Christian Therapists in River North, Chicago, IL
As a zillennial (member of both Millennials and Gen Z) Black woman, I love working with women, nonbinary femmes, and girls of color ages 16-35. I know too well the pressures that come with being high-achieving, having marginalized identities, and simply existing in our bodies as people of color. Though each client has unique goals for their therapy journey, I believe that everyone deserves at least one space where they can fully be themselves. I feel most alive when working with clients who hold these identities and are navigating issues of anxiety, self-esteem, Gifted Kid Burnout, relationship challenges, or stress.
As a zillennial (member of both Millennials and Gen Z) Black woman, I love working with women, nonbinary femmes, and girls of color ages 16-35. I know too well the pressures that come with being high-achieving, having marginalized identities, and simply existing in our bodies as people of color. Though each client has unique goals for their therapy journey, I believe that everyone deserves at least one space where they can fully be themselves. I feel most alive when working with clients who hold these identities and are navigating issues of anxiety, self-esteem, Gifted Kid Burnout, relationship challenges, or stress.
Leon Abbey
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
1 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
I deeply value the unique journey of every individual and couple I work with. I believe that understanding your own story and experiences can be transformative, and I’m here to support you in that process. My goal is to create a warm, collaborative space where you feel safe and understood, respecting your identity and choices throughout our work together. While I draw from various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral, person centered, strength based, solution-focused, and Gottman method for couples therapy, I frequently use the EMDR approach to address and resolve various distressing experiences.
I deeply value the unique journey of every individual and couple I work with. I believe that understanding your own story and experiences can be transformative, and I’m here to support you in that process. My goal is to create a warm, collaborative space where you feel safe and understood, respecting your identity and choices throughout our work together. While I draw from various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral, person centered, strength based, solution-focused, and Gottman method for couples therapy, I frequently use the EMDR approach to address and resolve various distressing experiences.
As a fellow pilgrim in the journey of life, I believe that my work in counseling is more than just a job. It is a vocation. I realize that reaching out for help can seem like a big step for many people. I am committed to assisting clients in this journey by offering empathy, genuineness, and compassion in a nonjudgmental setting. As an older therapist, I often work with people who are encountering transitions in life. I have personal as well as professional experience in navigating life's challenges.
As a fellow pilgrim in the journey of life, I believe that my work in counseling is more than just a job. It is a vocation. I realize that reaching out for help can seem like a big step for many people. I am committed to assisting clients in this journey by offering empathy, genuineness, and compassion in a nonjudgmental setting. As an older therapist, I often work with people who are encountering transitions in life. I have personal as well as professional experience in navigating life's challenges.
Congratulations on taking this step toward caring for your mental health. I'm Dr. April, and I specialize in helping clients work through trauma and PTSD, women’s issues, and depression using a trauma-informed, relational approach. My work centers on helping you reconnect with your authentic self by exploring your relationship with yourself, others, and the world. I strive to create a judgment-free space of safety, acceptance, and empowerment where you can build confidence, strengthen your voice, and navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and resilience.
Congratulations on taking this step toward caring for your mental health. I'm Dr. April, and I specialize in helping clients work through trauma and PTSD, women’s issues, and depression using a trauma-informed, relational approach. My work centers on helping you reconnect with your authentic self by exploring your relationship with yourself, others, and the world. I strive to create a judgment-free space of safety, acceptance, and empowerment where you can build confidence, strengthen your voice, and navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and resilience.
I work with individuals navigating life transitions, trauma, and grief that impact mental, emotional, spiritual, financial, and physical well-being. My trauma- and grief-informed approach integrates CBT and spiritually responsive care to help clients understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are shaped by loss and adversity. Therapy focuses on emotional safety, meaning-making, and practical coping skills that support healing and resilience. I partner with open-minded, committed clients seeking growth, validation, and empowerment as they reconnect with purpose and build the capacity to face life with clarity and strength.
I work with individuals navigating life transitions, trauma, and grief that impact mental, emotional, spiritual, financial, and physical well-being. My trauma- and grief-informed approach integrates CBT and spiritually responsive care to help clients understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are shaped by loss and adversity. Therapy focuses on emotional safety, meaning-making, and practical coping skills that support healing and resilience. I partner with open-minded, committed clients seeking growth, validation, and empowerment as they reconnect with purpose and build the capacity to face life with clarity and strength.
Nudging you through your process of self actualization is an enduring hope of mine and ever present in the clinical work we do. Whether you struggle with who you are, have frequent unstable relationships with your Self and others, or are curious about the relentless anxiety, numbness, sadness, or endless angst in life that won't seem to go away, together we work toward healing. In therapy, we make intrinsic meaning of such recurrences to unblock psychological barriers, deepen your grasp of self, and strengthen your capacity for meaningful relationships. That is often the hope and starting treatment goal of our depth-oriented work.
Nudging you through your process of self actualization is an enduring hope of mine and ever present in the clinical work we do. Whether you struggle with who you are, have frequent unstable relationships with your Self and others, or are curious about the relentless anxiety, numbness, sadness, or endless angst in life that won't seem to go away, together we work toward healing. In therapy, we make intrinsic meaning of such recurrences to unblock psychological barriers, deepen your grasp of self, and strengthen your capacity for meaningful relationships. That is often the hope and starting treatment goal of our depth-oriented work.
Unhealed pain can make your present feel like it's being weighed down, held back by the past, and the future can often seem unclear. It feels like you're stuck with so many complications. It’s tiring, lonely, confusing, and overwhelming. If this is your experience and you want it to change, I can help you find relief. The past does not have to dictate your life. And you don't have to face the challenge of healing alone.
Unhealed pain can make your present feel like it's being weighed down, held back by the past, and the future can often seem unclear. It feels like you're stuck with so many complications. It’s tiring, lonely, confusing, and overwhelming. If this is your experience and you want it to change, I can help you find relief. The past does not have to dictate your life. And you don't have to face the challenge of healing alone.
Rejuvenation House
Marriage & Family Therapist, IL-LMFT, NC-LMFT, CDBT, AAMFT S, MS
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
When to ask for help: Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you experiencing nightmares, flashbacks, and trouble sleeping at nights? Are you anxious, irritable, and withdrawn from others and activities you once enjoyed? Are you having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else? Have you recently experienced grief or loss? Are you having feelings of hopelessness, diminished self-worth and sadness most days? Are you finding it difficult to focus, trouble concentrating, and plagued with negative thoughts on a daily basis? Do you feel like your relationship is in trouble and you don't know how to save it?
When to ask for help: Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you experiencing nightmares, flashbacks, and trouble sleeping at nights? Are you anxious, irritable, and withdrawn from others and activities you once enjoyed? Are you having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else? Have you recently experienced grief or loss? Are you having feelings of hopelessness, diminished self-worth and sadness most days? Are you finding it difficult to focus, trouble concentrating, and plagued with negative thoughts on a daily basis? Do you feel like your relationship is in trouble and you don't know how to save it?
Are the challenges of life taking too much out of you? Are you having a hard time managing chronic stress, anxiety, depression, or the effects of trauma? Are you a person (regardless of your cultural background) that has experienced trauma specific to isms (racism, sexism, ableism, etc...), abuse, or the poverty experience? Are you seeking someone that can help you give voice to your unique experiences? In my therapy sessions I believe you will be able to find your voice, release pent-up emotions, identify and examine your strengths and needs, experience restoration and revitalization, and regain power and control over your life.
Are the challenges of life taking too much out of you? Are you having a hard time managing chronic stress, anxiety, depression, or the effects of trauma? Are you a person (regardless of your cultural background) that has experienced trauma specific to isms (racism, sexism, ableism, etc...), abuse, or the poverty experience? Are you seeking someone that can help you give voice to your unique experiences? In my therapy sessions I believe you will be able to find your voice, release pent-up emotions, identify and examine your strengths and needs, experience restoration and revitalization, and regain power and control over your life.
My ideal client is often a caregiver, creative, or someone who supports others—like a parent, first responder, or partner of a veteran. They're navigating stress, anxiety, or burnout alongside life transitions like parenthood, career shifts, or chronic health changes. They want clarity, balance, and tools for emotional regulation. Deep down, they seek reconnection to their inner wisdom and peace beneath the noise. They’re not looking to be “fixed,” but to be met with compassion and supported in their growth.
My ideal client is often a caregiver, creative, or someone who supports others—like a parent, first responder, or partner of a veteran. They're navigating stress, anxiety, or burnout alongside life transitions like parenthood, career shifts, or chronic health changes. They want clarity, balance, and tools for emotional regulation. Deep down, they seek reconnection to their inner wisdom and peace beneath the noise. They’re not looking to be “fixed,” but to be met with compassion and supported in their growth.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, like you're carrying a heavy load without feeling truly seen or supported? You may be juggling demanding responsibilities, complex relationships, or lingering pain from your past, wondering why the same patterns keep resurfacing. If you're questioning your next steps or your quality of life has taken a hit, therapy can help you realign. I help individuals and couples manage stress, burnout, life transitions, and relationship challenges so they can feel more grounded, fulfilled, and in control. My style is warm, collaborative, and paced to meet your unique needs.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, like you're carrying a heavy load without feeling truly seen or supported? You may be juggling demanding responsibilities, complex relationships, or lingering pain from your past, wondering why the same patterns keep resurfacing. If you're questioning your next steps or your quality of life has taken a hit, therapy can help you realign. I help individuals and couples manage stress, burnout, life transitions, and relationship challenges so they can feel more grounded, fulfilled, and in control. My style is warm, collaborative, and paced to meet your unique needs.
Life is too long to live in emotional discomfort. Feeling unseen, overwhelmed, or unsure in your relationships? It’s important to understand what those feelings are telling you. Married or single, how you relate to others often mirrors how you relate to yourself & it can quietly set the tone for the future you accept or change. As the founder of Grace Center for Wellness, I help you heal emotional wounds, uncover mental roadblocks, & make life-changing internal shifts through the lens of faith. You were never meant to settle. You deserve a thriving marriage, a purposeful single season, and relationships rooted in respect and love.
Life is too long to live in emotional discomfort. Feeling unseen, overwhelmed, or unsure in your relationships? It’s important to understand what those feelings are telling you. Married or single, how you relate to others often mirrors how you relate to yourself & it can quietly set the tone for the future you accept or change. As the founder of Grace Center for Wellness, I help you heal emotional wounds, uncover mental roadblocks, & make life-changing internal shifts through the lens of faith. You were never meant to settle. You deserve a thriving marriage, a purposeful single season, and relationships rooted in respect and love.
Do you ever feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like you could be happier? I want to help you on that journey. I work with adult individuals who are navigating trauma, mood disorders, and addiction, and my goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where healing can truly begin. Together, we’ll explore what’s getting in the way and start building the tools and insight you need to move forward with confidence and peace.
Do you ever feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like you could be happier? I want to help you on that journey. I work with adult individuals who are navigating trauma, mood disorders, and addiction, and my goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where healing can truly begin. Together, we’ll explore what’s getting in the way and start building the tools and insight you need to move forward with confidence and peace.
The first question most therapists will ask is "what brings you to therapy?" Well, I have a different question to ask, have you ever found yourself stuck in a loop, replaying the same thoughts over and over? Picture this: an event, a conversation, a stressor, playing on repeat in your mind, leaving you mentally drained with no way out.
The first question most therapists will ask is "what brings you to therapy?" Well, I have a different question to ask, have you ever found yourself stuck in a loop, replaying the same thoughts over and over? Picture this: an event, a conversation, a stressor, playing on repeat in your mind, leaving you mentally drained with no way out.
I'm accepting new patients via Telehealth. Early morning, evening and Saturday appointments available! Schedule a free phone consult to see if we are a good fit to work together. It can be difficult to navigate personal change, loss, life transitions or maintaining motivation... Looking at you: new college student, new parent, caregiver for aging family or person transitioning children out of the home. Are you feeling stressed or stretched thin? This can look like depression, anxiety, procrastination or feeling overwhelmed. We can work on that together! There are always strengths in each person's situation that we can build on.
I'm accepting new patients via Telehealth. Early morning, evening and Saturday appointments available! Schedule a free phone consult to see if we are a good fit to work together. It can be difficult to navigate personal change, loss, life transitions or maintaining motivation... Looking at you: new college student, new parent, caregiver for aging family or person transitioning children out of the home. Are you feeling stressed or stretched thin? This can look like depression, anxiety, procrastination or feeling overwhelmed. We can work on that together! There are always strengths in each person's situation that we can build on.
Hello, I'm Suzette Gray, MSW, LCSW, and I'm here to help you create positive life changes. Whether you're an adult, teen, or athlete, I believe in addressing concerns directly to foster growth and transformation. I have experience working with individuals dealing with sports performance, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and stress management. My goal is to unlock your potential and elevate your life, creating a safe space where you can explore your journey.
Hello, I'm Suzette Gray, MSW, LCSW, and I'm here to help you create positive life changes. Whether you're an adult, teen, or athlete, I believe in addressing concerns directly to foster growth and transformation. I have experience working with individuals dealing with sports performance, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and stress management. My goal is to unlock your potential and elevate your life, creating a safe space where you can explore your journey.
Healing is in the honesty. You have been where you are for a while and now you are finally ready to make a change for you. Unresolved hurt, loss, struggles with self worth, imposter syndrome, fighting for everyone but you, feeling stuck, overwhelmed and the list goes on. You need someone to help you process the past that is hindering you from living healed. As a licensed therapist it has been my life’s work to help people just like you. It's time to make you a priority and give yourself space to focus on you. It's your time to grow, process, explore and heal from the inside out.
Healing is in the honesty. You have been where you are for a while and now you are finally ready to make a change for you. Unresolved hurt, loss, struggles with self worth, imposter syndrome, fighting for everyone but you, feeling stuck, overwhelmed and the list goes on. You need someone to help you process the past that is hindering you from living healed. As a licensed therapist it has been my life’s work to help people just like you. It's time to make you a priority and give yourself space to focus on you. It's your time to grow, process, explore and heal from the inside out.
My primary approach to therapy is cognitive behavioral and is driven by developing a safe environment and encouraging open discussion, but also finding a constructive way to challenge behaviors and thinking that work counter to a patient's success.
I believe all patients with support and encouragement have the ability to improve their situation through changes in thinking, behaviors, or opening themselves up to accepting help when necessary.
My role is to build a trusting and supportive relationship to help my patients and I believe success is when people have become strong enough to adress challenges head on
My primary approach to therapy is cognitive behavioral and is driven by developing a safe environment and encouraging open discussion, but also finding a constructive way to challenge behaviors and thinking that work counter to a patient's success.
I believe all patients with support and encouragement have the ability to improve their situation through changes in thinking, behaviors, or opening themselves up to accepting help when necessary.
My role is to build a trusting and supportive relationship to help my patients and I believe success is when people have become strong enough to adress challenges head on
You are the one people rely on at work, in relationships, and in your family. You carry so much, yet you rarely have space to feel your own emotions. You appear composed, but inside you wrestle with anxiety, overthinking, and the fear that slowing down will make everything fall apart. You want to heal the parts of you shaped by family wounds, past relationships, and years of pushing through. You want a therapist who can sit with your truth without judgment and help you reconnect with the self you have had to set aside. Therapy can help you feel grounded, clear, and emotionally whole again
You are the one people rely on at work, in relationships, and in your family. You carry so much, yet you rarely have space to feel your own emotions. You appear composed, but inside you wrestle with anxiety, overthinking, and the fear that slowing down will make everything fall apart. You want to heal the parts of you shaped by family wounds, past relationships, and years of pushing through. You want a therapist who can sit with your truth without judgment and help you reconnect with the self you have had to set aside. Therapy can help you feel grounded, clear, and emotionally whole again
Hi there! I have a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology. I have over 9 years of clinical experiences helping youth and families with various mental health concerns through various treatment modalities. Before joining a private group practice, I worked primarily in community mental health outpatient centers and schools. I have experience working with marginalized children, teens, and adults with various psychosocial concerns through various organizations. Additionally, I approach therapy from an integrative perspective, focusing primarily on cognitive-behavioral and client-centered therapy.
Hi there! I have a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology. I have over 9 years of clinical experiences helping youth and families with various mental health concerns through various treatment modalities. Before joining a private group practice, I worked primarily in community mental health outpatient centers and schools. I have experience working with marginalized children, teens, and adults with various psychosocial concerns through various organizations. Additionally, I approach therapy from an integrative perspective, focusing primarily on cognitive-behavioral and client-centered therapy.
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Christian Therapists
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
Therapists and clients don’t need to share the same belief system or background to be able to work effectively together, but a therapist whose training includes a focus on cultural competence may be better able to form a therapeutic bond with individuals from a range of backgrounds, as they will have experience in tailoring their approach to each client—and will be prepared to acknowledge and consider the effects of culture, religion, and other factors on each individual.
Why is it important to find a therapist sensitive to Christian values?
Each person brings a unique history and background to therapy, making it important to find a licensed therapist who is trained in a broad range of treatment modalities. In addition, for people who grow up in a faith tradition that strongly influences the way they conduct their everyday life, finding a therapist who understands or shares that background can ease the disclosure of sensitive information and facilitate the therapeutic process. For some clients, a Christian therapist is likely to incorporate faith-based principles into emotional healing techniques.
How do I recognize an effective Christian therapist?
Christian therapists are licensed mental health professionals—holding a master’s or doctoral degree in medicine, nursing, psychology, counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy—who are also familiar with Christian beliefs and values. They have an understanding of the importance that Christian principles play in the lives of individuals and families, which allows them to be especially sensitive to the kinds of struggles that can affect daily functioning. Like all effective therapists, a Christian therapist will have undergone training and certification in a variety of treatment modalities that help people through crises and enable them to master the challenges of life.
Why might someone feel comfortable with a Christian therapist?
While training, qualifications, and experience are always important, research has long established that a strong alliance between client and therapist is a major contributor to therapeutic success. An alliance is likely to be strengthened with a therapist who not only is responsive to questions and concerns but also shares a client’s faith and values. Sensitivity to spiritual matters as well as to everyday struggles can provide a welcome sense of safety and contribute to the bond between client and therapist, both of which support the therapeutic process.
Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of Christian therapists?
The directory of Christian therapists includes professionals who have shared their background in their profiles. However, not all therapists choose to disclose this information, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. The directory also shows therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with Christian clients, regardless of their own background or religious affiliation.