Therapists in Chicago, IL

What would it feel like to give yourself the space to sit and explore emotions, memories, and thoughts instead of avoiding or changing them? It is okay if your answer is “scary” or “gross”. While acknowledging that I cannot determine whether a space is safe or not, I strive to offer a space of non-judgement, validation, compassion and growth where you can get to know yourself more, build insight and acknowledgement of your strengths, and talk about whatever you need to for an hour.

As a queer Black person who has done their own healing work, it became my mission to establish the therapeutic space I provide as trauma-informed. As such, I strive toward building a fundamental anti-oppressive space, one where your intersectionalities are respected and your healing is centered. Bringing these intentions to the space I provide makes doing the work that healing requires that much more possible for the communities I serve.

For 20 years, I have provided safe, affirming trauma therapy for adults, couples, and groups. I also have the experience and education to provide therapy for many other relationship, mood, and dissociative concerns. I am straightforward, collaborative, and endeavor to be empowering. My therapy style is relational and includes a focus on emotion & body connection and your whole picture of health. We will work together to create peace and fullness in your life.

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of clinical experience. I recently joined the team at SpringSource Psychological Center and therefore have immediate availability for new clients. I specialize in the treatment of mood, anxiety, personality and trauma-related disorders in adults, young adults, and families and have worked for many years in higher levels of care settings. I most recently served as a Clinical Director for Pathlight’s Mood and Anxiety Center in Chicago. I value the power of the therapeutic relationship to move clients towards sustained recovery.

Engaging in the process of therapy is both art and science. Individual and collaborative. Hard work and relationship. Working together to create a safe space to heal and grow, I am committed to helping my clients find the version of self they desire. I believe that our truest selves lie in between our goals and our wounds. Whether you walk into my practice at the lowest of lows or ready to be your best self, together we'll uncover the next layer to your growth. Exploring both your goals and your pain, my practice utilizes a variety of approaches to help you create the life and relationships you desire.

In therapy, my approach is nondirective, genuine, warm, and empathic. I am nonjudgmental, accepting, and understanding. I follow my clients as they focus on whatever feels most important to them. My goal is to build a safe therapeutic relationship for clients to explore the depths of their most significant and often challenging life experiences. I listen and respond with empathic understanding of these experiences while my clients find meaning that is congruent with their whole self. Clients often feel deeply understood during this process, which is a profoundly healing experience.

Oftentimes past experiences & relationships have led to our understanding of ourselves and the world, leading to us feeling hopeless or scared. Whether you have experienced trauma or are navigating significant life transitions, it can feel daunting to try to express how those may be impacting your day to day life. In therapy, I believe it is important to cultivate a warm, collaborative, and accepting therapeutic relationship to encourage progress for my clients. Many of my clients have found that my use of humor & focus on building trust helps to peer into the most painful aspects of life.

Currently sessions are conducted virtually- Dr. Waseberg is a psychotherapist and professor of counseling psychology. He helps individuals and couples struggling with relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, grief, alcohol/drugs, abandonment, anger, OCD, social anxiety, phobia, bipolar/borderline and other psychological issues. He digs deep into the roots of your underlying issues in a safe non-judgmental space with empathy. He has rich experience providing counseling in private practice settings as well as Inpatient Residential Treatment, Partial Hospitalization-PHP, and Intensive Outpatient-IOP settings.

I am currently interning at Flourishing Affinity as a part of Roosevelt University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program with the intention of graduating in Spring 2022. A large focus of my graduate studies has been LGBTQIA+ issues. As a member of the queer community, I understand the importance of compassionate healthcare and I am passionate about providing identity affirming treatment. I also specialize in anxiety disorders, and depressive and mood disorders.

Alexi Peters MA, LCPC is a sex-positive, fat positive, queer therapist. They take a warm yet honest approach to therapy strategically supporting clients in achieving their personal and interpersonal goals through actionable work. Alexi primarily utilizes narrative therapy, DBT, and RODBT to work with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, eating disorders, body image, LGBTQIA+ and sexual health, including gender identity and gender affirming needs.

Sometimes our challenges overwhelm our typical ways of dealing with difficulties. Therapy can help to enhance competence, peace, strength, healing, and acceptance. My style is creative, collaborative, directive. I help you to access hope and visualize healing, empowering you to confront the biggest, baddest wolves in your life, when you're ready. I specialize in treating problems rooted in intense experiences. Sometimes what we learn to do to survive ends up creating problems for us later on. We'll work together to uncover what is holding you back and develop skills you need to live a rich, full life.

I have a broad range of experience with individual therapy, with personal and professional experience addressing the needs of those who are queer, trans, polyamorous, or kinky. I offer knowledgeable and affirming practice to a spectrum of folks who may struggle to find the “right fit” with their therapist. I’m committed to working with individuals within LGBTQ+ communities, particularly those who are gender expansive; other areas of focus include depression and anxiety, mood disorders, life transitions, intergenerational and complex trauma, mental health in the workplace, sexuality and health, and identity development.

Life gives us challenges. These challenges can include anxiety, depression, difficulties in relationships, or just feeling stuck in life. However, we do not have to face these challenges alone. It is our job to help you identify and eliminate stresses, embrace your strengths, and work towards empowerment. Through collaboration, we together can create an individualized and comprehensive plan to help you create an identity of your own, integrate positive practices into your daily interactions, and grow to live a happy and healthy life.

All that you seek, already exist within you! It is my belief that through compassion, kindness, and mindfulness one can overcome barriers and connect with your true self. I integrate both mindfulness and evidence based techniques to assist in the healing of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem issues, LGBTQIA+ concerns and behavioral concerns. If you are seeking guidance during life's challenging moments, need support in managing work/life balance or are facing a life transition, therapy services may benefit you.

Ever since we have embarked on our journey through life, we may have had the opportunity to experience love, kindness, joy, or passion—but we may have also experienced pain, discomfort, anger, betrayal, tragedy, or grief. During the moments you’ve experienced the latter it’s very possible the events that took place have been frozen in your mind, making it impossible to forget or process. This may have left you feeling depressed, anxious, mistrusting, stagnant, or even scared. My goal as your therapist would be to support and empower you on your journey so you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

I work with individuals who are looking for a space to work through their thoughts, feelings and behaviors free of judgment and shame. My clients are seeking to bring awareness to patterns that are no longer serving them and develop new skills to improve their quality of life. I have worked in a variety of treatment settings and welcome people of all races, sizes, genders, ethnicities, abilities and orientations. My past experience includes specializing in patients with depression and anxiety, binge eating and body image distress, Borderline Personality Disorder and other struggles in regulating emotions and managing relationships.

Dr. Anne Rufa (she/her/hers) received her Ph.D. in Clinical and Community Psychology from DePaul University. She has worked with clients of all ages in a variety of settings including hospital-based outpatient clinics, community mental health centers, shelters for people experiencing homelessness, and a Veterans Affairs hospital. Dr. Rufa uses an integrative approach to therapy driven by a collaborative working relationship that honors clients’ goals, preferences, and strengths.

If you aren’t sure how to begin figuring out who your authentic self is; you may be feeling like you’re alone, confused, or overwhelmed. You may think that because of your past experiences that you are broken, undeserving, less than, not enough, or you can’t have access to an authentic and satisfying life. Working with me will help us unlock and challenge some of these beliefs so you can lean into new pathways to access pleasure, authenticity, and satisfaction.

Whether this is your first time seeking therapy or have prior experience, looking for the right fit in a therapist can be a difficult and vulnerable journey. I have extensive experience with providing therapy to individuals with depression, anxiety, non-suicidal self-injury, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, body image concerns, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and ideation, psychosis, personality disorders, LGBTQIA+ issues, interpersonal issues, and trauma/PTSD/complex PTSD. I enjoy working with individuals who desire to learn effective coping strategies to reach their goals!