Dr. WENDY CHARNESS, PhD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist


You’ve waited long enough…

It’s time to live a truly fulfilling life.

  • If you’ve landed on this page, there is likely something in your life that isn’t working for you anymore.

  • If we’re being really honest, maybe it hasn’t been working for awhile? 

  • Perhaps life doesn’t look or feel the way you had hoped it would?

  • Maybe you remember a time when feeling lost, disappointed and/or overwhelmed wasn’t the norm, but those days feel like a distant memory?

  • Don’t you wish you could change that?

You’ve come to the right place.

I help clients just like you.  I will help you develop greater confidence, connection and fulfillment by equipping you with the tools you need to gain absolute clarity on what you truly want and overcome what’s held you back. Whether you have decided a change is needed or you are facing a life-changing situation that requires a transition, I can assist you to create meaningful and lasting change that improves every aspect of your life.

Many of my clients have tried the self-help options or had disappointing results from prior therapy. They invested time, money and energy only to scratch the surface, never reaching their desired results. This time will be different! We’ll dive deeper, beyond just relieving your symptoms momentarily and help you develop a clear understanding of what has prevented you from living the life you TRULY want and DESERVE.

Together we’ll work to identify the thoughts, emotions and experiences that have shaped your identity that often act as unseen forces guiding your assessment and reactions to events. We’ll work on breaking unhealthy patterns that no longer serve you and improve your mindset, coping and behavior so that you can take on challenges confidently and effectively.

We’ll examine your fears of letting others see the REAL you and help you to embrace all the parts of you so that you can create more genuine and meaningful relationships. Armed with this knowledge and experience you’ll have the power to confidentaly take action to create the life of your deepest goals and desires.

I’ll be your guide and will be with you every step of the way.

You do not have to continue to struggle or face this alone.

My clients typically describe me as insightful, direct but gentle. You won’t just get an “I see” or “how do you feel about that” from me! My 30+ years of training and experience means I have the expertise to help you make the changes you are longing for once and for all!. When we work together, you won’t just get a trained therapist; you’ll get someone who truly understands YOU and what you are going through.

I know that change can be scary and intimidating. Isn’t it harder to continue living a life where you are just surviving or getting by? Therapy can be challenging, but it can also be fun, relieving, and exciting as you see yourself solving problems, making good decisions and getting closer to the life you want. I’ll be there with you to help you harness your strengths, celebrate your successes, and provide hope when change feels challenging.

EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH:

  • Relationships:

    • how to become & attract the ideal partner

    • preparing for and adjustment to marriage

    • contemplating and managing divorce

    • managing/improving family relationships & friendships

    Parenthood:

    • adjustment to parenting

    • parenting a child/teen/young adult with ADHD

    • co-parenting following a divorce

    • Perfectionism & people pleasing

    • Working with high achievers and unique challenges of being an entrepreneur

    • Grief & loss

  • Medical conditions:

    • adaptation to acute, chronic or terminal illness

    • cancer

    • autoimmune disorders

    • assisting families in managing Alzheimer’s or dementia in a parent or spouse and making treatment and living situation decisions

    • infertility

    • caregiving

EDUCATION & LICENSURE:

  • BA from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor, major in Psychology

  • PhD in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern University with a subspecialty in Health Psychology

  • Associate Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Services and staff member of Northwestern Medicine Hospital since 2001.

  • Licensed in IL (lic #071-006316), NY (lic #025548-01) and an accredited member of Psypact (#12464) to offer telehealth in the following states: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CNMI, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI and WY.

  • Over 30 years of clinical experience 

  • Specialized training and experience working with medical conditions in hospitals and other medical settings as part of the medical team

Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery that leads to lasting change?

This is your invitation to real transformation.