Identity / Self-image

Our identities influence how we perceive ourselves and navigate through life. Having an understanding of who you are and how you identify, internally and externally, will allow you to live to your full potential.

If you often find yourself questioning who you are and how you want the world to perceive you, you may be struggling with identity related issues. Struggling with your identity can leave you feeling isolated, confused, and depressed. It is essential to start answering those questions you might have about yourself.

What classifies as “identity”?

There are many ways that we as humans identify. Understanding and being at peace with ourselves is essential to becoming a complete and functioning individual, and is often modified as we gain experience and perspective through life. Some of the more common identities we see here at Cherry Hill include, but are certainly not limited to:

  • Gender
  • Race/Ethnicity
  • Religion/Spirituality
  • Body & Self Image
  • Vocation

If you find yourself saying “hm, I might have some questions about one of those listed or something similar”, you may be experiencing an identity concern or crisis. This can mean questioning yourself as a whole, or related to a specific identity of you, as we can identify in many ways. These concerns can arise from major life stressors, or due to other factors such as your age. Identity concerns can make you feel lost, confused, and isolated; constantly wondering if you’ll ever find your meaning and purpose in the world. Unresolved identity issues can lead to depression, anxiety, addiction, and sometimes even suicide.

How Can I Explore My Identity?

Experiencing an identity concern or crisis can be a scary and heavy experience. It will likely bring up questions or thoughts about yourself that feel uncomfortable or confusing. Who am I? What do these feelings mean? How can I express myself? What makes me, me? What does my identity or identities mean to me? How do I want to be perceived? How can I show the world who I am? I don’t understand myself. No one will ever understand me. I’m confused about myself. If you are having these thoughts, it may be time to reach out for help. You might now be wondering, “where do I even begin?”

Supportive Therapy

You do not have to walk on this journey alone, and we are here to help. At Cherry Hill, our therapists are here to guide you in answering all the daunting and challenging questions you may have about yourself, while also helping you cope with any negative feelings and experiences that may come up on your self-discovery journey. There is a being inside of you wanting and waiting to be discovered and revealed to yourself, and the world around you.

If you or someone you know is struggling with identity related concerns, do not wait to reach out to one of our therapists here at Cherry Hill Counseling. We are eager to help.

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Related Therapist Profiles

The following therapists specialize in Identity / Self-image

Devin Godzicki, Intern Therapist

Lake Zurich – Willow Ponds

Devin is a counseling intern with 13 years of teaching experience. She values meaningful relationships and is passionate about guiding individuals and families toward growth and healing.

Lara O’Malley, MS

Lake Zurich – Downtown | Lake Zurich – Willow Ponds

Lara O’Malley, MS, provides compassionate, practical, evidence-based care for individuals, couples, and families.

Jessica Stanfel, MA, LPC

McHenry

Jessica is a proud “boy mom” who navigates motherhood with humor and heart. A big kid at heart, she loves all things Disney but also enjoys engaging in deep, meaningful adult conversations. In her free time, Jessica enjoys board games (she plays to win!), video games, and curling up with a good book.

Zoe Yohe, M.Ed., LCPC

Lake Zurich – Willow Ponds

Zoe provides compassionate, individualized mental health counseling for children, teens, and adults. She fosters a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to navigate life’s challenges and make meaningful change.

Carrie Meng, Intern Therapist

Grayslake

Carrie is a bilingual mental health counselor (English and Mandarin 中文普通话) originally from China, working with teens, adults, couples, and families. Drawing from her lived experience across cultures and her diverse academic background, she specializes in multicultural identities and concerns, career planning and transitions, and navigating the overwhelming emotions that can arise from these experiences—all through a trauma-informed lens. Carrie is also a Certified Binge Eating and Chronic Dieting Professional, committed to helping clients break free from disordered eating patterns and embrace body inclusivity.

Tori Larsen, Intern Therapist

Grayslake

Tori is an intern therapist currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. With a deep passion for helping others, she strives to make a positive impact through compassion and empathy. Tori believes in the power of human connection and the importance of leaning on support systems. She views life’s challenges as opportunities to grow and connect, recognizing the beauty in navigating obstacles together.

Pamela Roble, M.Ed., LCPC, ATR

Deer Park | Lake Zurich – Willow Ponds

Pamela Roble, ATR, LCPC, MEd, offers creative therapy for clients 5-95, integrating art therapy and faith-based approaches to address life challenges and transitions.

Ava Currie, MS

Deer Park | Lake Zurich – Willow Ponds

Ava Currie is a Cherry Hill Counseling intern pursuing a Master's of Science degree at National Louis University. With a strong passion for helping those in need, she is committed to providing empathetic support and contributing to client growth and healing through thoughtful and effective therapeutic techniques.

Julie Kralik-Welton, MA

Lake Zurich – Willow Ponds

As a 2024 clinical intern, Julie brings experience to her role as a counselor, which includes a background in social work, providing psychoeducation directed toward healthy living, working with families in need, and supporting parents with special needs children. She assists clients with identifying and overcoming barriers to healthy relationships and mental health wellness.

Nazree Williams, MSW, LSW

Wheaton

Nazree Williams is a therapist with a background in science and medical research. She combines creativity, nature and neuroscience into her practice, offering a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals to heal, grow, and achieve goals. She makes understanding your brain engaging and easy to grasp. By breaking down how different neurological regions and chemicals influence your mood, anxiety and behavior, Nazree helps you grasp the interaction between our mind and body, which can assist with managing of emotions.

Cathy Araos, MA.Ed., LPC

McHenry | Lake Zurich – Downtown

Cathy's professional path has been diverse, encompassing teaching roles across numerous school districts. A committed lifelong learner, she holds two Master's degrees. Outside of work, she finds joy in woodworking, hiking, and camping adventures with her family.

Paramita Bhattacharya, LCSW, PEL

Grayslake | Vernon Hills

Paramita is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked as a clinician on 3 different continents. She speaks 4 different languages which include Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, and English. She has experience working with 5 year olds to 85 years old. Paramita utilizes evidence-based practices to support clients needs and has a background in trauma care.

Timothy Robinson, Ed.D.

Grayslake

Tim Robinson has been a licensed psychologist for over 25 years and served as the Chair of the Psychology Department at Trinity International University for most of three decades.

Kayal Swaminathan, MSW, LSW

Vernon Hills

Kayal has a Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University. She is a passionate mental health professional dedicated to empowering her clients through play and creativity.

Julia Gold, MSW, LSW

Vernon Hills

Julia is a Licensed Social Worker that treats clients across the age continuum. She has a Masters in Social Work, Concentration in Advanced Clinical Mental Health from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is passionate about creating a safe, non-judgmental space for all of her clients.

Lisa LaBute, MS, LCPC

Teletherapy Only

Lisa LaBute earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Brigham Young University in 1984 and her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Saint Francis College in 1996. She’s had the opportunity to work in several states as well as doing an internship in London. She’s been a licensed professional counselor in the state of Illinois since 2007.

Jennifer Thelen, MA, LPC

McHenry

Jennifer works with teens, adults and couples. She is devoted to creating a safe relational environment to encourage self-exploration while supporting clients through life’s challenges.

Alexis Mathews Carr, MA, LPC

Vernon Hills

Alexis strives to make her clients feel safe, welcome, and accepted through the use of empathy, genuineness, and humor. Her counseling approach is rooted in CBT, DBT, and a strengths based approach. Alexis works with clients to identify their strengths in order to find growth and healing.

Luke Bruschuk, MSW, LSW

Vernon Hills

Luke Bruschuk is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois, holding a Master’s in Social Work from Western New Mexico University and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He specializes in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, anxiety and depression, substance use disorders, life transitions, and veteran-related concerns. Luke employs a strengths-based approach, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques to empower clients toward self-determination and personal growth. He serves adults aged 18 and older, offering flexible in-person and remote sessions.

Jackie Kendall, MA, LPC

McHenry

Jackie is acquiring an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University. Jackie is a nature and animal lover who enjoys spending her free time with friends and family. She feels that counseling picked her well before she decided to pursue a career in the helping profession. She was taught at a young age that the greatest gift in the world is helping others.

Valerie Dobrow, MSW, LCSW

Deer Park | Lake Zurich – Willow Ponds

Val is passionate about empowering clients of all ages through skill development to achieve their goals. Val utilizes evidence-based treatments including CBT, DBT, and play therapy techniques that prioritize resilience (all ages, starting at 2 years).

Veronica Gillen, MSW, LCSW

Wheaton

Veronica Gillen is a licensed social worker with a Masters Degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania with an emphasis on trauma informed care and strengths-based recovery support. Veronica is a bilingual therapist and provides services in both English and Spanish. Veronica enjoys working with women, children, and teens as well as families.

Cris Goodfellow, MA, LPC

Grayslake

Cris is an intern therapist, seeking completion of her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University (Graduation May 2024). Cris is passionate about working with teens and adults, couples, and families, helping all people to seek individual and relational health.

John DeArvil, MSW, LSW

Vernon Hills

John studied psychology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and earned his master’s degree in social work from Loyola University Chicago. He has experience working with adolescents, adults, and families in outpatient and residential treatment settings. John is motivated to work with people to help them progress towards their goals and see genuine improvement.

Joshua Flanagan, MA, LPC

Vernon Hills | Grayslake

Josh earned his MA in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University. Josh is a compassionate and energetic individual who has a lot of passion for helping others. He loves to express himself through creative avenues such as photography, design, etc. and always will do life within community.

Deb Landeene, MA, LPC

Lake Zurich – Downtown

Deb is a Master’s level counseling intern from Concordia University Chicago. She provides treatment to clients of all ages, but has a passion for working with adolescents and their parents. She is a wife and a mother to 2 grown children. She enjoys her animals, gardening and making jewelry. Deb considers herself a life-long learner.

Caitie McCormack, MA, LPC

Grayslake

Society tells us not to talk about sex, religion, or politics—but this isn’t your family dinner, and no topic is off-limits. Caitie works with adults and couples (LGBTQ+ affirming), helping them navigate trauma, relationship challenges, women’s health issues, and sex-related concerns. She has specialized training in EMDR, EFT couples therapy, and menopause care, and is currently training in sex therapy.

Juan Torres, MSW, LCSW, CADC

Vernon Hills

Juan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Illinois and can provide services in both English and Spanish. He specializes in treating substance use disorders and mood disorders. He works with adolescents and adults in both individual and group settings.

Clark Barshinger, Ph.D.

Lake Zurich – Downtown | McHenry

Practicing clinical psychology for over 50 years, Dr. Clark Barshinger has broad and deep experience counseling patients. His graduate education includes a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from DePaul University, and Master’s Degree of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary. He works mostly with adults, teens and couples.

Brendan Bell, MA, LCPC

Deer Park | Wheaton | Lake Zurich – Willow Ponds

Brendan Bell is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. He has worked in private practice for the last 20 years, with offices in both Deer Park and in Wheaton. His expertise involves working with middle schoolers, adolescents, and their families, with extensive experience addressing behavior disorders. Brendan also works with adults and particularly enjoys counseling artists.

Diane Geiser, MSW, LCSW

Lake Zurich – Downtown

Diane Geiser is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with adults, adolescents, couples and families. Diane is a highly skilled clinician who can work with clients in identifying goals and change strategies that promote growth. She also has experience conducting wellness seminars with corporations and executives.

Rick Coffaro, MA, LPC

Teletherapy Only

Rick Coffaro’s work experience prior to Cherry Hill includes twenty-eight years in sales, marketing, and management. The theme of his career was making, building and maintaining relationships. Rick offers first-hand knowledge of life and career transitions. He enjoys working with individuals, couples, adults, adolescents and young adults, and groups.

Michelle Schaefer, MA, LCPC, PMHC

Grayslake

Michelle Schaefer, LCPC, has experience working with adults, couples, teens, and families. Michelle has an advanced certification in Perinatal Mental Health and specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Michelle strives to create a secure client-therapist alliance in order to support people as they navigate life challenges and heal relationships.

Elizabeth Haines, LCPC, NBC-HWC, YACEP

Teletherapy Only

Elizabeth is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She values a strong therapeutic alliance and believes that a supportive and collaborative working relationship is instrumental in helping clients improve their overall quality of life. She uses her expertise in yoga and mindfulness to assist clients in learning to calm and relax the stressed body and mind.

Maria Statkus Ritchey, MA, LCPC, CCATP-CA

Deer Park | Wheaton | Lake Zurich – Willow Ponds

Maria is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Maria is enthusiastic about working with different populations, including children, adolescents, young adults, and families. Maria has experience utilizing non-directive play therapy and her approach is client-centered based, while integrating client strengths within the process.

Liz Lattof, MA, LCPC, CCATP

Deer Park | Lake Zurich – Downtown

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor at Cherry Hill Liz works with a wide variety of clients, children, adolescents, families, and adults. She has additional training in play therapy and groups. She enjoys helping people with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and other challenges and transitions.

John Kim, MA, LCPC

Deer Park | Lake Zurich – Willow Ponds

John received his MA in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University where he gained experience doing therapeutic work through the university's counseling center. John is committed to building warm, authentic, and meaningful relationships with his clients as he helps them work toward their unique goals. He works with individuals, couples, and groups.

Risa Becker, MA, LCPC

McHenry

Risa is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has a passion for seeing people come into the fullness of what their life could be. Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn, and having someone alongside can make a difference. Other times we need to make a change and need support to make that happen. Either way, I am here for you.

Alessa Rosati, MA, LMFT

Deer Park | Lake Zurich – Willow Ponds

Alessa Rosati is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She graduated from Adler University with a Master’s Degree in Couple and Family Therapy. Along with her work in private practice, Alessa has experience working in school environments and hospital settings. She specializes in helping adolescents and adults with relationship difficulties, issues of low self-esteem, grief and loss, anxiety, and stress.

Arielle Miree, MA, LCPC

Teletherapy Only

Arielle received her M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University. She has a passion for helping people heal and grow in order to live a meaningful life. She values authentic relationships and creating a safe space for clients. She has experience working with those struggling with addictions and co-occurring disorders. Arielle enjoys working with a variety of clients including athletes and artists.

Alison Yu, MA, M.Div., LCPC

Teletherapy Only

Alison Yu, M.Div, MA, LPC, is a bilingual (English and Mandarin Chinese) counselor who is experienced working with individuals, couples and families. She has a special heart for immigrant families. Trained in both psychology and theology, she is passionate about helping people to integrate the Christian faith in their healing process.

Justin Feinberg, MA, M.Div., LCPC

Grayslake

Justin’s Graduate education includes both a Master’s degree in Mental Health counseling as well as a Master’s of Divinity from Trinity International University. He works with individuals, couples, and families and has a heart to see relationships flourish and people become who they were meant to be. He has training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and utilizes this toward helping marriages, families, and individuals thrive.

Jennifer Flanagan, MA, LCPC

Grayslake

Jennifer is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a masters degree from Trinity International University. She has a passion for helping people see their strengths and potential. She believes this is accomplished through authentic relationships and support for and collaboration with others.

Rebecca Wiegman, MA, LCPC

Grayslake

Rebecca received her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University. She has experience working with children, individuals, families, and within groups. Rebecca is enthusiastic about working with different populations and has prior experience in the fields of education, health & fitness, and substance abuse.

Emily Salomon, MS.Ed., LCPC

Deer Park | Lake Zurich – Willow Ponds

Emily earned her MS.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Illinois University. Emily holds deep value for the safe space that exists within the therapeutic relationship. She embraces the importance of being provided with new lenses with which a client may see the world a bit differently.

Laura Ronkoske, MSW, LCSW

Lake Zurich – Downtown

Laura has been a school social worker for 23 years. Nothing brings her more joy than helping young children, adolescents, and adults through life’s most challenging times. She has recently moved to private practice to help others outside the school environment to be their best selves and help give them the tools to be able to do so.

Nicole Taylor, MS.Ed., LPC

McHenry

Nicole is a licensed therapist who is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and young adults. She specializes in anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.

Julie Berry, MA, LPC

Grayslake

Julie is passionate about working with women, young adults, and individuals helping them find the power within themselves to navigate any struggle they may be facing. She loves forming a strong trusted relationship with her client. She focuses on helping people name their struggles or pains and identify ways to take action toward healing and wholeness. She believes we can learn from life’s experiences as helpful information to understanding ourselves more.

Jennifer Irocky, PhD Clinical Psychology Intern

McHenry

Jennifer is passionate about health, wellness, and the body- mind connection. She is finishing her doctorate in Clinical Psychology and is currently interning at Cherry Hill Counseling. Professionally, she has completed ten years of studies and three years of clinical work, and is currently working on her dissertation.

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Groups

Here are some groups we recommend to get started

GRL PWR

This group is for teenage girls ages 14-18, offering a supportive and safe space to talk about whatever’s on your mind—from anxiety and school pressures to self-esteem and communication skills. It’s a collaborative environment where we’ll come together to learn and practice helpful tools for managing life’s challenges and boosting overall well-being. Let’s support each other and grow together!

Date: Thursdays 6-7pm for 6-week cycles

Location: Cherry Hill Counseling - Vernon Hills, 977 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 150, Vernon Hills, IL 60061

Cost: $50/session, paid weekly

Contact: Alexis Carr, LPC and Julia Gold, LSW, alexis@cherryhillcounseling.com (815-305-9660) jgold@cherryhillcounseling.com (815-290-1588)

View more info

S.A.G.E. Space

A safe place for identity exploration through group processing, developing self-advocacy skills, and learning how to cope with identity related stressors. For adults approximately 18 years and up.

Date: Wednsdays, 8-9pm, virtually running in 6-week cycles. Can attend continuously.

Location: Cherry Hill Counseling via Zoom

Cost: $50/session plus a 15% discount of the full 6 weeks is paid in advance of group start

Contact: Emily Salomon, emily@cherryhillcounseling.com

View more info

Connections Group for Women

Our Wednesday Women’s Connections group is accepting new members. The group is led by therapists Diane Geiser, MSW, LCSW and Rebecca Wiegman, MA, LCPC.

Date: Wednesdays, 3:30-5:00pm

Location: Zoom

Cost: $195/month. Reach out to discuss payment options

Contact: Rebecca Wiegman, 847-438-4222 x153

View more info