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

Koret Munguldar, Ph.D.

Lake Zurich

Dr. Koret Munguldar, a psychotherapist, specializes in helping women navigate childhood trauma, life direction, and relationship challenges. She provides trauma-informed, relational, and faith-sensitive therapy for individuals, couples, and families across all life stages. Dr. Munguldar holds an MA and PhD from The New School for Social Research.

Ava Currie, Intern Therapist

Deer Park | Wheaton

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, Intern Therapist

McHenry

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

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.

Boriana Raykova, Intern Therapist

Lake Zurich

Boriana is an intern therapist working towards her masters degree in mental health counseling from Wheaton College. She enjoys working with clients of all ages and is especially passionate in supporting clients who are working through transitions between cultures. Boriana is bilingual in Bulgarian and English.

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.

Laura Shehata, MA

Vernon Hills

Laura is a bilingual counselor (Arabic & English) who is passionate about working alongside adolescents and adults to help them identify and fulfill their unmet needs. Laura has experience working with individuals who struggle with managing difficult emotions, finding stability in their relationships, and developing healthy self-esteem; all common issues in most presenting problems.

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

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, LSW

Deer Park

Valerie utilizes a strengths-based approach when working with children, adolescents, teens, and young adults. She has specialized training in Trauma-Focused CBT and play therapy techniques. She strives to empower clients to focus on reaching their goals through therapeutic techniques and skills development.

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

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

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

Accepting clients from both IL and WI, Caitie works with individuals ages 15+ and relationships of all kinds. She particularly focuses on processing trauma (religious, medical, and relational), coping with chronic pain, navigating life transitions, and using experiential techniques in sessions to create transformative experiences. Caitie brings to therapy nearly a decade of experience as a researcher in the business world, resulting in a strong sense of duty to stay current on new treatments and techniques. She is committed equally to research and creativity and will work diligently to find the most effective strategies for your individual needs.

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 | 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

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

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

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.

Kristine Buelow, MSW, LCSW

Teletherapy Only

Kristine has had the honor and opportunity to help many individuals and families over the past 25 years as a social worker. She truly enjoys working with seniors, family caregivers, adults, families, and parents. Her approach is genuine, full of grace and with a sense of humor.

Liz Lattof, MA, LCPC, CCATP

Deer Park | Lake Zurich

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

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

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 has a masters degree in Mental Health Counseling 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

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.

Elaine Iwicki, MA, ALMFT

Wheaton

Elaine has an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Wheaton College. She enjoys working with adolescents, adults, families, and couples. She believes that relationship health is crucial to healing and she is passionate about being a part of that healing process.

Laura Ronkoske, MSW, LSW

Lake Zurich

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

R.A.I.N. Space

A safe place for women, ages 18+, to become empowered through mindfulness-based meditation while also tending to our mental health and wellness.

Date: Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm in 4 week cycles - can attend continuously

Location: Cherry Hill Counseling - Deer Park, 21925 W Field Parkway, Suite 215, Deer Park, IL 60010 and via Zoom - hybrid group for accessibility

Cost: $60/session. Sliding scale available upon request.

Contact: Emily Salomon: emily@cherryhillcounseling.com or Emily Nikfar: enikfar@cherryhillcounseling.com,

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 or Alessa Rosati, emily@cherryhillcounseling.com or alessa@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