Alex Gelber, MS

Children, Adolescents, College, Young Adults, Adults, Parents, Families, Couples

Anxiety Disorders, OCD, Panic Disorders, Depression, Eating Disorders, Phobias, Health Issues & Health Behavior Changes, Life Transitions & Stressors, LGBTQIA+, Values & Positive Psychology.

Living in Evanston as a Northwestern University alumnus, I have a real understanding and appreciation for the local community. I am thrilled to offer my clinical experience right in the heart of downtown Evanston at Inspire!

I help individuals with anxiety disorders, OCD, phobias, and depression. I often practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a popular evidence-based type of therapy focused on understanding and adapting our thinking patterns, feelings, and behaviors. I also employ Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a type of CBT for anxiety and OCD. I also work with people experiencing chronic and acute health issues and those looking to change their health-related behaviors and habits. I can also help with difficult life transitions and stressors, family issues, and LGBTQIA+ themes.

I have experience helping people with a wide range of complex psychological issues, personal strengths, and unique cultural backgrounds. I like to look beyond the problems, focusing on building clients’ strengths and increasing positive experiences and emotions. I aim to help people get to the root of their difficulties and create new ways to live and enjoy their lives. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my clients achieve goals they once thought were impossible!

Before graduate school, I gained experience using CBT, ERP, and DBT skills to treat adolescents in a residential eating disorder program in Northbrook. I later trained at a private psychology practice in the North Shore specializing in anxiety and OCD, and I served the community at Rosalind Franklin University’s student-run Interprofessional Community Clinic in North Chicago.

Arguably more important than my clinical experience, I am devoted to helping people build a better life. My style of therapy combines a love for psychological research with curiosity and sense of humor. I find true joy working with people and I strive to build a warm and caring environment for each and every one of my clients so they can face their challenges head-on.

Anxiety and OCD

I specialize in treating anxiety disorders and OCD. I work with clients of all ages, including kids, teens, adults, and families. I am passionate about promoting children’s mental health and am engaged in making a difference in a world of rapidly rising childhood anxiety rates. I have experience working with clients and families with severe symptoms, and diagnoses including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, selective mutism, and hoarding disorder.

I often employ Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a type of CBT designed to help individuals with anxiety and OCD. ERP involves understanding and confronting anxiety-causing thoughts and situations. This process can lead to a reduction of anxiety, uncomfortable physical symptoms, and harmful coping habits.

While it may be scary at first, I work hard to establish a trusting environment where you feel empowered to challenge your anxieties. I have had the great joy of using ERP therapy to help clients significantly improve their lives and do things they once thought were impossible.

Kids & Families

I work with people of all ages and I have a particular interest in helping kids, teens, and young adults. I love working with the unique challenges and strengths that young people bring to therapy. I am passionate about addressing the alarmingly growing rates of anxiety, depression, and isolation among young people.

When working with children, I like to communicate regularly with parents and engage them in facilitating home practice, reinforcing therapeutic insights, implementing reward systems, and practicing helpful parenting skills.

LGBTQIA+

I have training and experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals, and I am proud to offer an affirming, empathetic space for queer clients.

I believe in a holistic approach to queer issues, valuing both clinical and cultural understanding. I also aim to uplift, by focusing on client strengths.

For Fun…

In my free time, I enjoy playing board games and building Legos with my friends and family, singing karaoke (poorly, but with great passion!), cooking foods from around the world, and watching movies.

To book an appointment, 847-919-9096 x.1, [email protected]