Therapists in Chicago, IL

I am passionate about helping empower my clients effect change in their lives, as well as working with individuals who have struggled to be successful with other therapists. Change is possible, and I aim to provide access quality to mental healthcare service to those looking for healing and personal growth. I believe we stay stuck in patterns, until we become aware of how histories impact our present day functioning, and opt to make changes.

There are a few golden threads tying us together, serving as reminders of our most universal experience; a desire to be truly seen and heard by others, and to understand ourselves. To pursue these ideals, often, means you may be feeling lost, as if you're constantly performing for others or on display, lonesome, a lack of authenticity, as if there's a disconnect between you and "them", an inability to form or maintain meaningful, stable relationships, frustration, shame, self-hatred, self-sabotaging patterns of behavior. The connection between these is the healing in-between. One requires the other and you don't have to go it alone.

Sometimes we all feel a little bit broken, we can get so caught up in what's going wrong or what's not working. Sometimes life get's hard, too much stress at home or work, relationship issues, grief and loss, addiction, depression, anxiety or feeling like we have just lost our way. No matter what is going on, you have taken that first step and you have come to the right place.

As one of the first in-home addiction treatment providers in the country, we are an excellent fit for those struggling with substance abuse and/or mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress who want to remain engaged in positive forces in their lives (work, family) while they recover. Our clients also value the privacy and convenience that our treatment program offers. Of course, there should not be a one-size-fits-all approach to addiction treatment, as you have unique needs and goals. To that end, our clients have a dedicated team of addiction professionals to provide psychiatry, medication, and counseling services as appropriate, over the course of an entire year. Not only are we able to more precisely tailor your recovery program than other addiction treatment providers, but we also help you learn and practice coping skills in the environment in which your sobriety will be tested.

Derek is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and respected expert in his field. He is also fully trained in EMDR Therapy. In addition to two bachelor degrees, one from Kalamazoo College and the other from University of Wisconsin-Madison, Derek also holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University. Derek has worked extensively with people suffering from all types of addictions as well as depression, anxiety and dual diagnosis. He believes in collaborating with his clients and "It all works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end"

Geri has worked with people who are dealing with Dual Diagnosis: depression, addiction, bipolar disorder. She has over 30 years of experience.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) whose areas of focus include, but are not limited to: substance abuse/dual diagnosis, major depression and anxiety, personality disorders, PTSD/complex trauma, relationships, coping skills, low self-esteem, and adjustment disorders. My clinical background includes work in individual, couples, family, and group settings. I believe in providing an unbiased, non-judgmental space for my client's to process and grow. I am passionate about working with clients with diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds and believe cultural competency to be an essential part of best practice.

“Everybody needs somebody…” Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (IL) and a National Certified Counselor (2023). I have just moved to Chicago and am excited to build my caseload at Begin Within Therapy Inc. I earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Holy Cross New Orleans, LA, while simultaneously studying nondirective play therapy at Loyola University New Orleans, LA. I have a background in telehealth, individuals in-person, and group counseling. While serving the city of New Orleans, my clients were primarily middle-schoolers, first responders, and dual-diagnosis chemical dependents.

I have been a licensed psychologist and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Illinois since 2007. I am now licensed as a psychologist in Arizona. I have worked with numerous clients and issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, chronic illness, LGBT issues, and dual diagnosis disorders to name a few. I enjoy working with chronic issues as well as adults going through a major stressor or major life change. My goal is to have you feel understood and to understand yourself more fully and empathically. Therapy is all about healing.

I am a compassionate trauma-informed therapist that primarily works with individuals struggling with trauma/PTSD, ADHD, neurodivergent issues, relationship issues, chronic pain, physical disability, partner violence, substance abuse, anxiety, stress, depression, cultural identity, cultural/intergenerational conflicts, family conflicts, and other issues. As a daughter of South Asian immigrants, I have always been interested in working with traditionally overlooked communities. I have worked with individuals with dual diagnosis, domestic violence survivors, veterans, and LGBTQIA individuals.

The basis of an ideal client in my lens does not have a select issue. Everyone has their own life challenges and emotional weight they carry with them. In the end, what I want for my clients is a common goal to be the best version of themselves they can be while being open-minded in facing tasks related to that goal. Whether it is an interpersonal relationship problem, anxiety, substance abuse, etc; the ultimate goal is to be better in comparison to yourself yesterday rather than someone else. That common ideal goal is what I aim for with every client I work with through the use of problem-solving strategies and coping mechanisms.

Alexander Bauman is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) based in Illinois. Holding an MSW from the University of Kentucky and a BSW from Northeastern Illinois University, Alexander has amassed experience working with dual diagnosis substance abuse mental health clients in inpatient settings. His diverse therapeutic expertise includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and more.

My professional background includes working with a wide variety of clients from children to older adults. I have provided mental health and substance abuse outpatient counseling including individual, group and family therapy. I have worked with a broad range of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, adjustment difficulties, grief and loss, relationship problems, family conflict, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, thinking disorders, codependency, domestic violence, self-esteem, women’s issues, spirituality, chronic illness, chronic pain, dual diagnosis, and addictions.

A postdoc fellow at New Insights Behavioral Health, Dr. Rebecca specializes in complex developmental posttraumatic stress, severe depression, anxiety, and co-occurring substance/alcohol use disorders. Her expertise includes adverse childhood experiences, DV/IPV, ACoA, transgenerational trauma, childhood neglect, and abuse. With strong cultural competence and experience, she focuses on underserved populations, racial/religious minorities, and helping professionals with vicarious trauma.

If you are seeking support in your journey towards a more empowered and fulfilling life, I am happy to non-judgmentally walk alongside you as a compassionate source of empathy, objectivity, and accountability throughout the process. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and trained addictions therapist who is passionate about holistic wellness. I am dedicated to helping clients develop the insight, coping skills, and self-compassion necessary to become a happy and whole version of themselves.

"The longest journey that a man must take in his lifetime is the 18 inches from his head to his heart." This is the basis of Head/Heart Therapy. Utilizing various therapeutic methods, each client is treated as a unique individual to facilitate healing. Head/Heart Therapy is a private therapy practice where clients can experience non-judgmental, open, and authentic therapy. We value working with unique people from diverse backgrounds, life styles, and points of view.

The issues that I help folks with include substance use, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma, body dysmorphia, & interpersonal relationships. I firmly believe that evidence-based psychotherapy, focused on one’s identity and their own experiences, can provide individuals with the agency they need to live the best version of their lives. It is critical to me that those I work with know that their uniqueness is part of what contributes to their strengths. Furthermore, it contributes to the strength-based approach I believe best helps individuals learn to love themselves in society today.

Life can be difficult and messy, but also beautiful. I believe wholeheartedly in helping others find the beauty and balance the uncertainty in their lives through a collaborative process. As your therapist, I will listen and provide support and guidance on your journey. I believe growth and change are best fostered in an environment where you feel heard, seen, respected, safe, and valued. My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where growth is cultivated to find a deeper understanding of self and ultimately evolve as you discover the power within yourself to create lasting change.

I'm proud to provide safe, affirming, and non-judgmental space for all people, but especially for LGBTQIA persons, non-monogamous and poly- folks, members of kink & fetish communities, and persons living with HIV.