Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Buffalo Grove, IL covered by Cigna

I'm Joanna Czyz, LCSW, MSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to supporting children, preteens, adults, parents, and families through life's challenges. I have over 20 years of experience working with children in preschool and elementary education, which inspired my passion for helping individuals and families navigate emotional, behavioral, and relational difficulties.

I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship concerns, parenting challenges, self-esteem, and behavioral issues. As an attachment-, trauma-, and expressive-based therapist, I believe everyone deserves to feel worthy of care, compassion, and support. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients feel understood, valued, and empowered as they move toward healing and personal growth.

I work with children ages 4 and older, preteens, adults, parents, and families, using evidence-based approaches tailored to each person's unique needs and goals.

Great to meet you. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I work to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported. My approach is warm, holistic, and open-minded, and I believe care works best when it is personalized to your needs, goals, and day-to-day reality.

I support clients navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, sleep concerns, OCD, panic, eating concerns, and anger or impulse-related challenges. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready for things to feel more manageable, my goal is to help you better understand what is going on and build a path forward that feels both realistic and empowering.

I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and a Masters Degree in Counseling from National Louis University. I am registered as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois, a National Certified Counselor and a Professional Educator as a School Counselor in the state of Illinois. I have numerous years of clinical experience in treating children, adolescents, adults and families using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and a variety of other treatment modalities. I have worked in a variety of setting that have ranged from community mental health, psychiatric transition services, middle and high schools, animal assisted therapy, a domestic violence agency, and leading social skills groups.

Your experience with me will always be grounded in compassion, honesty, and respect. I believe people grow when they feel heard and understood, so I work hard to create a space where you feel safe being yourself. I am collaborative and down-to-earth, and I will meet you exactly where you are while helping you move toward the life you want.

Welcome! I have 30 years of experience supporting people through a variety of life challenges. I am a trauma-informed therapist and my specialties include helping with anxiety, trauma, stress management, life transitions, and depression. My deep, intuitive understanding includes lived experience, and clinical wisdom that only comes with decades of practice and life.

My approach to therapy includes Somatic-Focused therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, Compassion-Focused therapy, Polyvagal-informed, and Psychodynamic therapy. I am also a Certified Yoga Therapist so I am able to integrate the ancient tools of yoga into my work with you if you are interested; breath-based gentle movement, meditation, visualization, etc. The breath is the gateway to the central nervous system--calming and strengthening it is the key to reducing anxiety and healing trauma. This broad approach allows me to meet you where you are at while holding a safe, supportive space for you.

Working with others on their healing journey is my life's passion. We will start by building a strong, supportive relationship; warmth, compassion, and respect are at the very heart of my work. Our sessions will be tailored to fit your specific needs. I understand that seeking help can be difficult and it takes courage to take that first step. I will be honored to join you on your healing journey towards a more joyful life.

For me, I aim to help others transform their lives through compassionate, personalized care (with plenty of humor along the way). I specialize in working with people of color, student-athletes, and those who are neurodivergent. If you’re neurodivergent and reading this, you’ve finally found someone who specializes in and deeply understands your unique perspective. Whether seeking clarity on behaviors, understanding how you interpret the world, or navigating challenges, I am here to help.

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read about my professional background.

I graduated with my bachelor's in social work in 2013 from MacMurray College in Jacksonville IL.

I furthered my education at the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign School of Social Work and graduated with my Masters in SW in 2017.

I have gained 13 years of experience with the majority of those years spent in psychiatric facilities for children and adults.

I specialize in motivational interviewing, DBT, CBT, and a multitude of other treatment styles.