Trauma Focused Therapists in South Loop, Chicago, IL
See all therapists in South Loop, Chicago
Ruri (Nuri) Kim
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My clinical approach is authentic and integrative, resulting in a collaborative treatment plan based on client’s culture and values, the best available clinical research, and clinical expertise for my clients to thrive in their lives. I enjoy working with children, adolescents and adults in individual, family and group settings. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Executive Functioning (EF) skills, complex trauma/PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, racial/cultural identities, academic performance, family conflicts, relationship issues, grief, life transitions, stress and other life concerns. I also speak Korean.
Not accepting new clients

Brittany Lakin-Starr
Psychologist, PhD, TEP
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Warm, compassionate, and experienced, I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years treating adults, children and adolescents, and families from diverse backgrounds. I treat anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, behavioral concerns, school issues, relationship challenges, and adjustment difficulties. I also help individuals navigate life transitions, for example, young adulthood, becoming a couple, or starting a family. I use insight oriented, cognitive- behavioral, and family systems approaches. I am certified in psychodrama and am trained in several other specialty treatments, including Gottman Couple's therapy, Prolonged Exposure for PTSD,
Trauma Focused
-CBT, and evidenced based parenting strategies.

Dr. Samantha Barker
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, PsyD
Verified
Verified
Asking for help isn't easy and takes a great deal of courage. I have tremendous respect for the individuals I work with and do my best to make their experience one that feels healing and encouraging. I work with children, teens, and adults who experience anxiety, depression, chronic illness, grief, adjustment-related difficulties, and challenges in their relationships. I have experience working in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals/primary care, and community mental health facilities. I utilize a warm and thoughtful approach in order to create a collaborative partnership with each individual I work with.

Ebony Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I offer a style of therapy that is; relatable, warm, down to earth,
trauma focused
, and strengths based.
When you're from urban areas you are often misunderstood in the therapeutic space and in life in general. Finding a therapist who can relate to you or your child and your unique characteristics or struggle can be hard. Born and raised in the Auburn Grisham neighborhood of Chicago, I understand the unique challenges of being raised in communities like this. I work with individuals, children and families to help them navigate through; chronic stress, community violence, grief, parenting and co-parenting, relationship struggles, anxiety, trauma and complex family histories.
Not accepting new clients

Kaitlyn Flynn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I believe that therapy is about creating a compassionate, genuine, and safe space for clients to discover their strengths and develop personal insight about their patterns and behaviors. Together, we can explore the different ways to help you achieve your therapeutic goals. I approach therapy through a holistic, person-centered lens while also integrating evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,
Trauma Focused
therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy.

Natalia DeSouza
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified
Verified
Welcome! I believe the path to growth and healing is unique to everyone, and that individuals are the ultimate experts on their lives. I am passionate about working collaboratively with clients struggling with a range of challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, peer/relational difficulties, life adjustment/transitions, work-life balance, and identity exploration. I am committed to building safe and trusting relationships, while providing an accepting environment for my clients to begin working towards positive change.

Lauren Oestmann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I use cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing,
trauma focused
therapy, mindfulness and solution - focused therapy, in combination with genuine conversation.
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or like you just can't get everything done? Do you often wonder how everyone else seems to do it but you can't? Like you are letting people down or you are not enough? Do you struggle to find joy in everyday life or find it difficult to shut down the racing thoughts and enjoy the moment? If so, you have come to the right place. My name is Lauren and I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois. I have worked with families, children and teens, in residential substance abuse, private practice, adoption preservation and correctional settings.
Waitlist for new clients

Marcus D. Smith
Counselor, PhD, LCPC
Verified
Verified
**NOT TAKING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME** I graduated from Univ. of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelors in Psychology in 2009, and PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2021. My years of clinical and advocacy experience show a strong passion for working with under-served populations and families through a
trauma focused
lens. From residential, psychiatric to private practice settings, I have been able to specialize in LGBTQ community, grief counseling, anxiety disorders, play therapy, life transitions, and mindfulness.

Kathleen G Katsikeas
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSW, RYT
Verified
Verified
As a clinical therapist and trauma-focused yoga instructor, Kath believes there is radical healing in the connection between mind and body. Kath collaborates with clients to reconnect with themselves in a supportive and healing way. They incorporate gentle somatic movement, breathe work, and grounding in their therapeutic sessions with clients. As a graduate of University of Chicago (SSA/Crown), Kath studied and sincerely connected with the mindful and values-based practices of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), where each client can feel empowered and validated in their experience.
Waitlist for new clients

Jodie Goldberg Singer
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified
Verified
I have expertise in the following: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationship difficulties, self-identity exploration, ADHD and disruptive behavioral disorders, school concerns, effective parenting, and strengthening parent-child relationships. I also help people navigate life transitions, such as early adulthood, career choices, grief and loss, and retirement, in addition to other life transitions. I provide an individualized treatment approach, utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy, insight-oriented therapy, play therapy, and a variety of family therapy treatments. I am fluent in Spanish.

Sierria Coleman
Counselor, MA, LCPC, EMDR
Verified
Verified
Sierria Coleman is a practicing Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Chicago providing individual or couples psychotherapy. She is currently working on her PhD. in Health Psychology investigating the physiological impacts of pervasive trauma, stress and neighborhood effects of prolonged exposure to violence. Her clinical focus includes: management of Trauma, Depression ,Anxiety disorders, Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C) -PTSD), and Emergence issues. She will provide a warm inviting and safe place to decompress from daily life.

Tara Thompson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CADC
Verified
Verified
My professional background includes working with a wide variety of clients from children to older adults. I have provided mental health and substance abuse outpatient counseling including individual, group and family therapy. I have worked with a broad range of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, adjustment difficulties, grief and loss, relationship problems, family conflict, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, thinking disorders, codependency, domestic violence, self-esteem, women’s issues, spirituality, chronic illness, chronic pain, dual diagnosis, and addictions.

Maria Alejandra Ramirez
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
Evidence based practices that inform my practice include: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT),
Trauma Focused
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Mindfulness based treatment, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT for couples), Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) model, and Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP).
My therapeutic approach is to fosters a space where the past, present, and future intersect in a way that healing, empowerment, and clear direction can flourish. I understand that life can at times be challenging, change can be destabilizing, and loss will cause pain. Through these life transitions one may at times need a safe space to cultivate hope and grow. I employ evidence based practices, cultural sensitivity and awareness to assist you in achieving your therapeutic goals.

Gwendolyn Hickey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
As a trauma-informed therapist, I believe developing trust and safety within the therapeutic relationship is crucial to doing meaningful work together. For this reason, I strive to bring warmth and authenticity to my sessions with the goal of supporting clients in feeling truly seen and heard. In graduate school, I trained in feminist therapy which has informed my belief that clients are experts of their own experience and given me a deep understanding of how identity and oppression relate to one’s mental health. I am particularly interested in working with my clients around trauma, grief/loss, and relationships.
Laurie A Benton
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
Dr. Benton strives to engage clients in a collaborative therapeutic relationship that is empathic and attuned to their thoughts and feelings. She works to see the world through their lens. In this safe and accepting environment, clients are supported as they begin to explore the reasons that brought them to therapy. Dr. Benton guides clients as they gain insight and awareness to life patterns and themes. She encourages clients to give voice to their thoughts, feelings and reactions in hopes of interrupting painful cycles and creating a greater feeling of freedom, choice, flexibility, and empowerment.

Rebecca Tupas
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified
Verified
LET US TAKE THE FIRST STEP ON YOUR JOURNEY TOGETHER. Meeting with a therapist does not have to cause more anxiety and stress in your everyday life, it can help you overcome any mountain you may face. Let me be your partner to support you in moving forward. Life can be stressful and overwhelming, I aim to help ease that burden by teaching coping skills that easily translate into the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Creating a safe and welcoming place for everyone to come process and explore their thoughts.

Merari E Fernandez Castro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, CYT
Verified
8 Endorsed
Verified
8 Endorsed
I provide
trauma focused
, culturally sensitive and body inclusive psychotherapy taking into account your interests and uniqueness.
Psychotherapy is an opportunity to look at your deepest fears and face them with the support of an experienced and trusted therapist. At the Healing Journey Psychotherapy, I am committed to work with you and support you through a style that is relational, inquisitive, compassionate and challenging. My areas of expertise include surviving sexual abuse, domestic violence, chronic pain and the after effects of traumatic experiences in relationships.

Sumara Baig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified
Verified
You have the answers you are looking for - my role as your therapist is to work in collaboration with you to bring those skills, capacities, and experiences to the forefront. My personal identities (i.e. Latinx and South Asian), along with my education in psychology, religion, and social work, inform my practice through a lens of anti-oppression that is affirming of people on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, people of all sizes, racial, and religious identities, parenting and non-parenting people, diverse relationship structures, kinksters, people who have been incarcerated, and people who work(ed) in survival economies (i.e. sex work).

Ebony Oliphant
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
As a result of my work experiences and training, I utilize evidence-based modalities which include
Trauma Focused
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical-Behavioral treatments when needed.
At times, navigating through life can lead to us experiencing symptoms that feel overwhelming. We all need a safe place to express ourselves and sort out our emotions. I am dedicated to offering a rejuvenating therapeutic experience that leaves my clients feeling relieved and hopeful for the future. It is most important to me that my clients can feel comfortable showing up as they are. No two clients are the same. Throughout treatment you will experience a flexible approach that incorporates each client’s culture and value systems when possible. Therapy is a collaborative journey in which we will work together to get your life back

Room to Breathe Chicago
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified
Verified
We are an integrated private practice in the loop offering diverse individual psychotherapy practices, marriage and family therapy, art therapy, group therapy, sport psychology and yoga.
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How can I find a therapist in South Loop, Chicago?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist.
Learn more about how to find a therapist.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
What type of therapist is right for me?
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist, psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors. Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.