Business Details
41 Years
experience
Psychotherapy and Collaborative Divorce Services in Skokie, IL
Palen John M PHD has dedicated his career to supporting individuals and families navigating complex emotional and relational challenges. With a doctorate from the University of Chicago and former staff positions at Michael Reese Hospital and the University of Chicago's child psychiatry departments, he brings decades of specialized expertise in family systems and child-focused interventions. His practice addresses the multifaceted impacts of divorce through collaborative law frameworks, serving as both Child Specialist and Divorce Coach to help parents create sustainable parenting plans. He works extensively with men undergoing life transitions, including career shifts and identity exploration, while maintaining a strong focus on adolescent therapy and family communication dynamics.The practice emphasizes evidence-based approaches combining psychodynamic foundations with cognitive-behavioral techniques, prioritizing client self-awareness and goal achievement. Particular attention is given to cases involving parent-child contact refusal, where therapeutic interventions bridge clinical and legal needs. Services are delivered through individual sessions, family systems engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration with educational and medical professionals.
Services
Co-Parenting Counseling
Child Custody Consultation
Collaborative Divorce
Individual Adult Therapy
Child/Adolescent Therapy
Child Focused Mediation
Divorce Coaching
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of clinical experience in child psychiatry departments at major medical institutions
- Certified Collaborative Law Coach and Child Specialist with interdisciplinary expertise
- Specialized interventions for parent-child contact refusal cases
- Evidence-based approach combining psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral techniques
- Proven success in resolving complex custody disputes through mediation
Services
Collaborative Divorce
Specialized divorce process using interdisciplinary teams to create child-centered parenting plans. Helps separated parents negotiate custody arrangements while preserving co-parenting relationships. Combines legal and therapeutic expertise to minimize conflict and protect children from marital disputes.
Child Focused Mediation
Neutral third-party facilitation of custody agreements prioritizing children's needs. Translates children's perspectives into parenting plans while helping parents adapt to evolving family dynamics through structured communication frameworks.
Co-Parenting Counseling
Guidance for separated parents navigating post-divorce communication challenges. Develops conflict resolution strategies and decision-making protocols to maintain stable environments for children during transitional periods.
Child/Adolescent Therapy
Therapeutic support for young clients facing identity issues, anxiety, and family transition stress. Integrates play-based techniques with family systems approaches to address behavioral and emotional challenges in developmentally appropriate ways.
Individual Adult Therapy
Personalized treatment for adults dealing with life transitions, relationship issues, and mental health concerns. Combines psychodynamic exploration with practical coping strategies to address anxiety, depression, and identity exploration.
People
John M Palen
Psychotherapist & Collaborative Law Specialist
Doctorate from University of Chicago with 25+ years clinical experience in child psychiatry departments. Specializes in family transitions, collaborative divorce, and adolescent therapy while maintaining interdisciplinary legal collaborations.
Questions
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
I primarily use psychodynamic psychotherapy combined with cognitive-behavioral techniques tailored to each client's specific needs and goals.
Do you accept insurance?
I'm not on insurance panels, but PPO policyholders can submit session statements for potential reimbursement.
What divorce support services are available?
I serve as Collaborative Law Coach and Child Specialist to develop parenting plans and mediate custody disputes.
Do you work with adolescents?
Yes, I specialize in child/adolescent therapy addressing self-esteem, behavioral issues, and identity concerns.
What are your office hours?
Please contact me directly for appointment scheduling and availability information.
