Find a Therapist in McHenry, Illinois.

Kari Hunter has provided psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families for over 25 years. She offers many types of psychotherapy for problems such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, child and adolescent problems, and relationship struggles. Psychotherapy today incorporates our knowledge about brain science and behavioral change. Evidence from research has led to development of treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness strategies, and many types of Marital and Family Therapy.

Psychotherapy in Greek means "healing of the human spirit". Sometimes people just need a little support and they find their way. Other times therapy can help individuals work towards facilitating a positive change and improve ones quality of life. Many individuals report that they are able to increase their self awareness and self understanding. This leads them to self growth and an improved way to manage their particular situation. Therapy can help individuals who struggle with a wide range of symptoms and conditions such as depression, anxiety, relationships issues and problems, stressful life events and internalized trauma.

I believe our current struggles often have a link to past struggles. I work with clients to understand the both/and. What are the current challenges and struggles that you want to improve or change and in doing that how is it link to the past. In other words what previous distortions or hurts are causing the person current struggles and how to they build current health to grow and heal from previous hurts.

We all think negatively at times; however, we are empowered because we can change the way we think in order to feel better and cope in the best way possible. In order to pursue optimal psychological health, one way to start is to begin to monitor our thinking regularly. The next step is to examine or question our thoughts and ask ourselves things like: Are our thoughts rational or reasonable? Are they helpful in changing the situation or making us feel better? Are they in proportion to what has happened? Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a particularly effective form of psychotherapy that can help you learn how to feel better especially if CBT is part of a comprehensive treatment plan

Patients often describe their experience working with me as a journey characterized by compassion, understanding, and genuine connection. My approach is rooted in creating a safe and welcoming space where you feel heard and valued. Patients have shared that our sessions feel like open conversations, free from judgment, where thoughts and emotions are explored with a sense of genuine curiosity. Many have expressed a profound sense of relief in being able to share their struggles openly, knowing that they are met with empathy and respect.

We offer thoughtful and engaging sessions to help treat your mental health concerns. We do so by building trust and providing evidence to support healthy, functional change, but we also do so by challenging your negative thought patterns. We ask if there is another way to think about the situation and provide skills and techniques for you to practice in session and on your own. Psychotherapy is a work in process.

My approach to psychotherapy starts with a careful assessment of the problem and your attempts to solve them. We will look at your whole life, your health, your relationships with loved ones, your relationship with God. Sometimes, we are living life out of balance or we are going through difficult transitions and we just need some coaching on how to get ourselves unstuck. Other times solutions seem much more difficult to find. I can help with both but I am especially committed to finding creative solutions for those times when that problem just doesn't seem to go away no matter how hard you try.

I strongly believe in psychotherapy, because I have counseled hundreds of people in group and individual therapy in this way. Many people have the belief that they often just "need to manage my medications" and that meeting just to talk with a counselor is a waste of time. People need to talk and to process their 'story', that is, where they've been, where they are now, and where they want to go in their life. Medication only helps with physiological issues and brain chemistry; psychotherapy gives a person context, and helps them make better, more informed decisions about their life and gives them information (not medication) to make wise life decisions.

"Psychotherapy is the informed and intentional application of clinical methods and interpersonal stances derived from established psychological principles for the purpose of assisting people to modify their behaviors, cognitions, emotions, and/or other personal characteristics in directions that the participants deem desirable" (Norcross, 1990, p. 218-220 ) We use Freudian-based theories, object relations, attachment theories and self-psychology to assist our clients in identifying and understanding the underlying issues that may color their current relationships.

In psychotherapy, I strive to uncover and help the client learn to deal more effectively with the underlying causes of their difficulties in life. When logistical changes in their lives can be made to better their life situations, I bring out and foster the adoption of such. Ofter, however, deeper considerations are necessary and, in this regard, I try to help the client to relate to deeper issues that are root causes of the difficulties he or she experiences in life. Resolution of deeper issues generally leads to greater long term life satisfaction.

This is, to me, the most in-depth therapy that I provide. It requires a relationship with the client. And a level of trust that being in that space together is a safe place. It mandates a great history, an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that drives the process forward. Most psychotherapy leaves clients feeling tired afterwards because it challenges them to deal with their feelings, allowing the insights to come and the revelations to incur. Psychotherapy is the utmost marvel of my work. And the ultimate healing for most clients who engage in it and allow the process to work.

I am trained in a variety of traditional and non-traditional treatment methods that I integrate in a holistic approach to psychotherapy. While grounded in scientifically proven methods such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, I also integrate with treatment methods such as Positive Psychology which emphasizes the development of strengths over targeting weaknesses, and hypnotherapy approaches that incorporate subconscious and body-based processes.

Counseling is both a relational experience and learning process that can foster much personal and professional growth and healing. My approach is to provide a healthy, encouraging relationship that is both collaborative, instructive, and one that empowers you to become your best self and grow into the life and work that is most meaningful for you. I will model and teach you various skills, provides resources, and support you towards the solutions that fit you best.

Often, people allow unfounded fears to keep them from getting the help they need. instead of overcoming the issues, they have chosen to give in to a lifetime of pain and suffering. These people simply need help - the kind of help William Edleman Offers. William Edleman has extensive experience at established psychiatric facilities of Rockford Memorial Hospital and Swedish American. He has been in practice for nearly 3 decades and his commitment has inspired trust in hundreds of people.

Psychotherapy is an in-depth review of where your life has been and where your life is going. Understanding how your history affects your emotions and current relationships gives you the chance to change long-standing patterns. The goal is to handle difficult emotions, while still making good decisions for yourself. While we all want to feel better, sometimes we have to do better to feel better. We take the time to define your desired outcomes because we will find a natural source of energy and motivation. We identify the behavioral and thinking patterns that will lead to your desired outcomes. Steps are identified toward behavior change that otherwise has been elusive.

Psychotherapy?! What a funny word. I am a psychotherapist, NOT a psycho therapist! :) Others call me a counselor or "the talk lady." People who find me tend to be parents who are looking for support for their children. I use research based therapies that bring empowerment, positive behavior changes, and less frustration and stress. I specialize in youth aged 3-25 who have experienced some level of stress like a divorce, bullying, self-harm, sexting or abuse. Youth nowadays have a different mentality, and I also support parents in understanding and connecting with their children. If you call for a free phone consult and I don't think we are a good match, I will give you multiple referrals.