Therapists in Chicago, IL

Many people enter therapy with me because they're experiencing problems with living. Often they've come to realize these problems seem to repeat themselves over and over again. Examples include managing intense and painful feelings, cultivating and sustaining intimate relationships and struggling to maintain an overall sense of well-being over time.

Thanks for checking out my page and kudos to you for taking care of yourself! What matters most to me is that my clients know they are welcomed and accepted for who they are. As a therapist, I support clients as they make their way through challenging times, whether that be a breakup, a rejection, loneliness, family struggles, depression, or life transitions that feel overwhelming. In my work, I strive to help clients find belonging and connection while also becoming more accepting of unpleasant or challenging experiences outside of their control.

As a therapist, I believe in the power of self-awareness in helping people overcome adversity. Trained in Systems Therapy at the Family Institute at Northwestern University, my orientation is to use relationships to strengthen our understanding of one another, and of ourselves. I value the humanistic experience most of all, and strive to learn as much as possible about one's past motivations and ways of coping. I also believe that the therapeutic relationship is the key ingredient in effecting change. I use compassion and acceptance as tools to help create space for that change.

As a Pakistani-American Muslim woman, I recognize that there is a significant need for counseling services within diverse communities. I'm especially passionate about working with individuals as they navigate major life transitions, such as going college, entering workforce, moving, marriage, parenthood, and so on. I also enjoy working with clients who experience grief and loss. I've worked with clients from various backgrounds and clinical presentations, focusing on addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, family issues, stressors, identity, etc.

I value collaboration within the therapeutic space in efforts to overcome adversity. I bring a sense of curiosity, empathy, and authenticity into my sessions in effort to let clients know that I am invested in what they have to say. I understand the importance of social and racial justice within therapy and I make sure my clients feel supported. Taking a client's culture, family background, and inter-generational patterns and trauma into account is a vital part of my approach. The act of opening yourself up to the therapeutic process can be scary and vulnerable. I strive to create a sense of safety within that vulnerability.

Congratulations. You have taken the first big step for yourself and/or your relationship. The thought of therapy may feel a bit intimidating, but you won't know the difference it could make until you try. As a therapist with a specialization in Marriage and Family Counseling, I also help individuals, that may be struggling with anxiety, depression, infidelity, substance abuse, grief, divorce, and navigating a blended family. Together, we will set goals, acquire tools and develop coping mechanisms that will strengthen relationships, build confidence and uncover the true potential within each individual.

If you’re struggling to cope with past traumas, I can help you identify how this is showing up in your present and offer the tools that will create the path to your desired future. Trauma impedes our natural ability as humans to be able to identify and reach goals, and connect and form relationships with others. I know that this can all be worked through with a positive therapeutic relationship and guidance to rediscovering the inner knowing you possess about what you truly need to thrive. My personal approach to therapy is what allows for others to connect with me- I am laid-back, direct, funny, caring, and non-judgement.

Are you looking to feel more peace and joy in your life? Would you like to break old patterns, address past hurt, receive needed support in a difficult time, or step into more of what you were created for? Working from a strengths-based perspective I believe a lot of healing can come from discovering the unique strengths, plans, and purposes each of us possesses. Through this lens we can work together to identify areas in need of healing and achieve your unique goals. Whatever you may be going through I believe that there is hope and a way forward.

I am a practicing and licensed psychotherapist specializing in working with children ages 1-10 and their families. My focus is on understanding the strengths and challenges of each child and then developing a treatment protocol designed to best support the child in the context of their family and larger community. While working with children in therapy, I often work extensively with the parents so that they can understand the emotional challenges beneath their child's behaviors and be an active part of their child's healing long term.

I am here to give support to those who have experienced racial and gender trauma, domestic and sexual abuse victims, exploration of self-identity in all aspects, and more. I practice cultural humility in order to be able to work with different cultures and intersectionality. I aim to provide a client-centered approach which I find important in maintaining this therapeutic relationship. We will work together to make this a safe and brave space for you so that you can embark on your journey to heal.

With a deep understanding of the complexities of human suffering and the importance of cultural competence, I am passionate about creating inclusive and affirming spaces where all individuals feel seen, valued, and supported on their journey towards healing. Drawing from evidence-based practices and a holistic approach, I tailor interventions to meet the unique needs and goals of each client, empowering them to navigate life’s challenges with courage and resilience.

So many families, children, adolescents, and couples are in need of an outlet and extra support. My goal is to help educate and collaborate with individuals in their various family dynamics to help find solutions to their problems. It is my passion to assist families and individuals with achieving their desired goals of leading happy, healthy, and well-functioning lives. Together we can explore new ways to communicate and come to terms with your circumstances. Together we can create an effective support network that will make a positive impact in your life and help eliminate unnecessary stress.

As you begin your journey in therapy, let me walk you briefly through my journey. I have experience providing services in community-based settings, schools, and hospitals. I am certified as a trauma-informed yoga practitioner and as a Racial Healing Circle practitioner through TRHT. I value the benefit of integrating these practices with therapy to enhance a holistic healing. In my personal and professional life, I value self-care and self-compassion through the practice of mindful body-movement therapy. I am intentional about creating balance and listening to your needs.

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.

Life can be busy, stressful, and overwhelming. Knowing where to get support can be a challenge. At Head First Health we make it easy for you to begin therapy by offering convenient virtual sessions with therapists who truly understand YOU. We support millennial women experiencing anxiety, OCD, panic attacks, eating disorders, trauma, and depression. We specialize in using evidence based therapies such as CBT, ACT, ERP, and Mindfulness, to really target your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to create impactful and lasting change.

Takisha is an associate Marriage and Family Therapist. Her clinical interest includes working with couples/family systems and empowering clients from culturally diverse backgrounds to work on communication, parenting, and intimacy. She has an empathetic and energetic personality, which helps clients find and understand their voices, regain trust, and have more fun together in their relationship. Takisha uses a narrative and solution-focused systemic approach in therapy. She believes in the power of stories to help strengthen the core aspects of familial relationships, and she affirms collaboration and creativity in all of sessions.

I am a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois and earned my Master of Science in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University. Recognizing the immense courage it takes to begin therapy, I offer a warm, nonjudgmental energy throughout my sessions and engage in my clients’ concerns with open curiosity and empathy. I am deeply committed to accompanying my clients as they confront their toughest avoidances, uncover their vulnerabilities, and create meaning out of their difficult life experiences. Through their healing journey, I fosters my clients’ process towards achieving their own self-actualization.

I am a therapist who tends to be more direct in sessions. I am an active participant in my sessions, which can be seen through challenging my clients, helping them learn new tools, and actively participating in the conversation through questions and feedback. I love to work with both couples and individuals. Whether you are going through a life transition, dealing with anxiety, job dissatisfaction, or relationship struggles, I work through a strength-based approach and hope to empower my clients to help them make a change in their lives.

Cia Souleles specializes in childhood and adult trauma, family of origin issues, relationship issues, and attachment challenges. Interests also lie in family systems and failure to launce issues. She exclusively works with adults over the age of 25.