Therapists for Children in Chicago, IL
My ideal client may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, but is ready, or at least curious about making changes to reclaim their life. They might be navigating anxiety, OCD, trauma, ADHD, Autism, or the unique pressures of being a high-performing professional or athlete. They want to improve their quality of life, build healthier relationships with themselves and others, and feel more balanced, confident, and in control of their future.
My ideal client may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, but is ready, or at least curious about making changes to reclaim their life. They might be navigating anxiety, OCD, trauma, ADHD, Autism, or the unique pressures of being a high-performing professional or athlete. They want to improve their quality of life, build healthier relationships with themselves and others, and feel more balanced, confident, and in control of their future.
Anixter Center - Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCPC, LPC, LCSW
Chicago, IL 60640
We serve an array of culturally diverse clients, including: children, adolescents, teenagers, college students, adults, couples, and families.
We use integrated approaches to therapy through a variety of modalities including person-centered, cognitive behavioral, humanistic, solution-focused, and creative arts. We have clinical trauma professionals, grief counselors, youth mental health specialists, art therapists.
We serve an array of culturally diverse clients, including: children, adolescents, teenagers, college students, adults, couples, and families.
We use integrated approaches to therapy through a variety of modalities including person-centered, cognitive behavioral, humanistic, solution-focused, and creative arts. We have clinical trauma professionals, grief counselors, youth mental health specialists, art therapists.
I specialize in working with children and adults who have faced systemic harm and societal stigma, including LGBTQ and TGNC individuals, women, and those from other marginalized communities.
I find it valuable to incorporate art, play, music, and other creative techniques in sessions to cultivate an engaging and personalized therapeutic environment. I believe in the power of somatic and movement-based healing. I believe that the relationship between a therapist and their clients should be built on mutual respect and compatibility.
I specialize in working with children and adults who have faced systemic harm and societal stigma, including LGBTQ and TGNC individuals, women, and those from other marginalized communities.
I find it valuable to incorporate art, play, music, and other creative techniques in sessions to cultivate an engaging and personalized therapeutic environment. I believe in the power of somatic and movement-based healing. I believe that the relationship between a therapist and their clients should be built on mutual respect and compatibility.
I support individuals, couples, and children navigating anxiety, relationship stress, grief and loss, life transitions, and identity questions.
Taking the first step toward healing is a brave and deeply human act and I’m honored to walk alongside you. I believe we all carry the strength to grow through life’s challenges. In our work together, you’ll find a space grounded in safety, trust, and connection, where your story is met with compassion and curiosity. With empathy and insight, we’ll explore new perspectives, helping you tap into your resilience and move forward with clarity, confidence, and connection to self.
I support individuals, couples, and children navigating anxiety, relationship stress, grief and loss, life transitions, and identity questions.
Taking the first step toward healing is a brave and deeply human act and I’m honored to walk alongside you. I believe we all carry the strength to grow through life’s challenges. In our work together, you’ll find a space grounded in safety, trust, and connection, where your story is met with compassion and curiosity. With empathy and insight, we’ll explore new perspectives, helping you tap into your resilience and move forward with clarity, confidence, and connection to self.
I believe psychotherapy works when the relationship is genuine and real. What makes it feel safe isn’t that the therapist holds back or doesn't experience judgment, it’s that the relationship itself is prioritized; it is rooted in connection, authenticity, humility, and compassion. I also think that dynamic shouldn't be unique to therapy; it's not some sacred space. That’s what healthy relationships should look like, period. I take a relational, insight-oriented, and engaged approach. You won’t get a blank slate—you’ll get someone who’s willing to sit with you, challenge you compassionately, and promote your health and well-being.
I believe psychotherapy works when the relationship is genuine and real. What makes it feel safe isn’t that the therapist holds back or doesn't experience judgment, it’s that the relationship itself is prioritized; it is rooted in connection, authenticity, humility, and compassion. I also think that dynamic shouldn't be unique to therapy; it's not some sacred space. That’s what healthy relationships should look like, period. I take a relational, insight-oriented, and engaged approach. You won’t get a blank slate—you’ll get someone who’s willing to sit with you, challenge you compassionately, and promote your health and well-being.
Have you forgotten about how fun dates with your partner(s) used to be? Do you want to reignite the sex and intimacy that you had with your partner(s)? I'm here to help you find that laughter, spontaneity, and joy that you have been missing. I offer an empathetic and client-centered environment for each individual, couple, polycule and family.
Have you forgotten about how fun dates with your partner(s) used to be? Do you want to reignite the sex and intimacy that you had with your partner(s)? I'm here to help you find that laughter, spontaneity, and joy that you have been missing. I offer an empathetic and client-centered environment for each individual, couple, polycule and family.
You’re functioning on the outside—but something isn’t working underneath. Maybe your sleep is off, your focus comes and goes, or you keep finding yourself in the same patterns in relationships or work. You might not have a clear way to describe it yet—but you know something needs to change.
Therapy offers a space to slow down and listen more closely to your inner life, to understand where these patterns come from, and to begin shifting them in a way that feels more authentic and aligned.
You’re functioning on the outside—but something isn’t working underneath. Maybe your sleep is off, your focus comes and goes, or you keep finding yourself in the same patterns in relationships or work. You might not have a clear way to describe it yet—but you know something needs to change.
Therapy offers a space to slow down and listen more closely to your inner life, to understand where these patterns come from, and to begin shifting them in a way that feels more authentic and aligned.
I particularly enjoy working with younger children, adults, and couples.
Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, whether you're walking in with long-held pain or simply a quiet sense that something needs to shift. In our work together, I’ll be with you every step of the way. I will meet you where you are, with compassion, warmth and deep respect for your story. At its heart, therapy is not about being “fixed,” but about being seen, supported, and empowered to live more fully as yourself. No matter the weight you’re carrying, it matters. And so do you. My hope is that this space becomes one where you feel safe enough to be honest, brave enough to grow, and free enough to imagine new possibilities.
I particularly enjoy working with younger children, adults, and couples.
Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, whether you're walking in with long-held pain or simply a quiet sense that something needs to shift. In our work together, I’ll be with you every step of the way. I will meet you where you are, with compassion, warmth and deep respect for your story. At its heart, therapy is not about being “fixed,” but about being seen, supported, and empowered to live more fully as yourself. No matter the weight you’re carrying, it matters. And so do you. My hope is that this space becomes one where you feel safe enough to be honest, brave enough to grow, and free enough to imagine new possibilities.
Avanii Inarii, LSW is a psychotherapist with a commitment to the healing and growth of clients. Her style of therapy includes clinical support and providing learning resources to develop strategies that bring about practical change and emotional balance for a healthy life. Avanii received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northeastern Illinois University before pursuing a master’s degree in social work from Chicago State University.
Avanii Inarii, LSW is a psychotherapist with a commitment to the healing and growth of clients. Her style of therapy includes clinical support and providing learning resources to develop strategies that bring about practical change and emotional balance for a healthy life. Avanii received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northeastern Illinois University before pursuing a master’s degree in social work from Chicago State University.
Are you a student, parent or educator feeling emotionally exhausted by the pressure, expectations and academic demands of the 21st century classroom?
If so, maybe we can work together to find ways to make the stress of success feel more manageable.
For the past 17 years, I have supported students, parents and educators managing the stress of success while finding interest and enjoyment in the process of teaching and learning.
Currently, I am accepting clients and offering weekend and evening appointment hours for virtual and in-person therapy.
Are you a student, parent or educator feeling emotionally exhausted by the pressure, expectations and academic demands of the 21st century classroom?
If so, maybe we can work together to find ways to make the stress of success feel more manageable.
For the past 17 years, I have supported students, parents and educators managing the stress of success while finding interest and enjoyment in the process of teaching and learning.
Currently, I am accepting clients and offering weekend and evening appointment hours for virtual and in-person therapy.
I see children as young as eight, adolescents, and adults of various ages.
I hope to make therapy a collaborative relationship where you feel capable of exploring and being curious about the parts of yourself that might feel hard to look at alone. Therapy can be a place to let these parts of yourself breathe and give you more room in your life for growth and choice. This may be a scary and challenging process, but I do my best to walk alongside you so you don’t feel like you’re going at it alone.
I see children as young as eight, adolescents, and adults of various ages.
I hope to make therapy a collaborative relationship where you feel capable of exploring and being curious about the parts of yourself that might feel hard to look at alone. Therapy can be a place to let these parts of yourself breathe and give you more room in your life for growth and choice. This may be a scary and challenging process, but I do my best to walk alongside you so you don’t feel like you’re going at it alone.
For more than 25 years, I have worked with people from diverse groups-individual adults, couples, families, and children-and for many of those years, right here in Lakeview.
I began my professional life working primarily with the HIV-impacted community and continue to specialize in helping individuals with coming out issues and other challenges related to sexual orientation. This involves educating and training graduate students and psychology professionals from around the country.
For more than 25 years, I have worked with people from diverse groups-individual adults, couples, families, and children-and for many of those years, right here in Lakeview.
I began my professional life working primarily with the HIV-impacted community and continue to specialize in helping individuals with coming out issues and other challenges related to sexual orientation. This involves educating and training graduate students and psychology professionals from around the country.
I work with individuals, couples, polycules, kids, adolescents, and families to enrich their lives through better relationships.
I’m a multi-faceted person, and I enjoy bringing a variety of tools into the therapy room. I consider cultural, physical, and social needs at every step of treatment. I also love to use art, imagination, and movement in session to connect with the inner self or express experiences that can be difficult to articulate with words.
I work with individuals, couples, polycules, kids, adolescents, and families to enrich their lives through better relationships.
I’m a multi-faceted person, and I enjoy bringing a variety of tools into the therapy room. I consider cultural, physical, and social needs at every step of treatment. I also love to use art, imagination, and movement in session to connect with the inner self or express experiences that can be difficult to articulate with words.
My focus is on supporting individuals navigating mood disorders, trauma, emotional abuse, stress, and women’s issues. I am passionate about helping you deepen self-awareness, process life experiences, and move toward a more authentic and empowered version of yourself. I strive to create a safe, uplifting environment where you feel heard, respected, and supported at every step of your journey.
My focus is on supporting individuals navigating mood disorders, trauma, emotional abuse, stress, and women’s issues. I am passionate about helping you deepen self-awareness, process life experiences, and move toward a more authentic and empowered version of yourself. I strive to create a safe, uplifting environment where you feel heard, respected, and supported at every step of your journey.
Everyone has a story they want to express, challenges they overcome, and some have limited outlets to speak. I will offer a safe space where you can be heard, and enjoy the sessions with my level of authenticity and support. There will be care and laughter; I am a firm believer in laughter and smiles bringing joy to one's world.
Everyone has a story they want to express, challenges they overcome, and some have limited outlets to speak. I will offer a safe space where you can be heard, and enjoy the sessions with my level of authenticity and support. There will be care and laughter; I am a firm believer in laughter and smiles bringing joy to one's world.
It takes courage to acknowledge that you’re ready for things to be different. I believe that healing isn't just about moving past your history, it’s about building the resilience to navigate whatever comes next. In our sessions, we don’t just talk about change; we practice it in the 'here and now.' By blending deep self-compassion with practical, real-time tools, we’ll work together to turn your insights into sustainable habits. This is a collaborative space where your voice is the priority, and your growth is the goal. Let’s build a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.
It takes courage to acknowledge that you’re ready for things to be different. I believe that healing isn't just about moving past your history, it’s about building the resilience to navigate whatever comes next. In our sessions, we don’t just talk about change; we practice it in the 'here and now.' By blending deep self-compassion with practical, real-time tools, we’ll work together to turn your insights into sustainable habits. This is a collaborative space where your voice is the priority, and your growth is the goal. Let’s build a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and LGBTQ+-related concerns.
My training is rooted in a relational approach that integrates the neurobiology of trauma, allowing us to explore how early experiences and ongoing stress impact the nervous system and mind–body connection. I also incorporate IFS and ACT to help clients shift unhelpful patterns, build self-worth, and move toward meaningful goals.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and LGBTQ+-related concerns.
My training is rooted in a relational approach that integrates the neurobiology of trauma, allowing us to explore how early experiences and ongoing stress impact the nervous system and mind–body connection. I also incorporate IFS and ACT to help clients shift unhelpful patterns, build self-worth, and move toward meaningful goals.
It can be difficult to ask for help, and even more difficult to find the best fit in a therapist. As a trauma-informed queer polyamorous biracial therapist, I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental. My clinical background includes work with individuals managing co-occurring disorders, difficulties related to identity (e.g. racial, cultural, gender, spirituality), Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, ADHD, Autism, Trauma, PTSD, and grief. I work with individuals and couples at any point in their lifespan, though my background has primarily focused on young adults and families.
It can be difficult to ask for help, and even more difficult to find the best fit in a therapist. As a trauma-informed queer polyamorous biracial therapist, I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental. My clinical background includes work with individuals managing co-occurring disorders, difficulties related to identity (e.g. racial, cultural, gender, spirituality), Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, ADHD, Autism, Trauma, PTSD, and grief. I work with individuals and couples at any point in their lifespan, though my background has primarily focused on young adults and families.
Berghorst provides evidence-based skills and treatments for anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and related behavioral and emotional dysregulation in children, adolescents, and adults.
Dr. Berghorst uses a strengths-based approach and empirically-supported methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Along with clinical work, she is on faculty at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
Berghorst provides evidence-based skills and treatments for anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and related behavioral and emotional dysregulation in children, adolescents, and adults.
Dr. Berghorst uses a strengths-based approach and empirically-supported methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Along with clinical work, she is on faculty at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
I am an Associate Therapist who works with individuals navigating
depression, anxiety, stress management especially relating to career and school,
LGBTQIA+ issues, family of origin conflicts, childhood trauma, and multicultural and
political stressors.
From a clinical perspective, I consider myself to be an eclectic therapist, where I draw from different techniques and theories and apply them depending on each client. The main approaches I pull from are Person-centered, strength-based cognitive behavioral, psychoanalytic, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
I am an Associate Therapist who works with individuals navigating
depression, anxiety, stress management especially relating to career and school,
LGBTQIA+ issues, family of origin conflicts, childhood trauma, and multicultural and
political stressors.
From a clinical perspective, I consider myself to be an eclectic therapist, where I draw from different techniques and theories and apply them depending on each client. The main approaches I pull from are Person-centered, strength-based cognitive behavioral, psychoanalytic, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
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FAQ - About Child Therapy
When does a child need to see a therapist?
Children naturally experience emotional ups and downs. Sometimes, though, they need support from a professional. A child may benefit from therapy if their emotions or behaviors change significantly within a short period of time. For example, if a child usually spends time with friends after school but begins isolating in their room, further inquiry is warranted. Other areas for concern include altered sleep patterns, lack of appetite, intense anger, irritability, or hopelessness, or developmental regression in young children (bedwetting, thumb-sucking).
What can a child therapist help with?
A therapist can help with any difficult experience a child may encounter growing up, including learning problems or anxiety related to school, relationship challenges with friends or parents, bullying, intense emotions or phobias, divorce and family dynamics, or the death of a pet or loved one. A therapist can help children process their experience and develop coping skills in an age-appropriate way
What therapy types are most suitable for children?
Children can benefit from different forms of therapy, including family therapy, parent-child interaction therapy, play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and exposure therapy, depending on their condition. Play therapy is a great option for younger children who may not be able to fully articulate their feelings. In this approach, kids play with toys and games while a therapist observes and helps the child express their emotions and develop coping skills.
Do I need to attend therapy with my child?
Parents are an integral part of a child’s therapy, but the specifics of their involvement vary. If your child is young, you may attend most or all sessions; if your child is older, you may attend a few sessions or none; sometimes a therapist may ask you to have a session on your own. Whatever the arrangement, you should expect to work collaboratively with the therapist, your child, and your family members to take steps to help support your child.
How can I tell if a therapist is a good fit for my child?
A child needs to feel comfortable opening up about their thoughts and feelings, so if your child feels a sense of comfort, ease, and trust with their therapist, that’s a great sign. In addition, a therapist is a good fit for your child if the two can communicate well together; a clinician should be able to communicate clearly, effectively, and in an age-appropriate manner.