Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Near Eastside, Chicago, IL

I have experience working with individual adults and partnerships in areas such as anxiety, depression, sex & intimate wellness, relationship conflict, sexual assault, life transitions, and self esteem. One of my primary areas of expertise is working with members of the LGBTQ+ community in areas of positive sexual and/ or gender identity, coming out, transitioning, and sexual health. However, I work with people of all identities and backgrounds. I foster a therapeutic space that is identity-affirming, sex-positive, and polyamorous- and kink-affirming.

I work together with my clients to help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and self-esteem, manage relationships and life transitions, and provide the tools and resources to express and cope with emotions. I support my clients who feel stuck or dissatisfied gain better insight into negative thought patterns that may be hindering their ability to achieve a fulfilled life. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, with you being the expert of your own life. By working together, I will create an individualized approach tailored specifically to each client in order to best suite your specific needs.

I work with clients who are feeling stuck, lost, and struggling to move forward with their life. Seeking help might be intimidating, but therapy can be a space to receive support with navigating the constant struggles of life, and it can be an empowering journey of finding more meaning in your life and thinking more thoughtfully about your relationship with yourself and others. Born and raised in Italy, I have experience relating with people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, which has informed and shaped my therapeutic approach.

Your heart drops into your stomach and you are at a loss for words. Maybe you feel numb. Maybe you can't stop crying. No matter what your reaction is, your life as you know it has changed in one instance. You've been diagnosed with a terminal or chronic illness. A flood of questions comes to your mind: is this the beginning of the end, how will this effect my career, how do I tell my family? I have dedicated my life to guiding people through the emotional difficulties related to managing conditions such as: mild cognitive impairment, dementia, TBI, stroke, cancer, transplant, and pregnancy/fertility concerns.

I work with populations that are going through transitions. Whether you are a teen starting a new school; a family going through a new phase of life; a person questioning your identity, or even if you are looking to transition careers, I am here to help you see the best version of yourself come to a reality. As a therapist, I assist people in gaining the confidence to overcome personal obstacles, lessen emotional loads, and provide the tools needed to improve their connection to themselves and their world.

Common problems I help address: deciding who is the "right" person to marry; figuring out why you are single; working on your anxious or avoidant attachment style; managing different partner attachment styles; infidelity: figuring out why you cheated, healing from the infidelity, rebuilding trust and prevention; figuring out if you can make your relationship or marriage work; communication such as arguments that go nowhere; effective conflict resolution; feeling unappreciated/taken for granted; disconnection; healing from a break up. The information & tools I teach are proven to be effective in making relationships successful.

My approach combines my education, training, and own life experience to work with individuals collaboratively, with a focus on how to meaningfully and healthfully navigate life events. I start by developing a unique and genuine therapeutic relationship with my clients which facilitates healing and understanding. While trained as a generalist to provide treatment for a variety of mental health concerns across the lifespan, my clinical specialties include working with trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship/family distress, life transitions, grief/loss, stress mgmt, college students, young adults, and autism spectrum/Asperger's.

My clinical experience includes working with low-income communities, survivors of interpersonal violence, individuals with severe mental illness, the LGBTQIA+ population, neurodiversity, and racial and ethnic minorities.

Do you feel like something is holding you back in life, or in your relationships? Are you looking for someone who will provide you with an encouraging and validating space to help you or your child process feelings of anxiety, depression, changes in mood, or any other difficulties you may be experiencing? Regardless of the reasons that you to seek therapy, I approach my work with sensitivity and care, collaborating with clients to identify and pursue their personal goals. For me, therapy is more than just a profession; it's a heartfelt commitment.

Peace of mind and clarity are important, and I strive to assist people in the re-creation of self. Emotional turbulence can be the thief of joy. In my practice, I work with individuals and groups to restore harmony. This is achieved by integrating solution-focused approaches that are person-centered and socially conscious.

Maybe you or someone you care about seems to have lost control of your ability to drink, take medication, eat, gamble, have sex, use the internet, play video games in a way that is not disruptive or harmful to you or the ones you love. Is someone telling you that your behavior is a problem? Are you unable to consistently predict whether or not you can stop once you start? Do you find yourself planning, thinking about or engaging in the behavior when you need to be attending to other things in your life like relationships, work or school?

I strive to help people find Wholeness. Strength in Mind, Body and Spirit. Sometimes we feel broken or weak. Sometimes we need a helping hand to rebuild an area in our lives. I have assisted many clients who have difficulty adjusting to life's stress or a loss. Some may struggle with chronic mental illness. Some may want more from their relationships, and everything in between. We can start where you are!

If you're considering therapy, you may have asked yourself questions like "Do I really need it? How can it help me?" While many of us turn to family and friends for emotional support during stressful times, moments do come when difficulties seem to mount and persist, and when talking to a trained, professional helper can bring about relief from suffering, as well as personal growth. I'm a licensed clinical psychologist with 20 years of post graduate experience in private practice and community mental health settings. I treat adults presenting with anxiety, depression, ADHD and stress from challenging life transitions.

The process of researching therapists who could be a good fit is overwhelming. Sometimes it's difficult to know what you should even be looking for. My approach is initially focused on developing rapport and ensuring that you feel comfortable with my style of practice. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or just don't feel supported in your relationships (personal or professional), we'll work together to set goals and establish the best route to help you feel less stuck.

Now accepting new clients... Have you been to therapy before and it didn't get you anywhere? I take a completely different approach to therapy than your average therapist. I work by providing new ideas and resources to work on improving the wide variety of struggles you might come to the session with. I will provide direct and honest feedback to what I hear is going on with you. My clients find that I’m successful at helping them gain a deeper awareness of what’s causing discomfort while increasing coping, self-esteem and gratitude. I approach and understand well-being from a holistic perspective.

My approach to therapy is genuine, honest, collaborative and non-judgmental. I aim to provide a safe space for my clients to help them feel comfortable exploring the challenges they encounter. I understand that it can be overwhelming to seek therapy and it is essential that my clients feel understood and supported. It can be difficult to know how to articulate your innermost thoughts and feelings. I work alongside my clients to help them learn coping skills and gain a better awareness of how to communicate their needs directly and when to utilize these tools if they are upset, frustrated, feeling alone or feeling out of control.

Life gets complicated. You have been trying all that you know how to do to make things better for yourself or for someone you love but have run out of energy, ideas or both. You may have a relationship with someone you love but just can't seem to get along. You may be a parent trying to best figure out how to help a child or teen who is having problems. You may feel burdened by sadness, fear or stress.Or, perhaps you have old wounds that seem to keep interfering with you creating the life you want.

To schedule sessions, please book a call with our Client Care Coordinator here: www.calendly.com/adminccbh. Oftentimes women, especially working mothers, walk around feeling like something is wrong with them. We’re overwhelmed, stressed to the max, have too much on our plates, not enough support, we exhaust ourselves trying to keep up and we feel like we’re the only ones struggling. But we aren’t. As a CEO, mother and wife, Dr. Cira understands what so many women and mothers are struggling with on a day-to-day basis. And when women begin to understand that they are not the problem, life gets a lot easier.