Existential Therapists in Chicago, IL

Our past can impact how we navigate the present. In my opinion, understanding our experiences can lead to healing and transformation. My priority is creating an open and safe space where you can freely explore those vulnerabilities. This is a space where you can vent, laugh, and make greater meaning out of your experiences. I use a strength-based approach to empower you to be your most authentic self. This approach can include times of humor and times when I challenge you. I believe the therapeutic relationship is integral to exploring uncomfortable emotions and relationship dynamics.

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.

My therapeutic approach emphasizes how our perspectives on life and relationships are informed by past experiences, where we are in the present, and our future hopes. I strive to create an open environment allowing access to the meaning of these experiences and explore the impact this has on our lives.

I am a Sex Therapist and LCPC providing psychotherapy services to adults. I believe that all individuals have the power to create change in their lives. I work with people to build insight, explore their lived experiences and understand how these experiences intersect to inform thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Through this process, I assist clients in identifying patterns in their life that may no longer be serving them. My therapeutic approach is grounded in an integrative application of Psychodynamic and Existential Therapy. I have received advanced training in Sex Therapy from the University of Michigan.

To LIVE after Trauma and Grief was the smartest choice I've made Learning to LOVE as a Parent and Single Woman, feels freeing Having LIFE with Relational Purpose is a class all Its own After 35 years of life experience, 7 years of experience in field of mental health, 4 years as a Licensed Therapist, and continuing education as a 5th year doctoral student I have been able to create a program that eases the stigma of seeing a therapist. Through the recognition of new self-awareness, clients will work towards their goals through her directive and active guidance.

Welcome! I’m Elizabeth and I spent 15 years in advertising before becoming a therapist. Now, I get to help people like you explore their identities, experiences, and relationships in order to create meaningful lives that feel authentic to them. With me you will find a safe space to show up as you are, and we will work collaboratively to set and work towards goals that feel authentic to you. Know that I also center myself in cultural humility, recognizing the oppressive systems/societal norms that contribute to anxiety for many of us, as well as my own place in those systems as a cishet white woman.

I am a licensed professional counselor dedicated to supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds as they navigate various challenges. I work from an integrative therapy approach, informed by existential therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. My experience as a psychotherapist includes treating issues such as social isolation, relationship conflict, grief, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I hope to create a safe space where you can confront and address the complexities of life. In about 8-10 sessions, clients often gain a greater sense of empowerment and self-efficacy.

Experiencing trauma at any point in life can hinder someone of their best self, even if the trauma was one that was passed down to them unknowingly. Working with people who want to heal their trauma or intergenerational trauma is what I invite us to explore together. I would love to work with you and explore deeper inside, while it might sound scary. I would like to help alleviate your feelings around trauma, triggers, health challenges, and help you connect more to your body, mind and soul so you can live in a more harmonious way, live a meaningful life where there is an integration of wellness, mindfulness, and healing.

I like people, and I believe in an elastic understanding of the human condition. My approach is informal and centered in the belief people move within the world in ways that make sense to them. Daily decisions often reveal parts of the self developed during formative years; it is human to adapt emotions to stressful events. It is also human to reenact distress because it is familiar. Personhood is largely informed by the body's fundamental desire to feel physiological balance. Exposure to trauma may be part of someone’s balance, and therapy can be a place to gain clarity in ways we bond with ourselves/others and understand purpose.

Sharing one's thoughts and feelings with a complete stranger can seem awkward and bizarre. My goal early on in therapy is to make the experience feel as comfortable as possible by creating a space without judgement and aiming to understand you as a whole person, rather than simply a set of symptoms or a diagnosis. I believe that we all have the capacity to overcome life's many obstacles and live closer to our fullest potential. Although therapy is ultimately very serious, I use humor whenever possible so it doesn't feel like you're talking to a robot.

Therapy can be a powerful tool for positive change no matter what's going on in your life. A calm, protected space to work through challenging relationship dynamics could provide just the relief you're needing. Maybe you and your partner are in a rut and feeling disconnected. I can give supportive tools and unbiased guidance to help strengthen connection, improve communication, and set healthy boundaries. You deserve to enhance the relationship you have with yourself and those you love most.

**I have daytime availability Monday-Friday and morning availability on Fridays.** I practice in an integrative fashion, combining aspects of psychodynamic, relational, cognitive-behavioral and existential perspectives. I view therapy as a collaborative process and work with my clients to help create and maintain a safe space to explore and interact with one's thoughts and feelings. I seek to help my clients live fully and authentically and see therapy as an opportunity to learn new ways of walking in the world that bring happiness and fulfillment.

I'm passionate about working with couples and individuals navigating life transitions, grief, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship issues, and complex family dynamics. I strive to create a space that is comfortable, calm, and rooted in being human. I am committed to supporting clients from an intersectional feminist and anti-racist perspective.

Patrick is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Nebraska – Omaha. He has worked in multiple treatment settings, including residential and outpatient services for substance use disorders. Patrick has experience working with adolescents, adults, and families with a range of therapeutic issues, including addiction, mood disorders, trauma, and suicidality. He especially enjoys working with those in the LGBTQ+ community.

Life can be VERY uncomfortable. Anxiety and depression can creep up at the worst times preventing you from showing up for important events or engaging in activities you once loved. Perfectionist tendencies can get in the way of trying new things or engaging socially. Life transitions can lead to big questions about identity and values, often leading to existential crisis and questions about yourself and your purpose. Therapy can be a helpful way to explore any of these uncomfortable moments in life.

I understand the healing process as one of self-determination through therapeutic empathy. Being curious while employing sensitive honesty makes me a good fit for people who are open to exploring deeper personal and interpersonal connections. The lens of attachment, psychodynamic theory, and existential thought within ecological and systemic perspectives help me appreciate the pressures that impact quality of life issues. I am interested in working with individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds who find themselves struggling in relationships, depression, anxiety, complex trauma, psychosis, and grief/loss.

My goal as a therapist is to put you back in touch with your own unique voice and sense of self that allows you to thrive. I use a psychodynamic, existential approach to find solutions to the unique challenges your life contains. Through building on open and honest relationship, we will explore effective coping tools and new ways to look at persistent issues that effect you.

I offer a safe place to explore the current issues that are bringing you into therapy. I believe the therapy process works best when it is collaborative, non-judgmental, and empathetic. No matter whether your struggles are newer or longer lasting I aim to fully understand your issues and join you in the process for healing and recovery. It is my goal that you will feel heard, understood, valued, and empowered in order to improve your life, health, and strengthen your relationships.

Are you feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Are you having family and relationship issues? Are you having difficulty focusing and obtaining your career and educational goals? Do you oftentimes find yourself in conflict with others? Do you lack effective communication skills? Are you unable to meet deadlines? Do you avoid social interaction? Are you struggling with defining your life's Purpose? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, it sounds like you could benefit from Therapy. Let's start investing in your " Mental Health." You deserve to be the best version of "Yourself." Call today to schedule a session!