Dr. Steve N. Du Bois Clinical Psychologist Chicago Clinical Work

Clinical Philosophy

My goal is to collaborate with my clients to identify areas of improvement, and then simultaneously to support and challenge them throughout their process of change. To this end, I work best with clients who are ready for change - those who are "stuck" in some patterns of thinking, feeling, behaving, and who now want the support of someone else to provide a fresh perspective, and tools for growth and change. I believe in change. But, change takes work. I want to help you work toward change.

I also believe we are all, simultaneously, teachers and learners. Accordingly I aim to teach, and learn from, my clients. My therapeutic and teaching styles are similar - enthusiastic and interactive. I believe therapy is about educating clients with tools they need to experience life more happily.

Empirically Supported Treatment

I use multiple therapeutic styles, each of which is supported by research that demonstrates it is effective. Primarily, I use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, which targets ineffective patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors; intervenes on these patterns; and, replaces them with more effective ones. I also draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which helps move us toward acceptance of those things we cannot change. For my clients working through traumatic experiences, I use Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy, each of which has been shown to work for trauma, specifically. For clients working toward changing their behaviors, I use Motivational Interviewing - an approach proven to help clients move toward new, healthier behaviors.

With every client, I employ concepts and interventions from multiple branches of therapy. I collaborate with each client to develop a tailored therapeutic regimen that works for them.