Therapists in Chicago, IL

I am a Clinical Psychologist specializing in health psychology with 16 years of experience in weight management and bariatric. Many of my clients present with co-morbidities and are living with chronic medical illnesses. Some of the areas addressed in treatment include emotional eating, binge eating, body image issues, depression, anxiety, and other mood related disorders. I offer pre-surgical bariatric psychological evaluations, brief and long-term therapy using an eclectic approach incorporating cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, mindfulness, family systems and interpersonal therapy. I work closely with my client's medical providers in order to provide the most robust care.

Experiencing trauma at any point in life can hinder someone of their best self, even if the trauma was one that was passed down to them unknowingly. Working with people who want to heal their trauma or intergenerational trauma is what I invite us to explore together. I would love to work with you and explore deeper inside, while it might sound scary. I would like to help alleviate your feelings around trauma, triggers, health challenges, and help you connect more to your body, mind and soul so you can live in a more harmonious way, live a meaningful life where there is an integration of wellness, mindfulness, and healing.

My approach is non-judgmental, informed-consent, and person-centered while drawing upon an intersectional lens to honor each unique human being where you are seen, heard, and feel like you matter. I believe in empowering clients to lead as you are the expert of your lived experiences while collaborating and at times challenging you on your reblooming journey. I provide a range of options depending on what you need from session to session, month to month, or in general. The process, pace, and timing varies for each person. I incorporate mind-body practices: Internal Family Systems, ReBloom Coaching Method, Somatic Experiencing, Yoga.

My primary focus is adults presenting with histories of early and/or chronic trauma (Complex or Developmental Trauma). I work with persons experiencing depression, anxiety, self-harm, difficulties with developmental life transitions, difficulties with mood/emotional dysregulation, issues of separation and loss, abuse (sexual, physical, domestic), relationship issues, grief and loss, as well as difficulties launching into emerging adulthood.

I work with people to help them manage depression, stress, anxiety, mental illness and cognitive challenges such as ADHD. I enjoy connecting with people and have a passion for helping people learn about their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. I tailor my treatment approach to the individual needs of each client. I have a strong background in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) but I use it more as a tool in a broader treatment context that is focused on the relationship I have with my clients. I also utilize mindfulness techniques, motivational interviewing, and dynamic interpretations.

we heal in relationship. we heal in community. activating our personal and collective healing is the core of realizing our capacity for change. through a collaborative therapeutic process, we work together to explore your emotional landscape, experiences, family and community dynamics, social and economic systems that impact this, and identify practices that support your embodied adaptation and healing. together, we hold space for intentional change that grows our "capacity to embody the liberated and just worlds we long for." we engage in healing through a liberatory and embodied practice-- 100% virtual/telehealth.

My philosophy of care is grounded in the notion that every person has a gift within themselves. People do not need to be fixed; they need support to be able to return to their core self. I am here to support you whether you are going through a transition, dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. Please consider reaching out if you want to make meaning of your life, use difficulty as an opportunity to grow, and/or you are someone deeply committed to improving society. I am here to provide a place to process, balance, and develop.

I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults from a variety of cultural backgrounds. While I tend conceptualize from a psychodynamic perspective, my treatment tends towards a more integrative model. I often use treatment techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused treatment. I believe that one theory alone is not necessarily going to apply to every individual from a multitude of cultures and backgrounds.

In life we face inevitable challenges and misfortune that can contribute to emotional distress and stagnancy. I work with individuals to help them find meaning, strength and growth in their hardships as a way to move forward to reach their goals and full potential. I utilize an integrative approach, implementing various strategies and modalities of treatment to meet one's needs and goals. I have a strong foundation in Cognitive-Behavioral techniques to help clients gain perspective and foster a more positive outlook, with the goal of promoting an improved sense of wellbeing and happiness.

It can feel difficult to find real understanding from others, and the endeavor to feel understood can be exhausting. As your therapist, I will make and hold space for all your complexity. I believe that with a solid foundation between therapist and client, there can be promising progress in treatment. Through unconditional positive regard and empathy, I hope to empower my clients so that they can rely on their internal resources during difficult times. I treat through a psychodynamic lens while integrating cognitive behavioral practices. I also use here-and-now commentary to work through client issues.

You've waited long enough to finally start transitioning, and now you are searching for resources and a competent mental health professional who will make the process simple and affirming. Troy Johnson at Queer Talk is here to help. Assessments are relaxed and straight forward. There is no judgment or need to explain your self here. Gender Dysphoria Assessments include a letter of support for HRT, top surgery, bottom surgery, FFS, hysterectomies, and other gender affirming medical procedures. Most letters are available within 3-5 days.

Life is messy and unpredictable. My counseling style is a client-centered and collaborative. My job is to help navigate you through your journey and provide you with any additional skills/tools you may require.

I seek to support parents, children, and adults with finding more connection and joy within their relationships. My expertise lies in working with children and families with an extensive understanding of child development, trauma informed practice, and psychotherapy of young children.

I am delighted you found me here on Psychology Today. My ideal client comes from many different walks of life - children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. My ideal client is looking for change and a therapist that is going to "shoot straight" with them and do more than just nod their head in agreement. My ideal client is looking for direction and change in their lives and wants a partner in change. I work with my ideal client on anxiety, major depression, trauma, couples counseling, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD), and substance abuse, and LGBTQIA+ issues.

I can help you get off that annoying wire hamster wheel you've been running around in, watching the wheels spin faster and yet going nowhere, staying stuck. When we get caught up looking for answers and solutions, we feel hopeless. It's easy to forget that we humans are strong, brave, and resilient beings, capable of growth and change. In treatment, I will join you in facing the challenge of letting go of the search for answers or a quick fix, in favor of finding freedom and fulfillment in life.

If you find that thoughts, feelings, and urges are getting in the way of living your best life, I will help you develop new skills to address these difficulties. Whether you are struggling with intrusive thoughts, motivation difficulties, anxiety or fears about the world or the future, I will create an individualized treatment plan that helps you move forward in life. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), our sessions will examine the factors that are getting in the way before working on concrete steps to overcome these difficulties.

I wonder if your life’s journey feels filled with twists and turns that manifest in countless ways. Perhaps you find yourself asking questions like, “Well, what now? Where to? How did I/we get here? How do I/we get there instead?”. Maybe your paths can seem never-ending, you experience unanticipated steep cliffs, and/or you revisit familiar, unfulfilling destinations. It's in these moments of struggle and feeling stuck that I ask clients to welcome me to support them. Where you have questions about the paths you experience and have not taken. When you are either upset or self-reflective. Let me help you figure out the next steps.