Therapists for Seniors in River North, Chicago, IL
Dr. Sheila Mander is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 13 years of experience. She specializes in psychological and neuropsychological testing, diagnosis, and assessment of psychiatric diagnoses. Dr. Mander uses an integrative model of intervention, including existential, person centered, transpersonal, and psychodynamic approaches. Dr. Mander is a clinical psychologist focusing on the diverse needs of individuals in the community. She holds a clinical license issued by the state of Illinois. Her approach begins with cultural humility and meeting a client where they are.
Dr. Sheila Mander is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 13 years of experience. She specializes in psychological and neuropsychological testing, diagnosis, and assessment of psychiatric diagnoses. Dr. Mander uses an integrative model of intervention, including existential, person centered, transpersonal, and psychodynamic approaches. Dr. Mander is a clinical psychologist focusing on the diverse needs of individuals in the community. She holds a clinical license issued by the state of Illinois. Her approach begins with cultural humility and meeting a client where they are.
I have 35 years of experience as a clinician, supervisor, consultant, former chaplain, and I am a Distinguished Full Professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I have worked across the life span with individuals, couples, groups, families and organizations and have taught in 11 countries. My focus is on providing a space for unfolding what matters to you without judgment or without telling you how to live your life. I companion with you as we follow together what is of concern in specific situations. I am known as a therapist for those who distrust therapy or who feel deeply misunderstood, or uncelebrated.
I have 35 years of experience as a clinician, supervisor, consultant, former chaplain, and I am a Distinguished Full Professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I have worked across the life span with individuals, couples, groups, families and organizations and have taught in 11 countries. My focus is on providing a space for unfolding what matters to you without judgment or without telling you how to live your life. I companion with you as we follow together what is of concern in specific situations. I am known as a therapist for those who distrust therapy or who feel deeply misunderstood, or uncelebrated.
Life can feel heavy and overwhelming when we are living with depression, anxiety, trauma, or triggers. Therapy offers a space to slow down, reconnect, and move through these experiences with greater presence and self-compassion. I know therapy is going well when tension and self-doubt give way to a sense of ease and confidence. I work with individuals who have a history of trauma, are in recovery, or are exploring identity, relationships, self-esteem, family dynamics, or life transitions. I invite curiosity and kindness toward all parts of the self, especially those who have learned to protect or adapt through adversity.
Life can feel heavy and overwhelming when we are living with depression, anxiety, trauma, or triggers. Therapy offers a space to slow down, reconnect, and move through these experiences with greater presence and self-compassion. I know therapy is going well when tension and self-doubt give way to a sense of ease and confidence. I work with individuals who have a history of trauma, are in recovery, or are exploring identity, relationships, self-esteem, family dynamics, or life transitions. I invite curiosity and kindness toward all parts of the self, especially those who have learned to protect or adapt through adversity.
I am is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Director of Adult Psychotherapy Services at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. I take an integrative and collaborative approach to therapy. I work with couples and adult individuals, specializing in difficult transitions to parenthood, dual-income couples and work-related issues. I center treatment around clients' strengths and goals, whether addressing daily life issues or more severe psychological concerns. My therapeutic practice is informed from my previous business career in corporate retail and management and working for privately held family businesses.
I am is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Director of Adult Psychotherapy Services at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. I take an integrative and collaborative approach to therapy. I work with couples and adult individuals, specializing in difficult transitions to parenthood, dual-income couples and work-related issues. I center treatment around clients' strengths and goals, whether addressing daily life issues or more severe psychological concerns. My therapeutic practice is informed from my previous business career in corporate retail and management and working for privately held family businesses.
I am a warm, flexible, thoughtful and experienced licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and psychoanalyst located just north Chicago's Loop. I establish supportive and comfortable therapeutic relationships with individuals and couples. Sessions are customized to the unique needs, goals, and strengths of each client. Typical challenges include the following: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, work difficulties, grief or loss, relationship issues or patterns, substance or alcohol abuse, divorce, parenting, stress management, painful emotional symptoms, personality disorders, and renewing hope.
I am a warm, flexible, thoughtful and experienced licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and psychoanalyst located just north Chicago's Loop. I establish supportive and comfortable therapeutic relationships with individuals and couples. Sessions are customized to the unique needs, goals, and strengths of each client. Typical challenges include the following: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, work difficulties, grief or loss, relationship issues or patterns, substance or alcohol abuse, divorce, parenting, stress management, painful emotional symptoms, personality disorders, and renewing hope.
Dr. Owen is a Clinical Psychologist and has been working in the field of psychology for over two decades. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northwestern University and holds a Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. He currently works with adult populations with a specialty in mood disorders and cognitive therapy His area of interest is in the field of psychological strengths. Dr. Owen uses psychological strengths to assist individuals to achieve optimal psychological health and overall engagement in life in an intentional way.
Dr. Owen is a Clinical Psychologist and has been working in the field of psychology for over two decades. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northwestern University and holds a Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. He currently works with adult populations with a specialty in mood disorders and cognitive therapy His area of interest is in the field of psychological strengths. Dr. Owen uses psychological strengths to assist individuals to achieve optimal psychological health and overall engagement in life in an intentional way.
Nina Dismukes has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families struggling with attention issues, learning disabilities, substance use, self-esteem, expressing emotions, trauma, coping skills, and more. Nina believes that effective therapy is a soulful-healing process that takes time, patience, loyalty, self-love, and the openness to communicate. Nina feels that it is important to help empower patients by allowing them to express themselves in a way that makes them feel comfortable and safe.
Nina Dismukes has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families struggling with attention issues, learning disabilities, substance use, self-esteem, expressing emotions, trauma, coping skills, and more. Nina believes that effective therapy is a soulful-healing process that takes time, patience, loyalty, self-love, and the openness to communicate. Nina feels that it is important to help empower patients by allowing them to express themselves in a way that makes them feel comfortable and safe.
Therapy doesn’t have to feel like a mystery or a monologue. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself or others I'm here to help you make sense of it all. I help to foster more authentic relationships with self and with others using a relational, insight-oriented approach grounded in mindfulness and curiosity.
Much of who we are is shaped by early experiences, family dynamics, cultural context, and, yes—sometimes that one offhand comment from a middle school teacher. Together, we’ll explore the patterns that keep you from feeling grounded and connected, and work toward a version of you that feels more real.
Therapy doesn’t have to feel like a mystery or a monologue. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself or others I'm here to help you make sense of it all. I help to foster more authentic relationships with self and with others using a relational, insight-oriented approach grounded in mindfulness and curiosity.
Much of who we are is shaped by early experiences, family dynamics, cultural context, and, yes—sometimes that one offhand comment from a middle school teacher. Together, we’ll explore the patterns that keep you from feeling grounded and connected, and work toward a version of you that feels more real.
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.
Therapeutic Approach: The presenting problem is the doorway for individuals, couples, and families to seek out services. My approach to treatment is collaborative and holistic (mind, body, spirit, and soul). I view human development and human experience as a complex interactive process that is understood in terms of relational dynamics at many levels of contextual understanding. My approach is recognizing that individuals and families are linked to the wider cultural contexts and shaped by socio-political and sociolinguistic realities.
Therapeutic Approach: The presenting problem is the doorway for individuals, couples, and families to seek out services. My approach to treatment is collaborative and holistic (mind, body, spirit, and soul). I view human development and human experience as a complex interactive process that is understood in terms of relational dynamics at many levels of contextual understanding. My approach is recognizing that individuals and families are linked to the wider cultural contexts and shaped by socio-political and sociolinguistic realities.
An important focus of my practice is empowering individuals and couples to build more enduring and fulfilling relationships. I use an insight-oriented approach to stop the cycle of unhappy, dysfunctional connections while developing more gratifying relationships. Understanding your unique interpersonal dynamics improves your capacity to have better relationships in every aspect of your life, whether work, friends, and family.
An important focus of my practice is empowering individuals and couples to build more enduring and fulfilling relationships. I use an insight-oriented approach to stop the cycle of unhappy, dysfunctional connections while developing more gratifying relationships. Understanding your unique interpersonal dynamics improves your capacity to have better relationships in every aspect of your life, whether work, friends, and family.
You’ve worked hard to build a life that looks stable, but inside, you’re wrestling with a voice that isn't yours—the inner critic planted by an emotionally misattuned parent, an abusive partner, or a demeaning boss. Despite your success, imposter syndrome tells you you’re just one mistake away from being "found out." You’re stuck in a cycle of over-functioning and survival mode, trying to outrun the doubt. One moment you’re keyed up and anxious; the next, you’re numb and checked out. I help women break these deeply ingrained relationship patterns and heal the wounds of emotional abuse so they can finally trust their own voice again.
You’ve worked hard to build a life that looks stable, but inside, you’re wrestling with a voice that isn't yours—the inner critic planted by an emotionally misattuned parent, an abusive partner, or a demeaning boss. Despite your success, imposter syndrome tells you you’re just one mistake away from being "found out." You’re stuck in a cycle of over-functioning and survival mode, trying to outrun the doubt. One moment you’re keyed up and anxious; the next, you’re numb and checked out. I help women break these deeply ingrained relationship patterns and heal the wounds of emotional abuse so they can finally trust their own voice again.
Do you feel like sex, pleasure, or connection are more stressful than satisfying?
Maybe sex feels like a performance. Maybe desire is forced or missing entirely.
Maybe your body carries pain, guilt, or silence that makes intimacy feel impossible.
I work with women and AFAB individuals who feel anxious, ashamed, or disconnected from their bodies or relationships. They're often high-achieving, thoughtful, and tired of feeling behind. What they want, more than anything, is to feel safe, connected, and authentically confident in themselves.
Do you feel like sex, pleasure, or connection are more stressful than satisfying?
Maybe sex feels like a performance. Maybe desire is forced or missing entirely.
Maybe your body carries pain, guilt, or silence that makes intimacy feel impossible.
I work with women and AFAB individuals who feel anxious, ashamed, or disconnected from their bodies or relationships. They're often high-achieving, thoughtful, and tired of feeling behind. What they want, more than anything, is to feel safe, connected, and authentically confident in themselves.
I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families who are seeking support in navigating challenges and creating meaningful change. Whether someone is facing a personal struggle, working through relationship concerns, or adjusting to a major life transition, therapy can provide a supportive space to explore patterns that may be keeping them stuck.
Clients often come to me because they want to feel more understood, by themselves and by others, and are open to reflecting on the ways they may be contributing to the difficulties they face. This openness becomes an important starting point for growth and healthier connections.
I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families who are seeking support in navigating challenges and creating meaningful change. Whether someone is facing a personal struggle, working through relationship concerns, or adjusting to a major life transition, therapy can provide a supportive space to explore patterns that may be keeping them stuck.
Clients often come to me because they want to feel more understood, by themselves and by others, and are open to reflecting on the ways they may be contributing to the difficulties they face. This openness becomes an important starting point for growth and healthier connections.
Briana Rodriguez is a psychotherapist with Wellington Counseling Group. Briana works with couples and individual adults at our River North and Lakeview offices, and is available for telehealth sessions. Briana holds her Master of the Arts in Clinical Psychology Counseling Practice from Roosevelt University.
Briana will provide a supportive environment for clients to process issues including: trauma, challenging life transitions, relationship challenges, and deficits in self-esteem. Briana is down-to-earth, empathetic, and authentic. She believes in meeting clients where they’re at.
Briana Rodriguez is a psychotherapist with Wellington Counseling Group. Briana works with couples and individual adults at our River North and Lakeview offices, and is available for telehealth sessions. Briana holds her Master of the Arts in Clinical Psychology Counseling Practice from Roosevelt University.
Briana will provide a supportive environment for clients to process issues including: trauma, challenging life transitions, relationship challenges, and deficits in self-esteem. Briana is down-to-earth, empathetic, and authentic. She believes in meeting clients where they’re at.
Life can be stressful and overwhelming, especially during transitions or hardship, and feelings of anxiety, depression, or disconnection can arise. Non-judgmental, open-minded conversations in a trusting relationship can help. Connecting with someone who relates to your perspectives can relieve stress and support lasting, meaningful change. Therapy offers a supportive space to help reduce stress, strengthen relationships, address unhelpful habits, and bring structure to daily life, fostering healing and growth.
Life can be stressful and overwhelming, especially during transitions or hardship, and feelings of anxiety, depression, or disconnection can arise. Non-judgmental, open-minded conversations in a trusting relationship can help. Connecting with someone who relates to your perspectives can relieve stress and support lasting, meaningful change. Therapy offers a supportive space to help reduce stress, strengthen relationships, address unhelpful habits, and bring structure to daily life, fostering healing and growth.
Natalie Eden
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
1 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
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. I have many years of working in an outpatient behavioral health in a clinic setting as well as in private practice and in business. I have experience working with a wide variety of clients from many different walks of life, professions, and various faith backgrounds.
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. I have many years of working in an outpatient behavioral health in a clinic setting as well as in private practice and in business. I have experience working with a wide variety of clients from many different walks of life, professions, and various faith backgrounds.
Clinical experiences and life experiences continue to teach me that each of us has a unique experience of being human—Each of us lives a life of depth, complexity, relationships, and hardships.
In my private practice, I work with adults of various ages. I frequently work with people needing help with significant life changes (i.e., changes in relationship/marital status, geographical moves, career changes, having children, beginning college, retirement, etc.), anxiety and stress, depression, social difficulties, and family troubles.
Clinical experiences and life experiences continue to teach me that each of us has a unique experience of being human—Each of us lives a life of depth, complexity, relationships, and hardships.
In my private practice, I work with adults of various ages. I frequently work with people needing help with significant life changes (i.e., changes in relationship/marital status, geographical moves, career changes, having children, beginning college, retirement, etc.), anxiety and stress, depression, social difficulties, and family troubles.
Accepting new clients for the winter/new year season! Starting therapy can be overwhelming and is often the first time you are talking to someone you don't know about private experiences and feelings. My priority is providing clients a safe, nonjudgmental space to be their most authentic selves. I strive to create this by helping explore difficult emotions, process negative thought patterns, identify and build on strengths, and stay most centered and balanced during life transitions and adjustments.
Accepting new clients for the winter/new year season! Starting therapy can be overwhelming and is often the first time you are talking to someone you don't know about private experiences and feelings. My priority is providing clients a safe, nonjudgmental space to be their most authentic selves. I strive to create this by helping explore difficult emotions, process negative thought patterns, identify and build on strengths, and stay most centered and balanced during life transitions and adjustments.
Do you feel stuck in patterns you can’t break? Are you longing to feel more connected to yourself? Are your days so busy that you’ve forgotten to pause, breathe, and reflect on the direction your life is heading?
As a first-generation Asian American, I am deeply attuned to culture and the ways our experiences shape us. I believe in the power of human connection, and that breakthroughs in therapy happen when you feel genuinely seen and accepted. I am committed to offering unconditional, non-judgmental empathy so you can experience a safe and supportive space for growth and healing.
Do you feel stuck in patterns you can’t break? Are you longing to feel more connected to yourself? Are your days so busy that you’ve forgotten to pause, breathe, and reflect on the direction your life is heading?
As a first-generation Asian American, I am deeply attuned to culture and the ways our experiences shape us. I believe in the power of human connection, and that breakthroughs in therapy happen when you feel genuinely seen and accepted. I am committed to offering unconditional, non-judgmental empathy so you can experience a safe and supportive space for growth and healing.
See more therapy options for River North, Chicago
Nearby Seniors Therapists Searches for River North, Chicago
- Dearborn Park
- Loop
- Near Eastside
- Near North Side
- Old Town Triangle
- Printers Row
- River West
- South Loop
- Streeterville
- West Loop
Nearby Searches for River North, Chicago
- Gold Coast
- Greektown
- Loop
- Near Eastside
- Near North Side
- Old Town
- Old Town Triangle
- Printers Row
- River West
- South Loop
- Streeterville
- West Loop
FAQ - About Therapy for Seniors
Is one ever too old for mental health therapy?
Individuals of all ages can benefit from mental health therapy. Indeed, older adults in particular may benefit from the social and psychological support a therapist can provide; the topics that older adults address in therapy may simply differ from those of younger clients. Seniors should seek out a therapist who has experience working with older individuals and who is well-versed in addressing common concerns among elderly individuals, such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, and physical mobility challenges.
How is counseling for seniors and the elderly different from counseling for other age groups?
In general, counseling offers an opportunity for clients to process difficult life events and develop coping skills they can use outside of the therapy session. Therapists who specialize in working with elderly clients generally have the same framework but may place a special emphasis on specific topics, such as caregiver relationships and reducing loneliness. They may be specially equipped to deal with certain physical conditions or facilitate discussion surrounding end-of-life topics. Counseling for the elderly may also place a greater emphasis on social work-type topics to ensure that geriatric clients have access to necessary resources, such as food, a safe home environment, and healthcare.
How can therapy improve the quality of life of aging individuals?
Therapy for aging adults can greatly improve quality of life by providing an opportunity for them to process difficult emotions related to end-of-life, navigate relational or caregiver challenges, and develop coping skills for common mental health conditions, like anxiety or depression. Subsequent reductions in negative emotions and mental health disorder symptoms can make day-to-day living much more manageable for aging adults and those that care for them. The ongoing relationship with a trusted therapist can also help seniors combat loneliness and provide a sense of structure for their routine.
What are the qualities to look for in therapists who see seniors?
Seniors counselors, like mental health counselors in general, should be kind, empathetic, skilled at listening, and knowledgeable about their particular area of expertise. Counselors specializing in working with the senior population should be very familiar with the aging process in general and the common conditions that the elderly can face, such as dementia, depression, loneliness, and/or physical illness. Many senior counselors are also well-equipped to help caregivers and families navigate the aging process of their loved ones, and they may draw on Interpersonal Therapy to help facilitate improved interactions between seniors and those that care for them.