About Anxiety Professionals of Illinois
Our company was founded on the principle of empowering our clients. As a company founded by a social worker, we rely on the principle of an individual's right to self-determination. This means we want you to take the reins of your life so you can direct your life, not let life direct you.
Get to Know Our Founder
Ira Finkel, LCSW, CCATP, C-SSWS
Ira received his Bachelor degree in Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University and his Master in Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University. He then returned to his hometown to earn a certification as a School Social Worker through Loyola University, Chicago. Ira is endorsed by the National Association of Social Workers as a School Social Work Specialist. Ira has worked across academic settings that include private, charter, and public schools where he evaluated, wrote and implemented Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans for students. He utilizes this experience and training to support and advocate for students in schools.
With a passion for treating anxiety, Ira has extensive training in the treatment of OCD and Anxiety Disorders with specialization as a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional. Ira uses this training to help his clients in their day-today lives. He also uses this to help coach parents in supporting their children.
Modalities We Use
We use multiple approaches in our therapy
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Unlike other forms of therapy, CBT looks at your current problems and gives you practical tools to overcome them on a daily basis. The concept behind CBT is that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are all connected. It aims to help people overcome problems that are overwhelming them by breaking them down into smaller parts. Through treatment, we work on becoming aware of, and challenging, inaccurate or negative thoughts.
ERP
Exposure-Response Prevention
Exposure-Response Prevention (ERP) is a form of therapy in which, through the help of a mental health professional, you gradually confront your fears. This form of therapy is designed to help overcome phobias, obsessions, and compulsions. Through ERP, you will be able to overcome your fears and stop the cycle of compulsions and avoidance.
HRT
Habit Reversal Training
Habit reversal training (HRT) is a highly effective way for people to reduce undesired behaviors or habits. These habits can include, for example, tics, hair pulling, nail biting, and skin picking. Often, we don’t understand the reasoning for these behaviors until we document them and become aware of the situations and sensations that take place before the behavior.
ACT
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an approach that is action-oriented. During therapy with ACT, clients will learn to stop avoiding and denying their emotions. Rather, they learn to accept these emotions and acknowledge that they are an appropriate response that should not hinder them. With this knowledge, clients will learn to accept their difficulties and commit to taking the necessary steps to change their behavior.
