Therapists in Chicago, IL

Our focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. We achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan.

I received my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois and have several years of experience providing therapy to adolescents, adults, seniors, and families. I’ve worked in inpatient and outpatient settings, focusing on anger management, anxiety, behavioral issues, depression, and job stress. I specialize in utilizing a variety of effective intervention approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), strengths based, solutions focused, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing. I allow my patients to lead the sessions while providing support, validation, and insight.

For over 19 years, Branch has provided culturally relevant clinical mental health services to individuals, families and communities on Chicago's south side. Collectively, Branch staff has more than 50 years of clinical and administrative experience. We serve more than 1500 individuals and families each year at our Beverly and South Loop locations.

I am a solution focused therapist with 35 years of experience. My therapy style is cognitive, interactive, compassionate, and, if need be, challenging. I believe effective therapy should produce change, not just insight. I will listen to you deeply, help conceptualize the problems, patterns, and dynamics which are causing you trouble, and give you feedback. Together, we will develop a strategy for more effective functioning and a better quality of life. I have a general practice, but specialize in addictions, depression, anxiety, and couples therapy.

I have offices located in both Homewood & Burnham & I am a Christian Therapist who has worked in field of Social Services & Social work for the State of Illinois in various capacities (Caseworker, Child Welfare Specialist, Child Protection Investigator, Public Service Adm., CWS Trainer (at the Dept. of Children & Family Serv.), Part-time Univ. Lecturer (at GSU) & a Medical Social Worker at Advocate Health Care). As a seasoned Social Worker, I specialize in providing Individual, family & marriage counseling to teens, adolescents, young adults & Seniors. I am dedicated & confident that I can help you & your family achieve your goals.

It's all about connection. We all have such a unique cluster of life experiences, and I am here to aid in the facilitation of integration, self-acceptance, and relationship building. You may not know where to begin, or you may have specific therapeutic goals. No matter where you are right now in relation to yourself, I am here as a radically accepting, nonjudgmental, empathic practitioner to be with you in all parts of your journey. I am a deep nature and animal lover, traveler, and have a deep understanding of religious and spiritual communities while not being affiliated with any denomination or religion.

Welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. I have experience working with young adults, adults, and senior ages in individual and group settings. Utilizing a Psychodynamic approach, I aim to partner with you to help you achieve your goals.

Feeling anxious, stressed or depressed? Many people are overwhelmed these days. There is help.

"Be what you are becoming, without clinging to what you might have been, what you might yet be." Our relationship is an opportunity for you to take up space and fill concert halls.  It is easy for us to view our lives like a piece of sheet music and get caught up in the theory. As a result, we end up missing the beautiful symphony all around up. I want to create a space with you where you don't have to worry about being too much. Our space will be warm, protected, and healing. I want us to create a space where you get to live your life on your own terms.

Our beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world, formed by past experiences, often have an unwanted impact on our our present behavior, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Taking steps toward profound healing and self-discovery is a brave task, complicated by the difficulty of finding someone who will walk alongside you during your journey. I am passionate about working with people who are wanting to go deeper as we explore and befriend parts of self which were previously hidden. I aim to create and maintain a supportive environment in which transformation is possible.

As the world moves around us and things feel out of control, you might need help to sort through it all. I am committed to holding space for you to work through the challenges you are facing and to helping you find ways to create a more balanced life. If you are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, needing more from your relationships, or wanting to get to know yourself on a deeper level, you are in the right place. I help clients living with grief + loss, anxiety, and trauma as well as those who are experiencing life transitions.

Starting therapy can be intimidating, and for many people, reaching out is the hardest part. I help people who are struggling with their emotions and who feel overwhelmed by their daily lives, work, and routines. I help people who are feeling dissatisfied with their relationships with their friends, partners, and family members. I also help people who want to deepen their understanding of and heal past experiences or traumatic events. My objective is to provide an honest, supportive space for you to process your emotions and to help you develop the skills and tools you need to overcome the challenges you are facing.

My work experience has varied from children, adolescents, and adults as well as a wide range of service areas, including mental health, substance abuse, trauma, generational trauma. Through these experiences I was able to gain professional and personal experience in the barriers that folx experience while getting access to and staying connected with health care and healing.

Issues of self-esteem and self-worth are core to my practice. I also focus on identity work, trauma, and relationship with self and others. My work includes the exploration of my clients’ values and what is truly important to them, which leads to a meaningful and satisfying life. While warm and empathic, my therapeutic style also includes direct feedback and guidance to give you practical tools that will empower you to face the world despite your struggles.

I believe trusting relationships, creativity, and community are at the heart of inner peace. I offer you a compassionate, empathetic, playful, and non-judgmental space. Trauma influences life, the body, and brain in complex ways and therefore sometimes in therapy we need to talk, and sometimes we need to pause, move, or create. I am informed by attachment theory, psychodynamic approach, and embrace the relational element of healing. As a musician, and with music therapy training, I understand the regulatory power of art and invite you to integrate expressive elements. I offer music-centered and songwriting focused sessions.

In today's world, it is easy to feel alone, even when surrounded by people. Between current life stressors and issues carried from our childhoods, life can feel overwhelming. Feelings can come up which are confusing, uncomfortable, or cause anxiety. Transitions and aging often bring about questions like "am I really happy?" or "who am I really?" Sometimes you just need a place where you can relax, explore, and be heard. Sometimes you need a place where you can integrate all that you are. And sometimes you need a skilled, established therapist to walk with you on your journey.

Nicole's therapeutic approach is rooted in an eclectic framework, which includes elements of attachment-based therapy, somatic experiencing therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and EMDR. She tailors her approach to each client's unique needs, prioritizing the therapeutic alliance with an emphasis on a non-pathologizing perspective. Nicole prioritizes helping individuals navigate multi-systemic oppression while embracing their intersecting identities. She remains client-centered, but also embraces the opportunity to incorporate humor and insights when beneficial, fostering authenticity and connection.

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.

Our work combines years of professional training, a diverse set of work experiences, and multiple clinical interests with a philosophy of supporting clients through the power of the therapeutic relationship. We don't believe in a "one size fits all" approach to therapy. Instead, we cherish the identity of each unique individual and believe in collaborating with clients to find the approach that best suits their needs. At City Counseling Center you will find a confidential space to be heard, supported, and to find change within yourself.