Family Therapy in Chicago, IL

Having lived in different countries (China, England, and the U.S.) and the life of both a “majority” and a “minority”, from marketing to mental health, I am able to connect with people in their diverse life experiences. I see therapy as a relationship between two people committed to face the deeper truths of our lives. I am here to understand your unique personal story, and support you in sorting out complex emotional and relational concerns. The goal is for you to set yourself free from limiting barriers, build emotional resilience, and develop more fulfilling relationships with others.

I am deeply fascinated by the complexity and beauty of humans and our relationships. As an LGBTQIA+ and Consensual Non-Monogamy affirming therapist, I'm passionate about working with relationships and individuals of diverse structures and identities. I strive to honor each client's unique story and identity from a curious and culturally humble point of view while recognizing systems of injustice.

I offer individual psychotherapy as well as family therapy in-office or through tele-health. I also offer equine therapy. The bond between humans and horses, under my guidance, becomes a gateway to healing and personal growth. I am deeply passionate about this profession and feel privileged to witness the positive impact it has on the lives of those I work with.

You might be looking here because you're tired of feeling overwhelmed or unsatisfied with where you are in your life. Maybe you've had a recent experience or loss that is causing pain. Or maybe something happened a long time ago that's continuing to impact how you feel. Perhaps you don't like the way your mood is impacting your relationships, your family, your job, your life. Or possibly you've heard some things about therapy and you're willing to give it a try. I'm here to help you through the process of better understanding yourself and working towards making the changes in your life you want.

I am here to work with you regarding the things in life where you feel "stuck." You may be stuck for a variety of reasons, including past or current trauma, chronic illness, relationship or work-related stressors, or caring for children or your aging parents. You might be in a heterosexual marriage and realize that you are LGBTQ, and you are scared, wondering how to move forward in a way that is sensitive to your family, and is true to your identity. I have both personal and professional experience with this issue, and I am happy to help you navigate through it.

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.

I am experienced in working with people who are dealing with a variety of issues including trauma, depression, anxiety, loss, acculturation, chronic medical problems, relationship problems, academic issues, and adjustment to other life stressors. Each individual requires a unique approach when seeking help in coping with problems of daily living, and I am dedicated to creating a collaborative therapy environment that is based on safety and mutual respect. I tend to be direct and interactive in therapy using an integrative approach and work to empower clients to access their strengths in coping with life issues.

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 believe a person’s identity, values and beliefs guide their path of healing. Therapy can be a way of liberating ourselves from limiting ideas, societal messages, oppression and isolation. I see you as the expert in your experience and collaborate with you to develop a space to learn and grow. My therapeutic approach is both systemic and person-centered with a focus on inherent strengths and resilience. I pull from relational, attachment, family systems, racial trauma and polyvagal theories while using such modalities as ACT, DBT, CBT, TCI-F and Motivational Interviewing. I also draws, when appropriate, from my own experience.

Las sesiones de terapia estan disponibles en espanol. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over ten years of experience working with individuals and families who have direct and indirect experiences with domestic violence and/or family separation. I am also an attorney with over nine years of litigation experience in family courts representing parents or children as a GAL. My combined experiences working with legal clients and therapy clients provides a hollistic clinical perspective to individuals and families. I provide clinical supervision as a graduate internship site and to therapists seeking their LCSW or LCPC.

I believe that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without shame or judgment. I provide a safe, caring and confidential environment for clients to explore their feelings, beliefs and clarify their goals. Something unique about my approach is that I use a strength-based approach, tailoring my approach to each client’s interest for engagement. I have a unique ability to help explore and discover your true identity, sexual expression, sexuality, and gender identity. I became a therapist to support the disruption of generational cycles that are not helpful while building confidence.

Hello! I am a graduate from the University of Illinois School of Social Work Champaign-Urbana. I also received training at the Center for Family Studies/The Family Institute of Chicago and am a Fellow in the American Group Psychotherapy Association. As a senior clinician, I have logged numerous hours of training and practice in the provision of trauma informed care, serious mental illness and treatment for addictions, anxiety, and depression.

My name is Elisa Lee, LCPC and I provide counseling services for individuals, families and couples. I connect clients with psychiatry services via Telehealth within 48 hours. I work diligently to match clients in order to stabilize and manage their mental health needs. I also counsel and utilize CBT and reality therapy. I also integrate Mindfulness in therapy to enhance awareness of one's self. When working with minors, I incoorporate the family unit. Please give me a call to inquire further about our services and I can best help you with your psychological needs.

Our human experience can innately be encountered by adversity. I believe our therapeutic relationship and your internal wisdom can turn those experiences into opportunities for growth and transformation. You deserve to reconnect with your essence and your infinite power to create the life you want and the one that already belongs to you through the power of healing.

I offer a warm, empathic, and collaborative therapy space that reflects my passion for helping clients build fuller and more authentic lives. I have worked with individuals across the lifespan with various concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, relationships, identity, education/career, and family-of-origin. I also have specialized training in working with college students, immigrants, and trauma survivors. Regardless of what brings you to therapy, my culture-centered approach allows me to attend to the intersections of your cultural identities and how it impacts your experience of the world.

Perhaps you are here because you are finding that your life is not feeling as fullfilled as you would like it to be. You may also be experiencing conflicts or loss in family, career, and personal areas of your life. I can offer you an opportunity to gain a better understanding of what is happening that prevents you from reaching your goals. Together we can discover new ways to acheive what you are looking for out of life. My approach is compassionate and empathic, yet focused and direct, in order to help you meet your needs.

I have a passion for creating therapeutic spaces for support and growth. My practice experience includes work with adults, children, adolescents, and families who are presently suffering with trauma, grief, relationship issues, divorce, parenting challenges, life transitions, depression, anxiety disorders and a wide array of life circumstances. As a seasoned psychotherapist, I blend compassion, intellectual insights, and current research to address you or your loved ones unique needs and create a space in which empowerment and hope may flourish. I welcome working with diverse clients collaboratively towards their goals.

Culturally Competent Therapy specializes in building trust and a therapeutic alliance with their clients, so they are prepared to do the work. Clients, often including licensed therapists, feel accepted to be themselves in a safe environment. Individualized tailored approaches include culturally sensitive cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic approaches to treatment that may challenge the client's belief system. I enjoy helping clients of all backgrounds discover the root of their problems and understanding the value of cultural factors such as family, race, socio-economic status, work/career demands, and integration of faith.

Beginning your therapeutic journey can be both intimidating and empowering. My goal is to empower you to harness your own capacity to heal from trauma and hardship, and to cultivate insight and growth. I will provide you with a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space and effective strategies to help you find your best self, within yourself. I believe in the unique power of connection - with oneself, with others, and with the world - and I want to help you lean into it. With unconditional compassion and empathy, I will walk alongside you in your journey to reclaim your confidence, joy and most authentic life.