Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Near West Side, Chicago, IL

Maybe you've asked yourself, why can't I shake these feelings? The difficulty concentrating, worrying, sadness, crying spells, feeling empty or just stuck. Or have you thought, when will I get over this? I'm tired of having flashbacks, feeling "on edge" and restless nights. Perhaps you've considered "OK, now what?" after the divorce, unexpected loss, new job, a recent diagnosis, infidelity, or navigating this space of uncertainty and pandemic related changes. Whether it's a relational struggle, figuring out your happiness, exploring your faith and everything else in between, you do have a choice in creating the life you desire!

Seeking therapy is an important decision that shows personal strength and motivation. Therapy can be a reflective, confidential space to explore issues that are important to you, and to pursue goals you have for yourself and your life. I have a deep respect for the strengths you bring to the therapeutic work, and my approach to therapy involves building on these strengths to support you in reaching your goals. I believe strongly in a non-judgmental approach to therapy, and I strive to build emotional safety in our time together to allow space for you to explore important life issues in an authentic way.

I have been in private practice for over 20 years and have treated thousands of clients including individuals, families, children and adults. People often come in seeking relief from a range of struggles including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and family conflicts. Through my work with many families I began to also address issues of parenting and family dynamics as well as children and adolescents facing a variety of disorders, self-esteem issues, and acting out behaviors. Over the span of my career I have also treated substance abuse, bipolar, psychotic and personality disorders.

We are constantly impacted by our environment from family, friends, communities, and institutions and we are impacted with the relationships we have with each of these systems. We can internalize these interactions which makes it difficult to cope. I utilize a systems theory approach that highlights strengths-based, solution-focused, and trauma-informed practices. I lean into a decolonized and relational approach to the work we do together. My hope is to better understand these dynamics alongside with you and assist you to understand how to overcome the stressors and barriers attached.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, and goal oriented. When you come into a session, you should expect the support to take your treatment into the direction that you want. You can also take your treatment step-by-step in a more structured way.

Have you ever felt lost amidst the intricate twists and arduous challenges that life throws at you? If you're seeking solace to navigate through depression, anxiety, or trauma, I'm here to offer my support and guidance. Therapy involves embracing self-care practices to nurture personal growth, healing, learning, and the journey toward self-actualization. I've had the opportunity to assist clients through various challenges, including personal growth, navigating life transitions, addressing childhood wounds, understanding dysfunctional patterns, managing anxiety, depression, trauma, and abuse.

Admitting you need help and seeking it can be challenging. But look at you, taking the first step! Let me be the first to say, "I am proud of you! " Dealing with the different things that may arise in our lives can be hard, so having someone to talk to and developing the skills to cope with them is vital. As a therapist, I am here to assist you. I see you as the master of your story and your destiny. I am here to provide the necessary tools and offer a different perspective. I work collaboratively with those who want to experience a difference in their life.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. I specialize in treating trauma/PTSD and anxiety. Whether you are new or returning to therapy, I believe finding the right therapist is essential. Your reason(s) for seeking therapy are unique and deeply personal. If you are struggling with conflicting emotions and thoughts; experiencing anxiety or depression; feelings of self-doubt, hopelessness; or other life challenges; therapy can be helpful to gain clarity, resolution, and the skills to live a more fulfilled life. I believe healing is possible.

Whether you wish to gain clarity about a life challenge or seek to resolve a deeper change from within, our work together will present an opportunity to rework the patterns that may be disrupting your relationships or preventing you from fulfilling your life goals. I have advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, viewing our therapeutic relationship as central to the change process while helping you understand how past conflicts affect how you feel in the present. I approach our work together from a genuine, empathetic stance with openness, humor, and curiosity. It is important that we are partners in your healing process.

Whether you are continuing your therapeutic journey or just starting, going to therapy is a courageous step towards growth, self-discovery, and healing. Whatever your reason is, we will explore it together. You are the expert in your life, my role is to provide a safe, empathetic, and nonjudgemental space for us to freely explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. My area of specialty and training include Anxiety, Depression, and Attachment Trauma. I take a psychodynamic, relational approach in my work. I believe that all of the healing and progress happens in the process of our therapeutic relationship.

If you are experiencing hardships in anxiety, depression, trauma, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, marital issues, communication, and emotional regulation, I work to find both practical and insightful tools to handle an array of conflicts. I will help you navigate your patterns, from a holistic lens, utilize your strengths, and find meaning in the desired change you seek. In each session, You will be provided with a comfortable atmosphere where you can freely feel openness, honesty, and the trust to convey what ails you while receiving guidance and tools.

Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and PhD Candidate in Illinois and Montana, and specialize in attachment & relational trauma, eating disorders and anxiety. I am currently a PhD Candidate at the Institute for Clinical Social Work with my dissertation research and study focusing on attachment trauma and eating disorders. For individuals working on improving their relationship with food and body image, I practice solely through a Health At Every Size (HAES) approach.

Do you have a child or teenager that is displaying difficult behaviors or moods at school or home? Have they experienced some adverse event/s such as abuse, trauma, or loss of a loved one? A loss of interest in things they once enjoyed? Are they lacking in relational supports or friendship with same-aged peers? I have worked in the Chicago school system for four years and specialize in working with children and adolescents who need support to work through symptoms that stem from previous hardships, improve communication and emotional regulation, and to promote optimal mental health.

Everyone has the right to openly express their feelings, understand their emotions, and learn new skills to alleviate stress and challenges experienced throughout life. I understand how difficult the first steps may be and I am motivated to help those in need reach their personal goals. The power of listening to and speaking with each other while using skills learned in sessions can create amazing changes that I seek to see in my clients. By creating a safe space together where you can feel comfortable, understood, and free of judgment, the power of growth and healing will come hand in hand.

There are many factors in life that can affect our emotional well-being and functioning. This can leave us feeling overwhelmed, powerless, or just not our best self. Through a collaborative approach, I aim to help you manage whatever unwanted feelings and symptoms you may be experiencing. No matter how big or small you feel your challenges may be, I believe we can all benefit from taking time out of the busyness of life to focus on ourselves. I am here to support you and empower you during this process.

I'm a Taiwanese/Chinese second-generation immigrant who grew up in the Midwest. Born to first-generation immigrants, I've witnessed the ways my parents’ migration experiences and has worked to understand and break cycles of generational trauma. I've dealt with the forces of assimilation, gendered and racialized identity formation, and the need to establish a sense of belonging within an immigrant family surrounded by predominantly Christian, white communities. I've worked with individuals/couples that are challenged by anxiety, trauma, depression, stress, family/relationship conflicts, racial/sexual identities, LGBTQ+ issues, etc.

Do you hold yourself to a standard that always seems to be out of reach? Are you feeling preoccupied with trying to control outcomes by every means necessary? Let’s work together to restore balance and embrace imperfection. Striving for perfection is exhausting and often comes at a toll to our personal relationships and our self-worth. We’re sometimes driven by the fear of negative judgment and inadequacy and many times looking for acceptance from others. It’s possible to get back to a place where dissatisfaction and self-doubt are released.

At times, navigating through life can lead to us experiencing symptoms that feel overwhelming. We all need a safe place to express ourselves and sort out our emotions. I am dedicated to offering a rejuvenating therapeutic experience that leaves my clients feeling relieved and hopeful for the future. It is most important to me that my clients can feel comfortable showing up as they are. No two clients are the same. Throughout treatment you will experience a flexible approach that incorporates each client’s culture and value systems when possible. Therapy is a collaborative journey in which we will work together to get your life back

For over the past 20 years, I have enjoyed assisting in putting together the pieces of my client's puzzles. I strive in putting the needs of my clients 1st! Focusing on evidenced based treatments; my advanced trainings have equipped me to use therapeutic interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused therapy, child-parent psychotherapy and many more. I have an extensive background in treating mood disorders, behavioral modifications, emotional dysregulation,PTSD and other disturbances. I tailor my practice to uphold the confidentiality of my clients and I strive to give my clients the best service possible!!!!