Personality Disorders Therapists in West Loop, Chicago, IL

Life is challenging and seems to grow more challenging by the day. I offer a warm and non judgmental space to explore the pulls on our lives- parenthood, work, adult parents with personality disorders. We may explore how your childhood impacts today or process through a trauma that has been a barrier to moving forward. I offer both a space to explore feelings as well as solutions to the challenges we face.

I appreciate your willingness to take the time to put yourself first and look for a new therapist. In working with me, you will find a safe space where differences are honored. Together, we will explore challenging topics while incorporating different skills and tools that you can utilize regularly. My approach to psychotherapy is trauma-informed, client-centered, with a social justice lens. The goal is to have a holistic approach to healing so that you can reduce symptoms, meet goals, strengthen supports and overcome everyday stress as well as past trauma.

I have been in private practice for over 20 years and have treated thousands of clients including individuals, families, children and adults. People often come in seeking relief from a range of struggles including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and family conflicts. Through my work with many families I began to also address issues of parenting and family dynamics as well as children and adolescents facing a variety of disorders, self-esteem issues, and acting out behaviors. Over the span of my career I have also treated substance abuse, bipolar, psychotic and personality disorders.

Strange as it may sound, my ideal client is someone who has been suffering in a profound way and, despite numerous past interactions with mental health providers, has yet to fully make sense of themself, let alone remove the obstacles to change and growth that have them stuck. Regardless of what diagnosis a person has been given before, my interest is in what is "behind it." How and why did they develop the particular maladaptive strategies behind the symptoms comprising what we call a psychological "disorder?' What purpose do they serve, despite the suffering they engender? This is the "need to know" stuff of real change...

The unique experiences, expectations, and traits of each person require an individualized approach to psychotherapy. As I work with an individual my approach may include elements of modern psychoanalysis, cognitive behavior therapy, family therapy, and client centered counseling. I utilize recent research in neuro-psychology to inform the various theories of psychotherapy. Faculty members, students, and creative individuals, as well as foreign nationals and first and second generation Americans are groups with whom I have significant interest and experience. A special interest of mine is facilitating the growth of individuals who want to change long term problems with self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, anxiety and depression.

Hello, I'm an aspiring art therapist with a passion for fostering healing and growth through creative expression. I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in art therapy and counseling at SAIC. I bring a wealth of experience gained from working with diverse age groups & demographics at a behavioral health hospital. As an immigrant, my cultural insights add a distinctive dimension to my practice. I prioritize diversity, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity. I recognize that mental health struggles are multifaceted, and I'm committed to guiding individuals through these challenges via the transformative power of art.

The crux of my approach is simple, but versatile: I use anything and everything available to make breakthroughs possible. We all do better with an expansive toolkit. EMDR for "stuckness" / trauma and Gottman methods for couples to repair & connect. (Well worth YouTubing either for a sense of them.) Once we understand each other and you are insight-equipped, we'll put insight into action. But in ways that feel authentic to your personal experience of things. Clients often report that my approachable, humorous, "very human" style makes therapy a much more effective experience even when exploring difficult content.

Life has its ups and downs, and at times we all feel stuck and not sure how to change but we know "something" has to change. I am here to help you! 85% of the time Depression and Anxiety co-exist. Depression takes away our motivation, energy and our ability to connect with others which only leads us to further sadness. Anxiety is ever present in our daily lives with thoughts of worry and over thinking everything. There is hope using cutting edge therapies such as Neuroscience, CBT, ACT, MCT, Polyvagel and EMDR. These techniques bring the science to therapy.

I specialize in working with those who are navigating large life transitions, and am particularly passionate about working with adolescents, college students and young adults who are struggling to find their footing. I prefer to meet clients where they are at in life - your challenges are unique to you, and your therapy should be too!

I work with clients of all ages (youth, adolescents, adults) in helping them process through various life stressors, including trauma/PTSD, anxiety, mood disorders, behavioral/social issues, sexual assault/abuse, domestic violence, self-esteem, ADHD, marital/relationship issues, grief and more. By focusing on personal strengths rather than shortcomings, I help clients recognize healthy coping skills to overcome obstacles, develop solutions and achieve their goals. I value the importance of therapeutic alliances between myself and clients and believe it is important the client is the driver of their treatment journey with my support.

I work best with BIPOC and/or queer individuals who are coping with mood, trauma, and sociopolitical struggles. My primary approach focuses on empowering individuals of marginalized communities to externalize systemic and oppressive factors so that we can focus on treating any personal difficulties that are causing you pain and suffering. Whether we focus on the past or the present, healing one part of yourself can heal many other parts because you have a story to tell. And no matter how many times or how many ways that you tell it, it is your own personal story. Let's change your story to help you become the person you want to be.

I understand the healing process as one of self-determination through therapeutic empathy. Being curious while employing sensitive honesty makes me a good fit for people who are open to exploring deeper personal and interpersonal connections. The lens of attachment, psychodynamic theory, and existential thought within ecological and systemic perspectives help me appreciate the pressures that impact quality of life issues. I am interested in working with individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds who find themselves struggling in relationships, depression, anxiety, complex trauma, psychosis, and grief/loss.

“Greetings, weary traveler.” My name is Catherine and I’m a licensed clinical professional counselor. Though I specialize in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), I live and counsel according to my value of adaptability as I follow Malcolm X’s philosophy of “by any means necessary” when it comes to modifying my approach to help those I’m privileged to work with.

If you are struggling with feelings of self-worth, identity formation and feeling understood, then it makes sense why it can be hard to ask for help. Reaching out is a scary step, and you have already made a brave move by being here. So, take a moment to celebrate yourself, maybe take a deep breath, and recognize the strength it took to show up. You deserve a space to process emotional challenges and connect with a happy and empowered version of yourself.

Life is a work in progress, and progress isn't always a linear path. It's inevitable to have hurdles along the way, and we sometimes need support to better cope with these hurdles. I'm a firm believer in You being the most important person in Your life. You matter most, you know yourself best, and are the star of your life story. I want to be able to offer an empathetic, nonjudgmental, and safe space for you to process your thoughts and feelings, adding a bit of humor along the way. I want to be along side with you, to help you see your own strength, and work collaboratively with you to help cope with the daily hurdles of life.

Do you refer to yourself as a “people pleaser?” Ever find yourself doing something out of obligation because you have trouble saying “no?” Situations like this can feel very confusing and upsetting. Many people struggle with identifying and expressing their needs and wants. Oftentimes this leads to difficulty setting boundaries, balancing work/life, and experiencing feelings of resentment. Creating your own story is one of the most empowering things you can do. Therapy helps you explore your own values and beliefs so you can learn what feels meaningful to you.

My passion is to help you feel heard, understood, and hopeful about the possibility of change. You'd be surprised by how much better you may feel after just a few sessions, either in-person or tele-health. I specialize in working with clients who are struggling with a number of things at the same time (such as life transitions, anxiety, trauma). My ideal client is someone who is interested in going below surface issues, and- potentially- including some "body-up" work in their therapy.

Usually, people look for help when they are faced with a situation that they are unable to find a satisfactory solution to either in their own repertoire of experiences or within their immediate environment. Situations can involve the loss of a loved one, or a marriage. It can also include a family crisis, anxiety, depression, difficulty connecting and maintaining a connection with others, work troubles, and illness and death.

If you are struggling with feelings of self-worth, identity formation and feeling understood, then it makes sense why it can be hard to ask for help. Reaching out is a scary step, and you have already made a brave move by being here. So, take a moment to celebrate yourself, maybe take a deep breath, and recognize the strength it took to show up. You deserve a space to process emotional challenges and connect with a happy and empowered version of yourself.