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33 licensed therapists & providers in Illinois—6 in Joliet. Available as soon as today, in person and online
Our providers work with individuals, couples, families, & teens for anxiety, depression, grief, & more
We accept UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BCBS Plans, Humana, Aetna, & many more. Self-pay options available, no membership fees
94% of patients feel truly understood by their provider. 3 out of 4 see improvement in depression & anxiety symptoms within 3 months
Discover how starting teen counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
Michelle Barraco is a Master’s level psychotherapist, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and Licensed Clinical Professi...
About
Michelle Barraco is a Master’s level psychotherapist, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She has 14 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents and adults challenged with a variety of mental health and life concerns including but not limited to depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, grief, stress, substance use, addiction and relationship conflicts. Utilizing a cognitive behavioral therapy approach among other modalities that fit your treatment needs, she will work with you to develop a greater insight and effective strategies to manage the stressful and distressful situations in your life. She also strives to create an emotionally supportive, non-judgmental environment while providing clinical insight to guide you throughout this process. It takes an immense amount of courage to take those first steps towards change and seek help for a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step, she is here to support and empower you. She looks forward to working with you!
Education and training
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I am inspired by the resilience of the human spirit. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "What lies before you and what lies behind you ...
I am inspired by the resilience of the human spirit. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "What lies before you and what lies behind you are tiny matters compared to what lies WITHIN you." I strive to help clients realize how much potential they have within them to face and overcome the difficulties of life.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 10 years of experience, and more than 6 years of experience working as a therapist. Prior to working as a professional counselor, I provided clinical case management to individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues in a variety of settings. I am passionate about helping individuals who are striving to overcome issues like depression, anxiety, life transitions, anger, self-destructive behavior (substance use, self-sabotage, etc.), and existential crises.
I completed my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University and my Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Marquette University. I take a strength-based approach with each client, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in my care.
As a counselor who has been influenced by the work of Dr. Viktor Frankl, I place emphasis on helping clients to create meaning in the midst of difficult circumstances in order to turn tragedies into triumphs. If you are ready to explore how you can best respond to your current challenges, schedule an appointment with me today.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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My go-to approach for helping people in teen counseling is meeting them where they are at and helping them process and manage emotions, explore their identity, and make wise decisions. I believe the best benefit in teen therapy is having an independent and private space.
I teach the following tools in teen counseling: thinking about consequences, seeing different perspectives, communicating assertively, using self-respect and respecting others, and managing their emotions.
I know a client is making meaningful progress in teen counseling when they are feeling confident about themselves, have healthy peer relationships, and can communicate their needs with parents and teachers.
Clients can supplement their time in teen counseling by completing responsibilities at home and at school.
To prepare for their first teen counseling session, a teen can list 3 things they would like to get out of therapy.
Teen counseling helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst teens include anxiety, depression, ADHD, and problematic relationships with food.
Teen counseling works by using multiple techniques, tailored to fit the teen’s unique needs — based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks teen therapists in Joliet have the expertise and experience to help young individuals at their level.
Signs that teens might need Teen counseling can be very subjective, as they are experiencing many changes and can have intense reactions to them. As parents, you know your child best and are best equipped to judge whether certain reactions are standard behaviors for your teen or whether they might be hinting at a larger problem. Even so, there are a few common signs and events that often point to a need for therapy, such as experiencing divorce or loss, grief, consistent low moods, teens distancing themselves and becoming isolated, losing interest in hobbies, excessive anger or irritability, substance use issues, and suicidal ideation, among others.
Teen counseling providers at Thriveworks in Joliet, IL offer both in person and online therapy by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The length of teen counseling depends on your teen’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, teen counseling sessions will last for several months.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Joliet is located near Essington Rd and Rock Run Preserve - Black Road Access, off Black Rd. It is close to Illinois Orthopedic Institute and Inwood Park.
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33 therapists available in Illinois, including 6 in Joliet
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