Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists in Chicago, IL
Does it sometimes feel like you are not living the life you thought that you would? Or that you could be more content with your situation? Or perhaps you are having trouble making decisions about what to do next? If so, therapy can help you clarify what is important to you and what is causing you to feel stuck. I am happy to work together with you to better understand your past while also finding new ways of moving forward in a meaningful way.
Does it sometimes feel like you are not living the life you thought that you would? Or that you could be more content with your situation? Or perhaps you are having trouble making decisions about what to do next? If so, therapy can help you clarify what is important to you and what is causing you to feel stuck. I am happy to work together with you to better understand your past while also finding new ways of moving forward in a meaningful way.
This is for the go-getter girls who feel pressure to succeed, be well-liked and do it all. My clients want to keep their high standards, but crave freedom from the mental load and chains of perfectionism. I help clients re-wire their brains, so they can feel calm while maintaining the ambition. I work with them to ditch the hustle to feel "good enough" and find the sweet spot where productivity meets health and joy. We work on the healing, but also on the high-performance habits and your overall health. Together, we'll get you unstuck, build your confidence and cultivate overall wellness so you can step into your optimal.
This is for the go-getter girls who feel pressure to succeed, be well-liked and do it all. My clients want to keep their high standards, but crave freedom from the mental load and chains of perfectionism. I help clients re-wire their brains, so they can feel calm while maintaining the ambition. I work with them to ditch the hustle to feel "good enough" and find the sweet spot where productivity meets health and joy. We work on the healing, but also on the high-performance habits and your overall health. Together, we'll get you unstuck, build your confidence and cultivate overall wellness so you can step into your optimal.
You may be navigating life difficulties, feeling overwhelmed, or like you're not living in alignment with who you truly are. It is possible old patterns aren't serving you anymore or you are longing for an alternative perspective. In our work together, we’ll explore your strengths and values with curiosity and care. Therapy is a space for you to reconnect with yourself, build on your strengths, and move toward the life you want, with authenticity, clarity, and support.
You may be navigating life difficulties, feeling overwhelmed, or like you're not living in alignment with who you truly are. It is possible old patterns aren't serving you anymore or you are longing for an alternative perspective. In our work together, we’ll explore your strengths and values with curiosity and care. Therapy is a space for you to reconnect with yourself, build on your strengths, and move toward the life you want, with authenticity, clarity, and support.
It is normal, on occasion, for everyone to experience some anxiety dealing with life. But lately those feelings have become overwhelming. Over time, it feels like you are anxious about everything, and nothing. The worry is starting to creep into every aspect of your life- work, family, relationships,... even going to get out of bed feels overwhelming some days! You are not going crazy, and you are not alone- anxiety is one of the most common reasons people reach out to for help. Therapy can help get things back to normal.
It is normal, on occasion, for everyone to experience some anxiety dealing with life. But lately those feelings have become overwhelming. Over time, it feels like you are anxious about everything, and nothing. The worry is starting to creep into every aspect of your life- work, family, relationships,... even going to get out of bed feels overwhelming some days! You are not going crazy, and you are not alone- anxiety is one of the most common reasons people reach out to for help. Therapy can help get things back to normal.
You may be here because relationships feel confusing, painful, or harder than they should be, perhaps shaped by earlier experiences that still echo in the present. You might notice strong emotional reactions, persistent self-doubt, or patterns in close relationships that feel difficult to change. Therapy can be a space to make room for the full range of what life brings, including both its joys and its sorrows. While we may not be able to choose the struggles we face, we can work together to understand how they developed and to choose how we meet them in ways that feel more grounded, intentional, and aligned with your values.
You may be here because relationships feel confusing, painful, or harder than they should be, perhaps shaped by earlier experiences that still echo in the present. You might notice strong emotional reactions, persistent self-doubt, or patterns in close relationships that feel difficult to change. Therapy can be a space to make room for the full range of what life brings, including both its joys and its sorrows. While we may not be able to choose the struggles we face, we can work together to understand how they developed and to choose how we meet them in ways that feel more grounded, intentional, and aligned with your values.
I specialize in supporting multicultural individuals with marginalized identities, focusing on issues related to acculturation, life transitions, and trauma. My clinical expertise encompasses complex trauma healing, crisis management, and identity-based work across various life stages. As an immigrant and former refugee, my life experiences have further taught me to navigate through the events of migration, violence, and the traumas of displacement, and loss, which have sharpened my capacity to delicately highlight the consequences of trauma, and grief on the clients I’ve worked with.
I specialize in supporting multicultural individuals with marginalized identities, focusing on issues related to acculturation, life transitions, and trauma. My clinical expertise encompasses complex trauma healing, crisis management, and identity-based work across various life stages. As an immigrant and former refugee, my life experiences have further taught me to navigate through the events of migration, violence, and the traumas of displacement, and loss, which have sharpened my capacity to delicately highlight the consequences of trauma, and grief on the clients I’ve worked with.
Modern life has a way of creating disconnection—both from others and ourselves. Constant distractions, political differences, the relative ease of online interaction, and interpersonal anxieties, can make even those closest to us feel a million miles away. It can be difficult to break out of old patterns and unlearn harmful messages about your identity. If you are looking for ways to be more present for yourself and your loved ones, therapy can be a great tool to look into yourself and reconnect in a supportive and vulnerable environment.
Modern life has a way of creating disconnection—both from others and ourselves. Constant distractions, political differences, the relative ease of online interaction, and interpersonal anxieties, can make even those closest to us feel a million miles away. It can be difficult to break out of old patterns and unlearn harmful messages about your identity. If you are looking for ways to be more present for yourself and your loved ones, therapy can be a great tool to look into yourself and reconnect in a supportive and vulnerable environment.
Hi, I’m Erika Carreon. I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist, trained at Northwestern, and I work with individuals (16+), couples, and families. As an Asian immigrant, I integrate personal insight with professional dedication so that clients feel truly heard in a safe and supportive relationship. My work is grounded in a deep understanding of trauma’s impact, which allows me to bring compassion, sensitivity, and respect into the therapeutic space. I believe healing is possible—and that relationships, when nurtured, can be a powerful source of joy, connection, and growth. Many of us sense that our relationships with ourselves and with
Hi, I’m Erika Carreon. I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist, trained at Northwestern, and I work with individuals (16+), couples, and families. As an Asian immigrant, I integrate personal insight with professional dedication so that clients feel truly heard in a safe and supportive relationship. My work is grounded in a deep understanding of trauma’s impact, which allows me to bring compassion, sensitivity, and respect into the therapeutic space. I believe healing is possible—and that relationships, when nurtured, can be a powerful source of joy, connection, and growth. Many of us sense that our relationships with ourselves and with
Feeling stuck? Overwhelmed? Are you struggling with issues related to trauma, grief, addiction, anxiety, or major life changes? Looking to create meaning in your life or just find some peace amongst the chaos? Finding the right therapist can make all the difference in overcoming any adversities you may currently face and get you on the path to achieving your goals! As a LCSW with a graduate degree from University of Chicago’s School of Social Administration I feel strongly that the therapy process is a dynamic relationship between therapist and client.
Feeling stuck? Overwhelmed? Are you struggling with issues related to trauma, grief, addiction, anxiety, or major life changes? Looking to create meaning in your life or just find some peace amongst the chaos? Finding the right therapist can make all the difference in overcoming any adversities you may currently face and get you on the path to achieving your goals! As a LCSW with a graduate degree from University of Chicago’s School of Social Administration I feel strongly that the therapy process is a dynamic relationship between therapist and client.
Your heart drops into your stomach and you are at a loss for words. Maybe you feel numb. Maybe you can't stop crying. No matter what your reaction is, your life as you know it has changed in one instance. You've been diagnosed with a terminal or chronic illness. A flood of questions comes to your mind: is this the beginning of the end, how will this effect my career, how do I tell my family? I have dedicated my life to guiding people through the emotional difficulties related to managing conditions such as: mild cognitive impairment, dementia, TBI, stroke, cancer, transplant, and pregnancy/fertility concerns.
Your heart drops into your stomach and you are at a loss for words. Maybe you feel numb. Maybe you can't stop crying. No matter what your reaction is, your life as you know it has changed in one instance. You've been diagnosed with a terminal or chronic illness. A flood of questions comes to your mind: is this the beginning of the end, how will this effect my career, how do I tell my family? I have dedicated my life to guiding people through the emotional difficulties related to managing conditions such as: mild cognitive impairment, dementia, TBI, stroke, cancer, transplant, and pregnancy/fertility concerns.
Being queer myself, I often work with LGBTQ+ adults and teens who are navigating life stressors while forming their identities. I’m formally certified with EMDRIA international in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and often use this approach to support clients' healing from childhood & other interpersonal traumatic experiences. I also assist clients in their processing of other aspects of identity including family, ethnicity, faith, and spirituality. I am very passionate about working with queer folks, people of faith, and additionally, those with post-traumatic stress symptoms and/or C-PTSD.
Being queer myself, I often work with LGBTQ+ adults and teens who are navigating life stressors while forming their identities. I’m formally certified with EMDRIA international in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and often use this approach to support clients' healing from childhood & other interpersonal traumatic experiences. I also assist clients in their processing of other aspects of identity including family, ethnicity, faith, and spirituality. I am very passionate about working with queer folks, people of faith, and additionally, those with post-traumatic stress symptoms and/or C-PTSD.
I work with people who carry many layers to their story, whether that means balancing family expectations, managing school or career pressures, navigating relationships, or trying to find yourself when life feels overwhelming or uncertain. I care deeply about supporting individuals from all backgrounds, including people of color, first generation, LGBTQIA+, and anyone who feels the weight of multiple identities or expectations.
I work with people who carry many layers to their story, whether that means balancing family expectations, managing school or career pressures, navigating relationships, or trying to find yourself when life feels overwhelming or uncertain. I care deeply about supporting individuals from all backgrounds, including people of color, first generation, LGBTQIA+, and anyone who feels the weight of multiple identities or expectations.
I look forward to working alongside you as we create a collaborative and engaging therapeutic space. Within the safety and trust of the therapeutic relationship, we will work together to increase your awareness, insight, and coping. My role is to tailor effective treatment strategies to your specific challenges, goals, and resources allowing you approach challenging life situations from a confident and connected space. My clinical approach also emphasizes identifying sources of joy and belonging to further strengthen your skills around managing stressors and triggers effectively.
I look forward to working alongside you as we create a collaborative and engaging therapeutic space. Within the safety and trust of the therapeutic relationship, we will work together to increase your awareness, insight, and coping. My role is to tailor effective treatment strategies to your specific challenges, goals, and resources allowing you approach challenging life situations from a confident and connected space. My clinical approach also emphasizes identifying sources of joy and belonging to further strengthen your skills around managing stressors and triggers effectively.
I am a queer mental health professional who uses trauma-informed care to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for all clients of any background. I often work with adults who typically present cPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), perfectionism, and identity/self-esteem issues. Many come to me seeking help for their religious trauma, betrayal/abandonment trauma, complex relationship dynamics, grief work, somatic work and exploring sex therapy issues.
I am a queer mental health professional who uses trauma-informed care to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for all clients of any background. I often work with adults who typically present cPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), perfectionism, and identity/self-esteem issues. Many come to me seeking help for their religious trauma, betrayal/abandonment trauma, complex relationship dynamics, grief work, somatic work and exploring sex therapy issues.
Many clients come to therapy feeling anxious, disconnected, or unsure of how to balance self-expectations and others’ needs. I offer a warm, affirming, and trauma-informed space where we can gently untangle what feels heavy, build self-trust, and reconnect with what truly matters to you. My approach integrates psychodynamic, person-centered, mindfulness, solution-focused, and relational methods to create real, sustainable change. Whether you’re navigating identity shifts, relationship patterns, burnout, or self-doubt, we’ll move at your pace, with curiosity and compassion.
Many clients come to therapy feeling anxious, disconnected, or unsure of how to balance self-expectations and others’ needs. I offer a warm, affirming, and trauma-informed space where we can gently untangle what feels heavy, build self-trust, and reconnect with what truly matters to you. My approach integrates psychodynamic, person-centered, mindfulness, solution-focused, and relational methods to create real, sustainable change. Whether you’re navigating identity shifts, relationship patterns, burnout, or self-doubt, we’ll move at your pace, with curiosity and compassion.
Drawing primarily from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and person-centered approaches, I assist my clients in clarifying their values and living in alignment with them.
I work with clients navigating gender and sexuality, religion/spirituality, interpersonal concerns, and substance use. I integrate Exposure and Response Prevention techniques with clients experiencing complex anxiety, OCD, and phobias. Additionally, I utilize distress tolerance skills and mindfulness practices to help clients manage intense emotions.
Drawing primarily from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and person-centered approaches, I assist my clients in clarifying their values and living in alignment with them.
I work with clients navigating gender and sexuality, religion/spirituality, interpersonal concerns, and substance use. I integrate Exposure and Response Prevention techniques with clients experiencing complex anxiety, OCD, and phobias. Additionally, I utilize distress tolerance skills and mindfulness practices to help clients manage intense emotions.
Hi, I’m Estefania. If you are looking for a therapist who is culturally responsive, down to earth and focused on real change, I create a space where you can show up as you are. As a bilingual Latina immigrant, I bring a strong cultural awareness to my work and an understanding of the stress that comes from navigating multiple identities, family expectations and systems that were not built with you in mind. My work includes supporting people navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship stress, life transitions and the emotional impact of immigration and cultural pressure. This is not just a place to vent.
Hi, I’m Estefania. If you are looking for a therapist who is culturally responsive, down to earth and focused on real change, I create a space where you can show up as you are. As a bilingual Latina immigrant, I bring a strong cultural awareness to my work and an understanding of the stress that comes from navigating multiple identities, family expectations and systems that were not built with you in mind. My work includes supporting people navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship stress, life transitions and the emotional impact of immigration and cultural pressure. This is not just a place to vent.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to start therapy. I support teens and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, burnout, and relationship struggles with a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed approach. Together we’ll slow things down, build insight, and help you reconnect with yourself in a way that feels sustainable. If you're ready to feel more grounded and supported, I’d be honored to walk with you.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to start therapy. I support teens and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, burnout, and relationship struggles with a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed approach. Together we’ll slow things down, build insight, and help you reconnect with yourself in a way that feels sustainable. If you're ready to feel more grounded and supported, I’d be honored to walk with you.
It is incredibly important for an individual's emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical components to work well together. I intend to approach every client from a holistic, person-centered, and emotionally focused framework to reach their goals. I enjoy walking alongside individuals and couples as they navigate trauma, relationship challenges, transitions, anxiety, and depression.
It is incredibly important for an individual's emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical components to work well together. I intend to approach every client from a holistic, person-centered, and emotionally focused framework to reach their goals. I enjoy walking alongside individuals and couples as they navigate trauma, relationship challenges, transitions, anxiety, and depression.
With clients, I create successful treatment plans to increase insight into problematic behaviors, build self- acceptance and establish balanced coping skills.
As stated by the Dalai Lama, “A happy mind is a healthy mind, and a healthy mind is good for the body.”
As both a licensed clinical psychologist and certified yoga teacher, I take a personalized and holistic approach to psychotherapy. I work with clients to incorporate the needs of the mind, body and emotional self into treatment. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, perfectionism, body image concerns, disordered eating patterns, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, struggles with motivation and stressful life transitions.
With clients, I create successful treatment plans to increase insight into problematic behaviors, build self- acceptance and establish balanced coping skills.
As stated by the Dalai Lama, “A happy mind is a healthy mind, and a healthy mind is good for the body.”
As both a licensed clinical psychologist and certified yoga teacher, I take a personalized and holistic approach to psychotherapy. I work with clients to incorporate the needs of the mind, body and emotional self into treatment. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, perfectionism, body image concerns, disordered eating patterns, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, struggles with motivation and stressful life transitions.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Bedford Park
- Berwyn
- Cicero
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Norridge
- North Riverside
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Riverside
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists
How does acceptance and commitment therapy work?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy encourages a person to listen to their self-talk. A person’s inner dialog can be indicative of how they treat themselves. ACT also encourages self-compassion; this can lead to a better understanding of negative thought patterns and emotional states. This understanding can then lead the individual to needed behavior change.
What are the goals of acceptance and commitment therapy?
The goal of acceptance and commitment is to expand a person’s psychological flexibility, a trait that encourages an individual to live in the present moment and to accept all their thoughts, feelings, and emotions, even ones that are difficult such as sadness and anxiety. In ACT, this acceptance is congruent with the individual’s values and beliefs.
Does acceptance and commitment therapy work for depression?
Acceptance and commitment therapy is effective for depression because it allows the individual to view their discomfort and suffering differently. Depressive feelings about relationship heartaches, for example, are a part of life. A despondent person learns to let go of their struggles and instead view their painful thoughts and feelings with compassion. This will lead the individual toward positive change.
How long are people typically in acceptance and commitment therapy?
A typical acceptance and commitment therapy session is 50 minutes long with one session per week. Treatment for common problems such as anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties can last between eight weeks to four months. However, more severe cases may require more than one session a week and/or a longer time frame for treatment.