Therapists in Old Irving Park, Chicago, IL

As a multiracial person, I understand the juggling process between developing your identity while also finding a sense of belonging within communities. Doing this on top of just simply learning how to be an adult and manage your emotions can be a difficult juggling process! So I prioritize the awareness of various factors like trauma, multiculturalism, and oppression when working on deepening your understanding of yourself and reintegrating the connection between your mind, body, and spirit.

As an art therapist in training, I provide a non-judgmental and creative place to connect to your innate wholeness and humanity. You are deserving of support and encouragement as you navigate the many challenges and interferences with your sense of belonging within a society that often tells you otherwise. My passion is providing support that helps you realign with the truths and wisdom already within yourself.

My areas of focus are black women’s issues, sexuality, dating/relationships (traditional/non-traditional), family, anxiety, life transitions, identity, religion/spirituality, and racial/cultural concerns. I believe in fostering a client-centered, collaborative, genuine, and empathic relationship with clients. The hope is that my clients reach a space of peace and are liberated to do "their work". I have practiced as a social worker for eight years. I have worked in multiple settings (residential, inpatient, and K-12 schools) with multiple populations using several service delivery models.

Warm wishes and kudos to you for reaching out in this time of such uncertainty. I know all too well how uncertainty in the future and loss of control can contribute to anxiety and feelings of defeat. I have over 10-yrs of experience supporting individuals and couples in the midst of crisis and loss of control. While each circumstance is unique and will vary, please be assured that you are not, and do not have to navigate this alone. Whether it’s loss of purpose, lack of direction or feeling an overall loss of control, I will partner with you to identify your goals and reach fulfillment while gaining a sense of relief along the way.

When you live with trauma or emotional pain—or just plain feel lost—it can be difficult to manage your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Together, we can sort out what is and is not working for you so you can feel in control and step into your authentic self. You can find a sense of balance and peace as we navigate the patterns you have fallen into and develop opportunities for healing and a new way of being in the world. As a therapist fluent in American Sign Language, I work extensively with the Deaf community. I am passionate about working with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in a way that respects their culture.

I am deeply committed to providing a secure, reflective, non-judgmental space for Women of Color to process their pain, express their joy, give voice to their desires, and challenge fears.

In a time of struggles or life transition, you may feel stuck, unsure, or overwhelmed. I believe in your resiliency being within you, sitting within your body, and I will guide you in exploring your inner power with compassion, safety, and empowerment. I value cultural humility and believe in a holistic approach that is centered on you and your experiences in our therapy sessions. I integrate collaborative insight-driven discussion and movement-based interventions, which helps me to address both your physical (body) and emotional (mind) needs in a neutral and non-judgmental manner.

There are many reasons why people seek therapy. You may be working through problems at home or at work. Grappling with feelings of anxiety, anger, or depression. Or maybe searching for purpose in your life. You may be frustrated with relationships with friends, family, or chosen family. You may be thinking, "this is not how I imagined my life would be". As a therapist with over 30 years of experience, I believe the answers to changing your life are within you—and that you can find them through a safe therapeutic relationship.

You have felt unseen and unheard. But you know deep down that you are worthy. I know that you are. The challenges in life you once were able to navigate with ease are now more daunting than ever. You have turned to avoidance, substances, shopping, you name it! But none of these are helping. What you need now is someone to empathize with you. Someone who gets it, to see you and support you while you examine those unpleasant feelings and sensations.

Are you feeling depressed, anxious, and/or stressed in your life? Are you looking to find inner peace and strength within yourself? If this sounds like you, I would like to help guide you on that journey of relieving your worries and making positive changes in your life.

Life is unpredictable. Anxiety and depression is something we all experience. Everyone handles things in their own unique way. Dealing with things alone can be overwhelming. Sometimes we try running away from it all. How do we know when it's too much for us to handle? When it impacts our relationships and self esteem. That's when you need a helping hand to help you regain your balance. We can work together to identify what the right treatment is for you.

I wholeheartedly believe that everyone has the ability to heal from difficult life experiences and move forward to live a fulfilling and joyful life. I specialize in supporting children, adolescents, and adults through the healing process after they have been exposed to traumatic life events such as abuse/neglect, adoption, divorce, loss, attachment difficulties, and other life stressors. I have a passion for working with individuals who have experienced traumas, caregivers experiencing postpartum/parenting difficulties, early childhood populations, and parent-child relationship issues.

Life has a funny way of doing the exact opposite of what you’d hope—and when it does, it feels anything but funny. It may feel closer to being stuck, out of control, or somewhere in between. Above all else it feels bleak, and I’m not here to tell you it isn’t. But I can tell you the good news: you carry the coolest, most beautiful parts of being human within you already. Being unapologetically yourself in a world that’s determined to keep you from doing so is the bravest thing a person can do, and it would be my honor to have your back while you do it.

You feel overwhelmed, overworked, and the stress makes it hard to focus or even breath sometimes. Being an entrepreneur, small business owner, fellow creative, self-starter, or go-getter, you value being a risk-taker and know what you want for yourself and your family, but you just get overwhelmed with navigating the moving pieces and getting into habits of taking care of others before yourself. You are questioning "am I going to make it?" or "can I do this?" and part of you is having a dance party saying "hell yeah!" and another part is pointing a judging finger or exhausted from comparison fatigue. Lets make a change!

Cara McGhee, LPC takes a holistic eclectic approach to therapy. With the holistic aspect, Cara addresses symptoms as one way an individual's cognizance can convey consideration to an individual's advance perception. In the eclectic aspect, Cara uses various theoretical approaches to meet client's needs. Cara also addresses the therapeutic relationship with the belief that a stable relationship incorporates trust, authenticity, autonomy and optimistic outcomes. Cara has experience with survivors and offenders of domestic violence, substance use, parenting, and ran a court ordered anger management program.

Maybe you have tried traditional talk therapy, yoga, or self-help apps but you haven't found that sense relief from stress, anxiety, depression or grief. Grounded in the use of mindfulness and the creative arts therapies - art, movement, music, and drama - we believe the steps towards clarity, growth, and empowerment are about much more than talking. We are constantly thinking, feeling, sensing, expressing, interpreting, and responding to daily experiences. Your sessions will holistically explore all of these parts of your experience while gaining new skills to cope with stress, trauma, relationships, loss, or a new life change.

Intuitive, resourceful clinical therapist. Highly regarded for a creative, empowering and strengths-based approach to counseling, building instant rapport and trust with clients from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Tonya uses trauma-informed, innovative and adaptable treatment strategies, based on research and current best practices. As a clinician, she’s adept at helping clients assess and change environmental triggers and thoughts contributing to a problem. Most importantly, Tonya works collaboratively with clients to establish clear goals and to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Sometimes, you just feel like a fraud. Pretending to be excited for the weekend. People congratulate you at work for your achievement but never invite you to drinks or even a virtual happy hour at the end of the day. While you're not losing your mind, you're just not in the space you thought you'd be when coming to live in this country. I know you are going to hate to hear this but you are not alone. Transitions are hard to maneuver at times and can be much longer than a few months to get through. And that's ok.