Therapist in oak park il
Meet Courtney Bledsoe, LCSW
Helping overwhelmed parents and big-feeling kids find their way back to each other.
Parenting can feel like the most frustrating, overwhelming, yet rewarding job in the world.
Kids’ emotions sometimes seem like an entirely different language. As parents, we have the natural reaction to “fix” things, but that’s often not what kids really need. What they need is to be heard, valued, and truly believed in—and how we do that looks different for every child.
But that’s why you’re here. You’re after more than just empathy—you and your child need something different to help you finally get “unstuck” and out of this cycle. You need real strategies and tools that actually make a difference.
I want you to know:
You’re still a good parent even if…
You’ve yelled more times than you’d like—and wished you could’ve stayed calm instead.
You want to support your kid’s big feelings but have no idea where to start.
Trying to leave the house is like an Olympic event.
Homework time ends with tears, tantrums, or just flat-out refusal.
You’ve read all the parenting advice but still feel stuck or confused.
Your child’s mood swings make you feel like you don’t know what to do next.
Sibling fights feel like they’ll never end.
Has meltdowns over what feel like the tiniest things.
Pushes every button in the book and tests your patience to the limit.
Argues about absolutely everything—from bedtime to what’s for dinner.
Has emotions that feel way too big to handle.
Seeks constant reassurance and safety, sometimes in confusing ways.
Tests boundaries like it’s their full-time job.
Is so intense that some days it feels like you’re just trying to survive.
You’re not alone, even if your child…
HOW I WORK
Therapy should feel like a relief—not another thing you have to get “right.”
I know firsthand how tough life can feel when things aren’t going right. As a parent, daughter, and friend, I’ve lived through my own struggles—loss, trauma, anxiety, anger, and confusion. I get what it’s like to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for support.
That’s why I’m here for you: parents who feel like they’re holding everything together with a fraying thread. It’s exhausting to love your child deeply and still feel confused, burned out, or scared about what to do next. You may have already tried therapy (maybe even more than once) and still feel like nothing has really changed. Or maybe your child refuses to go altogether.
Either way, I want you to know: you’re not failing. You’re simply missing the right kind of support.
My work starts with trust. Especially for kids, the relationship is the therapy. I take time to get to know them—what they like, how they think, what makes them feel safe. For kids who are anxious, inflexible, or acting out, connection is the foundation. We go slow first so we can go deep later. And for parents, I create a space that’s warm, supportive, and focused on what matters most: progress, not perfection.
You’re here because you care—not just about your child getting through the day, but about helping them thrive.
I share that commitment.
I’m here to help your child build skills, confidence, and stronger connections…and to support you in feeling more grounded, clear, and effective along the way. I’m honest, creative, and deeply invested in the growth of your whole family. Parents are the most powerful force in a child’s life, so real change begins when we start seeing a child’s strengths, even in the hard moments.
I also work from a deep belief that most challenging behavior isn’t a sign that something is wrong with your child, it’s a clue to what skills they’re still learning. I use evidence-based approaches like SPACE, ACT, CBT, and DBT to help families untangle the patterns running the show and put connection, confidence, and clarity back in charge.
MY SPECIALTIES
CHILDREN
PARENTING
SPACE
I believe…
Parents are my teammates.
Yes, I’m their therapist, but your child is with me for only a small part of their week—the rest of that time they’re with you. So I meet with parents regularly, because the biggest changes happen when we work together.
The relationship comes first.
Trust is the foundation, especially for kids. I spend time getting to know them—what they love, what they’re curious about, how they see the world. Meaningful change for both of you starts with feeling seen and safe.
Support should be practical.
I’m not interested in therapy or “solutions” that only work in my office. I want the tools we build together to help at school drop-off, during homework battles, and at bedtime—the real-life moments that make up your everyday.
This isn’t the destination.
Kids shouldn’t live in therapy. Of course, it’s important—and sometimes life-changing—but it’s not the end goal. The goal is a connected relationship with each other and for your child to be out in the world in whatever way makes sense for them: exploring, connecting, trying things, and feeling more like themselves. Those are the real wins we work toward.
MY BACKGROUND
I’m proud to be one of only 19 certified SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) providers worldwide—and currently the only one in Illinois. This certification isn’t just a title, it means I completed an intensive two-day training plus over 60 hours of expert supervision with a leading clinician in the field. This specialized training equips me to guide parents through this unique, evidence-based approach with confidence and skill.
I take this work seriously because helping parents and children find peace and confidence is more than just a job—it’s a commitment. I’m dedicated to staying at the forefront of effective, compassionate approaches so you and your child get the best possible support.
Education & Licensure
Master of Arts in Social Work, University of Chicago
Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Development, University of Kansas
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Trainings & Certifications
Certified SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) Provider
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Fellowship at the University of Chicago
Professional Memberships
Member, National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Your family deserves more connection, more ease, and more joy.
It starts here.
Sessions available in Oak Park, Illinois.