Therapists in South Loop, Chicago, IL

I have treated individuals who experience suicidality and self-harm, as well as present with needs related to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, substance use, and trauma.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who takes a supportive, empathic, and non-judgmental approach with clients to ensure they feel seen and heard above all. Specializing in chronic illness, grief, and loss, I provide a soothing and empowering presence for those experiencing a variety of unique challenges and life transitions. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families on life adjustments, issues of sexual identity, grief and loss, and personal relationships. In addition, I have over 5 years working directly with persons and their care partners impacted by Alzheimer's and other related dementia.

Everyone believes you have it all together. The truth is it’s getting harder to cope with the stress from work, family, and relationships. Despite your achievements and strengths, you can’t tune out the voice that says you’re not "good enough". You struggle with setting boundaries and when you finally find the words to express your needs, you’re overcome with guilt and anxiety. You put yourself last and are often your own worst critic. You're exhausted by this pattern and are ready to make changes. You want to build your confidence and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself.

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.

Life often brings change, transition and loss, and this can sometimes feel overwhelming. We often feel like we have to face these challenges alone, yet we can often benefit from seeking support. As a therapist, it's my role to encourage you to explore your goals and support your growth, so that you can live your life to its fullest. I strive to create a safe, open space for sharing, and approach work together with warmth and authenticity. Each person's story is unique, and we will work together to identify the strategies and approaches that will enhance your well-being and quality of life.

What's your definition of birthright? As we grow, family, culture, and society can assign meaning that does not serve our best interest but theirs. Devastatingly, we're often taught to point the finger back at ourselves when things go wrong. But I believe we heal and thrive when we nurture healthy intrinsic (fundamental to who we are) connection to ourselves and others. This work creates a safety net allowing us to build self-esteem and adapt without losing our personal power. Pursuing the arts with a former career as a performer, choreographer, and artistic director, I strongly relate to "fitting-in while trying to stand-out".

I get it, adulting is HARD! Sometimes, it can feel impossible to manage everything life throws at you, like work, school, dating, friendships, finances, and so much more. Therapy can make it easier. I specialize in counseling young adults, ages 18-35, helping them adjust to this new phase of life. If you're looking to learn how to manage stress and anxiety, develop your career, make new friends, build healthy romantic relationships, establish boundaries with family, moderate substance use, or improve your relationship with food and your body, we may be the perfect fit.

Are you stuck in a loop with your partner, friends, family, coworker, yourself? You find yourself repeating the same self-destructive behaviors only to find yourself feeling shame, pain, and confusion. This cycle can impact the way you interact with others, the way you perceive yourself, and the way you manage your life. What if you could break this pattern?

I have current availability and offer therapy, consultation, and ADHD Coaching services! If you'd like to improve one or more aspects of your life, including communication, stress management, family conflict, productivity at work or school, or simply have a place to think out loud and process life, reach out to me today for a free consultation. We will work together to set goals, create a space for you, and help improve your wellness, mindset, relationships, and find balance in life.

I enjoy working with people who are ready to explore their mental health, whatever that may be. I have worked with clients of all ages with many different diagnoses: Anxiety, Depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, etc. It takes a lot of bravery to begin therapy and I enjoy providing information and education, teaching coping skills, or just providing a space to talk and explore whatever struggle my client may be encountering. I am also passionate about working with children and helping them grow their understanding of themselves and help their families learn how to best support them.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by daily stressors? Going through a difficult time? Trying to manage a challenging life transition? Or feeling stuck at work or in a relationship? I specialize in helping people work through stressful transitions and high-conflict situations. Through individual or family therapy, we can work together to find peace again and achieve the goals which you've wanted but have felt out of reach.

The decision to seek therapy can be difficult, as it's hard to reach out for help. My goal is to make therapy feel less overwhelming through a collaborative partnership where together we identify your challenges and develop healthy coping skills. My style, rooted in warmth and humor, utilizes the therapeutic relationship to explore positive change and growth. Customized feedback and a range of strategies are provided drawing from evidenced based research and years of clinical expertise. I specialize in individual and couples therapy uniquely focusing on enhancing relationships, healing from the past, and thriving individually.

If you’re struggling to cope with past traumas, I can help you identify how this is showing up in your present and offer the tools that will create the path to your desired future. Trauma impedes our natural ability as humans to be able to identify and reach goals, and connect and form relationships with others. I know that this can all be worked through with a positive therapeutic relationship and guidance to rediscovering the inner knowing you possess about what you truly need to thrive. My personal approach to therapy is what allows for others to connect with me- I am laid-back, direct, funny, caring, and non-judgement.

My experience has allowed me to work with people from all over the world with both chronic and minor mental health concerns. As a clinician I have worked with people who have depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders, (PTSD)trauma and a history of family violence. My approach is primarily cognitive behavioral with a significant emphasis on the person's present. Those who would benefit are people who are looking at moving forward with their life with more deliberation and direction. Moving away from seeing themselves as the result of their circumstances but as the master of their being.

Elena Vassallo has twenty-eight years of experience helping people with anxiety, depression, grief, phase of life transitions, low self-esteem, feelings of meaninglessness, relationship issues and more.

I work with many types of clients, but specialize in working with queer and trans people, couples, and other forms of relationships (triads, polycules, open, polygamous, etc.). I deal primarily with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief and loss, transitions, stress management, trauma, sex-related issues and traumas, kink and BDSM, behavioral and substance addictions, and chronic pain and chronic illness. I tend to work with adults. I love working with clients that bring their whole self to therapy as I do too. I always encourage feedback to ensure the therapeutic process feels affirming and healing.

I work with individuals, families, and couples, to help them build, strengthen, and heal their relationships. In more than 19 years of clinical practice, I have developed transformative ways to work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD. I use a variety of techniques including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). I also help individuals who are facing life transitions, or who are experiencing difficulties in their partner relationships. I have experience with diverse family structures, and cross-cultural families and have lived extensively overseas, giving me a unique cultural perspective.

Have you noticed that there are many people in your family who keep secrets or struggle with expressing emotions? Have you noticed that you have similar traits or even health issues similar to older family members? This is intergenerational trauma. The way emotions are handled, health struggles and even stress can be passed down to younger generations. The Self Inside is the space for black women to heal from intergenerational trauma so they can not only change their life but the lives of future generations.

My approach to therapy is collaborative and is aimed at helping you develop long-lasting health (both as an individual and in your relationships). I'll help you address individual concerns such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, panic, sleep issues, job fulfillment, and family stress. Initial sessions will involve a thorough intake so I can be sure I understand the breadth of your background and current problems. I will help you construct individualized goals for therapy, and we will agree on how to best work together. I utilize a variety of approaches and techniques including psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapies.