Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Therapists in Chicago, IL

I am currently accepting new clients. I have experience working with individuals from different ethnic, socio-economic, religious, and spiritual backgrounds, who are experiencing a variety of life’s challenging situations. I am dedicated to working with each client to help resolve temporary and deep rooted issues. One of the most important relationships you will ever have is the one you have with yourself. I assist clients in gaining a deeper understanding of themselves, in order to move forward in their lives in a healthy and purposeful way. I am invested in treating the “whole” person with a focus on the mind body connection.

My ideal client may not be used to change but is looking to try. My ideal client may have issues of transition, adjustment, and/or trauma and have the need to process it with a therapist who understands and has experienced these very human problems. My ideal client has the goal to change as they see fit, while still staying true to who they are. They can be of any past or upbringing, as long as they are looking to find a deeper understanding of it. Soon I will be starting a sexual trauma processing group, open to all adults as long as they are LGBTQ affirming and anti-racist.

I have been a psychotherapist and personal life coach for over 20 years. My joy in life is helping people move toward a future not just get over a past. I am committed to providing my clients with in depth practical approaches for enhancing their lives and changing unhelpful patterns. Clients work with me to understand themselves and to devise practical solutions to their problems. I work with clients on both personal and professional issues around their goals and life satisfaction. I help clients discern what is really important to them fostering and nurturing their efforts toward what really matters.

I believe in a strength-based approach to therapy where the unique needs of each client are addressed in the safety of the therapeutic space. I strive to create a non-judgmental, empathic environment where clients are supported in attaining personal growth. I provide therapeutic services and guidance to individual adults (18+), couples and families. I have experience working with anxiety and depression, with a broad spectrum of unresolved traumatic experiences, and with issues surrounding adjustment to life transitions along with the general stressors of adulthood.

My experience has allowed me to work with people from all over the world with both chronic and minor mental health concerns. As a clinician I have worked with people who have depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders, (PTSD)trauma and a history of family violence. My approach is primarily cognitive behavioral with a significant emphasis on the person's present. Those who would benefit are people who are looking at moving forward with their life with more deliberation and direction. Moving away from seeing themselves as the result of their circumstances but as the master of their being.

Spencer is a double board certified psychotherapist, Organizational Psychologist, and author of Principles of Performance and control. He treats individuals experiencing complex anxiety. He specializes in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Phobia/Agoraphobia, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB), and Body Dysmorphia Disorder (BDD). He utilizes treatment approaches such as CBT and ERP. He includes a focus on ERP and offers in-person exposure work for clients experiencing strong levels of anxiety responses. He is co-founder of Midsommer Psychotherapy. Website: MidsommerPsychotherapy.com.

Therapy can be a very daunting, ambiguous, and scary process that first begins with finding a therapist that is a good fit for you. The therapeutic relationship is a very unique relationship and a lot different from many of the relationships we experience in our everyday lives. It is the most important component of the therapeutic process, which is why building a strong therapeutic alliance and establishing trust with my clients is my top priority. As a therapist, I emphasize the importance of meeting my clients where they are, being genuine and authentic, and creating space for my clients to safely come back home to themselves.

Searching for a therapist may be exciting, but also a bit intimidating. I can appreciate how you may be feeling. Don't let this stop you from making important life changes. Working as a therapist in many different settings has made me realize that the key to effective therapy is your comfort. I will do my best to create a safe environment, one in which we will work together to achieve your goals. My clients experience me as warm, open-minded and professional. I try not to take myself too seriously but when the time comes to address more serious issues, I pride myself on being a non-judgmental listener.

I work with a wide range of clients dealing with issues related to depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, grief/loss, anger management, young adult issues, women's issues, mood disorders, self-injury, identity, life changes/transitions, relationship difficulties, work/life balance, and empowerment. I can be a part of driving your change forward as we explore your goals, build a firm commitment to your future, and take the power back in your life to make and maintain those changes.

Are you finding your anxiety or anger to be more difficult to manage? Is life becoming more stressful? Knowing where to begin can be overwhelming, and I'm here to help.

I utilize a combination of somatically-focused, cognitive , and psychodynamic approaches to assist you in understanding your concerns. I'd love to help you address current changes you'd like to make, but also address underlying concerns so that current struggles are less likely to resurface. I specialize in tailoring treatments in developmentally attuned ways. With adults I assist clients in understanding how their life journeys have led them to their present concerns, and work on uncovering and undoing patterns you may find less effective.

I approach therapy with positivity, mindfulness, humor and goals. I am a certified substance abuse counselor and an EMDR trained clinician. I also incorporate spirituality to holistically treat my clients mind, body and soul. My clinical skills are rooted in CBT , DBT, Psycho-dynamic and Motivational Interviewing.

You can and either crumble or pivot. I want to help you pivot and cope with the challenges of life. While I can’t change difficult situations, I can provide a safe and inclusive environment as you heal and work through the struggles of life. I am currently accepting new clients who have mid-morning and afternoon availability. Please note: All sessions are conducted virtually. Don't hesitate to contact me directly to schedule an initial appointment. If you are an existing client, please feel free to use the self-scheduling link below to scheduling a follow-up appointment.

As a bicultural and bilingual (English & Spanish) therapist, my goal is to provide a non-judgmental safe space for individuals to build a supportive, trusting, and collaborative therapeutic relationship. I am committed to encouraging my clients the ability to stand in their own authenticity, empower themselves, and enable personal growth.

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.

It's my belief that people have many of their own answers, they just need the dedicated time and space to process and explore. I assist my clients in understanding and overcoming the challenges that they face day to day. Through a transparent and collaborative therapeutic relationship, I guide clients in honoring their needs and accomplishing their goals. Therapy can be a powerful tool in one’s mental health toolbox. My goal in therapy is for clients to feel empowered to use ALL of their tools including social support, health care, boundary-setting, well-managed medication, joyful movement, and effective communication.