"All good psychotherapy has these elements in common: the presence of empathy; a process for self-examination; tools for healing and change; and support during the process of implementing new ways of perceiving, behaving, and relating. Whether the focus of therapy is stabilizing a crisis marriage, negotiating a family problem, facing an addiction, healing previous trauma, or controlling anxiety or depression symptoms, clients should expect empathic, respectful support in increasing their self-understanding and in changing their lives. People seek therapy because they need understanding, help, and relief--the relief that comes from immediate attention to their suffering, and the relief that comes from beginning to hope for a more peaceful, joyful life."
Amy MacDonald, PsyD
Dr. Amy MacDonald is a licensed clinical psychologist who treats adults, adolescents, couples, and families. She trained at Loyola University Medical Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and Mercy Center in Aurora. Dr. MacDonald treats depression, anxiety, panic disorder, eating disorders, dissociative disorders, attention deficit disorder, and addictive disorders. In addition, nearly half of Dr. MacDonald's practice focuses on enriching marriage and family living. Dr. MacDonald coaches parents to work effectively in nurturing, supporting, and disciplining their children. Her couple's therapy focuses on improving communication, increasing intimacy, and discovering ways to truly enjoy marriage.
In addition to her psychotherapy practice, Dr. MacDonald speaks and leads workshops on parenting, marriage, self-awareness, and effectiveness. She conducts personal and professional coaching with individuals, groups, and organizations.
Dr. MacDonald lives in Batavia with her husband and five children.
To contact Dr. MacDonald:
(630) 879-8164
"Deciding to involve oneself in therapy can be an important element in healing and personal growth. Most of us seek therapy because we want to feel better or behave differently. These changes are often simple, but usually not easy. The resources that therapy can provide (practical, informational, emotional) often are what we need to heal or change. We have to do it ourselves, but we don't have to do it alone"
Brian Rooney, PhD
Dr. Brian Rooney is a licensed clinical psychologist who earned his Ph.D. from Loyola University and has practiced in the Fox Valley area for over 25 years. He has worked in both outpatient and hospital setting, specializing in pain management, self-regulation using biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapies. Dr. Rooney uses his expertise in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy to treat patients with anxiety, depression, and post-trauma symptoms. Click here for Dr. Rooney's individual web page.
To contact Dr. Rooney:
(630) 879-8175
My special interest is in teaching couples how to manage their conflicts and realize their potential as a team. My clinical background gives me insight into each person’s emotional needs and how their behavior may be the result of prior experiences. Clients are guided toward managing their emotional needs so that they may bring self-awareness and personal responsibility to their relationship. They learn skills to improve communication, strengthen their friendship, and manage conflict. When each partner applies these skills to their interactions, they experience more personal satisfaction as well as greater joy in their relationship.
Dianne Grande, PhD
Dr. Dianne Grande is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Batavia, IL. She has worked with individuals, couples, and families in the western suburbs of Chicago for over 25 years. For nine of those years, Dr. Grande was also a consultant for several assisted-living facilities, where she advised staff and counseled residents and their families.
Dr. Grande treats anxiety, depression, adult Attention Deficit Disorder, obsessive-compulsive behavioral disorders, and relationship problems among couples and families. She has worked with narcissistic personalities, dependent and co-dependent clients, as well as family members of individuals with borderline personality disorder. Her primary treatment approaches are cognitive, behavioral, supportive, and short-term goal-oriented.
Dr. Grande writes a blog for the Psychology Today website under the topic of “Relationships”. It is titled: “In It Together: Meeting the Needs for Connection and Freedom”. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-it-together
To contact Dr. Grande:
(630) 406-5493