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Headshot of Bethany Cook, CP

Dr. Bethany Cook

Psychologist

Accepts

Aetna

Specializes in

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Family Issues, LGBTQIA+, and Stress

Great to meet you!

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with ADHD and dyslexia, as well as a Health Service Psychologist, music therapist, author, adjunct professor, trainer of therapy dogs, and mental health advocate across various media platforms. I hold a doctorate in clinical psychology along with bachelor's and master's degrees in music therapy. I firmly believe—and research confirms—that the therapist-client relationship is the most critical factor in successful therapy. As a result, I approach each session authentically, rather than adopting an overly clinical persona. With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I remain both humbled and honored to collaborate with others as they navigate life's challenges.

A bit about my approach to therapy

No one exists in a vacuum, and treating symptoms or behaviors as isolated issues rarely leads to lasting change. My approach uses a Systemic perspective, considering factors such as family dynamics, cultural identity, social challenges, educational background, work experiences, and support systems. Understanding the interplay between the larger factors highlights areas in our external world that could be shifted/changed to reduce distress. Additionally, I believe it is essential to explore how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors contribute to and exacerbate our challenges. By integrating neuroscience, Cognitive Behavioral Techniques, and psychoeducation, I empower you to understand how your brain functions and how to rewire its neural pathways. This approach not only helps you take control of your mental health today but also equips you with the skills and tools to maintain that control for years to come.

What you can expect from our first session

In our sessions, you can expect to cultivate a deeper self-awareness, develop practical coping strategies, and experience a genuine sense of being seen, heard, and understood. Depending on our focus each week, I may encourage you to confront a specific challenge. For example, if you struggle with social anxiety, I might suggest visiting your local grocery store and asking an employee where to find pickles. At other times, I might recommend reading a book or article for discussion in our next session, or even text you songs that complement our therapeutic work. Ultimately, these tailored interventions are designed to empower you to make meaningful, positive changes toward a healthier life.


Bethany's style is

Warm
Creative
Empowering

Insurance carriers Bethany accepts

Aetna

More about Bethany

MA (Master of Arts) at St. Mary of the Woods College
License type: CP (Clinical Psychologist) (Illinois)
Gender: Female
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Languages: English
Works with: Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Seniors
More specialties: Depression, Cultural & Ethnic Issues, Grief, Loss, Relationship Issues, Women's Issues, Identity Issues, Trauma, PTSD, Infertility, and Chronic Conditions
Modalities: Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Experiential, Cognitive Processing (CPT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Trauma Focused CBT, Strength-Based, Behavior Modification, Positive Psychology, Relational, Multi-Systemic (MST), and Brief Dynamic