Sheila Adamo
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, MSW, CADC
(she / her)
In-Person & Virtual Sessions
Therapy for Adults 21+
I enjoy empowering people of all ages to create a unique path that will accentuate their strengths while also providing support and space to address any obstacles that may block their progress. Finding one’s voice and having the confidence and knowledge to guide you in becoming an authentic individual is both a challenging and enriching process that I would feel honored to participate in with you. Whether you have a young child just starting this journey or have many different life experiences, I believe that investing in yourself through therapy, self-care, and introspection will lead to a much happier and authentic life.
I have an extensive history of helping families with special needs, including providing each member of the family the support and guidance needed to address the complicated issues that arise. Through my personal and professional background, I understand the difficulties all members of the family may face. I will work with each member to create boundaries and an individualized self-care program and maintain the family unit to support one another.
My other professional experience includes working with individuals of all ages dealing with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and mental illness. My approach utilizes humor, respect, and support to address the coping skills and the many different life stressors that everyone may face.
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Parents who are struggling managing the needs of their children and their own mental health, as well as mood disorders, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and family conflict.
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My sessions are designed to provide a supportive space where we can address the challenges that feel most pressing in your life right now, while also taking time to explore the bigger picture. Together, we'll look at patterns, perspectives, and experiences that may be influencing the situation and use thoughtful questions, reflection, and reframing to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your circumstances.
While I bring structure, clinical expertise, and guidance to the process, most sessions are driven by what you need in that moment. I strive to create a collaborative environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. I also believe that healing doesn't always have to be serious, so when appropriate, I welcome humor and moments of lightness as part of the therapeutic journey. -
Funny, compassionate and insightful.
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If you're considering therapy with me, I believe one of the most important factors in successful therapy is finding the right fit. The relationship between a therapist and client matters, and it's important that you feel comfortable, understood, and supported.
I promise to show up as my authentic self and to be honest throughout the process. If we decide to work together, I will be committed to supporting your growth and goals. If at any point I believe another therapist may be a better fit for your needs, I will be open about that as well. My priority is helping you find the support that is right for you.
Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, and I respect the trust it takes to reach out. Whether we work together or not, I want you to feel empowered to ask questions, explore your options, and find a therapist who feels like the right match for your journey. -
I am especially passionate about working with parents and providing the support, guidance, and encouragement they need to feel confident and empowered in their parenting journey. I believe every parent deserves a safe, nonjudgmental space where they can process their experiences, explore solutions, and feel supported.
As a parent of four children myself, including an oldest child with special needs, I understand firsthand the joys, challenges, and unique complexities that parenting can bring. These personal experiences have deepened my commitment to helping parents navigate difficult situations, manage stress, and build stronger connections with their children while also caring for themselves.
For more than 27 years, I have worked with parents and families through counseling, advocacy, education, support groups, and program development. I am passionate about helping parents recognize their strengths, trust their instincts, and find approaches that align with their family's unique needs and values. My goal is to provide a space where parents feel understood, supported, and empowered to become the parent they want to be, rather than feeling pressured to meet someone else's expectations.
Areas of Focus
Top Specialties:
Parenting
Mood Disorders
Family Conflict
Areas of Expertise:
Addiction
ADHD
Alcohol Use
Anger Management
Anxiety
Behavioral Issues
Bipolar Disorder
Chronic Impulsivity
Chronic Relapse
Codependency
Coping Skills
Depression
Drug Abuse
Dual Diagnosis
Eating Disorders
Education and Learning Disabilities
Emotional Disturbance
Gambling
Grief
Impulse Control Disorders
Intellectual Disability
Internet Addiction
Life Transitions
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Oppositional Defiance (ODD)
Peer Relationships
Relationship Issues
School Issues
Self Esteem
Self-Harming
Sexual Addiction
Stress
Substance Use
Suicidal Ideation
Thinking Disorders
Video Game Addiction
Women's Issues
Works With
Adults 21+
Schedule
Coming soon!
In Network With
BCBS PPO
Aetna PPO
Anthem Blue Cross PPO
Cigna/Evernorth PPO
United/Optum PPO
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Family Social Services, Northern Illinois University (1991)
Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Illinois at Chicago (1995)
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Training Program, Grant Hospital, Chicago (1997)
Personal Interests
I’m a mother of four, so I enjoy connecting with my children, traveling, spending quality time with large extended family and friends, reading, taking care of my dogs and streaming miniseries programs.
Therapy with Sheila
My approach to therapy is honest, authentic, and flexible. I believe that every person is unique and deserves a space where they feel safe to be themselves, explore their experiences, and discover what works best for them. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor therapy to each individual's needs, strengths, values, and goals.
I also believe that being an effective therapist requires a commitment to ongoing self-reflection and personal growth. I think it is important for therapists to do their own work, continue learning, and remain aware of their own experiences so they can show up fully present for the people they serve.
Therapy works best when it helps you understand yourself more deeply while also giving you practical tools you can use in everyday life. The approaches I use almost always involve appropriate use of humor and share a common goal of helping you feel more connected to yourself, more regulated, and more empowered to make meaningful changes.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
I love CBT because it provides practical strategies that can create real change. Together, we'll explore the thoughts and beliefs that may be keeping you stuck and learn how to challenge negative thinking patterns. I utilize true empowering statements throughout each session to provide validation and clarity.
Polyvagal-Informed Therapy:
Gaining a deeper understanding of our autonomic nervous system plays a huge role in how we experience the world, our relationships, and ourselves. Using a Polyvagal-informed approach, I will help you understand the connection between your emotional experiences and your nervous system responses. I love the practical tools this framework provides for helping people feel more present, regulated, and able to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and resilience.
Internal Family Systems (IFS):
I believe that IFS offers a compassionate and non-pathologizing way to understand ourselves. Rather than seeing our struggles as something "wrong" with us, we learn to approach them with curiosity and self-compassion. This approach will help you connect with the different parts of yourselves, understand their purpose, and build a stronger relationship with your core Self. I love the language of IFS because it helps people move away from self-judgment and toward greater understanding, healing, and acceptance.
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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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Frequently used as an evidence-based psychotherapy, helping people heal by accessing and healing their protective and wounded inner parts.
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The polyvagal-informed approach helps you understand the connection between your emotional experiences and your nervous system responses.
Schedule a Session or Consult
Interested in working together? Fill out the form, call (630) 940-6828 or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We also offer a 15-minute free phone consultation.
Insurance or Self Pay
Learn more about using your insurance. If we are an out-of-network provider or you do not have insurance, our rate is currently $135 for a 50-53 minute session. However, we also offer reduced rates in special circumstances. Finances should never be a deterrent for seeking help.