Betty Burrows, Ph.D.: Northbrook & Chicago Psychologist - Therapy Approach & Focus, Qualifications & Background

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just plain dissatisfied with aspects of your life?

Each person has characteristic ways of managing their emotional reactions to their unique life challenges. The focus of my counseling work is on identifying, strengthening, and, when necessary, modifying these coping tools to optimize your satisfaction in work and relationships. One of the most important parts of our collaborative work will be to create a safe space for the exploration of feelings and behaviors. My style as a therapist is interactive, supportive and nurturing, while also being honest and direct.

I conceptualize human development from a psychodynamic, self-psychological perspective, (that is, understanding how one's perceptions of childhood events and feelings affect current functioning), yet my counseling approach is eclectic and flexible, informed by your needs and our mutually agreed upon goals for treatment. I have a strong background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and teach a variety of techniques to manage feelings and stressors (for example, relaxation and guided imagery training, assertiveness training, mindfulness, systematic desensitization and stress inoculation training).

I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, eating disorders (bulimia and compulsive overeating), stress-management, bereavement and grief, and relationship issues. Women's health and developmental issues are also a special interest of mine, including coping with infertility, post-partum depression, and menopause.

I worked as the Coordinator of the DePaul University Counseling Program for many years where I conducted therapy with college and graduate students, faculty, and staff, and conducted workshops and training on test anxiety, stress-management and relaxation, transition and loss, eating disorders, and self-esteem. My doctoral research concerned self-awareness and emotion regulation in women with eating disorders, and I have had specialized training and experience in the treatment of bulimia, body dissatisfaction, and compulsive overeating. My Internship specialty at Rush University Medical Center was in health psychology and focused on weight management, headache and pain management, sleep disorders, and adjusting to medical illnesses such as Multiple Sclerosis and cancer. I have completed Level 1 therapist training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and use Gottman Method Couples Therapy in my counseling work with couples.

Qualifications

Education:
Undergraduate: University of Illinois
(Phi Beta Kappa)
Graduate: Depaul University
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology granted in 1987

Residency Training:
Rush University Medical Center

Years in Practice: 20+

Professional Affiliations:
Member, American Psychological
Association
Member, Illinois Psychological Association
Member, National Eating Disorders
Association

Treatment Focus

Ages Treated: 16+

Modalities:
Individual Psychotherapy
Couples Psychotherapy

Treatment Approaches Used:
Psychodynamic
Cognitive Behavioral
Interpersonal

Specialties:
Anxiety/Fears
Relationship Issues
Eating Disorders
Depression
Health/Medical Issues
Infertility/Adoption
Loss or Grief
Stress Management
Parenting

Locations:
Chicago and Northbrook (serving Glencoe, Highland Park, Wilmette, Glenview, Deerfield, Wheeling, Arlington Heights).