Therapists in 60202

I am Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in children, adolescent girls, Trans-kids, families and woman. I have been working with families on Chicago's North Shore and surrounding areas, for almost two decades. Although my training emphasized an Adlerian approach to therapy, I have a broad range of experience with many therapeutic modalities and am able to tailor my practice to the needs of you or your family. I believe in treating the "whole-person," which means a one-size-fits-all approach will not work.

I am a relational therapist working with individuals, couples, and those in non-traditional relationships. Seeking support from psychotherapy is a sign of inner strength and hope, even when it feels as if ones world has turned inside-out. Life rarely allows any of us a free pass; births and deaths, personal crises, relationship troubles, childhood trauma, etc. may meet any one of us head-on at sometime during our lives. Seeking help from psychotherapy is a worthwhile path to take when ways of coping no longer seem effective. I nurture the possibility of deeper understanding and self-knowledge by creatively engaging the whole person.

My role as your therapist is to empower you with compassion and care that allows for healing. I guide you back to your inner voice to cultivate meaningful relationships. We are continually evolving because life is a creative process. I provide insight so that you better understand your relationship dynamics, allowing for the creation of new habits and patterns. Connection is essential, and it begins with the relationship to self. Increasing self-awareness, self-understanding, and establishing healthy tools for self-care empowers and equips you in navigating life's stressors.

My therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief in the healing power of authentic self-expression within a safe and nurturing setting.I offer a non-judgmental space for clients to explore their strengths and challenges. I employ trauma-informed care to facilitate recovery, and my practice is underpinned by a commitment to social justice and multicultural sensitivity. I recognize the complexities of identity and the unique challenges faced during acculturation. I assist clients in navigating these issues without re-traumatization, fostering resilience, and self-expression.

Adults going through a transition (such as a job loss, divorce, are receiving mental health treatment, retiring, or dealing w/ an artist block) and seeking some sort of change. They can utilize this art process to discover or gain insights on this life change. We also serve children, teens, and families with process-based art programs. We provide professional development for LCPCs/LPC/LCSW and CPDUs for Illinois Educators. We partner with schools with a social-emotional learning art curriculum and partner with many community agencies to provide their clients with art workshops.

Even as you come into therapy wanting to change, I understand that change can be difficult and confusing at times. I hold the space as a compassionate guide for you to rest into your own self-awareness. We will collaborate to help you discover your authentic path to healing and wholeness. My approach is based on cultivating interpersonal connection and as well as mind/body/soul awareness through helping you deepen and trust your connection to self. From this place, you will find more freedom of choice, feeling of purpose and sense of agency in your life.

Vanessa is a dedicated therapist in Chicago, holding a master's degree in Clinical Psychology and licensures as a Board Certified Dance Movement (BC-DMT) Therapist and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and is completing her doctorate in Expressive Arts Therapy. Vanessa radiates warmth and spunk. It’s not unusual for her clients to experience an array of emotions: crying, laughter, sadness, and hope; all within a single session.

If you are motivated to show up for YOURSELF in a new way I am here as your trusted ally on this sacred journey of life! As a Holistic Psychotherapist, it is my passion to accompany you as you invite your full self; body, mind and intuitive/wisdom center into the therapeutic process--creating opportunities for insights into thoughts, emotions and behaviors that support and empower you. I have extensive experience working with individuals seeking healing and peace from issues related to trauma and abuse, mood management, disordered eating, loss and grief, relationship challenges and personal/spiritual fulfillment.

My primary goal for my clients is to achieve healing on the deepest level. As an Adlerian trained therapist, I utilize psychodynamic as well as alternative modalities to explore, transform and heal those perceptions and beliefs that may be negatively impacting their lives. Whether it's one on one, couples, or group therapy, I am actively participating, encouraging, and guiding my clients so they feel safe and supported to examine and process their deepest emotional wounds.

Maybe you are reading this because you want something to change in your life. It’s a daring step to reach out to a stranger and trust them. I know therapy can help. It has helped me in my life, and it has helped many of my clients over the years. I offer free consultations with clients before we begin because a good fit is important. Although I have worked in agencies, hospitals and group practices, I think some of my best training has come from navigating a 24 year marriage, raising kids, and launching them into adulthood. I enjoy helping people work through anxiety and depression and get their life back.