Gestalt Therapists in Chicago, IL
Watkins’ approach is integrative and relational, drawing from Gestalt therapy, Adlerian psychology, psychodynamic, existential and humanistic traditions, and decolonial frameworks.
Dr. Kia Watkins, Psy.D. is a pre-licensed clinician at New Insights Behavioral Health Services providing individual therapy to adults ages 18–65+. She works with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, grief and bereavement, life-stage and identity transitions, and relationship concerns.
Watkins’ approach is integrative and relational, drawing from Gestalt therapy, Adlerian psychology, psychodynamic, existential and humanistic traditions, and decolonial frameworks.
Dr. Kia Watkins, Psy.D. is a pre-licensed clinician at New Insights Behavioral Health Services providing individual therapy to adults ages 18–65+. She works with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, grief and bereavement, life-stage and identity transitions, and relationship concerns.
I approach therapy based upon the three core values: Curiosity, Compassion, and Community. I want to be curious about each client or couple that walks through my door. I want to know their unique problem and share some of my knowledge and skills to assist in meeting their goals. I want to be compassionate to each individual and explore what fosters their own sense of compassion. I also want to understand a person's community. Isolation is a painful state of being and I want to find how clients connect to others and build an environment of safety.
I approach therapy based upon the three core values: Curiosity, Compassion, and Community. I want to be curious about each client or couple that walks through my door. I want to know their unique problem and share some of my knowledge and skills to assist in meeting their goals. I want to be compassionate to each individual and explore what fosters their own sense of compassion. I also want to understand a person's community. Isolation is a painful state of being and I want to find how clients connect to others and build an environment of safety.
Clients want to be heard and validated without judgment on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. So often the view of therapy is someone telling someone what to do with their life, when the therapeutic space should be a collaborative space that helps a client identify their strengths and learning how they can become the narrators of their lives again. Learning adaptive skills rather than coping strategies provides structures for sustaining progress in understanding symptoms, managing responses with empathy, and sustaining progress made in treatment.
Clients want to be heard and validated without judgment on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. So often the view of therapy is someone telling someone what to do with their life, when the therapeutic space should be a collaborative space that helps a client identify their strengths and learning how they can become the narrators of their lives again. Learning adaptive skills rather than coping strategies provides structures for sustaining progress in understanding symptoms, managing responses with empathy, and sustaining progress made in treatment.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist whose approach to therapy is based on respect, collaboration, warmth, humor, and non-judgment. I am invested and motivated in helping you understand your experiences, whether they emanate from unsatisfying personal relationships, stressful transitions in your life, or being unable to meet the expectations you place on yourself. I work to help you begin to view these challenges from a perspective of strength and resiliency. Through a kind, supportive, and caring relationship, my goal is to assist you in lessening your pain through self-exploration and meaning-making.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist whose approach to therapy is based on respect, collaboration, warmth, humor, and non-judgment. I am invested and motivated in helping you understand your experiences, whether they emanate from unsatisfying personal relationships, stressful transitions in your life, or being unable to meet the expectations you place on yourself. I work to help you begin to view these challenges from a perspective of strength and resiliency. Through a kind, supportive, and caring relationship, my goal is to assist you in lessening your pain through self-exploration and meaning-making.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to start? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
I’m a bilingual Spanish/English, trauma-focused therapist with over 20+ years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults through life’s challenges. Whether you’re facing depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, or you simply feel lost—therapy can help you reconnect with yourself and find clarity.
You don’t need to have all the answers or even be able to fully explain what’s wrong. If you’re willing to show up for yourself, I’ll meet you with empathy, respect, and the tools to guide you toward healing.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to start? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
I’m a bilingual Spanish/English, trauma-focused therapist with over 20+ years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults through life’s challenges. Whether you’re facing depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, or you simply feel lost—therapy can help you reconnect with yourself and find clarity.
You don’t need to have all the answers or even be able to fully explain what’s wrong. If you’re willing to show up for yourself, I’ll meet you with empathy, respect, and the tools to guide you toward healing.
Life can feel overwhelming when emotions start to take over. You may find yourself stuck in patterns of worry, feeling unmotivated, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. Helping people navigate anxiety, depression, addiction, and other mood-related challenges is at the heart of my work as a therapist. I believe that emotions—even the painful ones—are signals that deserve understanding rather than judgment. My goal is to create a space where clients feel safe, supported, and genuinely heard while we explore what’s getting in the way of the life they want to live.
Life can feel overwhelming when emotions start to take over. You may find yourself stuck in patterns of worry, feeling unmotivated, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. Helping people navigate anxiety, depression, addiction, and other mood-related challenges is at the heart of my work as a therapist. I believe that emotions—even the painful ones—are signals that deserve understanding rather than judgment. My goal is to create a space where clients feel safe, supported, and genuinely heard while we explore what’s getting in the way of the life they want to live.
I work collaboratively with individuals, couples, families, and groups who feel stuck or simply want to invite change. I integrate depth oriented approaches with emotional processing and skill building to meet you where you are at authentically and warmly. I welcome monogamous and non-monogamous individuals and partners, chosen family, friends, and other relational systems. My therapeutic work aims to help you get unstuck and hopefully learn a thing or two about yourself while we're at it!
I work collaboratively with individuals, couples, families, and groups who feel stuck or simply want to invite change. I integrate depth oriented approaches with emotional processing and skill building to meet you where you are at authentically and warmly. I welcome monogamous and non-monogamous individuals and partners, chosen family, friends, and other relational systems. My therapeutic work aims to help you get unstuck and hopefully learn a thing or two about yourself while we're at it!
My focus is particularly on women of diverse backgrounds and my therapeutic style includes person-centered, narrative, solution-focused, Gestalt, and multicultural therapy methods.
My name is Carmen Martinez, Bilingual Counselor at Holistically Divine Counseling. I deeply believe all humans have a purpose, a God-given talent, ability, desire, and light within them to be the best version of themselves and the natural will to live their best lives possible throughout their journey. Sometimes, that light within can become dim and distant due to life’s struggles, challenges, and adversities.
My focus is particularly on women of diverse backgrounds and my therapeutic style includes person-centered, narrative, solution-focused, Gestalt, and multicultural therapy methods.
My name is Carmen Martinez, Bilingual Counselor at Holistically Divine Counseling. I deeply believe all humans have a purpose, a God-given talent, ability, desire, and light within them to be the best version of themselves and the natural will to live their best lives possible throughout their journey. Sometimes, that light within can become dim and distant due to life’s struggles, challenges, and adversities.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist offering evidence-based trauma therapies including Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Trauma Focused CBT. I developed my specialty in treating emotional trauma working with PTSD field experts at the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. I offer gold-standard PTSD interventions endorsed by the National Center for PTSD and the American Psychological Association. I Am Accepting New Patients.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist offering evidence-based trauma therapies including Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Trauma Focused CBT. I developed my specialty in treating emotional trauma working with PTSD field experts at the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. I offer gold-standard PTSD interventions endorsed by the National Center for PTSD and the American Psychological Association. I Am Accepting New Patients.
25 years of expertise blending Gottman, Gestalt, & DBT.
Sometimes the deepest pain in a relationship comes from realizing that love alone is not stopping the cycle of hurt. You may find yourself emotionally exhausted from repeating the same painful arguments, disconnections, and misunderstandings despite deeply loving your partner. Part of you longs for closeness, while another part fears more disappointment, resentment, or emotional withdrawal. Old wounds and unresolved pain may quietly shape how you communicate, react, and protect yourself within the relationship, leaving both of you feeling unseen, disconnected, and stuck.
25 years of expertise blending Gottman, Gestalt, & DBT.
Sometimes the deepest pain in a relationship comes from realizing that love alone is not stopping the cycle of hurt. You may find yourself emotionally exhausted from repeating the same painful arguments, disconnections, and misunderstandings despite deeply loving your partner. Part of you longs for closeness, while another part fears more disappointment, resentment, or emotional withdrawal. Old wounds and unresolved pain may quietly shape how you communicate, react, and protect yourself within the relationship, leaving both of you feeling unseen, disconnected, and stuck.
I believe that everyone has purpose and value no matter how big or small. My goal in counseling is to walk alongside my clients on their journey to mental wellness as they rediscover and align themselves with the lives they desire to live.
I believe that everyone has purpose and value no matter how big or small. My goal in counseling is to walk alongside my clients on their journey to mental wellness as they rediscover and align themselves with the lives they desire to live.
Do you feel stuck in patterns you can’t break? Are you longing to feel more connected to yourself? Are your days so busy that you’ve forgotten to pause, breathe, and reflect on the direction your life is heading?
As a first-generation Asian American, I am deeply attuned to culture and the ways our experiences shape us. I believe in the power of human connection, and that breakthroughs in therapy happen when you feel genuinely seen and accepted. I am committed to offering unconditional, non-judgmental empathy so you can experience a safe and supportive space for growth and healing.
Do you feel stuck in patterns you can’t break? Are you longing to feel more connected to yourself? Are your days so busy that you’ve forgotten to pause, breathe, and reflect on the direction your life is heading?
As a first-generation Asian American, I am deeply attuned to culture and the ways our experiences shape us. I believe in the power of human connection, and that breakthroughs in therapy happen when you feel genuinely seen and accepted. I am committed to offering unconditional, non-judgmental empathy so you can experience a safe and supportive space for growth and healing.
If you are someone who finds yourself in the grip of anxiety, grief, depression, or any other symptom or trait that makes it hard to function in this world, I would be honored to work with you. I am passionate about working with clients who feel like they don’t fit in, who feel marginalized, or who feel as though their identities are being overlooked or rejected; but no matter your experience or identity, I seek to offer support, validation, and aid. Some of my main areas of focus include anxiety and mood concerns, discovery around gender and sexuality, as well as support for lived experience of neurodivergence and disability.
If you are someone who finds yourself in the grip of anxiety, grief, depression, or any other symptom or trait that makes it hard to function in this world, I would be honored to work with you. I am passionate about working with clients who feel like they don’t fit in, who feel marginalized, or who feel as though their identities are being overlooked or rejected; but no matter your experience or identity, I seek to offer support, validation, and aid. Some of my main areas of focus include anxiety and mood concerns, discovery around gender and sexuality, as well as support for lived experience of neurodivergence and disability.
I help people struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship problems, family conflict, identity concerns, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. I believe that lasting change only happens when people feel they're talking to a real person who understands the cultural complexities that make them unique. My work is collaborative and built on the trusting relationships I take time to develop with my clients.
I help people struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship problems, family conflict, identity concerns, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. I believe that lasting change only happens when people feel they're talking to a real person who understands the cultural complexities that make them unique. My work is collaborative and built on the trusting relationships I take time to develop with my clients.
I work with individuals and families experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, bereavement, trauma, relational difficulties, attachment challenges, and more. I’m passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and young adults through developmental transitions, grief and loss, changes in family structure, and interpersonal difficulties. I enjoy helping adolescents and young adults navigate the complexities of identity development and relationship dynamics. I provide inclusive, affirming care that welcomes and honors all identities and experiences.
I work with individuals and families experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, bereavement, trauma, relational difficulties, attachment challenges, and more. I’m passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and young adults through developmental transitions, grief and loss, changes in family structure, and interpersonal difficulties. I enjoy helping adolescents and young adults navigate the complexities of identity development and relationship dynamics. I provide inclusive, affirming care that welcomes and honors all identities and experiences.
I believe in creating a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and accepted. Through culturally sensitive collaboration, I use empathy and encouragement to emphasize your strengths, nurture self-acceptance, and build confidence as you explore what matters most to you. We will work together to find achievable solutions while also connecting with your internal needs for progress and meaning.
I believe in creating a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and accepted. Through culturally sensitive collaboration, I use empathy and encouragement to emphasize your strengths, nurture self-acceptance, and build confidence as you explore what matters most to you. We will work together to find achievable solutions while also connecting with your internal needs for progress and meaning.
Over the years and after receiving thousands of initial calls and emails from clients, it is clear that many are unsure of what they need or where to go. We find great pleasure in helping clients navigate this process. As a group practice we are able to provide services for a variety of needs: anxiety, addictions, pain management, depression, relationship issues, psychological testing, individual, life transitions and even helping clients who just want to live their best life! We stand out in our efforts to make this process as smooth as possible. Many providers boast about their training in a particular treatment approach (and this is important) but research suggests that the interventions are only part of the story. The fit between client and clinician, the wellbeing of the clinician, the ease of access and the experience of the treatment process matter as much, and sometimes more, than the particular treatment model used. Pillars of Wellness was founded with the hope of ensuring an ideal client-clinician fit and providing both clients and clinicians with a positive experience. We let our clinicians excel at their craft by giving them the space to create their ideal practice.
Over the years and after receiving thousands of initial calls and emails from clients, it is clear that many are unsure of what they need or where to go. We find great pleasure in helping clients navigate this process. As a group practice we are able to provide services for a variety of needs: anxiety, addictions, pain management, depression, relationship issues, psychological testing, individual, life transitions and even helping clients who just want to live their best life! We stand out in our efforts to make this process as smooth as possible. Many providers boast about their training in a particular treatment approach (and this is important) but research suggests that the interventions are only part of the story. The fit between client and clinician, the wellbeing of the clinician, the ease of access and the experience of the treatment process matter as much, and sometimes more, than the particular treatment model used. Pillars of Wellness was founded with the hope of ensuring an ideal client-clinician fit and providing both clients and clinicians with a positive experience. We let our clinicians excel at their craft by giving them the space to create their ideal practice.
Finding the right therapist for you can be tough. I've been there before too, so I get it. I'm someone who will honor and validate your very real struggle, while also seeing the best in you and helping you reconnect to your own excellence. If I have the privilege of becoming your therapist, I'll be here as a fellow human being to accompany you on this leg of your journey - you won't be alone. I offer attentive listening, compassionate warmth, thoughtful insights, encouragement and professional guidance.
Finding the right therapist for you can be tough. I've been there before too, so I get it. I'm someone who will honor and validate your very real struggle, while also seeing the best in you and helping you reconnect to your own excellence. If I have the privilege of becoming your therapist, I'll be here as a fellow human being to accompany you on this leg of your journey - you won't be alone. I offer attentive listening, compassionate warmth, thoughtful insights, encouragement and professional guidance.
I work with individuals navigating life transitions, trauma, and grief that impact mental, emotional, spiritual, financial, and physical well-being. My trauma- and grief-informed approach integrates CBT and spiritually responsive care to help clients understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are shaped by loss and adversity. Therapy focuses on emotional safety, meaning-making, and practical coping skills that support healing and resilience. I partner with open-minded, committed clients seeking growth, validation, and empowerment as they reconnect with purpose and build the capacity to face life with clarity and strength.
I work with individuals navigating life transitions, trauma, and grief that impact mental, emotional, spiritual, financial, and physical well-being. My trauma- and grief-informed approach integrates CBT and spiritually responsive care to help clients understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are shaped by loss and adversity. Therapy focuses on emotional safety, meaning-making, and practical coping skills that support healing and resilience. I partner with open-minded, committed clients seeking growth, validation, and empowerment as they reconnect with purpose and build the capacity to face life with clarity and strength.
Depth-Oriented Therapy for Insight, Healing, and Lasting Change
I work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and health-related stress. My approach is depth-oriented and grounded in decades of experience helping people understand themselves more fully and make sense of emotional pain. I use an integrative blend of talk therapy, EMDR, and parts work to help clients explore unresolved experiences and long-standing patterns that shape how they feel and live.
Depth-Oriented Therapy for Insight, Healing, and Lasting Change
I work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and health-related stress. My approach is depth-oriented and grounded in decades of experience helping people understand themselves more fully and make sense of emotional pain. I use an integrative blend of talk therapy, EMDR, and parts work to help clients explore unresolved experiences and long-standing patterns that shape how they feel and live.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Gestalt Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Bridgeview
- Cicero
- Evanston
- Evergreen Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Lincolnwood
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Skokie
Gestalt Therapists
What is gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.
How does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.
How long does gestalt therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.
Does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.