Julienne Derichs, LCPC

My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. You've both tried, many times to be better with each other, to find ways to change, find solutions, better understand the problem, stop the misunderstandings, yet somehow it all continues and at times it's too much. Unable to manage one conflict before another one comes around with little resolution. Spinning instead of evolving. The focus of our work together would be collaborative in nature, meaning there are many directions counseling can take; we will discuss the main options and together agree upon the focus of our work moving forward. There are typically four main paths we can explore: Path 1. Starting fresh with new skills and approaches to being a couple. Path 2. Making amends and forgiveness. Path 3. Exploring your family culture and what you bring into your relationship. Path 4. Uncoupling, restructuring, and transitions in the relationship. We can go down all of these paths just not all at once. I take an integrated approach to working with couples which has been informed by trainings in the Gottman Model, with Terry Real from the Relational Life Institute, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Collaborative Divorce Mediation, Collaborative Divorce Coach, and Developmental Couples Therapy at the Couples Institute. All sessions are currently offered via teletherapy from my private office in Highwood, IL.

Counseling is set on the foundation of creating safety, stability, and security in order to help you look inward at yourself and outward at your relationships and the world you live in. I provide complete privacy, a flexible schedule, short wait times, and online counseling.

I never underestimate someones ability to change and I love being a counselor because I see the power of change in people everyday. It's OK to ask for help...not always easy but ok none the less. There is usually some worry about beginning counseling..."Does it really help? Why can't I fix this myself? Will others think I'm crazy or weak?" These are normal concerns. I enjoy putting people at ease with a kind, warm, and friendly approach. Seeing someone get comfortable with the process of counseling so that they can make changes they can live with, manage difficult situations without making them worse, feel a new sense of freedom by exploring their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and ultimately feel like I am their advocate with their best interests at heart is a true gift.