Sheila Adamo

Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, MSW, CADC
(she / her)

In-Person & Virtual Sessions
Therapy for Adults 21+

Close-up of dry grass stems with seed heads against a soft blue sky background.

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.​

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.

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.