Self Esteem Therapists in River North, Chicago, IL

Whether you are beginning, re-starting or continuing therapy, I recognize that this process requires both vulnerability and willingness to dig deep into concerns that can sometimes feel debilitating. Everyone deserves to work with a therapist who will meet you exactly where you are at; that will normalize your concerns and worries rather than meet them with judgment and an “alarmist” perspective. I will remind you that you, and only you, are the expert of your experiences. My role is that of a catalyst; for you to learn how to advocate for your own autonomy with independence and connect to your personal truth with authenticity.
Whether you are beginning, re-starting or continuing therapy, I recognize that this process requires both vulnerability and willingness to dig deep into concerns that can sometimes feel debilitating. Everyone deserves to work with a therapist who will meet you exactly where you are at; that will normalize your concerns and worries rather than meet them with judgment and an “alarmist” perspective. I will remind you that you, and only you, are the expert of your experiences. My role is that of a catalyst; for you to learn how to advocate for your own autonomy with independence and connect to your personal truth with authenticity.

My clients are looking to be heard in a safe space.
They are looking to create meaning from their experiences.
They are interested in exploring their strengths and community.
My clients are looking to be heard in a safe space.
They are looking to create meaning from their experiences.
They are interested in exploring their strengths and community.

I specialize in working with children and adults who have faced systemic harm and societal stigma, including LGBTQ and TGNC individuals, women, and those from other marginalized communities. I have extensive experience working with young people who have endured complex trauma, and I believe in the power of a strengths-based relational therapy model. I am committed to celebrating diversity and I hold an affirming stance on all genders, sexualities, careers, reproductive choices, and alternative relationship structures.
I specialize in working with children and adults who have faced systemic harm and societal stigma, including LGBTQ and TGNC individuals, women, and those from other marginalized communities. I have extensive experience working with young people who have endured complex trauma, and I believe in the power of a strengths-based relational therapy model. I am committed to celebrating diversity and I hold an affirming stance on all genders, sexualities, careers, reproductive choices, and alternative relationship structures.

With over 20 years of experience I have worked with a range of issues and populations. My main approach to therapy is cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) in order to process thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that contribute to distorted thinking and behavior, therefore affecting emotional well-being. The goal is to challenge and reframe so that the client achieves their personal goals, to cope with life transitions and obstacles. I also utilize Attachment Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I've assisted clients with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, life transitions, and various others.
With over 20 years of experience I have worked with a range of issues and populations. My main approach to therapy is cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) in order to process thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that contribute to distorted thinking and behavior, therefore affecting emotional well-being. The goal is to challenge and reframe so that the client achieves their personal goals, to cope with life transitions and obstacles. I also utilize Attachment Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I've assisted clients with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, life transitions, and various others.

I believe that everyone has the right and the ability to achieve an engaged, balanced, satisfying life. I enjoy working with clients of all ages. In my work I am continuously impressed by my clients’ ability to grow and change, and by their courage, creativity, strength, and capacity for love and connection. I encourage you to take the first step today to restore the balance and health in yourself, your child, your family, and your relationships.
I believe that everyone has the right and the ability to achieve an engaged, balanced, satisfying life. I enjoy working with clients of all ages. In my work I am continuously impressed by my clients’ ability to grow and change, and by their courage, creativity, strength, and capacity for love and connection. I encourage you to take the first step today to restore the balance and health in yourself, your child, your family, and your relationships.

I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families manage the stressors associated with having children. I focus on all phases of the process including infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy, pre/post-partum emotional struggles, partner relationship issues, and decisions regarding returning to work. In addition to pre/postnatal clients, I also specialize in anxiety, depression & life transitions. With all clients, I prioritize the importance of understanding where each individual is at in his/her own journey & work toward helping each person realize his/her own best self.
I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families manage the stressors associated with having children. I focus on all phases of the process including infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy, pre/post-partum emotional struggles, partner relationship issues, and decisions regarding returning to work. In addition to pre/postnatal clients, I also specialize in anxiety, depression & life transitions. With all clients, I prioritize the importance of understanding where each individual is at in his/her own journey & work toward helping each person realize his/her own best self.

In my 25 years of practice, I have learned some important truths: what happened to us doesn’t have to determine what happens for us; under the right conditions, the human spirit orients toward growth and wholeness; therapy can be an important addition to the healing process. People come to therapy for many reasons, often the initial phase of the work is in improving coping strategies so you can feel better sooner. Beyond symptomology, understanding you and your unique context are essential for unearthing longstanding behavior patterns. Therapy is about revising your story and making you the author of the next chapter.
In my 25 years of practice, I have learned some important truths: what happened to us doesn’t have to determine what happens for us; under the right conditions, the human spirit orients toward growth and wholeness; therapy can be an important addition to the healing process. People come to therapy for many reasons, often the initial phase of the work is in improving coping strategies so you can feel better sooner. Beyond symptomology, understanding you and your unique context are essential for unearthing longstanding behavior patterns. Therapy is about revising your story and making you the author of the next chapter.

I specialize in working with individuals with eating disorders and addictions. I believe entering into a therapeutic relationship requires courage and just enough hope and willingness to begin. You've been turning to a substance: whether it's alcohol, drugs, compulsive eating, starving, bulimia, sex etc. A part of you wants to stop but you realize that maybe you're not in control, you've lost the power of choice. Profound shame accompanies these illnesses and shame interferes with asking for help. Addictions/eating disorders robs a person of all they value in being alive asking for help is vital, we cannot recover alone.
I specialize in working with individuals with eating disorders and addictions. I believe entering into a therapeutic relationship requires courage and just enough hope and willingness to begin. You've been turning to a substance: whether it's alcohol, drugs, compulsive eating, starving, bulimia, sex etc. A part of you wants to stop but you realize that maybe you're not in control, you've lost the power of choice. Profound shame accompanies these illnesses and shame interferes with asking for help. Addictions/eating disorders robs a person of all they value in being alive asking for help is vital, we cannot recover alone.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping adolescents, adults, and couples overcome challenges and live more fulfilling lives. With over 2 years of experience utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), I have helped dozens of clients identify and challenge recurring thoughts, manage anxiety, and develop healthier thinking patterns. CBT emphasizes understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, enabling lasting change and leading to a less anxious, more balanced life.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping adolescents, adults, and couples overcome challenges and live more fulfilling lives. With over 2 years of experience utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), I have helped dozens of clients identify and challenge recurring thoughts, manage anxiety, and develop healthier thinking patterns. CBT emphasizes understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, enabling lasting change and leading to a less anxious, more balanced life.

Sarah Forsythe - Mental Performance Coach
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, CMPC, LCPC
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
Sarah is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and owner of a Chicago-based sport psychology company offering Mental Performance Coaching to College and High School Athletes for the past 10 years.
Sarah works with clients with a wide variety of needs, including sports performance concerns, anxiety, confidence, & life transitions.
- We enhance mental performance and overall well-being utilizing our personal coaching philosophies, stress management techniques, confidence-building strategies, goal-setting, and developing techniques for staying focused under pressure.
Sarah is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and owner of a Chicago-based sport psychology company offering Mental Performance Coaching to College and High School Athletes for the past 10 years.
Sarah works with clients with a wide variety of needs, including sports performance concerns, anxiety, confidence, & life transitions.
- We enhance mental performance and overall well-being utilizing our personal coaching philosophies, stress management techniques, confidence-building strategies, goal-setting, and developing techniques for staying focused under pressure.

As someone who identifies as an empath, I know how hard it can be to balance caring for others while prioritizing self-care. I believe everyone has an inner wisdom which can guide their healing. Together, we will create space for deep reflection and/or somatic experiencing to better understand yourself, your grief, and your relationships. If you feel like anxiety, pressure, or shame are getting in the way of feeling confident and at peace in your body, then please reach out. There is a reason you are struggling now, and together we will explore and give voice to your whole self as a way for you to recognize your inherent worth.
As someone who identifies as an empath, I know how hard it can be to balance caring for others while prioritizing self-care. I believe everyone has an inner wisdom which can guide their healing. Together, we will create space for deep reflection and/or somatic experiencing to better understand yourself, your grief, and your relationships. If you feel like anxiety, pressure, or shame are getting in the way of feeling confident and at peace in your body, then please reach out. There is a reason you are struggling now, and together we will explore and give voice to your whole self as a way for you to recognize your inherent worth.

Emma Bulzoni, MA is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in the treatment of adolescents and adults with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma related disorders, and adjustment disorders. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Iowa. She holds a Masters degree in Counseling from Northwestern University, with a specialization in children and adolescents.
Emma Bulzoni, MA is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in the treatment of adolescents and adults with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma related disorders, and adjustment disorders. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Iowa. She holds a Masters degree in Counseling from Northwestern University, with a specialization in children and adolescents.

Hello and Welcome! I have been a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois since 2004 and have provided care to a wide range of clients, groups, and individuals from parents, young children, adolescents, and adults. I have worked with clients from all walks of life and who present with challenges and concerns such as depression, anxiety, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief and loss. Over the years because of my experience in a number of fields and have learned to navigate a great many systems such as child welfare, dual disorder treatment, and behavioral health.
Hello and Welcome! I have been a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois since 2004 and have provided care to a wide range of clients, groups, and individuals from parents, young children, adolescents, and adults. I have worked with clients from all walks of life and who present with challenges and concerns such as depression, anxiety, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief and loss. Over the years because of my experience in a number of fields and have learned to navigate a great many systems such as child welfare, dual disorder treatment, and behavioral health.

Are you struggling in your relationships? Are you and your partner experiencing conflict that you can't seem to resolve? I can help you understand the underlying issues and needs that lead to withdrawal or anger, and work with you to re-establish strong bonds. Together we will identify the negative patterns that repeat, learn how to interrupt those and to instead create positive conflict resolution skills. I am passionate about the work I do as a therapist, and I respect each person's struggle and strengths.
Are you struggling in your relationships? Are you and your partner experiencing conflict that you can't seem to resolve? I can help you understand the underlying issues and needs that lead to withdrawal or anger, and work with you to re-establish strong bonds. Together we will identify the negative patterns that repeat, learn how to interrupt those and to instead create positive conflict resolution skills. I am passionate about the work I do as a therapist, and I respect each person's struggle and strengths.

It’s difficult to predict how you’ll feel from one moment to the next. A second ago, you were keyed up; every muscle in your body tense and on high alert, ready for danger to strike. Now, you’re completely checked out, numb to the world, sleepwalking through the day. You know this isn’t a sustainable way to live, but you’re not sure how else to cope with the painful wounds of your past. It’s as though you can no longer trust yourself to differentiate between safe and threatening situations, so you avoid everything. You’re struggling at work and growing more distant from your loved ones each day. Something needs to change, and soon.
It’s difficult to predict how you’ll feel from one moment to the next. A second ago, you were keyed up; every muscle in your body tense and on high alert, ready for danger to strike. Now, you’re completely checked out, numb to the world, sleepwalking through the day. You know this isn’t a sustainable way to live, but you’re not sure how else to cope with the painful wounds of your past. It’s as though you can no longer trust yourself to differentiate between safe and threatening situations, so you avoid everything. You’re struggling at work and growing more distant from your loved ones each day. Something needs to change, and soon.

Erika Koch-Weser | Narcissistic Abuse Recovery
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
8 Endorsed
Online Only
Narcissistic abuse is one of the most painful, disorienting experiences a person can endure. As a Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC) & founder of Two Lights Therapy Center, my mission has always been to provide precise, impactful treatment, designed specifically for survivors of narcissistic abuse & those with narcissistic tendencies. Survivors—who typically already feel lost & misunderstood—deserve unique, specialized care that aligns with their reality. To deepen my work, I’ve completed certification/trainings taught by Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a trusted & renowned authority on narcissism & narcissistic abuse.
Narcissistic abuse is one of the most painful, disorienting experiences a person can endure. As a Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC) & founder of Two Lights Therapy Center, my mission has always been to provide precise, impactful treatment, designed specifically for survivors of narcissistic abuse & those with narcissistic tendencies. Survivors—who typically already feel lost & misunderstood—deserve unique, specialized care that aligns with their reality. To deepen my work, I’ve completed certification/trainings taught by Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a trusted & renowned authority on narcissism & narcissistic abuse.

Kristina M Pecora
Psychologist, PsyD
9 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
Waitlist for new clients
Have you ever felt like you could do more, achieve more, be “better” in some way but you’re not quite sure how? Like something is holding you back and if you could just unlock the key to whatever it is, you could level up your life? Long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions may hold you back from experiencing a more fulfilling, more meaningful life - we can change that!
Have you ever felt like you could do more, achieve more, be “better” in some way but you’re not quite sure how? Like something is holding you back and if you could just unlock the key to whatever it is, you could level up your life? Long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions may hold you back from experiencing a more fulfilling, more meaningful life - we can change that!

Do you feel overwhelmed in social situations, even with people you know? You might find yourself replaying conversations, avoiding events, or feeling like you have to hide parts of yourself just to fit in. If any of this resonates, you’re not alone, and therapy can help. I specialize in working with individuals who experience anxiety, including social anxiety, perfectionism, and self-doubt.
My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and down-to-earth. I offer a space where you don’t have to perform or explain yourself, where we can untangle the fears holding you back and help you feel more at ease yourself & in your relationships.
Do you feel overwhelmed in social situations, even with people you know? You might find yourself replaying conversations, avoiding events, or feeling like you have to hide parts of yourself just to fit in. If any of this resonates, you’re not alone, and therapy can help. I specialize in working with individuals who experience anxiety, including social anxiety, perfectionism, and self-doubt.
My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and down-to-earth. I offer a space where you don’t have to perform or explain yourself, where we can untangle the fears holding you back and help you feel more at ease yourself & in your relationships.

I am passionate, and empathetic to the daily struggles impacting individuals in today’s complex world. I provide a warm environment while being direct in sessions. I use a strength-based approach to help clients identify and reach goals while understanding the individual needs and desires of each client. Viewing the individual in the context of their environment allows me to gain a more holistic view of the client and the external stressors impacting their daily lives. I strive to create a non-judgmental, safe and supportive space, empowering clients to fully utilize the therapeutic space. I am licensed in Illinois and Ohio
I am passionate, and empathetic to the daily struggles impacting individuals in today’s complex world. I provide a warm environment while being direct in sessions. I use a strength-based approach to help clients identify and reach goals while understanding the individual needs and desires of each client. Viewing the individual in the context of their environment allows me to gain a more holistic view of the client and the external stressors impacting their daily lives. I strive to create a non-judgmental, safe and supportive space, empowering clients to fully utilize the therapeutic space. I am licensed in Illinois and Ohio
Dyanne C Bresler
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, RN, LCPC
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
I work to create an atmosphere that is safe for my clients. I may use humor, ask more questions, make comments. As we progress, I will suggest new ways to approach situations and problems. Sometimes I teach my clients relaxation techniques. We talk. I listen. Sometimes I teach or even pray with my clients. In my office, folks are invited to be direct, to be honest, and to know that there will be no judgment of them for revealing their "dark side." Their challenge is reveal who and what they are. Mine is to make it safe.
I work to create an atmosphere that is safe for my clients. I may use humor, ask more questions, make comments. As we progress, I will suggest new ways to approach situations and problems. Sometimes I teach my clients relaxation techniques. We talk. I listen. Sometimes I teach or even pray with my clients. In my office, folks are invited to be direct, to be honest, and to know that there will be no judgment of them for revealing their "dark side." Their challenge is reveal who and what they are. Mine is to make it safe.
See more therapy options for River North, Chicago
Nearby Self Esteem Therapists Searches for River North, Chicago
- Loop
- Near Eastside
- Near North Side
- Old Town
- Old Town Triangle
- Printers Row
- River West
- South Loop
- Streeterville
- West Loop
Nearby Searches for River North, Chicago
- Greektown
- Loop
- Near Eastside
- Near North Side
- Old Town
- Old Town Triangle
- Printers Row
- River West
- South Loop
- Streeterville
- West Loop