Elders (65+) Therapists in Lakewood Balmoral, Chicago, IL

I specialize in identity development & life transition work, harm reduction for individuals with substance use issues, relationship issues, mood & anxiety challenges, and supporting individuals who have endured trauma. I am a kink and poly aware therapist who enjoys working with relationships. I relying on an Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) lens when working with relationship struggles. I am dedicated to serving Chicagoland’s LGBTQIA+ community and have a deep background in advocacy and direct service. I am especially dedicated to supporting TGNC individuals in the unique aspects of their journeys.

Some moments in life feel like wading through the muck—which may be anxiety and self-doubt, or trouble communicating, or the impacts of systemic oppression. Perhaps you’re just stuck and unsure of how to move forward. My goal as a therapist is to don my rubber boots, meet you out there, and together walk with you towards solid ground. My approach is rooted in empathy and positive regard. I bring my authentic self with the goal of providing a space where you can bring yours.

Are you someone experiencing anxiety, struggling to set boundaries, coping with an adjustment, and/or dealing with complex trauma? It can be hard to move forward from feeling like you are alone. I am here to support individuals wanting to achieve their goals and feel empowered. I cultivate a non-judgmental environment where you can feel like you can be yourself and feel safe. I work from a collaborative approach where we will work together to find the best individualized path for you and what you would like to achieve.

I work with individuals, couples, and families. I integrate multiple therapeutic models to fit his clients’ needs—exploring the significant relationships in their lives and emphasizing the role that their individual strengths play in achieving their goals.

Hi, I am Dr. Valerie Velarde, and I'm happy you've chosen psychotherapy as a possible tool in your healing arsenal. I am passionate about guiding individuals as they uncover and reconnect to their inherent power. Do you have aspects of yourself that you struggle to find reflected in your communities or culture? Are you interested in fostering deeper self-awareness but struggle with implementing lifestyle changes? I work with individuals who are impacted by societal injustice, neurodivergence, anxiety or other mood disturbances, and people pleasing who want greater freedom and joy for themselves and our world.

Do you feel lost, questioning who you are or where you're going with no easy answers? Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn, we hit a bottom, or we just realize that something in us is different...or something must change. Such times of confusion and crisis are often the meeting point for our work together. They are also openings to self-discovery and real change. I listen deeply for what you want, develop a relationship of trust, and work WITH you to establish the clarity and direction you need.

You are a resilient human who has a lot of love for yourself! Here you are, caring for yourself by seeking out therapy. It takes strength and honesty to ask for help. It may be hard to always treat yourself like you love yourself because you may have thoughts that are telling you otherwise. Perhaps there are others in your life that don’t make you feel like you are lovable, valid, and worthy of care (which you are!). Or the weight of the oppressive forces of our society is becoming too heavy for you to hold your head up high on your own. Whatever brought you here, welcome!

I'm a psychologist who's caring and direct. I use compassion, wisdom and humor to help clients understand and deal with problems in a way that's respectful and honors their unique situation. My style is grounded in the belief that promoting an individual's innate desire and ability to move forward in life is the key to progress in therapy. If you're feeling overwhelmed in life, dealing with something you find increasingly hard to handle and are ready to make a change, I can help. Please consider calling me to begin exploring a new way to live.

As a clinical intern, I specialize in helping clients navigate sexual and intimacy concerns, societal pressures, identity development, parent/child relationships, and life transitions. I hope to provide a safe and welcoming space for self-exploration, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ and kink communities. In this environment, the focus is on inclusivity, understanding, and supporting diverse relationships. Ultimately, the goal is to empower clients to embrace their authentic selves, build healthier relationships, and pursue a path of fulfillment and growth.

Often, people come to us without having explored psychological concerns in a sophisticated way. If they had past therapy, they were at times disappointed that it did not go deeper, as it left the greater meaning (the "roots") of their symptoms unexplored. As psychodynamic therapists, however, our goal is to see comprehensively, with thoughtful attention to the subtle depths and intricacies of your experience. In so doing, we can help to both resolve symptoms and impart meaning to your experiences, even those thoughts, feelings, and emotions that are often deemed painful or meaningless.

As a psychotherapist, I recognize that each course of treatment is subjective and unique. I work closely with each client in determining his or her treatment goals and respect each individuals right to self determination. Enhanced self esteem, improved coping skills, and a more confident decision making process are the foundation for a more joyful, less conflicted life. Together we will work to achieve these results.

Life is full of twists and turns we never expected to encounter. We feel alienated and out of balance. Sometimes we simply feel lost and do not know which direction we are facing. Feelings of depression, anxiety and/or physical symptoms can shadow this experience and lead us to feeling more isolated. When we find ourselves in just this situation we tend to view it as if we are stuck. To me, however, we are being called to transformation and more often than not we all need assistance as we walk that path.

Does it feel like you don’t quite fit in these hectic, demanding times? With 20 years of experience as an art therapist, I am here to help you in your healing journey through both talk and art therapy. I specialize in working with neurodiversity, queerness, anxiety, ADHD, autism, and depression with all ages in individual, couples, and family therapy. A deep and compassionate listener, I come to therapy with an open heart and a focus on you, in all your unique and intersecting identities. As a neurodivergent ceramic artist and photographer, I understand the joys and challenges of navigating the world being different from the norm.

I see therapy as a collaborative journey where clients can identify the strengths and skills they already possess. As a therapist, I focus on guiding clients to develop their full potential through self exploration and hands-on processing. Since each individual is unique, I firmly believe that therapy needs to be flexible enough to fit the needs of those seeking healing and support. By creating a non-judgmental environment, I enjoy assisting my clients in achieving their goals whilst learning to value who they truly are.

Often, people come to us without having explored psychological concerns in a sophisticated way. If they had past therapy, they were at times disappointed that it did not go deeper, as it left the greater meaning (the "roots") of their symptoms unexplored. As psychodynamic therapists, however, our goal is to see comprehensively, with thoughtful attention to the subtle depths and intricacies of your experience. In so doing, we can help to both resolve symptoms and impart meaning to your experiences, even those thoughts, feelings, and emotions that are often deemed painful or meaningless.

Anne Zakaras, LCPC, ATR-BC is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Registered Board Certified Art Therapist. Her integrative, client-centered approach is rooted in evidence-based psychotherapeutic practices often but not always combined with art therapy techniques in order to treat a variety of mental health concerns.

Sometimes, our responses to life circumstances may not be conducive to finding long-term joy, authenticity, or connection. Our experiences are stored in both our minds and bodies, and expressed through both as well. Between a wide array of clinical approaches and your lifetime of lived experiences, my aim is to work collaboratively with you in reaching your goals, and to craft a therapeutic environment where you feel safe to be your most authentic self.

I believe that clients are fundamentally trying their best to survive and thrive in the world as they understand it, and may need assistance in gaining new tools, new perspectives, or adapting to a new context. I am a member of and passionate about working with the disabled, kink/BDSM, and alterhuman & furry communities.

For over 30 years, I have accompanied others on their journey towards greater self-awareness, more fulfilling relationships, and exploring the needs and challenges of maintaining sound emotional, physical and spiritual health. My experience is particularly helpful when working on self-esteem issues, depression, grief and loss, relationship struggles, and faith and spiritual development. My clinical work draws upon skills developed while working as a hospital chaplain, pastoral counselor, bereavement counselor, youth counselor and a mental health therapist in a social service agency.