Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Chicago, IL
These approaches include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Play Therapy.
I have extensive training in working with those who have experienced a trauma, relationship issues, family conflict, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I believe in a collaborative approach to therapy, creating a safe space for those wanting to make an impactful difference in their life that feels empowering and learn tools/ideas they can take with them lifelong.
These approaches include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Play Therapy.
I have extensive training in working with those who have experienced a trauma, relationship issues, family conflict, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I believe in a collaborative approach to therapy, creating a safe space for those wanting to make an impactful difference in their life that feels empowering and learn tools/ideas they can take with them lifelong.
Merrisa Dawn Santos
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CTMHP, CCTP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I sincerely believe that each of us is born into this world deserving of happiness, safety, and love. For some of us, the road to emotional wellness can be impacted by forces and experiences beyond our control. At times, we can lose sight of the beauty life has to offer us due to potential trauma, family history, or hardships we’ve experienced. My goal is to help you uncover, rediscover, and reclaim the joy and purpose in your life through compassionate, welcoming, and conversational counseling services.
I sincerely believe that each of us is born into this world deserving of happiness, safety, and love. For some of us, the road to emotional wellness can be impacted by forces and experiences beyond our control. At times, we can lose sight of the beauty life has to offer us due to potential trauma, family history, or hardships we’ve experienced. My goal is to help you uncover, rediscover, and reclaim the joy and purpose in your life through compassionate, welcoming, and conversational counseling services.
Making the decision to speak to a therapist or telling your parents you think it's time to speak to one is never an easy decision. I hope to make therapy feel like a safe space where you can open up and share what is happening in your life big or small. I am ready to listen and help you navigate the issues you want to work on without judgment. My clients experience me as encouraging, understanding, and optimistic.
Making the decision to speak to a therapist or telling your parents you think it's time to speak to one is never an easy decision. I hope to make therapy feel like a safe space where you can open up and share what is happening in your life big or small. I am ready to listen and help you navigate the issues you want to work on without judgment. My clients experience me as encouraging, understanding, and optimistic.
You’re used to handling a lot—on the outside, you show up, push through, and keep things moving. But internally, things may feel heavier than they should. Whether it’s stress, burnout, trauma, or relationship strain, you don’t have to carry it alone. I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating real-life challenges—especially those in high-pressure environments or who have experienced trauma. Many of my clients are used to being the strong one for others, but are looking for a space where they can finally be supported themselves.
You’re used to handling a lot—on the outside, you show up, push through, and keep things moving. But internally, things may feel heavier than they should. Whether it’s stress, burnout, trauma, or relationship strain, you don’t have to carry it alone. I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating real-life challenges—especially those in high-pressure environments or who have experienced trauma. Many of my clients are used to being the strong one for others, but are looking for a space where they can finally be supported themselves.
Throughout all stages of life, there are many obstacles we face. If you or your teen are facing any challenges, I am here to help you navigate through them and come out on the other side more resilient and better equipped for the next. The populations I have worked with throughout my time practicing include teens, young adults, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, identity, and addictions. I've worked with clients that want short-term, solution focused therapy, and I've worked with others that want to dive in to better understand themselves and how they interact with the world.
Throughout all stages of life, there are many obstacles we face. If you or your teen are facing any challenges, I am here to help you navigate through them and come out on the other side more resilient and better equipped for the next. The populations I have worked with throughout my time practicing include teens, young adults, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, identity, and addictions. I've worked with clients that want short-term, solution focused therapy, and I've worked with others that want to dive in to better understand themselves and how they interact with the world.
Finding the right therapist can be hard work, but you're in the right place. I specialize in working with adults and couples in transition. I have experience facilitating change related to depression, anxiety, stress management, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, pregnancy or parenthood, and professional or educational transitions. At your first visit, we will focus on what brings you to therapy and what you are hoping to achieve.
Finding the right therapist can be hard work, but you're in the right place. I specialize in working with adults and couples in transition. I have experience facilitating change related to depression, anxiety, stress management, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, pregnancy or parenthood, and professional or educational transitions. At your first visit, we will focus on what brings you to therapy and what you are hoping to achieve.
My treatment draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy, Exposure Therapy, anger management strategies, and Person-in-Environment theory.
Driven by a deep desire to create hope and support healing, I work with individuals navigating challenges such as PTSD, relationship struggles, family dynamics, grief, depression, anxiety, and more. My experience spans multiple outpatient settings and a wide range of presenting concerns, allowing me to adapt my approach to fit each person’s needs with compassion and care. I offer a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where clients can feel safe to grow.
My treatment draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy, Exposure Therapy, anger management strategies, and Person-in-Environment theory.
Driven by a deep desire to create hope and support healing, I work with individuals navigating challenges such as PTSD, relationship struggles, family dynamics, grief, depression, anxiety, and more. My experience spans multiple outpatient settings and a wide range of presenting concerns, allowing me to adapt my approach to fit each person’s needs with compassion and care. I offer a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where clients can feel safe to grow.
Julia Howard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C, CYT
10 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
Waitlist for new clients
I also incorporate modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) as relevant.
My areas of focus include late identified neurodivergence (e.g ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, OCD), chronic illness & pain, perinatal mental health, relationship challenges, & career/burnout difficulties. Some folks I work with also might describe themselves as sensitive, deep thinkers/feelers. As a neurodivergent woman myself, I feel passionate about working with clients who need support in these areas. Overall, I often support clients in growing self-compassion, living more aligned with their values, & in creating a life that feels sustainable & meaningful. I work with clients in IL, VA, VT, and FL.
I also incorporate modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) as relevant.
My areas of focus include late identified neurodivergence (e.g ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, OCD), chronic illness & pain, perinatal mental health, relationship challenges, & career/burnout difficulties. Some folks I work with also might describe themselves as sensitive, deep thinkers/feelers. As a neurodivergent woman myself, I feel passionate about working with clients who need support in these areas. Overall, I often support clients in growing self-compassion, living more aligned with their values, & in creating a life that feels sustainable & meaningful. I work with clients in IL, VA, VT, and FL.
I am drawn to working with couples, families, and individuals from a holistic view. From experience with many different treatment modalities, I use a combination of theories depending on the needs and goals of the client. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) are at the forefront of my practices, as I believe in the importance of the need for secure attachment, safety, belonging and connection. In addition to working with adults, I am also passionate about working with children and adolescents in play therapy.
I am drawn to working with couples, families, and individuals from a holistic view. From experience with many different treatment modalities, I use a combination of theories depending on the needs and goals of the client. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) are at the forefront of my practices, as I believe in the importance of the need for secure attachment, safety, belonging and connection. In addition to working with adults, I am also passionate about working with children and adolescents in play therapy.
My integrative treatment approach is grounded in psychodynamic therapy and draws from CBT, DBT, and mindfulness techniques to provide both deeper insight and immediate relief.
You might look like you have it together, but inside feel anxious, overwhelmed, or not like yourself. Life transitions like becoming a mother, navigating fertility or postpartum challenges, relationship changes, or identity shifts can feel isolating and nothing like you expected. You may be juggling others’ needs while feeling depleted, disconnected, or unsure of who you are anymore. You might also carry the impact of earlier experiences (i.e. childhood wounds, trauma, or painful relationships) that continue to shape how you feel and show up today.
My integrative treatment approach is grounded in psychodynamic therapy and draws from CBT, DBT, and mindfulness techniques to provide both deeper insight and immediate relief.
You might look like you have it together, but inside feel anxious, overwhelmed, or not like yourself. Life transitions like becoming a mother, navigating fertility or postpartum challenges, relationship changes, or identity shifts can feel isolating and nothing like you expected. You may be juggling others’ needs while feeling depleted, disconnected, or unsure of who you are anymore. You might also carry the impact of earlier experiences (i.e. childhood wounds, trauma, or painful relationships) that continue to shape how you feel and show up today.
Building your mental wealth is one of the most valuable choices you can make. Therapy has the power to transform lives, offering a space for healing, insight, and personal growth. It provides the tools to break free from past pain, navigate life’s current challenges, and move forward with confidence and peace. With extensive experience counseling a diverse range of clients, I use an integrative, collaborative approach, tailoring treatment to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual.
Building your mental wealth is one of the most valuable choices you can make. Therapy has the power to transform lives, offering a space for healing, insight, and personal growth. It provides the tools to break free from past pain, navigate life’s current challenges, and move forward with confidence and peace. With extensive experience counseling a diverse range of clients, I use an integrative, collaborative approach, tailoring treatment to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual.
I believe that healing happens in connection with others, and I’m here to create a space with you that feels sincerely collaborative, authentic, and empowering. As a social worker, I approach therapy with an anti-oppressive, strengths-based, and person-centered perspective, grounded in the idea that you bring the most important and valuable insight into your own journey. Together, we can also explore how past experiences may have shaped your inner and outer world, using psychodynamic insights to understand these influences more deeply.
I believe that healing happens in connection with others, and I’m here to create a space with you that feels sincerely collaborative, authentic, and empowering. As a social worker, I approach therapy with an anti-oppressive, strengths-based, and person-centered perspective, grounded in the idea that you bring the most important and valuable insight into your own journey. Together, we can also explore how past experiences may have shaped your inner and outer world, using psychodynamic insights to understand these influences more deeply.
With equal parts pragmatism and philosophy, I approach the process of therapy from a strength-based perspective, focusing on the potentials of reflection to bring about intentional choices. Life transitions can offer opportunities, however painful, to identify patterns and create alternatives. I deeply commit to collaboration in all aspects of my work bringing an integrative approach to multiple contexts. I apprach couples work as informed by Gottman training and Discernment therapy.
With equal parts pragmatism and philosophy, I approach the process of therapy from a strength-based perspective, focusing on the potentials of reflection to bring about intentional choices. Life transitions can offer opportunities, however painful, to identify patterns and create alternatives. I deeply commit to collaboration in all aspects of my work bringing an integrative approach to multiple contexts. I apprach couples work as informed by Gottman training and Discernment therapy.
Some of the practices I use come from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatics, creative arts, and liberation psychology.
As a therapist, I strive to create an accessible and caring space where you can feel comfortable showing up as your authentic self. I like to co-create the rhythms of our sessions together, checking in over time about what feels supportive and what doesn’t. I hope that our sessions can be a place where you feel both supported and challenged in moving toward your goals and dreams while acknowledging the traumatizing systems that often create barriers. My approach to therapy is relational and client-centered, and I view therapy as collaborative while ultimately respecting you as the expert of your own experience.
Some of the practices I use come from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatics, creative arts, and liberation psychology.
As a therapist, I strive to create an accessible and caring space where you can feel comfortable showing up as your authentic self. I like to co-create the rhythms of our sessions together, checking in over time about what feels supportive and what doesn’t. I hope that our sessions can be a place where you feel both supported and challenged in moving toward your goals and dreams while acknowledging the traumatizing systems that often create barriers. My approach to therapy is relational and client-centered, and I view therapy as collaborative while ultimately respecting you as the expert of your own experience.
I work out of an integrative model, mainly focusing on DBT/ACT, Trauma informed and Mindfulness orientations.
I am passionate about supporting clients through life’s challenges, whether it’s depression, anxiety, major transitions, or healing from complex trauma. My goal is to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your needs with greater awareness and self-compassion. Growth, change, and healing are deeply personal journeys, and I am here to walk alongside you. I work with individuals, couples, and families from all backgrounds, including diverse identities, sexual orientations, and life experiences. Together, we’ll navigate the path toward a more fulfilling, connected life.
I work out of an integrative model, mainly focusing on DBT/ACT, Trauma informed and Mindfulness orientations.
I am passionate about supporting clients through life’s challenges, whether it’s depression, anxiety, major transitions, or healing from complex trauma. My goal is to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your needs with greater awareness and self-compassion. Growth, change, and healing are deeply personal journeys, and I am here to walk alongside you. I work with individuals, couples, and families from all backgrounds, including diverse identities, sexual orientations, and life experiences. Together, we’ll navigate the path toward a more fulfilling, connected life.
I often incorporate Attachment Styles and DBT in my practice.
As I pursue certification as a Certified Financial Therapist (CFT), I also support clients in financial wellness as part of a holistic approach. I believe emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health are deeply connected and essential for overall well-being. I work from a person-centered, emotionally focused framework to help clients reach their goals. I enjoy walking alongside individuals and couples as they navigate trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and their relationship with money.
I often incorporate Attachment Styles and DBT in my practice.
As I pursue certification as a Certified Financial Therapist (CFT), I also support clients in financial wellness as part of a holistic approach. I believe emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health are deeply connected and essential for overall well-being. I work from a person-centered, emotionally focused framework to help clients reach their goals. I enjoy walking alongside individuals and couples as they navigate trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and their relationship with money.
I also specialize in ERP, DBT, and CBT.
I use a collaborative treatment approach and different behavioral therapies to help clients develop skills to live more effective and meaningful lives. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is at the core of supporting clients to reach their goals. I focus on each client and their level of need and recognize what works with one individual may not work for another. I use evidence based treatment to best support each client to help navigate their journey. I am passionate about mental health issues and strongly believe that given the right tools and resources, anyone can improve their mental health.
I also specialize in ERP, DBT, and CBT.
I use a collaborative treatment approach and different behavioral therapies to help clients develop skills to live more effective and meaningful lives. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is at the core of supporting clients to reach their goals. I focus on each client and their level of need and recognize what works with one individual may not work for another. I use evidence based treatment to best support each client to help navigate their journey. I am passionate about mental health issues and strongly believe that given the right tools and resources, anyone can improve their mental health.
Opening up in therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you’re navigating sexuality, intimacy concerns, relationship challenges, PMDD, or intense mood shifts. You may feel misunderstood in past relationships, stuck in unhealthy attachment patterns, or unsure how to express your needs without shame. Therapy should feel safe, human, and even empowering — not clinical or intimidating. I bring warmth, humor, and creativity into sessions so growth feels approachable and real.
Opening up in therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you’re navigating sexuality, intimacy concerns, relationship challenges, PMDD, or intense mood shifts. You may feel misunderstood in past relationships, stuck in unhealthy attachment patterns, or unsure how to express your needs without shame. Therapy should feel safe, human, and even empowering — not clinical or intimidating. I bring warmth, humor, and creativity into sessions so growth feels approachable and real.
You deserve to feel better and to see real benefits from therapy. Oftentimes we are looking for insight and tools to help us feel better, but we’re not sure where to look or what to try. Feeling disconnected to yourself or others, worrying too much, feeling stuck or avoiding certain aspects of life can be common experiences but they don’t have to define our lives. Together we will assess your concerns and develop a tailored plan that will help improve your quality of life and yield lasting change.
You deserve to feel better and to see real benefits from therapy. Oftentimes we are looking for insight and tools to help us feel better, but we’re not sure where to look or what to try. Feeling disconnected to yourself or others, worrying too much, feeling stuck or avoiding certain aspects of life can be common experiences but they don’t have to define our lives. Together we will assess your concerns and develop a tailored plan that will help improve your quality of life and yield lasting change.
With a trauma-informed background, I draw from CBT, ACT, DBT, feminist theory, and interpersonal therapy.
Stepping out of your comfort zone to break unhealthy patterns can be challenging. When you are so used to living life one way, it can be scary to change. But, you are not alone. In my practice, I firmly believe in joining the client on their journey of growth. Thus, I aim to provide a safe space for the client to be vulnerable and take risks to live more authentically.
I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, life transitions, interpersonal relationship dynamics, self-esteem, and trauma.
With a trauma-informed background, I draw from CBT, ACT, DBT, feminist theory, and interpersonal therapy.
Stepping out of your comfort zone to break unhealthy patterns can be challenging. When you are so used to living life one way, it can be scary to change. But, you are not alone. In my practice, I firmly believe in joining the client on their journey of growth. Thus, I aim to provide a safe space for the client to be vulnerable and take risks to live more authentically.
I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, life transitions, interpersonal relationship dynamics, self-esteem, and trauma.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Cicero
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Lyons
- Norridge
- North Riverside
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Riverside
Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists
Who is DBT for?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is designed for people who experience extreme emotional suffering because they lack the skills of emotion regulation and distress tolerance. The basic affliction can underlie a wide range of conditions, from borderline and other personality disorders to PTSD and treatment-resistant anxiety and depression. The therapy is helpful to those whose emotional reactivity is so intense it is disruptive to everyday functioning and leads to frequent crises.
Why do people need DBT?
The ability to regulate emotions is a core psychological skill that enables people to function in life and pay attention to the world outside themselves; it is consistently associated with well-being. DBT is designed to help people learn how to manage and regulate their emotions. Originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder whose extreme emotional suffering led to self-harming behavior and suicide attempts, the therapy is now applied to other conditions involving emotion dysregulation, particularly when other treatments have failed.
What happens in DBT?
Individuals meet weekly with their therapist to discuss their experiences relating to moods, behavior, and skills. Using checklists they maintain, they review emotional experiences and positive practices they engage in. The diaries help individuals discern what led up to a specific problem encountered, this is followed by discussion of the consequences of their actions. In addition, individuals may meet in class-like small groups to learn skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance.
How long does DBT last?
Because it is intended to establish long-lasting behavioral change among those with persistent problems, DBT is designed to last six months to a year. DBT includes both weekly sessions of individual therapy and weekly skills-training sessions conducted in small groups. Studies of DBT have documented improvement within a year of treatment, particularly in controlling self-harmful behavior; nevertheless, individuals may require therapy for several years.