1618 W Colonial Parkway, Suite 120,
Inverness, IL 60067
Phone: (224) 938-9579
E-Mail: dsnyder.counselor@gmail.com
I help people who have been impacted by addiction overcome the traumas they experienced growing up in an uncertain, distrustful, and chaotic home environment. If you are someone who grew up in a dysfunctional environment, are battling addiction yourself, and/or are struggling with how to handle a loved one’s issues with substance use, then you know the emotional turmoil that sets in.
Adult children of alcoholics, spouses, and family members are often haunted by feelings of extreme loneliness, perfectionism, avoidance of their feelings, relationship difficulties, issues around trust and control, codependency, anxiety, and various other family conflict.
I support my clients to reconnect with themselves while showing them how to restore their relationships by using a personalized step-by-step approach that guides them in healing their emotional and family wounds.
In addition to my work with individuals and families navigating these challenges, I am qualified to treat a wide variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, adhd, anger management, stress management, poor or ineffective communication patterns, relationship difficulties, family conflict, gambling, grief and loss, trauma (both PTSD and C-PTSD aka complex emotional trauma), and other mood and anxiety disorders.
My passion for being a therapist comes from a life-long dream I had of helping people transition from a difficult time in their life to a life that can become full of joy again. I work with clients who are experiencing the loss of a loved one or the loss of a job, dreams, divorce and other challenges. I also work with women who have postpartum depression, a traumatic pregnancy or birth and recovery. I also work with clients who are suffering from anxiety and depression that can stop us from living the best life we can. Life is hard, can give you challenges, questions the meaning of life, can make you angry, bitter and hard to get through each day.
I know what you are going through, what you are feeling and what you are ignoring. I write about this from personal experience from the many losses I have had in my life—my daughter, siblings, parents and many friends. Grieving takes time and, in the beginning, we’re consumed with the details: wakes, funerals, memorial services. This can feel like it’s giving us a purpose, keeping busy, honoring our loved one. But what happens when the service is over? Friends and family have gone home, they’re living their lives and we’re left with our memories and our grief. A question I often hear is how can I begin my life without my loved one?
The clients I work with know that I am listening to them, acknowledging them, and ready to work with getting them to live in the present to a more fulfilled life. Life is full of transitions, and I am here to help guide you through them. I am here to help you come out on the other side of it. Life is worth living and it will be again by working through the struggles and pain and becoming whole again.
We can get through the day. We can talk it out, find a way to overcome the grief, the sadness, the loneliness we feel. It will become less painful, less heartbreaking. You will not always feel as bad as you do today.
I am here, ready to help.
I have been thoroughly trained in trauma, specifically the effects of trauma on the brain, behavior, and relationships. I have a strong awareness of how trauma can be a cause of other mental health issues that may hinder learning or moving forward in other areas of life. Working with adolescents and young adults is a strong passion of mine, covering an area of issues including, but not limited to ADHD, anger issues, self harm, childhood trauma, family/relationship problems. I have had success with clients who need to reprocess past negative events, realizing things that have happened to them are not their fault. In addition, teaching alternative healthy coping skills and conflict resolution have been a major part of counseling. There is not a one size fits all approach. I work with each client individually to focus on their individual strengths and plan accordingly to their specific needs.
Therapy can be a very overwhelming and anxiety provoking idea to begin with. Oftentimes, it forces a person to experience emotions and topics that are not always comfortable. I am committed to walking with you side by side during this process. And the outcome is very often a positive one. My clients typically learn a great deal about their past and themselves. They gain insight and realize their positive attributes and can acknowledge what they have to offer. They will leave with a variety of tools for healthy coping skills for the future
I am a licensed counselor eager to support, guide, and coach individuals as they navigate the challenges along their path. As human beings, we tend to get stuck, frustrated, or develop negative or draining patterns. We can gradually drift away from our unique purpose. And sometimes loss, grief, guilt, shame, and disappointment can bring pain and block us from seeing our strengths. I am a 51-year-old parent of two, a husband, a teacher, and a school counselor for over 25 years. I have learned that discomfort and confusion can be signs that it is time to change, grow, heal, and evolve.
Are you ready to grow and heal? Are you willing to put in the work? I cherish the chance to support, coach, and counsel you along your path. With a new perspective comes new energy. Counseling sessions with me are your time to talk, to let out frustrations, to explore new strategies, to imagine what you could be, and to make purposeful, concrete steps on the road to a healthier, more balanced you. The body, mind, and spirit are connected. Together, we assess what is working and what is not. We acknowledge and discuss the patterns and habits that have served their purpose but are no longer serving you. Although you know yourself best, sometimes you need to be reminded of what you can do and who you can be.
Whether you are grappling with anxiety, navigating life transitions, coping with grief, seeking support as you chase a dream/ goal, or simply looking to lead a healthier, more balanced life, I offer a nurturing and flexible approach to help you find your core. It is time to heal and grow.