Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists in Chicago, IL

I am interested in helping clients develop curiosity about themselves. With curiosity, we can create new ways of relating to ourselves. This is a tremendous capacity! I want to help the client feel empowered about what they want to get from therapy, develop capacity to tolerate difficult emotions, understand and manage their triggers and reduce shame. Clients who are motivated to do this work will find it pays off even though it can be slow going at times. A well-known principle in trauma therapy is " The slower you go, the faster you get there" applies aptly. (Richard Kluft)
I am interested in helping clients develop curiosity about themselves. With curiosity, we can create new ways of relating to ourselves. This is a tremendous capacity! I want to help the client feel empowered about what they want to get from therapy, develop capacity to tolerate difficult emotions, understand and manage their triggers and reduce shame. Clients who are motivated to do this work will find it pays off even though it can be slow going at times. A well-known principle in trauma therapy is " The slower you go, the faster you get there" applies aptly. (Richard Kluft)

Alexis Lopez-Palomar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60661
I specialize in working with trauma survivors who want to increase their sense of self-compassion and embodied sense of emotional safety. Clients who work with me typically report understanding themselves more fully, building healthier boundaries within themselves and with others. I enjoy working with adults from all walks of life including different religions, cultures and lived experiences.
Although we will work together individually, I acknowledge the ways in which historical and present day systems of oppression impact your mental health. I honor and encourage ancestral wisdom and practices to incorporate in your healing journey
I specialize in working with trauma survivors who want to increase their sense of self-compassion and embodied sense of emotional safety. Clients who work with me typically report understanding themselves more fully, building healthier boundaries within themselves and with others. I enjoy working with adults from all walks of life including different religions, cultures and lived experiences.
Although we will work together individually, I acknowledge the ways in which historical and present day systems of oppression impact your mental health. I honor and encourage ancestral wisdom and practices to incorporate in your healing journey

Amalia Salmerón
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, MA, CTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
I believe that healing takes place in relationship. As a Queer Latine therapist, my therapeutic approach is reflective, humanist, and conversational. I work through Relational-Cultural, Feminist and Person-Centered theoretical frameworks. We will work together to create a space of healing that is non-judgmental and grounded in self-directive, goal-oriented, and strengths-based work. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to the therapeutic relationship, so our work together will be tailored to best address your needs as you identify them. I’m happy you’re here and really looking forward to meeting you.
I believe that healing takes place in relationship. As a Queer Latine therapist, my therapeutic approach is reflective, humanist, and conversational. I work through Relational-Cultural, Feminist and Person-Centered theoretical frameworks. We will work together to create a space of healing that is non-judgmental and grounded in self-directive, goal-oriented, and strengths-based work. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to the therapeutic relationship, so our work together will be tailored to best address your needs as you identify them. I’m happy you’re here and really looking forward to meeting you.

My name is Jennifer and I co-own a group practice that specializes in treating complex trauma and dissociative disorders. I use an insight-oriented, relational approach with an emphasis on collaboration, connection, and empowerment. The therapeutic relationship facilitates growth by identifying and exploring both past and present patterns that keep people feeling stuck. I see therapy as a collaborative effort that allows people observe and more deeply understand themselves, their relationship patterns, and their characteristic ways of thinking and feeling.
My name is Jennifer and I co-own a group practice that specializes in treating complex trauma and dissociative disorders. I use an insight-oriented, relational approach with an emphasis on collaboration, connection, and empowerment. The therapeutic relationship facilitates growth by identifying and exploring both past and present patterns that keep people feeling stuck. I see therapy as a collaborative effort that allows people observe and more deeply understand themselves, their relationship patterns, and their characteristic ways of thinking and feeling.

Kei Izumi
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC, EMDR-C, CCPT-II
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Is your heart heavy from various forms of trauma, resulting in C-PTSD/PTSD, panic attacks, anxiety, addiction, or dissociation? Do you feel alone and stuck? Do you always end up in similar toxic relationships? Do you always feel psychologically unsafe or powerless even when there is no more abuse? Do you feel overwhelmed and use external resource to try to forget or numb the pain? I understand how trauma can lead to mental and behavioral challenges. Trauma can prevent you from living authentically, triggering fear-based reactions and self-defeating thoughts. I'm here to help you unravel some of these thoughts and find inner peace.
Is your heart heavy from various forms of trauma, resulting in C-PTSD/PTSD, panic attacks, anxiety, addiction, or dissociation? Do you feel alone and stuck? Do you always end up in similar toxic relationships? Do you always feel psychologically unsafe or powerless even when there is no more abuse? Do you feel overwhelmed and use external resource to try to forget or numb the pain? I understand how trauma can lead to mental and behavioral challenges. Trauma can prevent you from living authentically, triggering fear-based reactions and self-defeating thoughts. I'm here to help you unravel some of these thoughts and find inner peace.

I believe that a client-focused, relational, and accepting therapeutic relationship encourages meaningful change and spiritual development. Further, I have found that maintaining an openness to the exploration and integration of faith and spirituality can be transformational for many individuals. I primarily use an existential framework to conceptualize my clients and incorporate techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
I believe that a client-focused, relational, and accepting therapeutic relationship encourages meaningful change and spiritual development. Further, I have found that maintaining an openness to the exploration and integration of faith and spirituality can be transformational for many individuals. I primarily use an existential framework to conceptualize my clients and incorporate techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and solution-focused therapy.

Whether you want to make a change in your life or are recovering from life events through which you have already changed, my aim is to support the transformational processes that are taking place in you. Change can be daunting or painful, and it can also open up the possibility of living more fully and feeling more real. Together, we will explore the meaning that things have for you and learn to attend to the parts of you that have not been in a position to surface before. I facilitate change through expansion and reorientation around what is, at a deeper level, known.
Whether you want to make a change in your life or are recovering from life events through which you have already changed, my aim is to support the transformational processes that are taking place in you. Change can be daunting or painful, and it can also open up the possibility of living more fully and feeling more real. Together, we will explore the meaning that things have for you and learn to attend to the parts of you that have not been in a position to surface before. I facilitate change through expansion and reorientation around what is, at a deeper level, known.

Sarah Vassileff
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613
As your therapist, one of my priorities is to walk alongside you as you grow into the most integrated version of yourself, embracing your autonomy and strengths. It can be difficult to balance your sense of internal safety and the external commotion of the world. A sense of disillusionment occurs when our external wants do not meet our internal needs. I focus on your concept of Self as it relates to emotional disturbance, fragmentation of the self, maladaptive thinking patterns, and dissociation. My aim is to work with you to embrace and overcome challenges endured throughout the lifespan and to help you find alignment within.
As your therapist, one of my priorities is to walk alongside you as you grow into the most integrated version of yourself, embracing your autonomy and strengths. It can be difficult to balance your sense of internal safety and the external commotion of the world. A sense of disillusionment occurs when our external wants do not meet our internal needs. I focus on your concept of Self as it relates to emotional disturbance, fragmentation of the self, maladaptive thinking patterns, and dissociation. My aim is to work with you to embrace and overcome challenges endured throughout the lifespan and to help you find alignment within.

I specialize in helping clients heal from trauma and dissociative conditions. I often see clients who have found that prior therapy did not go deep enough or that they can talk about their issues but remain stuck in the same unhealthy patterns. I help clients get beneath words and begin to sense into the deeper feelings and emotions that are shaping their lives. In addition to trauma, I work with grief and loss, chronic illness, depression and anxiety, life transitions, and many other challenging human experiences.
I specialize in helping clients heal from trauma and dissociative conditions. I often see clients who have found that prior therapy did not go deep enough or that they can talk about their issues but remain stuck in the same unhealthy patterns. I help clients get beneath words and begin to sense into the deeper feelings and emotions that are shaping their lives. In addition to trauma, I work with grief and loss, chronic illness, depression and anxiety, life transitions, and many other challenging human experiences.

Do you feel overwhelmed? Stuck? Are you struggling with unresolved past pain? I can help. My career focus has been on treating trauma and its aftermath. I have training and experience with many trauma treatment approaches ( PE, CPT, EMDR, DBT) which I apply in the context of a psychodynamic and relational approach to therapy. You have the right to seek a therapist who is a good fit!
Do you feel overwhelmed? Stuck? Are you struggling with unresolved past pain? I can help. My career focus has been on treating trauma and its aftermath. I have training and experience with many trauma treatment approaches ( PE, CPT, EMDR, DBT) which I apply in the context of a psychodynamic and relational approach to therapy. You have the right to seek a therapist who is a good fit!

As social worker, I believe in every person's ability to heal, grow, and foster meaningful transformation in their lives. In my practice, I am a companion to adults across the lifespan who have powerful stories to tell. People who work with me are often looking to develop a more conscious relationship with themselves on the pathway to change. I strive to build a secure relationship with my clients, within which we might begin to reckon with experiences of complex trauma, process profound grief and pain, support greater connection with one's body, and make space for all aspects of one's Self to step into the light and be known.
As social worker, I believe in every person's ability to heal, grow, and foster meaningful transformation in their lives. In my practice, I am a companion to adults across the lifespan who have powerful stories to tell. People who work with me are often looking to develop a more conscious relationship with themselves on the pathway to change. I strive to build a secure relationship with my clients, within which we might begin to reckon with experiences of complex trauma, process profound grief and pain, support greater connection with one's body, and make space for all aspects of one's Self to step into the light and be known.
Meet Our Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists

Deborah A Gleason
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a gender affirming therapist and practice trauma informed care. The most common thing I hear from clients when they come to me is, "I've tried it all." They have done the work and feel they have plateaued in some way. I'm here to intuitively guide and teach you new skills and perspectives to go deeper in your connection to self, others, and this life.
I am a gender affirming therapist and practice trauma informed care. The most common thing I hear from clients when they come to me is, "I've tried it all." They have done the work and feel they have plateaued in some way. I'm here to intuitively guide and teach you new skills and perspectives to go deeper in your connection to self, others, and this life.

For 20 years, I have provided safe, affirming trauma therapy for adults, couples, and groups. I also have the experience and education to provide therapy for many other relationship, mood, and dissociative concerns. I am straightforward, collaborative, and endeavor to be empowering. My therapy style is relational and includes a focus on emotion & body connection and your whole picture of health. We will work together to create peace and fullness in your life.
For 20 years, I have provided safe, affirming trauma therapy for adults, couples, and groups. I also have the experience and education to provide therapy for many other relationship, mood, and dissociative concerns. I am straightforward, collaborative, and endeavor to be empowering. My therapy style is relational and includes a focus on emotion & body connection and your whole picture of health. We will work together to create peace and fullness in your life.

Carolyn Morris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SASD
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Trying to find your place in this world? Struggling to make changes in your life? Know where you want to go or be in life but can't figure out how to get there? I enjoy working with people battling any kind of "stuckness" including trauma issues, addictions, and issues faced by adolescents. I primarily work with individuals, but also work with a family when needed. I am often described as energetic, with a great sense of humor. If you need someone to help motivate and encourage you to make changes, then I am the therapist for you.
Trying to find your place in this world? Struggling to make changes in your life? Know where you want to go or be in life but can't figure out how to get there? I enjoy working with people battling any kind of "stuckness" including trauma issues, addictions, and issues faced by adolescents. I primarily work with individuals, but also work with a family when needed. I am often described as energetic, with a great sense of humor. If you need someone to help motivate and encourage you to make changes, then I am the therapist for you.

Do you have a history of trauma or abuse, anxiety or depression? Are you struggling to live out life in your family that you know that God has for you? We strongly believe that God has a "good, pleasing, and perfect will" (Romans 12:2) for your life. We believe that God has called us to "be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Ephesians 4:23), and at Renewing Minds Therapy, we would be honored to walk with you on your journey of renewal, healing, and wholeness from a Christian counseling worldview.
Do you have a history of trauma or abuse, anxiety or depression? Are you struggling to live out life in your family that you know that God has for you? We strongly believe that God has a "good, pleasing, and perfect will" (Romans 12:2) for your life. We believe that God has called us to "be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Ephesians 4:23), and at Renewing Minds Therapy, we would be honored to walk with you on your journey of renewal, healing, and wholeness from a Christian counseling worldview.

Everyone gets stuck now and then, may feel lost or alone. Sometimes you may just need a little support, an unbiased listener to help gain insight or clarity. Other times you may need help to delve more deeply into your emotions to transform and grow. I approach therapy as a collaborative process where together we explore your life challenges with curiosity but without judgement. Although not always easy, therapy can be deeply rewarding. An exploration that will help you reconnect with your inner strength and wisdom, better able to overcome obstacles and to move towards a greater sense of wellbeing.
Everyone gets stuck now and then, may feel lost or alone. Sometimes you may just need a little support, an unbiased listener to help gain insight or clarity. Other times you may need help to delve more deeply into your emotions to transform and grow. I approach therapy as a collaborative process where together we explore your life challenges with curiosity but without judgement. Although not always easy, therapy can be deeply rewarding. An exploration that will help you reconnect with your inner strength and wisdom, better able to overcome obstacles and to move towards a greater sense of wellbeing.

Change is inevitable and it can be difficult to embrace these persistent ups and downs while learning to thrive on this roller coaster of transition. Sometimes we need a little help navigating ways in managing these challenging emotions. Hence, I take a warm, empathetic, and “real” approach to therapy. I believe maintaining a personable, professional relationship helps build a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients. I've found that creating a safe non-judgemental space has empowered my clients to regain control of their lives. My clients come from all walks of life. Each with their own unique experiences.
Change is inevitable and it can be difficult to embrace these persistent ups and downs while learning to thrive on this roller coaster of transition. Sometimes we need a little help navigating ways in managing these challenging emotions. Hence, I take a warm, empathetic, and “real” approach to therapy. I believe maintaining a personable, professional relationship helps build a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients. I've found that creating a safe non-judgemental space has empowered my clients to regain control of their lives. My clients come from all walks of life. Each with their own unique experiences.

Everything has felt meaningless lately. Another week sleepwalking through the motions at work and dreading your time at home. Since that event, you’re not even sure what any of it is for. The people around you have noticed a change in your behavior; you’ve stopped socializing and have become gloomier. You had no idea how devastating this loss/change would be or how much it would change your life. Now, nights are spent restlessly staring at the ceiling. You barely eat and can’t remember the last time you exercised. Painful thoughts flood in without warning and overwhelm you. Life has become colorless, and you don’t see a way forward.
Everything has felt meaningless lately. Another week sleepwalking through the motions at work and dreading your time at home. Since that event, you’re not even sure what any of it is for. The people around you have noticed a change in your behavior; you’ve stopped socializing and have become gloomier. You had no idea how devastating this loss/change would be or how much it would change your life. Now, nights are spent restlessly staring at the ceiling. You barely eat and can’t remember the last time you exercised. Painful thoughts flood in without warning and overwhelm you. Life has become colorless, and you don’t see a way forward.

The task of finding a new therapist to walk with you in your journey toward growth, hope, and healing can be so difficult! My style is relational and dynamic, meaning that I hold the past and present together as we work through your story to examine places you feel stuck or want to make changes. Your safety in the therapeutic relationship is important in order to facilitate the exploration of what can be painful thoughts, feelings, and memories. I integrate evidence-based techniques, cultural humility, and a nonjudgemental perspective to help you find your strengths and meet your life goals.
The task of finding a new therapist to walk with you in your journey toward growth, hope, and healing can be so difficult! My style is relational and dynamic, meaning that I hold the past and present together as we work through your story to examine places you feel stuck or want to make changes. Your safety in the therapeutic relationship is important in order to facilitate the exploration of what can be painful thoughts, feelings, and memories. I integrate evidence-based techniques, cultural humility, and a nonjudgemental perspective to help you find your strengths and meet your life goals.

Hello. My name is Tom, and I practice in a collaborative and patient-driven setting. My specialty is in trauma disorders. I offer EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing (among many more modalities). I greatly look forward to meeting and working with you-individuals, couples, families, substance disorders, and so forth.
Hello. My name is Tom, and I practice in a collaborative and patient-driven setting. My specialty is in trauma disorders. I offer EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing (among many more modalities). I greatly look forward to meeting and working with you-individuals, couples, families, substance disorders, and so forth.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Dissociative Disorders Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Cicero
- Forest Park
- La Grange
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Lincolnwood
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Skokie
- Westchester
Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists
How does therapy for dissociative disorders work?
Dissociation may be triggered by stress or other upsetting circumstances, and therapy can address the traumatic events at the core of an individual’s dissociation. Understanding why a person may dissociate can help the therapist and the individual come up with alternative methods of coping. A person with a dissociative disorder may get stuck on negative thinking, for example, and treatment like Cognitive behavioral therapy is a gold standard for breaking such thinking. And dialectical behavior therapy, for example, can help a person manage their anguish through better emotion regulation.
Which therapies are best for dissociative disorders?
Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, schema therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are two widely used therapies that can help individuals with painful memories and past traumas. These therapies work to integrate an individual's different identities into one person.
Are there specific medications for dissociation?
There are no specific medications prescribed for dissociative disorders. However, psychosis, depression, anxiety, and/or panic often co-occur in dissociative disorders. A psychiatrist may prescribe medications for any accompanying symptom—which may include antipsychotics like aripiprazole, antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines.
How often and how long are therapy sessions?
Like any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Patients may see improvement within 15 to 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, perhaps, a six-month period. There are still other patients, especially those who have co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, who may need to continue sessions for up to 12 to 18 months.