Mark A. Bakal, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist, Schaumburg Location, Extension 314
Dr. Mark Bakal is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist whose passion is helping individuals and couples find ways to live full and satisfying lives. He has been providing psychotherapy in various settings since 1987.
Primarily working with adults, he uses a number of different methods of Psychotherapy. However, he specializes in a mindfulness based approach known as Internal Family Systems (IFS). This approach assumes that we all have an internal best version of ourselves that we can learn to access on the spot with some training. Dr. Bakal sees it as his job to help people access their best self so they can learn from whatever thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or symptoms (referred to as “parts” of us) are troubling them. In this approach, we help people be mindful of the “parts" of them that drive their problems.
He enjoys working with clients who struggle with a history of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and any habits that make them feel like "the habit/symptom is in charge." Dr. Bakal believes people are inherently healthy and their system (mind and body) is always adapting to make them feel safe. Clients are often relieved to find out that the roots of their problems are really their system's attempt to protect them. Clients use this process in their lives to grow in ways that move beyond their presenting concerns. Therefore, they may start therapy feeling taken over by their symptoms or struggles and move to a place where they are simply using this process to make each day more satisfying. Clients often feel they have become the 'CEO' of their life.
Regarding work with couples, Dr. Bakal teaches partners to go from blame and/or stuckness to an empowering method of communicating. This makes partners feel safe enough to move closer, rather than triggering the other partner to feel defensive. Each partner can focus on what they can do rather than wait for the other one to change. InsuranceDr. Bakal is a provider for the following insurance plans: Aetna PPO, Blue Cross/Blue Choice PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, and Medicare. LocationsDr. Bakal offers telehealth and in-person services at our Schaumburg office.
Primarily working with adults, he uses a number of different methods of Psychotherapy. However, he specializes in a mindfulness based approach known as Internal Family Systems (IFS). This approach assumes that we all have an internal best version of ourselves that we can learn to access on the spot with some training. Dr. Bakal sees it as his job to help people access their best self so they can learn from whatever thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or symptoms (referred to as “parts” of us) are troubling them. In this approach, we help people be mindful of the “parts" of them that drive their problems.
He enjoys working with clients who struggle with a history of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and any habits that make them feel like "the habit/symptom is in charge." Dr. Bakal believes people are inherently healthy and their system (mind and body) is always adapting to make them feel safe. Clients are often relieved to find out that the roots of their problems are really their system's attempt to protect them. Clients use this process in their lives to grow in ways that move beyond their presenting concerns. Therefore, they may start therapy feeling taken over by their symptoms or struggles and move to a place where they are simply using this process to make each day more satisfying. Clients often feel they have become the 'CEO' of their life.
Regarding work with couples, Dr. Bakal teaches partners to go from blame and/or stuckness to an empowering method of communicating. This makes partners feel safe enough to move closer, rather than triggering the other partner to feel defensive. Each partner can focus on what they can do rather than wait for the other one to change. InsuranceDr. Bakal is a provider for the following insurance plans: Aetna PPO, Blue Cross/Blue Choice PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, and Medicare. LocationsDr. Bakal offers telehealth and in-person services at our Schaumburg office.