Domestic Abuse Therapists in Chicago, IL
Prior to being a counselor, I worked in case management at shelters assisting survivors of domestic violence, people with substance use disorders, and people with high acuity mental health concerns.
I value authenticity in therapy, both from me and from my clients. I am not a blank slate; I let my own humanity show. I'm not afraid to challenge you. For me, a therapeutic relationship is not about always telling you that you are right; it is about believing that you are capable of growth. It is about believing that you are trying your best to get your needs met. I find laughter to be very therapeutic - even dark humor. If you have ever been told, “You can’t tell a therapist that!”, I want to hear it. I want therapy to be a space where we talk about the things you do not always get a chance to say out loud: anger, doubt, shame.
Prior to being a counselor, I worked in case management at shelters assisting survivors of domestic violence, people with substance use disorders, and people with high acuity mental health concerns.
I value authenticity in therapy, both from me and from my clients. I am not a blank slate; I let my own humanity show. I'm not afraid to challenge you. For me, a therapeutic relationship is not about always telling you that you are right; it is about believing that you are capable of growth. It is about believing that you are trying your best to get your needs met. I find laughter to be very therapeutic - even dark humor. If you have ever been told, “You can’t tell a therapist that!”, I want to hear it. I want therapy to be a space where we talk about the things you do not always get a chance to say out loud: anger, doubt, shame.
I want to honor that you’re taking this first step toward caring for yourself, mentally and emotionally. It can be hard to start therapy, open up, challenge stigma, and trust someone new with your vulnerabilities. It is natural to feel overwhelmed or unsure. While this process can be challenging, I am here to support you so you're not alone. I have experience working with folks who are navigating depression, anxiety, panic, family of origin concerns, family conflict, and life transitions. I operate from a trauma informed lens and approach my work with cultural humility. I welcome folx from all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities.
I want to honor that you’re taking this first step toward caring for yourself, mentally and emotionally. It can be hard to start therapy, open up, challenge stigma, and trust someone new with your vulnerabilities. It is natural to feel overwhelmed or unsure. While this process can be challenging, I am here to support you so you're not alone. I have experience working with folks who are navigating depression, anxiety, panic, family of origin concerns, family conflict, and life transitions. I operate from a trauma informed lens and approach my work with cultural humility. I welcome folx from all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities.
The crux of my approach is simple, but versatile: I use anything and everything available to make breakthroughs possible. We all do better with an expansive toolkit. EMDR-related exercises for "stuckness" / trauma and Gottman methods for couples to flourish. Once we understand each other and you are insight-equipped, we'll put insight into action. But in ways that feel authentic to your personal experience of things. Clients often report that my gently irreverent, humorous style makes therapy a more accessible and motivating experience even when exploring difficult content.
The crux of my approach is simple, but versatile: I use anything and everything available to make breakthroughs possible. We all do better with an expansive toolkit. EMDR-related exercises for "stuckness" / trauma and Gottman methods for couples to flourish. Once we understand each other and you are insight-equipped, we'll put insight into action. But in ways that feel authentic to your personal experience of things. Clients often report that my gently irreverent, humorous style makes therapy a more accessible and motivating experience even when exploring difficult content.
Allison offers therapy to adults ages 18+ struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, PTSD symptoms (i.e. flashbacks, dissociation, and panic attacks), and has a special interest in complex trauma including childhood experiences that have long-lasting impacts on adulthood. Allison’s top priority as a psychotherapist is to create a trusting and equal therapeutic relationship in which clients can safely explore their past to make better sense of the present, and to ultimately experience more fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Allison offers therapy to adults ages 18+ struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, PTSD symptoms (i.e. flashbacks, dissociation, and panic attacks), and has a special interest in complex trauma including childhood experiences that have long-lasting impacts on adulthood. Allison’s top priority as a psychotherapist is to create a trusting and equal therapeutic relationship in which clients can safely explore their past to make better sense of the present, and to ultimately experience more fulfilling and meaningful lives.
I work with individuals and couples of all sexual orientations and gender identities, including straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer and trans clients, supporting them through a variety of life challenges. I specialize in helping others navigate religious trauma, faith deconstruction and spiritual reconstruction, while fostering personal growth and self-understanding. My approach is rooted in building a meaningful, authentic relationship, creating a safe and welcoming space where clients are free to explore their experiences without judgement while gaining clarity and discovering new ways to make meaning of their lives.
I work with individuals and couples of all sexual orientations and gender identities, including straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer and trans clients, supporting them through a variety of life challenges. I specialize in helping others navigate religious trauma, faith deconstruction and spiritual reconstruction, while fostering personal growth and self-understanding. My approach is rooted in building a meaningful, authentic relationship, creating a safe and welcoming space where clients are free to explore their experiences without judgement while gaining clarity and discovering new ways to make meaning of their lives.
I strongly believe in every individual's ability to bring about meaningful changes through self-awareness. A trusting relationship between a client and therapist offers a safe space to reflect on our experiences, our histories that we carry with us, and the way in which these histories impact our present experiences. I understand that every client's personal journey is unique; therefore, my approach is tailored to fit the specific needs of each client.
I strongly believe in every individual's ability to bring about meaningful changes through self-awareness. A trusting relationship between a client and therapist offers a safe space to reflect on our experiences, our histories that we carry with us, and the way in which these histories impact our present experiences. I understand that every client's personal journey is unique; therefore, my approach is tailored to fit the specific needs of each client.
Biana Mavasheva
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Rev, LCPC, QMHP
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I’m grateful to have this opportunity to connect with you. The therapeutic process is a sacred journey. Here we can share in a safe, non-judgmental place. If we have suffered addiction, anxiety, depression or trauma we can uncover the aspects of ourselves that need healing. The quality of our lives is directly connected to the quality of our relationships - with ourselves and with others. When our relationships are suffering, everything is impacted. For that reason, in our therapy sessions we explore whatever is unfolding in your relationships and we discover how to bring awareness and skill to these crucial connections.
I’m grateful to have this opportunity to connect with you. The therapeutic process is a sacred journey. Here we can share in a safe, non-judgmental place. If we have suffered addiction, anxiety, depression or trauma we can uncover the aspects of ourselves that need healing. The quality of our lives is directly connected to the quality of our relationships - with ourselves and with others. When our relationships are suffering, everything is impacted. For that reason, in our therapy sessions we explore whatever is unfolding in your relationships and we discover how to bring awareness and skill to these crucial connections.
I hold specialized training in Domestic Violence and Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and I am a Think Trauma Trainer.
I believe the foundation of effective therapy is trust, and I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you truly feel heard and understood. My goal is to empower you to take an active role in your own growth & help you build the confidence to apply the insights we gain in therapy to your daily life. I enjoy working with clients of different ages, backgrounds, & presenting problems. I am dedicated to supporting you through whatever you are facing.
I hold specialized training in Domestic Violence and Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and I am a Think Trauma Trainer.
I believe the foundation of effective therapy is trust, and I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you truly feel heard and understood. My goal is to empower you to take an active role in your own growth & help you build the confidence to apply the insights we gain in therapy to your daily life. I enjoy working with clients of different ages, backgrounds, & presenting problems. I am dedicated to supporting you through whatever you are facing.
Why do I feel so stuck? Why are my emotions taking over my life? Why can’t I do anything right? If you are asking these questions, you are not alone! From here on, I am with you. I know what you are going through is not easy, but you are more resilient than you think. Together, we will channel your strengths and get you to a place of well-being. Right now, it may seem hard or even impossible to visualize a change, but I am committed to helping you work through any obstacles.
Why do I feel so stuck? Why are my emotions taking over my life? Why can’t I do anything right? If you are asking these questions, you are not alone! From here on, I am with you. I know what you are going through is not easy, but you are more resilient than you think. Together, we will channel your strengths and get you to a place of well-being. Right now, it may seem hard or even impossible to visualize a change, but I am committed to helping you work through any obstacles.
I specialize in supporting adults living with anxiety, depression, trauma, and big life transitions who are ready to make meaningful, sustainable changes. As a first-generation Latina and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I understand how culture, family expectations, and identity can shape your stress, relationships, and sense of self. In our work together—whether in English or Spanish, you’ll have a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore your story, connect patterns, and move toward the life you want.
I specialize in supporting adults living with anxiety, depression, trauma, and big life transitions who are ready to make meaningful, sustainable changes. As a first-generation Latina and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I understand how culture, family expectations, and identity can shape your stress, relationships, and sense of self. In our work together—whether in English or Spanish, you’ll have a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore your story, connect patterns, and move toward the life you want.
People often reach out when they feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to keep carrying what they have been carrying. I work with adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma responses, grief, relationship stress, burnout, identity concerns, and patterns that feel hard to change alone. My approach is thoughtful, relational, and clinically grounded. I help people slow down, understand what may be happening beneath the surface, and begin identifying a clearer path forward.
People often reach out when they feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to keep carrying what they have been carrying. I work with adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma responses, grief, relationship stress, burnout, identity concerns, and patterns that feel hard to change alone. My approach is thoughtful, relational, and clinically grounded. I help people slow down, understand what may be happening beneath the surface, and begin identifying a clearer path forward.
My ideal clients are adults navigating life's most challenging transitions — whether that's a mental health diagnosis, emotional overwhelm, relationship stress, or the unique demands of pregnancy and the postpartum period. At Intuit Healing, we work with adults from all walks of life who are ready to make meaningful change but aren't sure where to start. Our team meets clients with compassion and evidence-based tools to help them move from survival mode to a place of clarity, stability, and growrh.
My ideal clients are adults navigating life's most challenging transitions — whether that's a mental health diagnosis, emotional overwhelm, relationship stress, or the unique demands of pregnancy and the postpartum period. At Intuit Healing, we work with adults from all walks of life who are ready to make meaningful change but aren't sure where to start. Our team meets clients with compassion and evidence-based tools to help them move from survival mode to a place of clarity, stability, and growrh.
I’m a clinical and performance psychologist who works with individuals who want to feel more confident, focused, and in control of how they show up—whether that’s at work, in relationships, or in everyday life.
Many of my clients are capable and high-functioning but struggle internally with overthinking, self-doubt, or pressure. I help people understand the root patterns driving their thoughts and behaviors, and shift what no longer serves them so they can show up more effectively and with greater confidence.
I’m a clinical and performance psychologist who works with individuals who want to feel more confident, focused, and in control of how they show up—whether that’s at work, in relationships, or in everyday life.
Many of my clients are capable and high-functioning but struggle internally with overthinking, self-doubt, or pressure. I help people understand the root patterns driving their thoughts and behaviors, and shift what no longer serves them so they can show up more effectively and with greater confidence.
My career started in sexual health and sexual violence and my first publication "Consent Education" was released in Our Whole Lives Lifespan Sexuality Education in 2014.
I was an activist long before I was a therapist, and I bridge these approaches in my work. Chicago parents, queers, spoonies, feminists, sex workers, polyfolx and weirdos of all stripes: I got you. I use Talk Therapy, EMDR & Mindfulness to help people heal from trauma and bring joy into their lives.
My career started in sexual health and sexual violence and my first publication "Consent Education" was released in Our Whole Lives Lifespan Sexuality Education in 2014.
I was an activist long before I was a therapist, and I bridge these approaches in my work. Chicago parents, queers, spoonies, feminists, sex workers, polyfolx and weirdos of all stripes: I got you. I use Talk Therapy, EMDR & Mindfulness to help people heal from trauma and bring joy into their lives.
I believe that my clients hold the deepest understanding of their own lives and identities, My role is to guide you in uncovering your inherent strengths and develop your ability to push past the challenges life throws at you. It’s an incredible privilege to join you on this path and support you in reaching your aspirations. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and achieve meaningful growth.
I believe that my clients hold the deepest understanding of their own lives and identities, My role is to guide you in uncovering your inherent strengths and develop your ability to push past the challenges life throws at you. It’s an incredible privilege to join you on this path and support you in reaching your aspirations. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and achieve meaningful growth.
Hello! My name is Kalea Abernathy. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical and Counseling from Colorado State University and my Master of Arts in Counseling at Northwestern University. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and their families. I believe that the key aspects of counseling are empathy, collaboration, and unconditional positive regard. With these foundational pieces, I work with my clients to create a trusting therapeutic relationship where individuals feel safe to process their past and present and feel empowered to achieve
Hello! My name is Kalea Abernathy. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical and Counseling from Colorado State University and my Master of Arts in Counseling at Northwestern University. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and their families. I believe that the key aspects of counseling are empathy, collaboration, and unconditional positive regard. With these foundational pieces, I work with my clients to create a trusting therapeutic relationship where individuals feel safe to process their past and present and feel empowered to achieve
When we are able to truly understand ourselves and our relationships, we can build a life of genuine meaning and connection. Many people enter into therapy only to find themselves gaining small amounts of insight that produce little or no changes in their life. My therapeutic methods produce results that not only change the way we feel about ourselves in the world but change our behaviors. I am respectful of the fact that everyone's pace and tolerance to different interventions varies. My work is reflective of the care and respect I have for each and every client as individuals.
When we are able to truly understand ourselves and our relationships, we can build a life of genuine meaning and connection. Many people enter into therapy only to find themselves gaining small amounts of insight that produce little or no changes in their life. My therapeutic methods produce results that not only change the way we feel about ourselves in the world but change our behaviors. I am respectful of the fact that everyone's pace and tolerance to different interventions varies. My work is reflective of the care and respect I have for each and every client as individuals.
I believe our stories shape the way we see ourselves, experience relationships, and move through the world. The ways we have learned to protect ourselves, the messages we carry about who we are, and even the ways we disconnect from ourselves often make sense in the context of what we’ve lived through. With compassion and curiosity, those patterns can start to change.
I believe our stories shape the way we see ourselves, experience relationships, and move through the world. The ways we have learned to protect ourselves, the messages we carry about who we are, and even the ways we disconnect from ourselves often make sense in the context of what we’ve lived through. With compassion and curiosity, those patterns can start to change.
Are you feeling the weight of cultural pressures or family histories? You're not alone. As a first-gen Latina, I've navigated similar terrains. But in your work with me, we'll focus on your unique journey and innate resilience. I bring a deep understanding from my time as an investment analyst and my clinical mental health training. Together, we’ll explore your story, unveil your inherent strength and resilience, and empower you to craft solutions that align with your personal growth and healing.
Are you feeling the weight of cultural pressures or family histories? You're not alone. As a first-gen Latina, I've navigated similar terrains. But in your work with me, we'll focus on your unique journey and innate resilience. I bring a deep understanding from my time as an investment analyst and my clinical mental health training. Together, we’ll explore your story, unveil your inherent strength and resilience, and empower you to craft solutions that align with your personal growth and healing.
Also, if you are going through some of life's more serious challenges: divorce, domestic abuse, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, eating disorders,sexual abuse trauma, or death of a loved one; please contact me.
My approach is compassionate and direct. Our sessions will be interactive and dynamic. If you ready to go within; to explore yourself and learn the skills to create the life you desire, I can help you to be your best in every area of your life!
Also, if you are going through some of life's more serious challenges: divorce, domestic abuse, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, eating disorders,sexual abuse trauma, or death of a loved one; please contact me.
My approach is compassionate and direct. Our sessions will be interactive and dynamic. If you ready to go within; to explore yourself and learn the skills to create the life you desire, I can help you to be your best in every area of your life!
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Domestic Abuse Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Cicero
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Lincolnwood
- Maywood
- North Riverside
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- River Forest