Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Park Ridge, IL

Life can be overwhelming. Feeling alone while struggling can compound that sense of despair. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, divorce, career challenges, health issues, addiction, or even just confusion about the future, seeking help is the beginning of the change. As a career woman, licensed attorney, mother, divorcee, and active community member, I bring my own life experience and vast education to my work. We can figure out a plan together to make navigating the day-to-day more manageable.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and clinically grounded environment for individuals and families navigating life’s most difficult challenges. Since earning my Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2004, I have spent over 15 years helping people move from places of uncertainty and pain toward clarity, resilience, and confidence.

My name is Lauren Dircks, and I have been supporting people for 3 years through a variety of challenges. I have a masters degree in Social Work and am a fully licensed social worker. I help those working through anxiety, depression, grief/loss, relationship challenges, postpartum depression, life adjustments, and much more. I specialize in working with those 13 years and older.

I approach therapy in a collaborative and compassionate way, creating a safe space where clients can feel supported as they explore their inner world. I believe that each client is the expert of their own life, and my role is to guide, support, and provide tools to help you connect with your strengths and insights. My work is trauma-informed and integrates a variety of techniques, including internal family systems, somatic methods, inner child work, strengths-based narratives, CBT, experiential approaches, and clinical hypnosis.

I take a unique, integrative approach to mental health care. Whether you’re a child or adolescent navigating anxiety and ADHD or a veteran or 1st responder managing stress and emotional challenges, I tailor my care to your individual needs. I combine Eastern herbs, nutritional supplements, prescription medications, and personalized nutrition plans to create a treatment model as unique as you are.

My goal is to help you build confidence, improve focus, and achieve balance in all areas of life—whether that’s excelling at school, enhancing job performance, or strengthening relationships. Together, we’ll create a path toward emotional well-being and a healthier, more fulfilling life.

My educational journey reflects my commitment to integrative and holistic care. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in biological and nursing sciences, a Master’s in acupuncture science, and a Doctorate in chiropractic medicine from the National University of Health Sciences, where I developed a strong foundation in Eastern medicine and natural therapies. I am a double board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in family and psychiatric mental health.

As a mental health therapist for more than two decades I have helped people through their dilemmas of trauma, depression, anxiety including ADHD, bipolar management, family relationships, and other life stressors. I hold EMDR, Trauma and Anxiety Certifications. I also hold a holistic health practitioner certification focused on motivation, energy, and health systems associated with overall wellness. In your journey here with me, we will build a supportive strength-based plan for you and you will also learn skills on top of traditional talk therapy.

Mike leads you through CBT, DBT, EMDR, and holistic health strategies. Through years of clinical and wellness xperience, compassion, and empathy, Mike assists those willing into making a major positive change or adaptation in their life. Mike prides himself in providing a safe and supportive, serious yet fun, space to work.

Mike enjoys boating, swimming, fishing, and exercising. He is friendly and easy-going. You can count on his empathetic and person-centered approach towards every conversation you take part in. “Thank you for reading my profile I look forward to working with you as I am passionate about helping you have the best life.”