Clinical Therapist
MA, Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
Therapy for ages 5+, individuals, groups and families
Nadeen Elkhatib
My approach to therapy is warm, laid-back, and collaborative. I want my clients to feel like they’re sitting with someone who genuinely cares and meets them where they are, without judgment or pressure. I focus on creating a safe and comfortable space where you can open up, explore your thoughts and emotions, and move at your own pace.
My goal is to support clients with a wide range of mental health concerns and promote overall well-being through culturally-responsive care, with a warm, empathetic, detail-oriented, and solution-focused approach.
I’m most passionate about working with children and adolescents. I feel that this age group is often misunderstood—so many young people just want someone to really listen and see things from their perspective. I love being that supportive person who helps them feel heard, validated, and capable of expressing what they’re going through. A big part of why I’m drawn to this work is personal—I know how much it would have meant to have someone to talk to and guide me through things when I was younger. That experience motivates me to create a safe, compassionate space where kids and teens can build confidence, understand their emotions, and feel less alone in what they’re experiencing.
In addition, I have additional certification for working with those who have experienced domestic violence, including intervention, safety planning, and support for survivors.
A little about me:
I enjoy trying new coffee places with friends, traveling, and cooking (not saying I’m the best, but I like to try new things!)
Education:
Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, Governors State University, 2024
What are your top specialties?
Children and adolescents, trauma, domestic violence survivors, and culturally sensitive care for underserved or minority communities.
What would you say to someone considering therapy with you?
You don’t have to go through things alone. Therapy is a safe space where we can work through things together at your own pace.
What insurance do you accept?
BCBS PPO, Aetna, Anthem, and Cigna/Evernorth.
What does a typical session with you look like?
My approach is collaborative, flexible, laid-back and client-centered, I meet each client where they are, while gently helping them explore emotions, develop insight, and build coping skills at their own pace. I want clients to feel comfortable expressing themselves in whatever way feels natural whether that’s through talking, play, or creative activities. I like to start by building a strong rapport and creating a safe space where clients feel heard and understood. With children and adolescents, I often incorporate things like art, play, or activities such as creating a family tree to gain a better understanding of their background and relationships.
Who is your ideal client?
What really lights me up in a therapy session is seeing moments of connection and growth especially when a child or adolescent begins to feel understood, safe, and empowered to express themselves. I love working with children and teens because of their honesty, creativity, and resilience. Being able to incorporate play, art, and conversation to help them make sense of their emotions and experiences feels incredibly meaningful to me.
How do clients describe you?
Funny, honest and loyal.
Nadeen’s Approach
I see therapy as a partnership; we work together to make sense of what’s going on and find tools or perspectives that actually fit your life. I try to keep things real, human, and connected, because I believe real healing happens when someone finally feels seen and understood.
I use an integrative approach, which means I don’t believe therapy should be one-size-fits-all. I tailor each session to what the client is going through and what feels most helpful for them.
Some of the approaches I use most often are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which focuses on building coping skills and emotional regulation. I also use a client-centered approach, which means I prioritize creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel understood and empowered to explore at their own pace.
Click here for more detailed information on therapeutic modalities.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented type of talk therapy that can help manage mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and emotional concerns, such as coping with grief or stress.
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Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) addresses the mental health needs of people suffering from the destructive effects of early trauma.
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy, specially adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely. DBT is especially effective for people who have difficulty managing and regulating their emotions.
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Play therapy allows children to use play to express their feelings, process experiences, and develop coping skills. Since play is the primary way children communicate, this therapy uses toys and other materials as a tool to help them resolve problems, build self-esteem, and manage emotions like anxiety, anger, or stress.
Top Specialties:
Children & Teens
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Domestic Violence
Trauma & PTSD
Areas of Expertise:
ADHD
Anxiety
Behavioral Issues
Codependency
Depression
Emotional Regulation
Family Conflict
First Generation Issues
Life Transitions
Mood Disorders
Muslim Mental Health
Parenting
Play Therapy
Self Esteem
Stress
Women's Issues
Interested in working together? Fill out the form below, call (630) 940-6828 or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We also offer a 15-minute free phone consultation.
Questions about insurance?
Give us a call or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We can often work with insurance companies if we are out-of-network. If we are an out-of-network provider or you do not have insurance, our rate is currently $135.00 for a 53 minute session. However, we also offer reduced rates in special circumstances. Finances should never be a deterrent for seeking help! We work with families to come up with a number that works for you.