Manisha Dayal, Psy.D.
Direct,” “empathic,” “non-judgmental,” and “gentle” is how clients describe my approach. With respect, care, and guidance toward empowerment, my expertise is working with couples and families navigating relationship obstacles, adult/child survivors of sexual abuse, LGBTQ clients, women of color, South-Asian clients, and a variety of clients from all walks of life, struggling with a multitude of life challenges.
I believe that trust and comfort are the foundation of each client/practitioner relationship. This journey, which begins with what I know as a very difficult first step, is about you. Right here and now, is your chance to begin to enjoy a life that is more satisfying. Throughout this journey, I remain 100% present with you as a facilitator and guide, starting with respect and compassion for your unique experiences through the achievement of your specific goals. In my 15+-years in practice, I have been committed to working with people from a variety of ethnic groups, socio-economic conditions, and life situations, families and couples. I recently completed Gottman Level 1 training which relies on the most intensive and long-term study of why marriages succeed or fail. I have also found that in addition to couples therapy, family therapy is an important component to my work with clients and I have seen very effective results in my practice in bridging the relationship gaps between family members. I also work with individuals struggling with cross-cultural issues, domestic violence, post-traumatic stress, childhood sexual trauma, infertility, and other issues related to how mental health impacts the physical self.
My intention in work and life is to make a difference in the lives of others and ultimately a difference in the world. I love what I do and there is nothing that I teach clients that I don't already incorporate in my life. My gifts include compassion, keen intuition, humor and humility because I believe that all of these are essential to promote growth and change. I’ve worked in the field of mental health for over twenty years and have learned so much from my clients, and continue to do so every day. What I have learned from the myriad of experiences is that each of life's challenges, every obstacle in our lives, is an opportunity for growth. My clients bring me profound joy, and they make me feel alive. I celebrate their success as it were my own and guide them through those difficult transitions with compassion and dignity.
My practice was established in 1998 and had been responsible for providing outstanding psychological services ever since. My clients particularly value the one on one attention and care that I give them during the psychological process. When you love what you do like I do, the journey toward helping clients transform is a wonderful one.
Education/Training
I graduated with my doctorate from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in 1996, a school that is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). My pre-doctoral internship was completed at the fully accredited Michigan State University's Counseling Center.
I have completed Level 1 of Gottman's training for couples. I have also received training in Dialectical Behavioral Training (DBT), and EMDR, Level 1, and dream interpretation with Arthur Bernard.
My work history includes working in child protective agencies, domestic violence shelters, childcare centers, nursing homes, and in my private practice.
Currently, I am an Adjunct Professor at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. I also consult at a preschool in Evanston, IL. with at risk children. In my private practice, I work with a wide array of clients but also consult with various agencies to fulfill their clinical needs. I am also a volunteer psychologist with the Kovler Center and work with victims that have experienced political torture. I also serve as a volunteer on the Emergency Response Team for the American Red Cross Association.
Bio
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who provides a wide array of psychological services including individual, group, couples, child and family therapy. I also specialize in issues related to diversity including women's issues, sexual orientation, cultural differences, and other issues of diversity.
I consider myself integrative eclectic and my belief is that different theoretical orientations play an imperative role in understanding the myriad of issues that we face as human beings. I view the client primarily in a psychodynamic manner but believe that cognitive and behavioral, existential issues, as well as systemic issues are very important in gaining a comprehensive understanding of a client's worldview.
I employ a variety of different treatment modalities and include mindfulness techniques, homework (particularly in couples therapy), and stress and relaxation techniques in my work with clients.
On a personal level, I am an avid reader, dabble in some writing and photography, love to travel to different parts of the world, and love what I do professionally which makes what I do so fulfilling and fun.
I look forward to the opportunity of making this a meaningful experience for not only you, but also me, as I strongly believe that therapy is a collaborative process.
Memberships
I am a long standing member of the American Psychological Association (APA).
Other Languages
Hindi And Urdu
Payments Accepted
All
Hours:Flexible
License:071-005780, IL
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy
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Gifted / Talented Issues
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Addiction
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Grief and Loss
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Adolescents
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Group Therapy
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Adoption
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Life Transitions
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Anger Management
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Loneliness
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Anxiety and Panic
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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Marriage Counseling
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Bicultural Difficulties
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Men's Issues
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Body Image Issues
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Caregiver Issues
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Online / Teletherapy
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Children's Counseling
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Play Therapy
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Chronic Illness
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Couples
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Relationship Issues
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Depression
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Divorce
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Seniors and Elder Care Issues
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Domestic Violence
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Sexual Dysfunction
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Eating Disorders
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Stress Management
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Educational Therapy
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Trauma and PTSD
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Gay or Lesbian Issues
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Women's Issues
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Gender Identity / Transgenderism
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Work and Career Issues
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Licenses/Certifications
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Licensed Clinical Psychologist (State)
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