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4 therapists available in Joliet
As a male African-American therapist of color, I believe that I can help you with the understanding and development of coping skil...
About
As a male African-American therapist of color, I believe that I can help you with the understanding and development of coping skills to get better.
Marc Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker through the state of Illinois. He is an African-American male therapist with 20+ years of working with individuals, children, adolescents, and families who are in crisis. He has expertise in family relationships, children and adolescent issues, marital issues, and individual therapeutic and counseling concerns.
Marc Smith has a master's degree in social work. Mr. Smith also has many years of experience in child welfare and social services.
Marc Smith is an empathetic, thoughtful therapist and counselor who can support you and give you the support you deserve.
Education and training
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As one who has experienced personal trauma and loss, I have an authentic understanding of how we are impacted by painful life circ...
As one who has experienced personal trauma and loss, I have an authentic understanding of how we are impacted by painful life circumstances and how building new life skills can empower us once again.
With two years of experience in the mental health field and a foundational five years of intensive CNA experience, I bring a unique blend of deep clinical expertise and hands-on, compassionate care to my practice. I specialize in helping individuals navigate the heavy weight of trauma, anxiety, and depression, creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where healing begins.
Holding a Master of Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University, I combine evidence-based methods- including trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing- with a profound understanding of the human need for empathy. My goal is to empower you to build resilience, discover healthier coping strategies, and move forward with confidence.
Taking the first step is overwhelming, but you don't have to walk it alone. Together, we can work toward true healing and lasting change.
I believe that each person has a unique gift, and true healing comes from choosing to look beyond the symptoms of trauma and addre...
I believe that each person has a unique gift, and true healing comes from choosing to look beyond the symptoms of trauma and addressing the root causes.
My name is Jasmine Porter, LCSW, and I'm excited to introduce myself. Since 2014, I have worked across a range of social service settings—private practice, schools, hospitals, and community organizations—taking on roles as an advocate, case manager, counselor, facilitator, teacher, and therapist. I work with clients ages 6 to 65 facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-harm, suicidal ideation, substance use, and family or relationship conflict. My ideal client is someone on a meaningful path of self-discovery, eager to explore experiences and emotions. Together, we will foster an environment of growth and resilience.
My therapeutic approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy and strength-based techniques to help you challenge negative thought patterns while building on what you already have. I specialize in anxiety, depression, family dynamics, and relationship issues, helping you identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and foster healthier communication.
Seeking support is a courageous step, and you don't have to take it alone. I'm here to walk alongside you. I invite you to take the next step and schedule an appointment—we can work together to explore your unique experiences and help you move towards a brighter future. Your story matters, and I look forward to hearing it.
As a clinician, I have an authentic, unique approach centered on each client and their unique needs....
As a clinician, I have an authentic, unique approach centered on each client and their unique needs.
I am a licensed social worker (LSW) with 5 years of experience in the mental health field. I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral concerns, and family-related stressors. I have experience supporting individuals and families as they manage challenges at home, school, and within their communities.
I earned my master’s degree in social work from Aurora University and a Bachelor of Science in human services from Quincy University. My clinical approach is person-centered and incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients identify goals, build coping skills, and work toward stability and success in daily life.
I enjoy working with individuals from all backgrounds and strive to create a space where clients feel safe, supported, and truly heard. My goal is to ensure you leave each session feeling validated, empowered, and confident in your ability to navigate life’s challenges.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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My preferred method for aiding individuals in family therapy focuses on enhancing communication and establishing boundaries. I believe the greatest advantage in any relationship comes from recognizing its uniqueness and accepting that it may not always align with our desires and hopes. Effective communication of needs and setting boundaries are essential for improving a family system in need of realignment.
I teach communication, relationship, and boundary skills in family therapy.
I know a family is making meaningful progress in family therapy when they are meeting the needs of the family and the individuals equally.
Clients can supplement their time in family therapy with creating a family ritual devoted to spending time together to build family relationships.
To prepare for their first family therapy session, each family member should express one positive and one challenging aspect about their family.
Family therapy helps families resolve conflicts and strengthen their relationships. It is led by qualified mental health professionals like psychologists, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) who have extensive training in family dynamics and group communication.
Thriveworks family therapists in Joliet, IL usually begin by asking what everyone’s goals are for family counseling. Family members may need help with very specific issues or with general relationship functioning. But there are three main purposes in family counseling: to educate, to counsel, and to strengthen. Thriveworks also offers online family therapy and in-person services, so you may all meet in an office together or join a video call from your home depending on everyone’s location and availability.
The most effective form of Family therapy will often depend on the family itself, as there are many types of family therapy for therapists to use as they see fit in order to best meet the needs of their clients. However, one of the most commonly used types of family therapy is structural family therapy (SFT). SFT focuses specifically on family dynamics and interactions, looking at how they shape the relationships and structure present in the family. It can be effectively used to treat a variety of concerns.
This answer often looks different to each family that starts family therapy. However, some signs that your family might need to consider family counseling include frequent fights or misunderstandings, constant tension, experiencing loss, behavioral issues, marital issues, divorce, and blended family issues, among others.
In family therapy, therapists will often start by asking questions and assessing individual and family dynamics. From there, they may employ therapeutic techniques such as structured family therapy, CBT, strategic family therapy, and more depending on the present concerns and conflicts. From there, a therapist will work to open lines of communication between family members and facilitate emotional healing and growth.
Family therapy can be incredibly successful, with some studies reporting a success rate of almost 90% for improving participants’ emotional and mental health, and around 66% for improving their physical health.
Thriveworks therapists in Joliet, IL offer both online family therapy and in-person family therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
Family therapy is usually short term and solution-focused, with most families accomplishing their goals in 12 sessions or fewer. However, it can also last for longer if the probles at hand are more complex — and that’s okay, too.
For many of us, family life can be difficult to navigate. It’s important to stop negative dynamics and actions before they start to damage relationships. And at Thriveworks in Joliet, IL, our family counselors can help you and your relatives to find common ground again, and to enjoy healthier methods of communication. Reach out today to get started.
Uninsured residents can access Thriveworks’ mental health services here, while residents with insurance can schedule an appointment here (where any out-of-pocket expenses will be covered).
Families are a source of companionship and support, as well as comfort and respect. However, when these close relationships turn sour, boundaries of respect and healthy communication can be crossed. Still, there’s no universal method for determining if your family needs relationship counseling, but some common signs and warnings include:
Common fears include being ostracized from other relatives by the counselor, or that the counselor will choose sides or chastise them for their shortcomings. The reality is that our mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Joliet, IL aren’t going to judge you or try to divide you all. Instead, their interests are to highlight the positive aspects of your relationships by helping you work through negative situations. Teaming up with a family counselor can be a great way to:
Take advantage of a counselor’s presence. A neutral third party allows for more balanced dialogue and candid discussion between family members. Our family therapists at Thriveworks in Joliet, IL are here to help you.
We understand that you might still feel uncertain about talking with a family counselor about your private family life. But rest assured, their number one goal is promoting better mental health for you and your family. Plus, our family counseling services are also available virtually. If you and your family members are separated by distance, come together as a group for online counseling with your provider.
As long as everyone has reliable internet and somewhere private to attend the session, you’re set. And, you can attend counseling at ease, knowing that your personal information will be kept confidential—online counseling still follows the same strict guidelines from the APA and HIPAA as our in-person sessions.
Hostility, resentment, and anxiety don’t need to rule the interactions between you and your loved ones. Work with us at Thriveworks in Joliet, IL. One of our family counselors is waiting, and with their support, your family can enjoy healthier relationships and better mental health. Uninsured residents can access Thriveworks’ mental health services here, while residents with insurance can schedule an appointment here (where any out-of-pocket expenses will be covered).
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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