Therapists in Medical Village, Chicago, IL

My life’s work is strengthening the LGBTQ community from the inside out. I do this by working with gay and queer men to live the lives they desire. What often holds us back are layers of expectations and belief systems that we take on from society, our families, and others. When these systemic messages conflict with our authentic selves, this creates a dissonance that often results in anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. This isn’t something that is broken or bad in us. Quite the opposite, it’s our authentic selves yearning to be expressed!

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. Take a deep breath and allow yourself to release. With all of life's circumstances, take time to awaken the serenity in you. Therapy can be used as a guiding tool to release, recover, and take a much-needed step forward. To help my clients achieve these goals, I create a warm, authentic, and safe environment that allows for a peaceful, fulfilling journey.

In my experience as a counselor, I have had the privilege of working with a wide range of individuals in various settings. I have worked with children and adults in the community, residential, hospital, and educational settings. In each environment I have witnessed the marvel of human potential firsthand. As a clinician I approach people and the work that I do from the belief that people have the innate ability to grow and heal on their own. My personal life experience and my practice have fostered this belief, recognizing that the process may require or be made more manageable with some assistance or a guide, in the form of counsel

The basis of an ideal client in my lens does not have a select issue. Everyone has their own life challenges and emotional weight they carry with them. In the end, what I want for my clients is a common goal to be the best version of themselves they can be while being open-minded in facing tasks related to that goal. Whether it is an interpersonal relationship problem, anxiety, substance abuse, etc; the ultimate goal is to be better in comparison to yourself yesterday rather than someone else. That common ideal goal is what I aim for with every client I work with through the use of problem-solving strategies and coping mechanisms.

Life never goes the way we plan. In fact, more often we find ourselves just trying to get by. There's a lot of pressure to feel like we have to know who we are, what we are doing, and what our purpose is, all the while needing to put on a brave and happy face. But the ripple effects of life's fluctuations will challenge that every time, and can put us in positions of emotional and psychological distress. Through the process of therapy, I collaborate with you to parse through the hard circumstances and challenging questions life throws at us, and aid in you finding deep profound meaning, healing, and growth in a safe space.

Have you ever found yourself wondering why you do or think the things you do? Do you struggle in relationships and don't know what is the problem? It can be stressful trying to figure out who you are and it can be painful struggling in relationships with people in your life. We learn ways of existing in the world from our past experiences and environment. Unfortunately, we adopt behaviors from long ago that no longer serve us in a desirable way. This can lead to confusion and disappointment. My job is to help you be the comprehensive self that you want to be and to live a more satisfying life.

I have experience as a competitive athlete and can appreciate the impact an athlete’s mental health and performance can have due to a “bump in the training plan.” That’s where mental skills and mental performance is so important and I am here to help you find those skills! We can explore our emotions and their impact on your daily performances and gaining self-awareness. These skills are so important not just in performances but in how to maneuver through life.

My experience prior to private practice stems from my work in community mental health systems. I have had the honor to work with a variety of individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, fertility issues, grief, and loss . I have extensive experience helping men and women recover from shame, oppression and exploring their voice within complex family systems. From personal experience with recurrent pregnancy loss and infertility, I understand the complex emotions and I can guide you through your journey. I believe that we cannot begin a conversation about change without examining our environment.

Sometimes life throws us challenges that are too overwhelming to handle alone. As a trauma informed and culturally sensitive therapist, I understand the importance of allowing space and time for healing in a non-judgmental space. As your therapist, my priority is that you feel comfortable as we work through these difficulties together. My approach is collaborative, as your voice is equally important. This is your lived experience, and my role is to help guide and gently empower you towards realizing a better version of yourself.

Thank you for showing up for yourself and I'm glad our paths have crossed. I believe everyone has the power to heal themselves and deserves a safe place to feel seen, heard, and accepted. It would be an honor and privilege to walk alongside you in your personal healing journey. Through a collaborative therapeutic approach, we work together to explore the experiences or areas in your life that you would like to further understand or change.

Discover your path to personal growth and well-being through meaningful connections and experiences. People close to me describe me as compassionate, fun-loving, understanding, and open-minded. My background in social work equips me to address issues such as socioeconomic inequality, family dynamics, BIPOC experiences in the U.S., and the profound impact of societal systems on our lives.

I am a bilingual Latina therapist who enjoys working with adolescents and adults. My approach is holistic as I believe our physical, spiritual, emotional, and social selves directly impact one another. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) with 10+ years of experience treating a wide array of symptoms and concerns including anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties.

Do you constantly have anxious fears of messing things up or not being good enough? Do you obsess over mistakes and spiral into worst case scenarios? Do you feel the need to be in control? I can help you manage these feelings, whether that be through individual therapy sessions or using your tools in real time in my Improv for Anxious Minds Group. If this resonates with you, let's talk! Schedule a free 15 minute consultation with me. Check out my IMPROV for ANXIETY group at www.evolvingmindscollective.com/improvgrouptherapy

I believe that difficult roads can lead to beautiful destinations. I would be honored to help you work towards your destination. My name is Karolina (she/her) and I’m so excited you are here and taking the step towards therapy, whether it’s your first time or you’re back for another go-around! I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and adult families. Although I work with a wide range of challenges, I have a particular interest and passion for working with adults struggling with relational issues, life transitions, self-compassion, self-worth/confidence, and anxiety.

I believe that being a therapist is a privilege. I understand that starting therapy or beginning to see a new therapist can be a vulnerable experience and it is an act of self-compassion. When a person has experienced trauma or is undergoing life challenges, it can be difficult to see a path forward. My role as a therapist is to assist you in finding ways to look ahead and to live a life that feels more aligned with yourself.

"I believe in a holistic approach to therapy so I integrate traditional talk therapy with experiential therapies that aid in better nervous system regulation, healing, and overall relief of symptoms. Experiential, brain-based healing & somatic therapies can help accelerate change and often reduce time in counseling.

Have you been feeling overwhelmed, alone, or struggle to manage your mood? Maybe you’re in a relationship that constantly causes distress, or you're looking to find ways to relieve yourself from worry, irritability, or sadness? You are not alone. Together, we can take the steps towards peace and healing. I know how difficult it can be reaching out for help and I acknowledge the courage it takes to engage in the therapeutic process. As your therapist, I can help you navigate through life’s challenges, overcome stressful experiences, and identify patterns in your life that interfere with your wellbeing.