Ambre Associates, LLC

Ambre Associates, LLC Owned by Denise Ambre, LCSW, psychoanalyst
Empowering growth, empowering you
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Denise Ambre is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Psychoanalyst specializing in individual, couples, adolescent and child therapy, and maintains a private practice in Glenview, Illinois. With over 25 years experience as a therapist, and as a graduate of both Loyola School of Social Work and the Wisconsin Institute for Psychoanalysis, she is currently serving as private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among her areas of expertise are depression, anxiety and trauma/PTSD.

As we step into the new year, consider this a gentle reset for your mental health. Rather than focusing on fixing or cha...
01/02/2026

As we step into the new year, consider this a gentle reset for your mental health. Rather than focusing on fixing or changing everything at once, try slowing down and tuning in to what you need right now.

A reset can look like checking in with your emotions, setting or revisiting boundaries, making space for rest, and giving yourself permission to move at your own pace. It may also mean letting go of unrealistic expectations and practicing compassion toward yourself when things feel hard.

The new year isn’t about becoming someone new, it’s about caring for the person you already are. Small, intentional steps can create meaningful shifts over time. And if you find yourself needing additional support, therapy can be a powerful space for reflection, healing, and growth.

As the year comes to a close, many of us look ahead with hope and a desire for a fresh start.The new year is an opportun...
12/30/2025

As the year comes to a close, many of us look ahead with hope and a desire for a fresh start.

The new year is an opportunity to approach growth and self-discovery with intention. Simple resolutions like practicing daily mindfulness, setting healthy boundaries, focusing on gratitude, nurturing meaningful connections, limiting screen time, and showing yourself compassion can make a powerful difference in supporting your mental health.

Investing in yourself is one of the most meaningful resolutions you can make. If you find yourself needing additional support, we invite you to learn more about the services we offer at ambreassociates.com.

Are you feeling the holiday blues this winter? You’re not alone.The holiday season can bring up feelings of sadness, lon...
12/22/2025

Are you feeling the holiday blues this winter? You’re not alone.

The holiday season can bring up feelings of sadness, loneliness, anxiety, stress, and overwhelm, and it’s more common than we realize.

The good news is that these feelings are usually temporary and subside once the season passes. While there’s no single quick fix, there are several supportive strategies that can help you make it through.

Swipe for practical tips to help you care for yourself, stay grounded, and move through the season one step at a time.

When it comes to differentiating between temporary blues or a more serious issue, look out for symptoms that interfere with your everyday life. If you are having trouble sleeping, focusing at work, enjoying relationships, or participating in normal activities for more than a few weeks, it may be time to reach out for support from a professional. Learn about the services we offer at ambreassociates.com.

Caring for aging parents is often a complex and emotional journey. It may bring up feelings of resentment, grief, guilt,...
12/19/2025

Caring for aging parents is often a complex and emotional journey. It may bring up feelings of resentment, grief, guilt, and questions we may not feel ready to face.

In our latest blog post, Denise Ambre, LCSW, explores the emotional challenges that can arise when stepping into a caregiving role and shares thoughtful strategies for navigating these feelings with compassion, clarity, and support.

“In the end, the journey of caring for aging parents, particularly those with whom you’ve had a conflicted relationship, is complex and deeply personal. It is a path filled with contradictions, yet one that can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and an increased capacity for empathy.”

Read more from Denise at ambreassociates.com/blog.

Noticing your mood shift when the seasons change? For some, it’s more than just the “winter blues.”Seasonal Affective Di...
12/05/2025

Noticing your mood shift when the seasons change? For some, it’s more than just the “winter blues.”

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons. More than feeling blue, SAD interferes with daily life and can be difficult to manage alone.

SAD can often look like oversleeping, cravings, fatigue, and loss of interest in activities. Shorter days and cold weather in the winter months can make us less inclined to socialize, compounding feelings of isolation and loneliness.

If seasonal changes impact your mood every year, you’re not alone — and help is available at Ambre Associates.

12/01/2025

“Once you make the unconscious conscious, you can change those things and be how you want to be in this world.”

Denise Ambre, LCSW, practice founder and owner, uses a psychodynamic framework to explore her clients' unconscious influences rooted in early life experiences. Her goal is to help individuals understand these underlying patterns so they can move toward living the life they choose.

Denise shares her overall approach to psychotherapy in this short video. To learn more about Denise, check out her full bio at ambreassociates.com.

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant stream of distressing news? You’re not alone.Many people today experience vicarious ...
11/21/2025

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant stream of distressing news? You’re not alone.

Many people today experience vicarious trauma— the emotional impact that comes from witnessing others’ suffering, whether through the news, social media, or everyday conversations. Over time, this can lead to feelings of helplessness, exhaustion, and disconnection.

In our most recent blog post, Denise Ambre, LCSW, details how to recognize these emotional patterns and offers practical steps to restore balance. From grounding techniques and mindfulness practices to connecting with supportive communities, Denise shares ways to cultivate hope and resilience in your daily life.

Even when the world feels uncertain, small moments of awareness, gratitude, and connection can make a meaningful difference.

Read more at ambreassociates.com/blog.

Do you ever notice how two people can experience the same circumstances, but perceive them in vastly different ways?“Ugh...
11/17/2025

Do you ever notice how two people can experience the same circumstances, but perceive them in vastly different ways?

“Ugh, it’s snowing again. What a mess.” versus “It’s snowing again! How beautiful.” Same snow. Different perspective.

Unfortunately, when we’re feeling stuck or discouraged, we reflexively adopt a negative view, looking for “evidence” to support it.

Simply being aware of this tendency can disrupt the pattern, clearing the path to a more positive, empowering narrative, and allowing us to more clearly see the possibilities.

When someone you care about is struggling, it’s natural to want to help — even when you feel drained yourself.For those ...
11/07/2025

When someone you care about is struggling, it’s natural to want to help — even when you feel drained yourself.

For those who lead with empathy, it can be hard to balance compassion for others with care for yourself. But, acknowledging your limits isn’t selfish, it’s an act of self-awareness.

In her most recent blog post, Denise Ambre, LCSW, shares how “by acknowledging your exhaustion, you create space for a more authentic and compassionate connection.”

You don’t have to fix everything to be supportive. Sometimes, simply offering presence and understanding is enough.

Read more from Denise at ambreassociates.com/blog

As Mental Health Month comes to a close, check in with yourself. Reflect on your mental and emotional wellbeing, practic...
10/29/2025

As Mental Health Month comes to a close, check in with yourself. Reflect on your mental and emotional wellbeing, practice self-care, show yourself compassion, and remember—it’s always okay to reach out for support when you need it.

At Ambre Associates, we are here for you. Visit our website to learn more about the psychotherapy services we provide at ambreassociates.com.

10/22/2025

“I aim to provide a setting where clients feel safe, supported, and invited to talk about what matters most to them. As I listen, I try to get to know each client on their own terms.”

Christopher Skeaff, LCSW, PhD, prioritizes building trust and developing a deep understanding of each client's story. By creating a safe space to work through life’s challenges, he helps individuals and couples explore their motivations and clarify what truly matters to them. This process develops a clients ability to lead the life they envision.

Chris shares his thoughtful approach to psychotherapy in this short video. To learn more about Chris, check out his full bio at ambreassociates.com.

Are you feeling anxious? Try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique to bring yourself back to the present: Name 5 things you ...
10/10/2025

Are you feeling anxious? Try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique to bring yourself back to the present: Name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, 1 thing you can taste.

This is your gentle reminder that calming your mind often starts with connecting to your senses.

If you or a loved one is experiencing anxiety, our therapists at Ambre Associates are here to help. Learn about the psychotherapy services we provide at ambreassociates.com.

Address

1920 Waukegan Road Ste 200
Glenview, IL
60025

Opening Hours

Monday 10:30am - 7:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 7:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 7:30pm
Thursday 11:30am - 7:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 6:30pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+18477293034

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Our Story

Read Denise’s interview in Voyage Chicago.