Therapists in Chicago, IL

McCall Barsamian is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who works with couples and individual adults. Her open, empathic, interactive, and respectful approach focuses on collaborating with clients to deepen their understanding of themselves and their relationships in order to bring about the transformation they seek. McCall has extensive, hands-on-training from world-renown Psychotherapists and clinical experience in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) with both couples and individuals. McCall also uses a variety of other Empirically Supported Approaches as she sees fit.

I am a licensed psychologist offering online therapy in 39 states. I am an integrative psychotherapist and bring curiosity, warmth, compassion, and a sense of humor to the therapeutic relationship. I consider societal and cultural influences while helping clients to explore their relationship/intimacy issues, sexuality, identity, struggles with depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health concerns. I take a sex positive approach and am attuned to the needs of poly, non-monogamous, open, kink, and BDSM clients. I find Clients do best when they understand the science associated with their struggles and mental health.

I work with people who are experiencing anxiety and distress. Many feel stuck in unsatisfying experiences. We can gently explore these experiences in ways that can loosen their "grip", and bring innate healing resources into play, cultivating a deeper sense of ease and opportunity in everyday experience. The dissolving of these unsatisfying patterns, and the appearance and growth of more satisfying ones, happens in both individual and relationship therapy.

The world is filled with stories about who we should be, what we should do, how we should feel, what we should want, and about who we are if we don’t fit into those narratives. These stories, shaped by culture, society, religion, family, and experiences can help us find meaning and purpose initially. But, often things don’t play out as we'd like, which leaves us confused, hurt, uncomfortable, overwhelmed, frustrated, discouraged and afraid; feelings often exacerbated by others' expectations. Untangling and making sense of our own stories creates the opportunity to rewrite these shoulds and make meaningful, intentional changes.

As a creative, eclectic therapist, with a trauma informed approach, my focus is exploring opportunities geared towards strengthening an individual’s ability to live in alignment with their values and experience joy. Understanding the importance of a non-judgmental and caring approach, I offer a warm, empathic, and collaborative therapy space that reflects my passion for helping clients build fuller and more authentic lives. My hope is that by building a safe and secure relationship, we create space to process and grow from the breadth of experiences that make us human: the moments of joy, the moments of hardship, the unknown.

People work with me to deeply understand themselves, create more meaningful connections with others, and learn new ways of coping with their pain and life's challenges. Many patients see me because they are dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD and the effects of trauma, and relationship challenges. But often, those are broad terms for more subtle issues—maybe you feel dissatisfied, stuck, confused, distant, lonely, uncertain, lost, or have difficult feelings about yourself or others. Whatever your specific concern, you are seeking therapy because you are looking for growth, change, and more freedom in your life.

Let's talk about something we all know to be true – life is one big tangle of relationships. Whether you're dating, single, married, engaged, part of a cozy little family, or navigating the chaos of a massive one, relationships are everywhere. And, you know what? Contrary to those picture-perfect moments we see online, not all of these relationships are sunshine and rainbows 100% of the time, or even 50% of the time! But, here's the deal – you're not alone in feeling some type of way about your connections with others or with yourself.

As human beings, we all have a need to be seen, heard, and understood. Our relational needs are particularly important when in a place of struggle. As your therapist, I will strive to hold space, offer safety and relational connection as you reimagine and change your relationship with yourself, others, and the world around. I am experienced and passionate about working with individuals, groups, and queer couples. Areas of focus include LGBTQ identity work, becoming an anti-racist, embodiment, substance use, spiritual trauma, interpersonal and internal conflict, and anxiety.

Many of us want to have closer, happier, more genuine relationships with our children, spouses, partners, and friends. We may feel stuck, unsatisfied or trapped in our careers or in school, overwhelmed by a strong sense of pressure coming from all directions. There are feelings of stress, anger, guilt or a sense of loneliness that get in the way, too. Often we compare ourselves to others and fall short of expectations. We may look "fine" on the outside, but on the inside, we don't feel fine.

I love what I do. I enjoy assisting you and your loved ones working through pains to a deeply connected, authentic, and satisfying life for yourself and with each other. I am equipped to help you with a wide range of struggles including emotional turmoil, traditional or non traditional relationship issues, sexual difficulties, and self esteem issues. I believe we have the strength within ourselves to heal, and I strive to help you and you significant other get into contact with that innate resiliency for a more nourishing life. I do so in a collaborative way, with cultural sensitivity, and sharp wit.

Now accepting new clients! When we are struggling in life, feeling stuck, hurt, confused, or alone, we all deserve a place to talk with someone who we know will not judge or shame us, but instead who will walk alongside us and help us create change, finding our hope and strength. I believe that you were designed to heal and you have everything you need inside you. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to reach out for help, support, or guidance so that you can move towards the life you want to live.

Therapy is designed to hold us in safety and compassion and push us towards growth and transformation. I have worked with clients who seek to improve their relationship with themselves and others, navigate life transitions, and learn new ways of coping with the inevitable ups and downs of life. I have deep respect for my clients' courage and vulnerability, and it's a privilege to be a trusted part of the therapy process.

As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I strive to strengthen or transform relationships already formed as well as help people find and build the connections they truly want. I believe that we all have the capacity to heal within ourselves, and I work hard to help my clients find that innate ability and bring it to the forefront. I strive to create a safe space where my clients can feel seen and heard as they heal from past pain and move towards new positive experiences.

A break-up, loss, anxiety, or adjusting to a life transition are common issues addressed in therapy. Most people go through difficult times; therapy helps you to gain better insight into your struggles and make lasting changes. Therapy can truly change how you see yourself, how you feel, and how you experience life. I work to create a judgment free, safe environment using a strength-based, holistic approach to meet your individual needs. I have extensive training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, though this is just one of the tools in my toolbox. I believe therapy is a collaborative process that is tailored towards you. My style is