Compassion Focused Therapists in Little Italy, 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!

I work alongside clients to help them develop a more balanced, integrated, and grounded sense of self. I believe that through therapy, people can gain more in-depth awareness of their emotional experience, their thoughts and behaviors, and how one’s past may inform one’s present. This awareness can help create space for self-acceptance and self-compassion, and cultivate personal growth and desired change. I find that my approach to therapy tends to be a good fit for people who are looking to gain insight and understanding about themselves, not just looking for skills to manage symptoms or "quick fixes."

We're a trauma-informed, culturally-sensitive mental health counseling group for multicultural, Asian, BIPOC, immigrants, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities. We're passionate about working with individuals, couples and families from different cultural backgrounds, exploring how complex identities and unique personal experiences have shaped us into who we are. We specialize in healing from anxiety, complex trauma, relationship issues, perinatal issues, ADHD, adoption, OCD, stress, cultural identity, cultural/intergenerational conflicts, family conflicts, grief, and other issues.

It takes courage to seek help, and I understand the bravery it requires to take that first step. If no one has told you yet, let me be the first: you're not alone. With over 15 years of experience, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals through a myriad of challenges including anxiety, depression, stress, grief, anger, postpartum, trauma, marital stress, and stage of life concerns. I believe in the power of a safe space where you can feel seen, understood, and encouraged to explore your unique story.

My beliefs, values and understanding is that all humans are made whole because we were created in God’s own image. I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive and transformative space for people to develop techniques to assist them with navigating in healthy ways through this journey called life. I have a unique ability to build rapport with all people and have a niche for working with emerging adults, adults and older adults. I love working with all women and have a special place in my heart for women of color. My daily mission is to bring light to help individuals obtain peace from within.

Forging your own path comes with so many rewards – but finding your footing isn’t always easy. You’re not afraid of putting in the work to create the life you want, but finding the balance between work, school, family, community, spirituality, modern-life demands and self-care takes it toll. At times the journey starts to feel more like an ordeal and you find yourself struggling. Maybe at times you even question if the path you are on is heading where you want to be.

My name is Claire Brown and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My approach to therapy is making it what YOU want and need it to be. I see clients with a diverse range of needs, including mental health and substance use disorders. I'm comfortable treating many different mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, co-dependency, trauma, work-related stressors, and many, many others. Additionally, I'm a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) who has extensive experience supporting those struggling with substance use disorders.

Is it difficult to find your voice and navigate the never-ending obstacles that are hindering your growth? Are you ready to change the behaviors that are keeping you from being your best self? Your journey to healing begins here. If you're ready, let's connect!

NOW Accepting New Clients! We are here to support you. Life Aligned Counseling offers individual and couples counseling services. Our team of therapists has experience in a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, loss and grief, relationship issues, self-esteem and self-concept, family conflict, stress management, spirituality, significant life transitions, lgbtqia+ concerns, women's issues, men's issues, etc.

I am a cat-loving therapist, who enjoys playing tennis, being outside, and meeting new people. I have been a therapist since 2013 and have a passion for helping people reclaim their lives after the trauma. I use a collaborative approach and address modalities to client needs. I am trained in EMDR which can be helpful to a lot of clients.

Accepting new clients! I help clients with their journey to become one's ideal self. I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing psychotherapy. My expertise is treating adults who struggle with anxiety/depression and are seeking to find a more meaningful life. I also enjoy working with new moms (as I too am a newer mom to a little one) and college students, faced with anxiety due to their life transition(s) which can bring on stress, depression, and/or anxiety with the many questions centering around, “What am I going to do next in my life?" "How do I navigate my new identity as a mother?"

We live in a culture where we deal with daily stress and sometimes trauma based on our marginalized identities, whether they be race, gender, sexual orientation, class, or ability level. Combine that with the ongoing effects of the pandemic and the stress of the constant negative news feed, and it becomes easy to feel overwhelmed and lose our balance. Having been in practice for 18 years and tuned into the ways in which our culture affects us all, I'm here to help. Reaching out to a therapist can be scary. I work to create an open, judgement-free environment where we will work on your problems collaboratively.

My life’s work is strengthening the LGBTQ community from the inside out. I do this by working with gay and queer men to live the lives they desire. What often holds us back are layers of expectations and belief systems that we take on from society, our families, and others. When these systemic messages conflict with our authentic selves, this creates a dissonance that often results in anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. This isn’t something that is broken or bad in us. Quite the opposite, it’s our authentic selves yearning to be expressed!

My belief is the foundation of therapy is a safe, trusting, and authentic therapeutic relationship. I walk alongside my clients throughout the process of self-exploration and healing. Although therapy can be hard, scary, and extremely messy, my hope is that we can muddle through it together!

Do you live in your head where you rethink all that you do? Is it hard to sleep at night due to life's stressors? Are you seeking direction and purpose in your life? Wearing a mask to exist through life can be draining and hard to maintain. On the other hand, developing the courage to share your true feelings authentically and inner emotions can be liberating. Therapy is where you can create positive habits and rituals to help manage stressors, heal trauma, and live a healthy life. Living with intentionality takes strength, awareness, and daily practice.

"Surviving keeps you from living." Often times we are faced with a part of us that refuses to pause and work through those feelings or issues that can be causing discomfort. Instead, it tells us to press on and keep going. The idea that in order to function we must suppress our feelings or emotions tends to have longterm negative effects. If you are tired of just surviving, waking up and pushing through, then it is time for you to learn how to fully live in your truth.

Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, or PTSD? We can help. Stella Center offers in-office medical treatments for mental health paired with virtual integration therapy to bring dramatic healing in the window of transformation following treatment. Get relief from symptoms like disrupted sleep, panic attacks, irritability, hypervigilance, difficulties concentrating, sexual dysfunction, and more. Our protocols include medical and biopsychosocial assessment, ketamine infusions, the dual sympathetic reset - an advanced stellate ganglion block (SGB), Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) integration therapy, and more.

I work with individuals who have experienced or are experiencing any traumas, anxiety, life transitions, relationship concerns, and grief. In particular, I enjoy working with young adults and adolescents who want to work through trauma, anxiety, and/or are questioning their sexuality. I have experience in working with youth, adolescents, and adults of all ages; specifically targeting LGBTQIA+ issues, anxiety, depression, grief, complex trauma, and various life transitions. I also enjoy working with couples and families to feel connected, gain perspective and work on communication skills.

No current openings at this time. Providing telehealth therapy to clients in the states of Illinois, Michigan, or Missouri. Trained and focused in therapies utilizing EMDR, Parts work, ACT/Mindfulness, and Nurturing/Relational approaches with trauma and anxiety. Special interests in Geek Therapy (gaming and pop-culture related) and Neurodivergence. Best at creating safe spaces with young adults (even at heart), teens, and children as young as age 10 who are comfortable with telehealth and digital tools.