Christian Therapists in River North, Chicago, IL
I also offer faith-integrated counseling for those seeking a therapist with a Christian background.
You’re the one others rely on—kind, competent, creative—but lately, you’ve hit a breaking point. Maybe you struggle with setting boundaries, people-pleasing, or feeling like you’ve lost yourself in the roles you play for others. You want to feel more at peace, more connected to yourself, and more confident in your relationships, but you never feel like enough. With a background in the arts, storytelling, and visual media, I integrate the power of story in the narrative of your life, past present and future. Where are you right now? How has right now been impacted by your past, and what is a vision and purpose for who you want to be?
I also offer faith-integrated counseling for those seeking a therapist with a Christian background.
You’re the one others rely on—kind, competent, creative—but lately, you’ve hit a breaking point. Maybe you struggle with setting boundaries, people-pleasing, or feeling like you’ve lost yourself in the roles you play for others. You want to feel more at peace, more connected to yourself, and more confident in your relationships, but you never feel like enough. With a background in the arts, storytelling, and visual media, I integrate the power of story in the narrative of your life, past present and future. Where are you right now? How has right now been impacted by your past, and what is a vision and purpose for who you want to be?
I also offer Christian-based counseling for those who prefer their faith be informed by therapy.
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain, angry, frustrated, or stuck at times and sometimes we need someone to acknowledge that. Our past experiences shape how we show up in the world and interact with others. I offer coping strategies to help you regulate emotions, rebuild trust, manage anxiety, resolve conflicts, and address unmet needs, ultimately creating a foundation for healthy, secure relationships. My own personal growth journey has deepened my ability to guide others in developing emotional and spiritual awareness, fostering a new path of vulnerability and openness. I am happy to support the changes you seek to make!
I also offer Christian-based counseling for those who prefer their faith be informed by therapy.
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain, angry, frustrated, or stuck at times and sometimes we need someone to acknowledge that. Our past experiences shape how we show up in the world and interact with others. I offer coping strategies to help you regulate emotions, rebuild trust, manage anxiety, resolve conflicts, and address unmet needs, ultimately creating a foundation for healthy, secure relationships. My own personal growth journey has deepened my ability to guide others in developing emotional and spiritual awareness, fostering a new path of vulnerability and openness. I am happy to support the changes you seek to make!
As a Christian counselor, it's God's agenda that we seek to discern and follow.
I am an Illinois and Wisconsin Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has extensive experience working with individuals, groups, couples, and families. I have worked with several different client populations including couples with marriage difficulties, adults struggling with depression, anxiety, and other life adjustment issues, physically and sexually abused adolescents and adults, adolescents with mental health issues related to school, home, adjustment, or mental illness, and even adolescents and adults on the verge of suicide.
As a Christian counselor, it's God's agenda that we seek to discern and follow.
I am an Illinois and Wisconsin Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has extensive experience working with individuals, groups, couples, and families. I have worked with several different client populations including couples with marriage difficulties, adults struggling with depression, anxiety, and other life adjustment issues, physically and sexually abused adolescents and adults, adolescents with mental health issues related to school, home, adjustment, or mental illness, and even adolescents and adults on the verge of suicide.
Life is too long to live unhappy. If you're feeling less than loved, stressed, or confused in your relationships, it's time you do something about it. Whether married or single, your relationships may give a glimpse of how you feel about yourself and introduce you to a future you may inevitably tolerate. I'm the founder of Grace Center for Wellness and I help you heal your emotional wounds, uncover mental roadblocks, and make internal shifts through the lens of faith. You were never meant to settle. You deserve a thriving marriage, a beautiful single season, and relationships built on mutual respect, love, and intentionality.
Life is too long to live unhappy. If you're feeling less than loved, stressed, or confused in your relationships, it's time you do something about it. Whether married or single, your relationships may give a glimpse of how you feel about yourself and introduce you to a future you may inevitably tolerate. I'm the founder of Grace Center for Wellness and I help you heal your emotional wounds, uncover mental roadblocks, and make internal shifts through the lens of faith. You were never meant to settle. You deserve a thriving marriage, a beautiful single season, and relationships built on mutual respect, love, and intentionality.
Leon Abbey
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
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.
Trauma and grief can be some of the most complicated life experiences an individual could go through. Since grief and trauma can take on many forms, they can be challenging to process no matter when they occur. These experiences can lead to a long list of feelings such as pain, frustration, vulnerability, shame, and loneliness. While grieving does not get easier with time, time allows for the adjustment of your new normal. Within my clinical foundation, I gravitate towards incorporating mindfulness and strength-based practices within treatment.
Trauma and grief can be some of the most complicated life experiences an individual could go through. Since grief and trauma can take on many forms, they can be challenging to process no matter when they occur. These experiences can lead to a long list of feelings such as pain, frustration, vulnerability, shame, and loneliness. While grieving does not get easier with time, time allows for the adjustment of your new normal. Within my clinical foundation, I gravitate towards incorporating mindfulness and strength-based practices within treatment.
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.
Kaitlin Naatjes
Counselor, MA, LCPC, CMHIMP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
An integrative and holistic approach to change, healing, and future growth. Assessing your own being, needs, and internal control while promoting health in the mind-body-and soul. Therapy can heal relationships in your personal and professional worlds. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, communication skills, grief, infertility, eating disorders, etc., you do not have to struggle alone. As a licensed clinical therapist, I commit to diligently working in collaboration with you to bring about the change you desire. I am an experienced therapist, trained yoga instructor, and reiki practitioner.
An integrative and holistic approach to change, healing, and future growth. Assessing your own being, needs, and internal control while promoting health in the mind-body-and soul. Therapy can heal relationships in your personal and professional worlds. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, communication skills, grief, infertility, eating disorders, etc., you do not have to struggle alone. As a licensed clinical therapist, I commit to diligently working in collaboration with you to bring about the change you desire. I am an experienced therapist, trained yoga instructor, and reiki practitioner.
Congratulations on taking the first step to taking care of yourself! I use a trauma-informed and relational approach to support clients navigating mental, emotional, and relational health concerns. Clients learn to become their authentic selves, by focusing on their relationships with themselves, others, and the world, and promote learning and skills building to better navigate life's challenges. I endeavor to provide a judgment-free environment full of acceptance, safety, and security that fosters empowerment, and promotes a sense of agency and capacity for self-advocacy, as they move toward becoming their unique selves.
Congratulations on taking the first step to taking care of yourself! I use a trauma-informed and relational approach to support clients navigating mental, emotional, and relational health concerns. Clients learn to become their authentic selves, by focusing on their relationships with themselves, others, and the world, and promote learning and skills building to better navigate life's challenges. I endeavor to provide a judgment-free environment full of acceptance, safety, and security that fosters empowerment, and promotes a sense of agency and capacity for self-advocacy, as they move toward becoming their unique selves.
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.
Accepting New Patients via Telehealth. Saturday appointments available. Let's 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 and maximize.
Accepting New Patients via Telehealth. Saturday appointments available. Let's 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 and maximize.
Meet Our Christian Therapists
As a relational psychotherapist, I believe in the power of healing relationships to bring about change. I approach counseling as a collaborative journey where client and therapist work together to explore issues such as the long-term impact of abuse or loss on sense of self; lack of trust in relationships; or managing life transitions in all their variations
As a relational psychotherapist, I believe in the power of healing relationships to bring about change. I approach counseling as a collaborative journey where client and therapist work together to explore issues such as the long-term impact of abuse or loss on sense of self; lack of trust in relationships; or managing life transitions in all their variations
You may have been raised in a challenging environment marked by violence, neglect, or abuse, leading to emotional wounds that are impacting you in every area of your life. These experiences may have contributed to feelings of low self-worth, high levels anxiety, or difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. You are ready to gain a sense of control and walk into your God-given power!
You may have been raised in a challenging environment marked by violence, neglect, or abuse, leading to emotional wounds that are impacting you in every area of your life. These experiences may have contributed to feelings of low self-worth, high levels anxiety, or difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. You are ready to gain a sense of control and walk into your God-given power!
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 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.
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.
Welcome to your journey of healing. Are you seeking therapy to address challenges in life have happened because of trauma? Have you lost yourself in the midst of your life challenges? Whether you are looking to overcome trauma, anxiety, or other circumstances that have arisen, my goal is to help you conquer the issues that may be hindering your life. We will work together to get you exactly where you want to be: vibrant, thriving, and full of life.
Welcome to your journey of healing. Are you seeking therapy to address challenges in life have happened because of trauma? Have you lost yourself in the midst of your life challenges? Whether you are looking to overcome trauma, anxiety, or other circumstances that have arisen, my goal is to help you conquer the issues that may be hindering your life. We will work together to get you exactly where you want to be: vibrant, thriving, and full of life.
I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. Whether your story involves moments of anxiety, grief, depression, or other plot twists I am here to help you get through challenging times. Your story is important and deserves to be nurtured and understood. We will explore circumstances that cause these feelings to become an obstacle within your everyday life.
I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. Whether your story involves moments of anxiety, grief, depression, or other plot twists I am here to help you get through challenging times. Your story is important and deserves to be nurtured and understood. We will explore circumstances that cause these feelings to become an obstacle within your everyday 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.
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.
"Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways." I enjoy working who are struggling to cope, adjust or heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, personality and/or family issues. I use a broad range of theory in practice to address client concerns and moving them into wellness.
"Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways." I enjoy working who are struggling to cope, adjust or heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, personality and/or family issues. I use a broad range of theory in practice to address client concerns and moving them into wellness.
See more therapy options for River North, Chicago
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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.