Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Joliet, IL

Chronic stress and anxiety can steal all your energy until you have nothing left for everyday problems. When problems are ignored, they multiply, get bigger. If you don’t cut the grass for too long, it becomes thick and could be full of snakes and spiders. Leave the dishes unwashed in the sink for enough time and there will be more there to clean than old food. The problem becomes more than a chore, now it is a threat, and even harder to face. These things can pile up over time and leave you feeling hopeless. If this sounds familiar, I am happy you read this, because you are exactly the kind of person I like to work with.

You CAN take back your life, and there is nothing I love more than helping my patients do that. It can be intimidating to reach out to someone for help, but you should know I am more than happy to speak with you. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation and we'll figure out the best next step.

I am a clinical psychologist driven by a deep sense of empathy and a genuine curiosity about human behavior and the motivations that shape our lives. I strive to create a space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and understood without judgment. My approach is grounded in authenticity, both in how I show up and in how I support others in reconnecting with their own genuine selves. I believe that meaningful change begins with understanding, and I am committed to walking alongside each person as they explore their experiences, build insight, and move toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.

My style is eclectic and strength based. I see human nature as intrinsically good. Sigmund Freud said we are bio-social animals. I believe a great deal in listening to one’s self talk. The more positive our dialogue with ourselves is, the more positive our dialogues with others and our lives are. I’m also experienced in CBT, DBT, MI, Solution Focused, ACT, Gestalt, Interpersonal, and person-centered counseling.

My training includes lots of wonderful supervision and workshops, a three-year certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Chicago, and two one month intensives with Virginia Satir, the founder of family therapy. Virginia taught that exploring the self is like mining gold. We all have gold inside of us. That is our basic goodness. A lot of emotional suffering is the result of being detoured from that basic goodness.

Seeking mental health support can feel overwhelming, and you do deserve a space where you feel heard. I’m Harriet Affum, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I support children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and other concerns. My approach is warm and judgment-free, and we’ll work together on a care plan that reflects your needs and goals.

Welcome! Join me on a journey to reclaim your sense of self, direction and empowerment. As a person who has struggled with life's hardships, I am compeled to help others in these difficult times. My credentials include; Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) and an Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP).

When stress starts to build, it can affect more than just your day-to-day life. It can impact your mood, your energy, and your relationships. I work with adults and couples who are navigating anxiety, depression, workplace stress, and burnout. Many of my clients are used to juggling responsibilities, caring for others, and pushing through difficult seasons until they realize they're no longer feeling like themselves. You might feel constantly overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, or like you can’t fully “turn off” your mind. At the same time, stress can begin to show up in your relationships through miscommunication, distance, or frustration, making it harder to feel connected and supported.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a background that includes years of work with people navigating some of the hardest chapters of their lives — including incarcerated individuals, people struggling with addiction, and those carrying cultural weight that doesn't show up in a standard intake form. I'm South Asian, I grew up navigating two worlds, and that shapes how I show up for clients who've had to figure things out without a clear map. I don't do therapy with a clipboard. I'm direct, I'm real, and I'm genuinely interested in what's underneath the surface.

Hello, I am Skip I have been a therapist for over 12 years. I love what I do and am passionate about assisting people with addressing life issues. I specialize in trauma, addictions and couples therapy.