Therapists in Chicago, IL

Most of us could benefit from more connection, better communication and practical day-to-day strategies for our relationships, family and work. Working through transitions in life and want a better playbook? Need parenting advice to create a harmonious home? You simply want or need someone to talk with to sort out life's challenges. You want someone in your corner to be your biggest cheerleader and fiercest challenger. That's where we come in. Warm and Competent. Practical. Relevant. Creative. Challenging and Gentle. Humorous and Kind. We'll work together with intention to get over your hurdles and make an impact that matters.

We're a trauma-informed, culturally-sensitive mental health counseling group for multicultural, Asian, BIPOC, immigrants, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities. We're passionate about working with individuals, couples and families from different cultural backgrounds, exploring how complex identities and unique personal experiences have shaped us into who we are. We specialize in healing from anxiety, complex trauma, relationship issues, perinatal issues, ADHD, adoption, OCD, stress, cultural identity, cultural/intergenerational conflicts, family conflicts, grief, and other issues.

I aim to provide a non-judgemental holding space fueled by curiosity for your experiences. We are in a particularly interesting time where community and support is needed more than ever to help us navigate the world. Therapy is one piece of the puzzle to more sustainable wellness overall. In therapy we are allowed space to explore the meaning we’ve made from past experiences, societal expectations, and world views. I’ve worked in residential facilities for young families and community mental health with ages throughout the lifespan.

I am a licensed social worker with over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families. In addition to office-based settings, I have worked in intensive in-home treatment and as a school counselor. Many years of my career were spent as a clinical consultant for a research-based, family-focused treatment model, Multisystemic Therapy (MST). Through my work, I have gained advanced knowledge in family and couples therapy, behavioral modification, and cognitive behavioral therapy. My approach is strength-based and solution-focused. I believe that all individuals have assets that can be leveraged to foster change, and that my role is to support clients in living a full and rewarding life. In my approach with children and adolescents, I view parents/caregivers as the experts on their children, and essential partners in ensuring successful treatment. Understanding family dynamics and promoting healthier patterns are special areas of interest, and utilized in my therapeutic approach. I commend you for taking the first step in researching a therapist for yourself or loved one!

My name is Melissa Shanley and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and I am here to help. I graduated from Eastern Illinois University where I studied to earn my Master of Science in Clinical Counseling. I have years of experience working in and supervising community mental health centers, college settings, hospital settings, and as an outpatient therapist to all ages and populations. My professional interests include working with people who have experienced complex trauma/PTSD, family systems issues, and supporting people with attachment, anxiety, and mood disorders.

Your voice is stronger and louder than you believe, and I believe that every being has an untold story waiting to be heard, understood, and held with honor. We are often given the systemic message that our voices do not matter, that our stories will be outlived, or that our mental health (a.k.a. our feels) are not as important as our physical health. That is not your truth, or mine. Therapy can help you find your voice (or whatever medium works for you) so that you may continue to grow stronger, louder, and be more unapologetically YOU.

Are you feeling unsettled in your life but not sure what would help you to feel better? Are you feeling stressed out by your relationships in your life? When we are struggling with daily challenges, our connections with our significant others, family members, children and colleagues can be affected. Sometimes we then try to anxiously fix things and other times we just withdraw into our own minds. While all of this can be normal, it can be stressful trying to figure out how best to move forward.

I discover objectively what is the issue, applying the best treatment for abuse, aging, alcohol/substance use, anger, anxiety, attention deficit, autism spectrum disorders, bereavement, cancer, career consultation, coping, criminal charges, custody, delinquency, dementia, depression, divorce, DUI, dyslexia, hyperactivity, hypnosis, individualized education plans, insomnia, job loss, learning disability, lower productivity, neuropsychological exams, panic attacks, parenting, personal injury, personality tests, post automobile accident, relationships, stress, trauma, TBI, underachievement, vocational guidance, workers compensation.

I believe everyone deserves to enjoy a meaningful, fulfilling life, but I know from experience how challenging that can be at times. Let me help you develop coping skills for various issues such as relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, pre and postpartum issues, career-related issues, teen issues, and attachment and family issues.

My working model is positioned from a trauma informed, holistic, strength-based approach to understanding how we are able to cope with life and grow to be resilient. I base my clinical interventions in art therapy principles and both traditional / non-traditional approaches to understand clients' inner world and foster self-expression and trauma processing.

My hope is to offer clients a new and different perspective, and empower them to attain greater insight. I believe that every client possesses the ability to find their own path that leads to meaning, joy, and fulfillment in their life. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, or other traumatic experiences. We also address family and relationship issues, such as boundary setting, difficult life transitions, emotional abuse, and social trauma. My ideal client is one who is ready to do the hard work of self-reflection, and to seize control and responsibility for living their own best life.

I enjoy working with those who are dealing with anxiety, ADHD, impaired self esteem/confidence, depression, relationship issues (family, partner, children, parents, friends, pet, etc), employment issues, school issues, societal issues, etc. My ideal client's ultimate goal is to feel at peace, centered, confident and capable. They want to identify triggers, identify healthy/safe coping skills, develop relapse prevention skills, develop healthy boundaries, gain meaningful employment and feel confident in their ability to maintain their level of happiness long term.

My therapeutic focus includes transitions in late adolescence and adulthood, single incident and relational trauma, navigating divorce and post-divorce relationships, and the anxiety and distress that accompany these experiences. I also help mothers and fathers navigate the difficult job of raising children, from infancy through young adulthood, in all types of family configurations. Together, with compassion, we can understand the origins of your distress, what keeps it present in your life, and what changes need to be made to let it go.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and I am currently accepting new clients. I provide counseling for adults on the Northside of Chicago and throughout all of Illinois. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, autism, career issues, depression, executive functioning difficulties, family issues, life change & transitions, LGBTQIA+ related issues, relationship issues, school/work stressors, and stress. I provide a safe environment and collaborative environment to help all individuals I work with move toward their values, goals, and desired growth.

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.

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." Ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao-Tzu. Let's face it: asking for help isn't always easy, but you've taken the courage to do so. Therapy is an exciting experience of self-discovery! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I work with adults, individually or as couples. I use a bilateral approach, incorporating a Strength-based practice with a focus on the mind/body connection, in particular Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). I assist clients in noticing, when automatic processes are occurring & to alter their reaction to be more of a reflection.

Finding a therapist you feel connected to and understood by is the key to a successful therapy experience. I pride myself on being an authentic, non-judgmental therapist, who is down-to-Earth & not afraid to use humor or a gentle nudge in my approach. Therapy is a partnership and my style is active, collaborative, and empowering. We will focus on finding solutions together by utilizing your strengths and fostering insight in a relaxed and safe environment. I especially love working with & empowering introverts and Highly Sensitive People!

As a leader in the neurodiversity movement, I have dedicated my work as a therapist, educator, speaker, supervisor, business owner, and writer to support major shifts in conceptualizing mental health and create lasting change for neurodivergent folks. I specialize in working with clients who are exploring ADHD, AuDHD, autism, race, creativity, artistic identity, queerness, executive functioning, and relationships through individual, couples, and family therapy. I lead with authenticity and a unique focus on language that helps my clients design a life that reflects their unique wants, interests, desires, goals, and identities.

Currently taking on new clients seeking supervision towards hours for ATR licensure and 1:1 daytime clients. Through counseling and art therapy one can unleash their creative potential. Art and processing is an effective way to discover solutions to problems you have been procrastinating on. You can learn how to improve your ability to indulge in relaxation and mindfulness. I promote healing, relaxation, and recovery through CBT art therapy based interventions. I specialize in working with ADHD across the lifespan and support for individuals impacted by cancer. Director of creative arts therapy programming for NPO, Twist Out Cancer.