SPECIALIZED THERAPY TO HELP YOU THRIVE

In-person therapy for adults in Chicago & Northbrook, IL and online in 40 states

Therapy | Adults | Online Counseling

Navigating Life's Challenges Together: Your Path to Personal Growth Starts Right Here

You want to be in the driver’s seat of your life, but instead you feel:

  • lost and not quite sure how to break free of the same old patterns that no longer serve you

  • tired of feeling worried all the time and just want some peace of mind

  • disappointed that life does not look & feel as you had hoped, but you don’t know how to change it

  • overwhelmed and scared by a new medical diagnosis or treatment and struggling to find a sense of normalcy and hope

  • frustrated that you haven’t been able to initiate changes you know you need to make

  • stuck or stagnant and don’t know how to move forward

  • thrown by one of life’s curveballs and want to regain control

    Life doesn’t have to stay this way.

At Wendy Charness, PhD and Associates, we believe we are all a work in progress.

  • Whatever the reason that brought you here, you know staying where you are has become unsustainable and you are ready to move forward.

  • We provide therapy in the speciality areas listed below as well as a wide variety of issues.

  • We will help you capitalize on your existing strengths, empower you with new ways of coping to help you create a life on your terms.

Our Specialties:

  • An image portraying medical supplies including a stethoscope, syringe, band-aids, pills, wound tape, and pill boxes arepresenting the need for therapy in coping with medical challenges

    Medical Illness

    Health is our most precious resource and it is scary when it is threatened. We are specialists in the interaction between physical and emotional health you can trust. We can help you and your loved ones learn the tools to adapt, cope, and thrive when facing acute or chronic medical illness.

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  • Image of hands cradling vibrant colored ribbons representing diverse types of cancer, evoking strength and unity among survivors. Relevant for individuals diagnosed with cancer and caregivers seeking counseling to navigate emotional challenges

    Cancer & Caregiving

    Cancer introduces a range of emotional challenges for you and those close to you. If you or a loved one are navigating the difficult path of cancer, you are not alone. We are here to guide you through your journey from diagnosis to survivorship.

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  • Illustration of the phrase 'Don't Panic' , offering solace and reassurance for individuals grappling with anxiety and panic for those seeking counseling to better manage and alleviate their anxiety symptoms and achieve greater peace and calm.

    Anxiety

    Whether you have always been a worrier or you have developed worry, panic, or fears more recently, your anxiety is treatable. We will help you develop the skills to increase your sense of control, calm, and well-being. Anxiety does not have to run your life. Learn how to feel more in control of your mind.

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  • Illustration of a compass needle pointing to the word 'Excellence,' representing the striving for high standards. Relevant for individuals with perfectionism and people-pleasing tendencies seeking counseling to combat burnout and achieve greate peace

    Perfectionism & People Pleasing

    Drowning in high expectations of yourself and others is no way to live. Striving to be a high achiever and putting others first are wonderful qualities, but can lead to burnout when not balanced with self-care. We have the expertise to help you get off the hamster wheel and live a full life that you’ll love.

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Our experienced therapists are like your friendly co-pilots on your journey. We get that life can be messy, and sometimes you just need someone to guide you through it. We're here to provide support, tools, and a few tricks up our sleeves to help you steer your life towards a brighter future. Here's how we guide you:

✔️ Personalized Support: No two journeys are the same. We tailor our support to fit your unique challenges and goals, ensuring you get the personalized assistance you deserve.

✔️ Practical Tools for Everyday Life: We don't just talk about solutions; we equip you with practical tools you can use every day. Whether it's managing stress, tackling anxiety, or navigating tough decisions, we've got your back.

✔️ Compassionate Listening: Your story matters, and we're here to listen—without judgment. Sharing your thoughts and feelings in a safe space can be a powerful step towards healing.

✔️ Collaborative Problem-Solving: Together, we tackle the challenges you're facing. We're not here to dictate; we're here to collaborate, finding solutions that resonate with you and your unique situation.

✔️ Celebrating Your Progress: Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. We celebrate your wins with you, helping to build momentum and confidence on your journey.

✔️ Lasting Transformation: Our integrated therapy approach goes beyond the goal of just immediate symptom relief. We seek to create lasting transformation that will stay with you long after you leave therapy.

Your life's journey is an adventure, and with us as your guides, you're not alone. We invite you to take the next crucial step by scheduling a free consultation with one of our experienced therapists. Let's navigate the twists and turns together and set the course for a brighter, more fulfilling future.

Our priority is to provide you with a great therapist who best meets your unique needs.

  • Our clinicians have specialized training and experience in a variety of areas.

  • When you reach out to us, you’ll be carefully matched to the therapist who is best equipped to support you and your particular concerns.

  • You are welcome to inquire about working with a specific therapist. Visit our personal pages (linked below) to learn more about the members of our team.

Meet Our Team:

  • Professional headshot of a psychologist, exuding warmth, approachability and expertise that is dedicated to empowering adults towards greater fulfillment and happiness.

    Dr. Wendy Charness

    Dr. Charness is the practice owner and a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience helping adults move beyond their current challenges to live more fully, confidently and authentically.

    Get to know Wendy
  • Professional headshot of a psychologist, exuding warmth, approachability and expertise that is dedicated to empowering adults with anxiety and medical conditions towards greater calm and peace.

    Dr. Robin Dorman

    Dr. Dorman is a clinical health psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with adults who struggle with anxiety and are adjusting to challenging health conditions.

    Get to know Robin

We are skilled in assisting adults who are:

  • facing challenging life circumstances or transitions

  • feeling stuck and don’t know how to move forward

  • struggling with self-esteem, self-worth, & self-acceptance

  • managing relationship conflicts and problems

  • adjusting to marriage, parenthood, divorce or infidelity

  • managing symptoms of depression and/or anxiety

  • grieving a recent or unresolved loss

  • women’s health including: infertility, perinatal and postpartum depression/anxiety

What happens next?

  • Book a Free Consult

    Let’s talk over phone or video where you can share your concerns and reasons for seeking therapy. We'll discuss the practical details including scheduling options and fees to determine if we are the best fit for you.

  • Schedule a First Appointment

    In our initial appointment, we’ll identify the problems you’d like to target, your goals for therapy, and determine a plan to get you the solutions you want.

  • We'll Get to Work

    We’ll help you develop the tools you need to overcome your challenges, embrace and take action towards necessary change, and create a life you’ll love.

We are all a work in progress

Let us provide you with the tools to be the best version of you!