Family Therapy in Uptown, Chicago, IL

I work best with clients ready to take action and needing support to face the anxiety and depressive thinking beyond old trauma. The people who care about you want to see you build an inner strength to face challenges directly. Over the last 13 years, my clients have improved their relationships, careers and deepened the release of past pain. Prepare for facing directly your stress and symptoms, recognizing internal versus external barriers, holding yourself accountable toward healthy choices, and understanding barriers you face. Our work will support your growth and awaken the motivating force inside you.

I honor the courage it takes for you to have made it to this point in your journey. I work to facilitate a space of curiosity that leads to deeper insight, awareness, and self-compassion to help bring meaningful change where it is needed. I believe that resilience, the capacity to recover from adversity, is a key ability for mental and emotional health. Building this capacity is a healing practice. I use resiliency skills in the “here and now” during our sessions to build healthy habits for sustainable wellness. I also value collaboration, and often invite feedback to ensure your voice and purpose is at the center of the work,

Our human experience can innately be encountered by adversity. I believe our therapeutic relationship and your internal wisdom can turn those experiences into opportunities for growth and transformation. You deserve to reconnect with your essence and your infinite power to create the life you want and the one that already belongs to you through the power of healing.

It can sometimes feel as if our thoughts are overtaking us, sending us down a negative or anxious spiral. In these moments, it can be difficult to think clearly, feel connected to our bodies, or even to take a deep breath. We start to panic, realizing that we are spiraling downwards, which often leads to even more panic. This negative or anxious spiral does not just live in our minds, but also impacts our everyday lives--we can experience difficulty sleeping, flashbacks, changed eating habits, or withdrawal from social activities, among other things.

I strongly believe in every individual's ability to bring about meaningful changes through self-awareness. A trusting relationship between a client and therapist offers a safe space to reflect on our experiences, our histories that we carry with us, and the way in which these histories impact our present experiences. I understand that every client's personal journey is unique; therefore, my approach is tailored to fit the specific needs of each client.

My areas of expertise include relational concerns, anxiety/depression, emotion regulation, young-adult development and life transitions (moves, school/career, divorce/separation, etc.) Interpersonal difficulties with repetitive arguments, communication and messaging, lack of understanding, stonewalling/withdrawal, infidelity, difficulty navigating needs and expectations. Together we will identify patterns, stressors, the role of beliefs, goals and emotions in motivating behavior. Life comes with problems, and success is dependent on navigating the ups and downs.

Life is full of “shoulds.” Family, friends, and society often have a very clear idea of the path we’re supposed to be on, but we believe that peace and empowerment lie in finding your own path- worrying less about the expectations of others and more about what you want your life to look like. Taking an alternative path or changing route along the way is difficult. Therapy can help as you strive to be true to yourself on the journey. We offer a space where individuals learn to utilize their personal strengths to live their most meaningful lives, develop fulfilling relationships, and find true liberation.

I became a therapist due to my deeply-rooted empathy for people of all ages experiencing the various challenges of life. I am passionate about supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and parents at all stages of their therapeutic journeys. At the beginning of treatment, I focus on creating a solid therapeutic relationship and meet clients where they’re at so that they feel safe to explore, grow, and find empowerment. I utilize a relational and trauma-informed approach along with a variety of other evidence-based modalities to assist clients in achieving their goals. We can work on creating goals together.

It is not always easy to admit when we need help – and then to ask for it. Taking the step to seek therapy is an important one, and I want to help make it a positive experience for you. Sometimes our worlds on the inside and on the outside can leave us with overwhelming feelings that may not be easy to manage on our own, and you don’t have to. As you work with me, you will find that I am compassionate and easy to talk to. I support clients in a number of areas, including: trauma; questions around identity and expression; relationships; family of origin; life transitions; anxiety; and depression, to name a few.

One of my core goals for therapy is to create a collaborative, safe, non-judgmental, and empowering environment for my clients. I believe that each client is the expert of their own story, and I am here in support of their process of change, healing, and self-exploration. I strive to help each person develop the awareness and skills to live their most fulfilling and authentic lives. ​ I have experience supporting clients of all ages with anxiety, depression, body image concerns, disordered eating, life transitions, grief and loss, relational difficulties, and sexuality and gender exploration.

Allison Sheade is a feminist psychodynamic, relational, trauma-focused LCPC in Chicago. Her style is warm, empathic, collaborative, and direct. Allison has an active style, and clients enjoy knowing that she will offer insights, interpretations, and feedback that are effective, helpful, and supportive. Allison has worked in community mental health, at the Women's Center at Northwestern University, and in outpatient settings. Allison works with diverse populations and operates from a multicultural perspective, valuing differences of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender and sexuality (+ poly & kink), ableness, and world-view.

Dr. Sirota specializes in working with emerging adults, young professionals, students, and clients with complex intersecting identities. She has a particular interest and experience in depression and anxiety, as well as concerns related to identity development, grief/loss, social justice, family of origin, and interpersonal dynamics. She also has extensive experience in the training and supervision of therapists-in-training.

Coming to therapy can feel uncomfortable and intimidating. My first goal is to help you feel safe, supported and heard. The therapeutic relationship is at the center of my practice. As a therapist, my purpose is to help and support you by honoring and valuing your authentic and genuine self. I come from a place of curiosity and no judgement. No matter where you are in your journey or life, I will meet you where you are at. I will work with you to help get you where you want to be going and work to feel more successful in your daily life.

With over 7 years of experience in the field, I have experience supporting and working with diverse populations of children, adolescents, adults, & couples through a variety of life challenges. My experience includes treating: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, body image concerns, family challenges, inner child and re-parenting work, relational issues, boundary setting, attachment styles in adults, LGBTQ+ population, grief & loss, trauma, supporting throughout 12-step programs, and life transitions. My interests include working with adults to maneuver life challenges around identity and narrative work, role exploration and more.

I believe every person has the ability to effect change in their life. Sometimes, though, we need someone to walk along side us to help navigate through difficult and trying times. My view of therapy is just that—a helpful and compassionate person who provides a safe and stigma-free space to explore, reflect, mourn, and grow. My hope is to provide you with the highest quality mental health services to help you achieve your goals and live a healthy, productive life of your design.

Taking the first step into the world of therapy can feel daunting and overwhelming as it requires you to trust someone with your vulnerabilities and fears. This step also requires enormous strength. I strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where I will work with you to achieve your goals and help create positive change in your life. While your situation may not feel hopeful now, we can work together to bring that hope back into your life.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned a Masters of Social Work from University of Illinois Chicago Jane Addams College of Social Work and has a BA in sociology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. My clinical skill set includes: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practice, relational-cultural therapy, solution focused therapy, and trauma focused therapy. I view presenting problems in a multifaceted manner, allowing me to develop a positive therapeutic relationship and understanding with my clients.

Are you feeling sad, anxious and overwhelmed? Do you need someone that can listen and work with you to process any challenges you are having?

Thank you for taking the first step towards a happier, healthier life - you are making the important decision to support yourself. Brendan’s background is in sexual and domestic violence. He believes trauma affects us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. By establishing safety, remembering, and grieving, we are able to reconnect with our current lives. Our mental health has physical effects; Brendan focuses on the damage chronic stress has on the body as well as the mind. Our nervous system cannot absorb the impact of trauma alone. We find healing through our relationships and communities. Together, we find a path forward.