Therapists in Chicago, IL

My areas of focus are on Black/African American people, sexuality, dating/ relationships therapy (traditional/non-traditional), family therapy, anxiety, life transitions, identity, religion/spirituality, & racial/cultural concerns. I believe in fostering a client centered, collaborative, genuine, & empathic relationship with clients. The hope is that my clients reach a space of peace and be liberated to do “their work”.

In a world filled with unattainable social media expectations, constant distractions, and disconnected relationships, we may find ourselves lost, trying to figure out who we are, while at the same time finding ourselves uncertain of how to get back to our own version of normal. Starting a therapeutic journey can help to restore (or in some cases create) a balance that will allow for a healthy mental and emotional lifestyle and a renewed sense of self confidence.

I believe in the power of insight and solution focused change. My style is very direct and active as I feel this allows for the most efficient and successful results. I have found that providing feedback to my clients is helpful in creating meaningful growth. By creating a safe, non-judgmental environment the client gains a strong foundation that aids the development of insight and the ability to explore new ways of thinking and doing. After years of helping clients, I recognize that the core of successful therapy stems from the therapeutic relationship.

Ashley N Wofford, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker who works with adults in several different specialty areas, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and stress management. She obtained her master's degree in social work from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and has been practicing for over a decade. While she utilizes an eclectic approach in therapy to tailor treatment to match each client's needs. Therapy styles include but are not limited to solution-focused therapy, EMDR, strengths-based, psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Welcome to New Light, where we embrace a holistic approach to cultivating well-being for clients of all ages. Located in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, our clinic is a place for connecting and healing. Here, we are dedicated to helping individuals, families, and couples on their journey to optimal mental and emotional health and well being. Whether you are a college student grappling with the rigors of academia or a parent looking for extra support with your child(ren), please look at the photos and captions below to learn more about the clinicians in the New Light therapy group and how we can assist you on your journey.

Navigating relationships can feel tricky and confusing. Do you find yourself giving to others and not getting the same in return? Maybe you feel like there is no room for your voice, your opinions, or to ask for your needs to be met by others. You might even have a sense that some of the relationships you are in are unhealthy. You have tried to find balance and fairness, but have felt unsuccessful. I get it! Who you are matters. What you want matters. Whether we are working on work, partner, familial relationships, or the relationship you have with yourself,

My goal is to meet you where you are on your journey to wellness, and take you where you want to be. I create opportunities to express your narrative in a safe space, in a manner that is conducive to your well-being. I provide an inclusive judgment-free space regardless of background or identification. I help individuals gain insight into their own decisions, patterns of outcomes. I enjoy working with individuals who are experiencing a life transition or difficulty adjusting to change. Current clients describe my approach as warm, validating, and intentional.

I am a firm believer that therapy is a collaborative process. I know through my own personal and professional experience that wanting and choosing to seek out therapy is a big step in your journey and I believe it is my job to meet you where you are in that journey to help meet your needs whatever they may be. For me, trust and the therapeutic relationship is the number one factor in helping to make the changes you’re hoping to make. I try to do this by bringing my whole self to each session which can include humor, empathy, challenging questions and supportive feedback.

In working with my clients, we explore what holds meaning, what patterns/habits work and no longer work in their life as well as who/what helps them create balance and motivation. When clients find that some of their reactions and emotional responses are no longer having the same effect, we work together to allow their authentic self to take initiative and risks as they engage in relationships with a more healthy, centered, and intentional stance. I value and welcome my clients’ spiritual journey and faith background and the variety of practices that aid in healing and restoring integration and connection in our work together.

Life can be hard and the idea of starting the process of therapy can add to that stress and anxiety. You've already taken the first step by being here on Psychology Today. If you are constantly feeling frustrated, anxious or overwhelmed, I am here to help you figure out what's going on and move towards the life you want to live. I will support you on your journey towards positive change and emotional well-being. My approach is warm, engaging, collaborative and sometimes even humorous.

The therapeutic dialogue is a unique collaboration in which exploration and growth can occur while addressing difficult issues around relationships and life. I work with clients to navigate challenges and explore the parts of themselves that have held them back or limited their ability to make satisfying decisions. Each person coming to therapy is in a different place with different needs. I meet them at that place and work with them to move forward and find healing. My goal is to approach clients with compassionate understanding.

This a group practice that employs clinicans of various ethnicities and backgrounds. People come to therapy due to feeling excessive stress at work, at home, or in their relationships. They find the pressures of everyday life have exceeded their abilities, overwhelmed their senses, and left them with an inability to cope. They are often having problems with school, completing tasks, getting along with others at work, and finding activities enjoyable. We believe in the resiliency of the human spirit, and that therapy is a process of exploring and getting to know oneself.

You are seeking a safe space to share your unfiltered emotions, thoughts, and desires. You are seeking an unbiased perspective to your situation and issues. You may yearn for human connection, compassion, and unrelenting support in your journey. You value consistency. You want to heal from trauma from the past and use this information to cope with the unpredictable future.

I specialize in working with families, children, marriages/partnerships and adolescents. I am Gottman trained for couples counseling. I also EMDR trained. I employ a team approach that enhances existing supports and provides tools to assist with barriers. Throughout my twenty-five years of professional experience, I've had the great fortune to learn from the families, adolescents and adults who've placed their well being in my care. I believe in a mind body connection and holistic approach. Mind and body connections are vital to becoming a healthier individual both mentally and physically.

Forging your own path comes with so many rewards – but finding your footing isn’t always easy. You’re not afraid of putting in the work to create the life you want, but finding the balance between work, school, family, community, spirituality, modern-life demands and self-care takes it toll. At times the journey starts to feel more like an ordeal and you find yourself struggling. Maybe at times you even question if the path you are on is heading where you want to be.

Common problems I help address: deciding who is the "right" person to marry; figuring out why you are single; working on your anxious or avoidant attachment style; managing different partner attachment styles; infidelity: figuring out why you cheated, healing from the infidelity, rebuilding trust and prevention; figuring out if you can make your relationship or marriage work; communication such as arguments that go nowhere; effective conflict resolution; feeling unappreciated/taken for granted; disconnection; healing from a break up. The information & tools I teach are proven to be effective in making relationships successful.

Therapy can seem daunting, though not quite as daunting as a lifetime of emotional discomfort. Lindsey’s approach to psychotherapy is warm and collaborative, empowering her clients to achieve happiness and an unbreakable inner well-being. Trust and confidentiality allow clients to speak freely from the depths of their mind and soul while feeling truly seen, accepted, and cared for even in their darkest moments. Through a compassionate therapeutic relationship, clients work with the therapist to discover the formation of their unique personality traits, beliefs, and patterns in relationships that contribute to present-day distress.

Phoenix Rising Counseling and Guidance, LLC is a holistic practice built on the premise of helping individuals like you to recognize your strengths and potential and rise up from the ashes that have negatively impacted your life. We strive to combine the treatment of mental health with mindfulness and spirituality. We believe that everyone has the tools and the innate ability to change their external world by working through the blockages, thought perceptions and cloud of their internal world.

Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.