Blue Shield Therapists in Chicago, IL

I work with and welcome adolescents (12+) and adults of all ages to therapy; and over time developed an emphasis in working with queer-identified populations. I have a background in working with LGBTQIA+ issues, including gender identity, and enjoy helping folks within my own community. Working from a trauma-informed lens, I show up as a therapist using frameworks of disability justice, body liberation, anti-racism, and intersectional humanism. I utilize these philosophies to guide me in both my professional and personal life.

I work well with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief & loss, and major life changes, as well as body image issues, work-life balance, and relationship challenges.

Welcome! My practice is based on the belief that life brings us many challenges and at times we can get stuck. Feeling stuck can cause us to feel uncomfortable symptoms - anxiety, depression, anger, etc. I believe that therapy is a process where you can gain tools to address those challenges, determine what needs to be changed, work towards making those changes while navigating all the thoughts, feelings and emotions that may come up in the process. I strive to provide a compassionate and non-judgmental environment where clients can work towards living a value-driven, meaningful life.

It takes incredible courage and insight to begin therapy. It may be difficult to ask for help, but it is an important step to take when we’re not okay. Whether you are experiencing symptoms, having a difficult time, or just needing a non-judgmental environment to express yourself, therapy is beneficial. We need to take care of ourselves mentally on a regular basis just as we would our physical health.

Life is challenging and it affects everyone differently. I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults who have experienced trauma. Establishing a positive, healthy therapeutic relationship is vital to getting the most out of treatment. Being genuine and authentic is something that is extremely important when working with my clients. I am multicultural and have experience working with folks of all backgrounds. I am passionate about helping people heal and providing a safe space to do so.

It’s okay not to have your life together all the time. Often, we convince ourselves that there is a linear path to our goals; we may find ourselves ruminating on the past or so apprehensive about our futures that we can begin to feel frozen and unable to live in the present. Our inner dialogue can brainwash us into believing there is something wrong with who we are and that we deserve to be alone. As your therapist, my goal is to hold space for these feelings and reassure you: it’s okay to not be okay; you are still worthy of healing.

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.

Practicing for over twenty years and a graduate of the University of Chicago, my therapeutic approach is psychodynamic and interpersonal. I work with adults and specialize in women's health issues, frequently addressing anxiety and depression. By focusing on present issues and using past experiences to gain insights, it is possible to create tools for resolving problems, healing emotional wounds, and building coping skills. I believe that working within the interpersonal sphere builds the understanding, confirmation and acceptance necessary for the therapeutic relationship to thrive.

I believe one of the most courageous acts a person can take is to seek therapy and professional support. As your therapist, my goal is to work collaboratively with you to create a space where you feel safe to learn more about yourself and better understand your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Seeking to heal and be whole is a brave undertaking, and I hope to journey alongside you as we work towards your therapeutic goals.

I offer engaged, purposeful therapy on relationships, work and school-related issues, life transitions, and stress management. I specialize in working with adults as they navigate increasing responsibilities at work, while also managing life transitions such as dating, marriage, parenthood, and losses. Many of my clients describe feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed. I integrate current research and traditional approaches: many benefit by learning skills for emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness; others explore bigger-picture issues related to values and sense of purpose.

Are you feeling worried, sad, or just wanting something to change but you're not sure how to start? We all need support and guidance during challenging times! I want to help you reach your personal goals and find a life balance that you feel positive about. You are a unique person with individual strengths. Together we can discover those strengths and guide you towards healing, positive change, and self-discovery. In my professional experience a warm therapeutic relationship, solution-focused inventions, and using your individual unique strengths in a non-judgmental setting can cultivate significant change in your life!

Experiencing trauma at any point in life can hinder someone of their best self, even if the trauma was one that was passed down to them unknowingly. Working with people who want to heal their trauma or intergenerational trauma is what I invite us to explore together. I would love to work with you and explore deeper inside, while it might sound scary. I would like to help alleviate your feelings around trauma, triggers, health challenges, and help you connect more to your body, mind and soul so you can live in a more harmonious way, live a meaningful life where there is an integration of wellness, mindfulness, and healing.

I utilize a growth-oriented approach to empower people to problem solve and make changes to pursue the life they envision. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) strategies are used in my practice, with an emphasis on the use of trauma-sensitive mindfulness, to equip people with the skills needed to overcome life’s stressors and challenges. In dialectics, we acknowledge the opposing sides of each experience and work together to synthesize the two. I prioritize developing a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship that will meet you where you are at in your journey, and will come alongside you to cultivate your strengths.

Sarah (she/her) is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). As a health and wellness enthusiast, Sarah harnesses her passion to help each person reach their full potential in their craft and life. Sarah treats individuals with a wide variety of needs, including anxiety, life transitions, and sports performance concerns. She utilizes a non-judgmental perspective in both clinical and performance consulting. While exuding warmth and compassion, she helps clients persevere through adversities and celebrate triumphs.