Gottman Method Counseling

Gottman Method

The Gottman Method is one of the most research-backed approaches to couples counseling available today. Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, after decades of studying thousands of couples, it gives therapists — and the couples they work with — concrete, proven tools to build stronger relationships, repair conflict, and deepen emotional connection.

At Awakenings Counseling Center, our licensed therapists are trained in Gottman Method techniques and use them to help couples in the Algonquin and Schaumburg, IL area work through communication breakdown, recurring arguments, loss of intimacy, trust issues after infidelity, and the stress of life transitions such as new parenthood, career changes, or blended families.

Unlike traditional talk therapy alone, the Gottman Method uses structured assessments to identify your relationship's specific strengths and areas for growth. Sessions focus on practical skills: how to fight without damaging your bond, how to make your partner feel truly heard, and how to rebuild trust and closeness over time. Both in-person and telehealth sessions are available.

What the Gottman Method addresses: communication breakdown, loss of intimacy and connection, recovering from infidelity, parenting and family stress, recurring arguments and gridlock, and pre-marital preparation.

Awakenings Counseling Center serves the northwest Chicago suburbs from two locations: Algonquin, IL and Schaumburg, IL. We speak English, Spanish, Korean, and Mandarin. Call 224-357-0540 or visit www.awakeningscounseling.com to schedule a consultation.

Play Therapy

What Is Play Therapy? And how Awakenings Counseling Center Helps Children Heal

Play therapy is a specialized, evidence-based form of counseling designed for children ages 3–12. Rather than talking through problems the way adults do, children communicate naturally through play. A trained play therapist creates a safe, structured environment where children use toys, art, sand, and storytelling to express emotions, process experiences, and develop healthy coping skills.

At Awakenings Counseling Center, our licensed therapists use play therapy to help children in the Algonquin and Schaumburg, IL area work through anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, behavioral challenges, family changes, and social difficulties — in a way that feels natural and non-threatening to them.

Play therapy is not just "playing." It is a clinically guided process rooted in child development research. Sessions are led by licensed professional counselors (LPCs and LCPCs) trained in child-centered techniques.

Who play therapy helps: anxiety & worry, grief & loss, trauma & PTSD, behavioral issues, ADHD & focus, divorce & family change.

Awakenings Counseling Center serves the northwest Chicago suburbs from two locations: Algonquin, IL and Schaumburg, IL. In-person and telehealth sessions available. We speak English, Spanish, Korean, and Japanese. Call 224-357-0540 or visit www.awakeningscounseling.com home page to contact us about getting started.

Crisis Situations and Care

Awakenings provides life-changing counseling for individuals and families that need support, encouragement and guidance in navigating life’s difficult areas. But we are not a crisis center, and Awakenings is not able to provide immediate/urgent care or support. If you have urgent needs, you can call 911 or contact your local Hospital or Emergency Room and they can assist. For suicidal concerns, you can call 988 (suicide hotline)

Also, you can contact:

Community Crisis Center in the Elgin area at https://www.crisiscenter.org/

McHenry area https://www.mc708.org/ These entities help provide assistance 24/7.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800.799.7233 or https://thehotline.org

National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888.373.7888 or text 233733 and https://humantraffickinghotline.org