provide well-rounded care. My goal is to promote wellness and health education in a friendly, accessible manner, ensuring every patient receives the highest quality of care. I believe in open communication and collaboration, guiding patients on their journey to a healthier, more confident life. Treatment Philosophy: I believe in a compassionate, patient-centered approach to healthcare, recognizing that each individual has unique needs and goals. My focus is on creating personalized treatment plans that empower clients to take charge of their health and well-being. I emphasize education, open communication, and holistic care, ensuring that my patients feel supported every step of the way. By integrating my expertise in weight loss, women’s health, and nutrition, I help clients achieve sustainable, long-term wellness. Specialties: • Family Medicine • General Practice • Weight Loss Conditions Treated: • Abdominal Symptoms • Allergies • Asthma • Common Cold • Covid • Cough • Fever • Flu • Hypertension • Lifestyle Change • Middle Ear Infection • Obesity • Overweight • Pharyngitis • Respiratory Concerns • Sinus Infection • Weight Loss Treatment Approach: • Chronic & Acute Illness Management • Coaching • Collaborative Care with Healthcare Teams • Comprehensive Physical Evaluations • Culturally Sensitive • Culturally Sensitive Patient Care • Emotionally Focused • Health Education & Resource Referral • Humanistic • Medication & Dietary Supplement Management • Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) • Personalized Diet & Exercise Plans • Person-Focused • Pregnancy & Postpartum Care Education

I have been practicing as a Nurse Practitioner for the last 4 years, practicing in the Chicagoland area. Prior to obtaining my Master’s degree, I worked as a Registered Nurse for 10 years in several different settings. My job is more than treating an illness. My approach to service and treatment is always deliver extraordinary patient centered care and is individualized to meet each patient’s needs. I’m a huge advocate for patient’s rights and encourage my patient's to take a proactive approach in their care. I was born on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and moved to Chicago, IL when I was 18 years old where I was able to attend college and obtain my degrees in nursing. I received my Bachelors and Master’s degree from Chamberlain College of Nursing.

Hello and bienvenue! I work with a diverse clientele and specialize in providing social justice oriented psychotherapy to people of color, as well as members of LGBTQIA+ communities. I provide culturally responsive therapy, which focuses on the strengths that you already have. I tend to use an Interpersonal Process theoretical approach (IPT) as well as a cognitive-behavioral theoretical approach (CBT) while also paying attention to your environment and access to social support. I work with you to build a safe space where you can share your experiences without the fear of being judged, and where you can focus on becoming clear about what you want, and how you want to go about making that happen. I believe that it is important to build a strong therapeutic relationship, as well as paying close attention to what is happening for you in-the-moment. I find it helpful to work to understand the different values and beliefs that we bring into the room, and how these worldviews might affect our interactions with each other. Understanding how your thoughts are related to your behaviors can empower and help you to actively account for your reality. You can use this insight to make the changes that will be necessary to live life more healthily.

Whether this is your first time seeking therapy, or not your first rodeo in the therapy arena, finding the right therapist for you is a Big Freaking Deal! You’ve likely been doing tireless research, visiting websites, unsure if you’ll find someone who truly gets you. What you want is… A therapist who is R-E-A-L, doesn’t hide behind a clipboard, nods and won’t just say “mm-hm” to everything that comes out of your mouth, or ask you 100 times “how does that make you feel?” You want a therapist whom you can sense a connection with and see that this person might understand you, better than you understand yourself. This may sound like a tall order, but you deserve to find the BEST possible person to do this life-progressing work with. The badass go-getter in me recognizes the badass go-getter in you! I’m here to help you get to work at becoming a better version of yourself. Making the first move can be tough, but I know deep down, you’ll muster up the strength you need. You’re ready to take the leap, no matter how scary it might be. You want someone who is willing to take this journey with you and push you towards the progress you want to make in your life! You’re ready to take the risk of learning new ways to handle problems that keep coming up and let go of your old ways of doing things.

My name is Kim Kriks and I am the practice owner and clinical therapist at Hopeful Humans Counseling. I obtained my bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Applied Behavioral Science from the University of Kansas. I furthered my education by earning a master's degree in Social Work and PEL endorsement from the University of Illinois at Chicago. My main focus in my clinical practice is providing counseling for children under 10 years old, working with adolescents, and offering parenting support. Additionally, I have received training in women's issues and perinatal mental health. Before establishing Hopeful Humans Counseling, I served as the clinical director and therapist for six years at a private practice located in Downers Grove, IL and New Lenox, IL. I  also have a decade of experience as a school social worker, working with children of all ages, including those in early childhood programs and early intervention programs. My therapeutic approach is primarily influenced by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Systems Theory. I strongly believe that families have the best understanding of their own situation, and I am there to offer guidance and strategies during challenging times. Outside of counseling others, I enjoy canoe camping in the Boundary Waters and going on bike rides with my husband and son to the local farmer's market.

I am eager to work with you to focus on your unique needs, goals, and resources. I have extensive experience working a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity and adjustment concerns. I will work with with you directly to determine the best recommendations and options for you including community resources and referrals if appropriate. Everyone deserves to feel heard and supported and you are no exception.

“Self-discovery is a journey that many people find themselves struggling to understand. There is a complexity to human relationships that can further complicate this journey. I want to help you find the love and the light within your relationships and self in order to help you create and mold a better YOU.” Ashley earned an undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University and an MSW from Aurora University. She is well versed in trauma and crisis therapy, and is committed to helping clients become the best version of themselves. In addition to her clinical experience, Ashley has training in happiness coaching, hypnotherapy, crisis prevention, and is a certified yoga teacher. She is also a published author and uses her book, “Writing with Love: A Guided Journal for Couples,” to help clients strengthen their relationships. In therapy, Ashley creates a warm and supportive environment and incorporates extensive therapeutic training and mindfulness into treatment plans. Her goal is to provide clients with the tools they need to move forward and grow.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Addictions Counselor, and Certified Trauma Professional with nearly 15 years of experience in the helping field. I am currently undergoing certification in hypnotherapy to expand my ability to help those in need. I have experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults who may be experiencing difficulties in a single area in their lives or who may need assistance with learning how to manage struggles in many areas of their lives. My style is pretty eclectic and I am well versed in many treatment modalities including CBT, DBT, Trauma Informed Care, and more.

Welcome! I am so happy you are here. I work specifically with people of color and those in the LGBTQ+ community who are seeking therapy for anxiety, stress and burnout, life transitions, self-esteem, and relationship difficulties.  Therapy can be a scary and daunting step. Taking the time to address your needs, big or small, shows strength and courage and I will be right by your side with empathy and compassion.  I believe that, when entering a space of vulnerability, it is important to feel safe and secure. As a therapist, my job is to provide you with a non-judgmental therapeutic environment to support you in your healing and growth. I am here to offer a collaborative approach to empower and foster change in your journey.