Therapists in South Loop, Chicago, IL

Hello, my name is Sam Curry. I am a native Chicagoan interested in working with adults across various ages, backgrounds, and identities who struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, career-related concerns, and numerous other issues.

I believe we have the capability to be resilient when faced with great adversity. We may doubt ourselves at times, but with guidance we can persevere through any situation. My objective is to work collaboratively with clients to discover a clear path, to create healthy goals, and to build a strong foundation that is rooted in practical techniques. My specialty areas include working with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and alcohol use. I am experienced in working with adolescents, young adults, middle age adults, as well as with veterans.

I am a firm believer that the success of a therapeutic relationship can be determined within the first two sessions. A strong alliance between the practitioner and client is essential for the success of treatment. As such, I place a strong emphasis on creating an environment that fosters comfortable conversation, safety, and openness between us as partners in the therapeutic process. By doing so, and allowing conversation to flow naturally, I believe that a more authentic alliance can begin to develop. I adhere mainly to cognitive behavioral theory to serve as the backbone for the therapeutic techniques that I employ.

As a Clinical Therapist at The Family Institute, Chris provides treatment to adults with a special interest in counseling for depression, anxiety management and relationship issues. Chris uses a holistic approach consisting of multiple therapeutic modalities to assist clients in fostering the changes they hope to see within themselves.

In individual therapy, I emphasize a short-term, time-sensitive approach that is problem focused. During troublesome periods in our lives, powerful ideas about ourselves or about the world can become activated that result in our feeling anxious, sad or depressed. Relief comes from replacing these notions with a more realistic perception of our circumstances and ourselves. A principal goal of this approach is assist clients to learn how to become their own therapist, thereby preventing relapse and decreasing dependence on therapy or when appropriate medications.

I work with many types of clients, but specialize in working with queer and trans people, couples, and other forms of relationships (triads, polycules, open, polygamous, etc.). I deal primarily with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief and loss, transitions, stress management, trauma, sex-related issues and traumas, kink and BDSM, behavioral and substance addictions, and chronic pain and chronic illness. I tend to work with adults. I love working with clients that bring their whole self to therapy as I do too. I always encourage feedback to ensure the therapeutic process feels affirming and healing.

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with a master’s degree from the University of Chicago, where I was a member of a program of study that focused on the newest forms of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I enjoy working with both individuals, couples, and families, and draw most from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I take an approach that looks beyond diagnoses, and explores the larger patterns and processes of behavior, emotion, and thinking that get in the way of people’s lives and relationships.

Through the adversity of life, our relationships are what keep us going. Whether it is a partner, parent, sibling, or child, they are the other wing that keeps us afloat. Carving an hour out for ourselves is difficult, but like all things worth doing, the rewards outweigh the challenges.

The decision to pursue therapy requires vulnerability and risk. Choosing a therapist who understands this reality is important. Like most adults, you may be seeking therapy to explore why your relationships are unsatisfying or why you feel unfulfilled. You may hope to understand how painful emotions like shame, sadness, and anger have affected you. Many adults seek solutions on their own, only to feel stuck in repetitive cycles of behavior that produce momentary relief.

As we go through life we often find ourselves wondering what we can do to better in our relationships with our significant others, family members and others around us. It seems as if we have tried everything, but nothing seems to work, at least not for a long time period. As a therapist, I believe in compassion, therapeutic alliance, and a non-judgmental environment to be with you every step of the way as you reach your goals. I am a Certified Psychotherapist that has emphasized in trauma, complex trauma, relationship issues, Grief, Infidelity, anxiety, and mood disorders.

Do you often ask yourself "Why did I react that way?" or "Why am I attracted to that?" Well, regardless if it's anger issues, being “too sensitive”, or exploring sex/your sexuality, I can help you figure you out and get you where you want to go. I look forward to talking with you.

I've been privileged to serve individuals and the community for over 10 years through case management, advocacy, and clinical mental health counseling. The opportunity to learn through education, professional development and supervision has provided me with a foundation of measurable, ethical and holistic frameworks to serve. My framework starts with my ability to provide therapeutic interventions such as Client-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy and more!

At times a crisis, trauma, or series of compounding stressors can overwhelm one’s normal resilience and ability to cope. Professional therapy provides help in navigating through these difficult times, and the process can create lasting insight leading to a richer, more satisfying life. I believe as a clinical therapist, my responsibility is to provide a space where clients feel safe, valued and heard. I appreciate the uniqueness of each of my clients, and see the therapy process as a collaboration, where patterns of thinking and behavior are explored in an effort to bring about change.

Are you ready to achieve optimal health? Over the past 20 years, I have helped hundreds of individuals improve their lifestyles through my work in health and fitness. Whether I was offering nutrition counseling, lifestyle coaching, or personal training, I have always appreciated the importance of helping clients develop wholeness between mind and body.

Many people turn to psychotherapy for help with anxiety, depression, painful relationship patterns, or sometimes just the feeling that something is missing from life. If you struggle with anxious or depressive feelings, or with frustrating relationship patterns, then I would recommend that you consider a free phone consultation. It might help to know that, with motivation, many people can make progress immediately towards overcoming internal roadblocks and becoming more effective in their work and relationships.

I have current availability and offer therapy, consultation, and ADHD Coaching services! If you'd like to improve one or more aspects of your life, including communication, stress management, family conflict, productivity at work or school, or simply have a place to think out loud and process life, reach out to me today for a free consultation. We will work together to set goals, create a space for you, and help improve your wellness, mindset, relationships, and find balance in life.

Michael Alexander is a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, Illinois. Have you experienced anxiety, loss, feeling marginalized, trauma, and/or feelings of depression that have impacted your life? My approach and practice promotes self-awareness, self-love, and creating a safe environment for clients to be their full authentic selves in session. I utilize CBT, trauma-informed, relational, and strength-based therapy techniques in session. My specialization is working with adolescents, and adults (men and women, LGBTQI) with a focus on addressing relationships, and familial trauma through a culturally informed lens.

Are you stuck in a loop with your partner, friends, family, coworker, yourself? You find yourself repeating the same self-destructive behaviors only to find yourself feeling shame, pain, and confusion. This cycle can impact the way you interact with others, the way you perceive yourself, and the way you manage your life. What if you could break this pattern?

Is a relationship causing you pain? As a relationship expert, I help both couples and individuals get what they truly need, either individually or through the relationship itself. I will help you (each) get in touch with what you're deeply wanting, and be able to express those desires in a healthy, positive way that others can hear. From this place of strength, fundamental transformation is possible, either to let go of a harmful relationship or to create a relationship that is vibrant and a source of sustaining joy.