Grief Therapists in Chicago, IL
I specialize in psychotherapy services related to perinatal complications (including loss), parental transitions, grief, bereavement & loss, depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment to illness, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
I primarily work within a relational approach to therapy, utilizing a myriad of practices and interventions tailored to individual needs. I pull from many therapeutic modalities including psychodynamic theories, cognitive behavioral techniques, acceptance and commitment therapy tools, mindfulness practices and trauma-focused therapy.
I specialize in psychotherapy services related to perinatal complications (including loss), parental transitions, grief, bereavement & loss, depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment to illness, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
I primarily work within a relational approach to therapy, utilizing a myriad of practices and interventions tailored to individual needs. I pull from many therapeutic modalities including psychodynamic theories, cognitive behavioral techniques, acceptance and commitment therapy tools, mindfulness practices and trauma-focused therapy.
Throughout her career Alexandra has specialized in working with clients experiencing anxiety and depression through the use of interventions such as Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Behavioral Activations (BA), developing coping skills, and managing critical thoughts. She assists clients navigate perfectionism and build self-esteem while addressing concerns in relationships to build communication and boundary-setting. Alexandra’s therapeutic style is integrative through the use of a person-centered lens that can incorporate DBT, CBT, and ACT modalities. She approaches sessions with clients through collaboration.
Throughout her career Alexandra has specialized in working with clients experiencing anxiety and depression through the use of interventions such as Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Behavioral Activations (BA), developing coping skills, and managing critical thoughts. She assists clients navigate perfectionism and build self-esteem while addressing concerns in relationships to build communication and boundary-setting. Alexandra’s therapeutic style is integrative through the use of a person-centered lens that can incorporate DBT, CBT, and ACT modalities. She approaches sessions with clients through collaboration.
I have years of experience counseling adults and adolescents that are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life-transitions, relationships, grief, and other stressors.
I am aware that beginning the therapy journey can come with a variety of mixed feelings and emotions, but DON'T WORRY! During my work, I always put the client's needs first and will work alongside you at the pace you are comfortable with.
I have years of experience counseling adults and adolescents that are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life-transitions, relationships, grief, and other stressors.
I am aware that beginning the therapy journey can come with a variety of mixed feelings and emotions, but DON'T WORRY! During my work, I always put the client's needs first and will work alongside you at the pace you are comfortable with.
Do you feel like anxiety, grief, or shame are getting in the way of feeling confident and at peace in your body?
Through a collaborative and direct approach, I help people identify all parts of themselves and understand why these parts might be causing harm while also trying to protect them. Through gentle curiosity, my clients learn to interact with their guilt, anxiety, and grief differently, leading them to the meaningful life they deserve.
Do you feel like anxiety, grief, or shame are getting in the way of feeling confident and at peace in your body?
Through a collaborative and direct approach, I help people identify all parts of themselves and understand why these parts might be causing harm while also trying to protect them. Through gentle curiosity, my clients learn to interact with their guilt, anxiety, and grief differently, leading them to the meaningful life they deserve.
My greatest passion in life is to restore something to its former condition or to assist in the actualization of one's fullest potential. In session, I find that most couples have difficulty identifying granular emotions beyond "angry", "sad," "frustrated." I've learned over time that most folks struggle to have emotionally intense conversations, and I work to help support the relationship learn how to do so safely. Working with me will see us expanding our emotional glossaries and engaging in exercises to build new muscle memory around the communication patterns you prefer to adopt. We'll have fun and use plenty of humor :)
My greatest passion in life is to restore something to its former condition or to assist in the actualization of one's fullest potential. In session, I find that most couples have difficulty identifying granular emotions beyond "angry", "sad," "frustrated." I've learned over time that most folks struggle to have emotionally intense conversations, and I work to help support the relationship learn how to do so safely. Working with me will see us expanding our emotional glossaries and engaging in exercises to build new muscle memory around the communication patterns you prefer to adopt. We'll have fun and use plenty of humor :)
Audra K Eisin-Banazek
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, ATR
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60626
If you are navigating difficulties in your complex life, dealing with Anxiety or Depression, processing trauma, coping with diagnosis like Cancer and ALS, or the loss of someone you love, I can help.
As a Register Art Therapist, many times I the creative experience to support my clients. However, I know this isn't a good fit for every client. As such, I have a wide array of skills to help each client where they are at. I believe the mind and body are one, and have a holistic approach. Humor, empathy, and collaboration are at the heart of my practice.
If you are navigating difficulties in your complex life, dealing with Anxiety or Depression, processing trauma, coping with diagnosis like Cancer and ALS, or the loss of someone you love, I can help.
As a Register Art Therapist, many times I the creative experience to support my clients. However, I know this isn't a good fit for every client. As such, I have a wide array of skills to help each client where they are at. I believe the mind and body are one, and have a holistic approach. Humor, empathy, and collaboration are at the heart of my practice.
I will help you realize you have the power within yourself to break free from the suffering and grief of trauma and oppression.
I see unresolved trauma at the core of mental health symptoms. I will never force you to talk about something you are not ready to talk about and I will never judge you. You will learn how to build a healthy relationship with yourself and heal from the betrayal, grief, and suffering of trauma. You will learn that you are, and have always been, enough.
I will help you realize you have the power within yourself to break free from the suffering and grief of trauma and oppression.
I see unresolved trauma at the core of mental health symptoms. I will never force you to talk about something you are not ready to talk about and I will never judge you. You will learn how to build a healthy relationship with yourself and heal from the betrayal, grief, and suffering of trauma. You will learn that you are, and have always been, enough.
Is what you are holding onto worth the space it’s taking up? Everyone deserves to be heard, supported, and accepted unconditionally. It can often feel daunting to speak openly about our feelings, or allow ourselves the things we need. I am honored to aid you in discovering and living as your authentic self through providing compassion and empowerment in our sessions. Each individual has inherent worth, but storms can come that challenge our sense of self or perceived ability to manage hard times. I believe you already have many of the necessary skills to solve your problems, and together we can get you where you are looking to go!
Is what you are holding onto worth the space it’s taking up? Everyone deserves to be heard, supported, and accepted unconditionally. It can often feel daunting to speak openly about our feelings, or allow ourselves the things we need. I am honored to aid you in discovering and living as your authentic self through providing compassion and empowerment in our sessions. Each individual has inherent worth, but storms can come that challenge our sense of self or perceived ability to manage hard times. I believe you already have many of the necessary skills to solve your problems, and together we can get you where you are looking to go!
I believe therapy is a collaborative process; growth is fostered through our exploration of and careful listening to your experiences, strengths, and struggles. We'll aim to better understand the people, events, and systems that impact you and clarify what you envision for a more meaningful and satisfying future. I strive to create a warm, non-shaming environment, and I listen to what is and isn’t being said, ask questions that facilitate further reflection, and offer new perspectives. As your self-awareness increases, you’ll feel less distressed and more empowered, making it easier to live and act with greater purpose.
I believe therapy is a collaborative process; growth is fostered through our exploration of and careful listening to your experiences, strengths, and struggles. We'll aim to better understand the people, events, and systems that impact you and clarify what you envision for a more meaningful and satisfying future. I strive to create a warm, non-shaming environment, and I listen to what is and isn’t being said, ask questions that facilitate further reflection, and offer new perspectives. As your self-awareness increases, you’ll feel less distressed and more empowered, making it easier to live and act with greater purpose.
I work with individuals and families experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, bereavement, trauma, relational difficulties, attachment challenges, and more.
I utilize an integrative approach, grounded in the belief that each person has an inherent capacity for growth and the healing power of the therapeutic relationship. My goal is for you to leave our work feeling grounded in yourself and equipped to navigate life with clarity, self-compassion, and confidence.
I work with individuals and families experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, bereavement, trauma, relational difficulties, attachment challenges, and more.
I utilize an integrative approach, grounded in the belief that each person has an inherent capacity for growth and the healing power of the therapeutic relationship. My goal is for you to leave our work feeling grounded in yourself and equipped to navigate life with clarity, self-compassion, and confidence.
Life rarely goes as planned, often bringing grief, loss, life transitions, anxiety, or depression.
I specialize in grief, loss, life transitions, and anxiety, working with adolescents (14+), young adults, and adults. My approach is warm, compassionate, and insight-oriented, fostering a safe space for healing. I help clients explore identity, process emotions, and build resilience with compassion.
Life rarely goes as planned, often bringing grief, loss, life transitions, anxiety, or depression.
I specialize in grief, loss, life transitions, and anxiety, working with adolescents (14+), young adults, and adults. My approach is warm, compassionate, and insight-oriented, fostering a safe space for healing. I help clients explore identity, process emotions, and build resilience with compassion.
Maybe you've tried it before and left feeling like nothing truly changed. That can be discouraging; and it might even make you hesitant to try again. But the truth is, real healing often begins with simply being seen, heard, and understood in a new way.
Therapy isn’t about fixing what’s “wrong” with you. It’s about gently uncovering the ways your mind has learned to protect you—often in response to past pain. Those patterns may have helped you survive at one point, but now, they might be keeping you stuck: overthinking, overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted. You don’t have to stay in that loop.
Maybe you've tried it before and left feeling like nothing truly changed. That can be discouraging; and it might even make you hesitant to try again. But the truth is, real healing often begins with simply being seen, heard, and understood in a new way.
Therapy isn’t about fixing what’s “wrong” with you. It’s about gently uncovering the ways your mind has learned to protect you—often in response to past pain. Those patterns may have helped you survive at one point, but now, they might be keeping you stuck: overthinking, overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted. You don’t have to stay in that loop.
Let's face it. Life can be a real challenge. What is your life story? How can it be shaped going forward? Let's focus on those important moments and make the complexity of the overall situation the main focus of attention in a safe, secure, and empathetic environment. We will explore your past, present, and future, and orient you as a "person in the environment," rather than as an isolated individual. We will work collaboratively and creatively to tap into your strengths and competencies. We will purposefully tailor a unique but flexible therapeutic (or coaching) approach toward self-discovery and realizing your full potential.
Let's face it. Life can be a real challenge. What is your life story? How can it be shaped going forward? Let's focus on those important moments and make the complexity of the overall situation the main focus of attention in a safe, secure, and empathetic environment. We will explore your past, present, and future, and orient you as a "person in the environment," rather than as an isolated individual. We will work collaboratively and creatively to tap into your strengths and competencies. We will purposefully tailor a unique but flexible therapeutic (or coaching) approach toward self-discovery and realizing your full potential.
Her clinical areas of focus and interest include adjustment to trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief ( loss) and bereavement for adults, couples, and families.
Alicia is an EMDR trained licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) with certification in Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Alicia specializes in trauma-focused therapies, working with diverse age groups and family systems across the Chicagoland communities.
Her clinical areas of focus and interest include adjustment to trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief ( loss) and bereavement for adults, couples, and families.
Alicia is an EMDR trained licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) with certification in Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Alicia specializes in trauma-focused therapies, working with diverse age groups and family systems across the Chicagoland communities.
My ideal client is often a male carrying generational trauma, unspoken grief, and the pressure to stay “strong” while silently struggling.
I draw on both my lived experience and professional experience working with men to create a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space. Trained at an HBCU, I bring strong cultural competence and trauma-informed care. I use multiple therapeutic approaches to develop interventions that fit each client’s needs, address both symptoms and root issues, and I work
My ideal client is often a male carrying generational trauma, unspoken grief, and the pressure to stay “strong” while silently struggling.
I draw on both my lived experience and professional experience working with men to create a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space. Trained at an HBCU, I bring strong cultural competence and trauma-informed care. I use multiple therapeutic approaches to develop interventions that fit each client’s needs, address both symptoms and root issues, and I work
I believe the most important part of therapy is the genuine connection I form with my clients, and I will show up as my authentic self in therapy sessions with you. I prioritize providing validation and support, while also providing my own insight and gently challenging you during therapy. Together we will explore how your previous experiences may have shaped your current beliefs and ideas about yourself, the world, and others. I believe being vulnerable enough to confront and experience difficult emotions is one of the bravest things a person can do.
I believe the most important part of therapy is the genuine connection I form with my clients, and I will show up as my authentic self in therapy sessions with you. I prioritize providing validation and support, while also providing my own insight and gently challenging you during therapy. Together we will explore how your previous experiences may have shaped your current beliefs and ideas about yourself, the world, and others. I believe being vulnerable enough to confront and experience difficult emotions is one of the bravest things a person can do.
Please note that a new process group is currently taking referrals. My goal as a clinical psychologist is to be the catalyst for change in the lives of the people that I have the privilege to work with. Change is constant in life, and is the focus of my work. I specialize in psychotherapy based upon existential and psychoanalytic theory, and I provide consultation services for individuals striving to improve the quality of their lives, their life's work, and their living. I practice formal psychoanalysis with a portion of my patients that are interested and appropriate for long-term in-depth psychoanalysis.
Please note that a new process group is currently taking referrals. My goal as a clinical psychologist is to be the catalyst for change in the lives of the people that I have the privilege to work with. Change is constant in life, and is the focus of my work. I specialize in psychotherapy based upon existential and psychoanalytic theory, and I provide consultation services for individuals striving to improve the quality of their lives, their life's work, and their living. I practice formal psychoanalysis with a portion of my patients that are interested and appropriate for long-term in-depth psychoanalysis.
Therapy may seem like a daunting task, but it's worth fighting for. A lot of people are in therapy because they've tried everything else to fix their problems and now need guidance on how not be stuck or anxious about what could potentially help them move forward towards happiness I'm here with you every step along the way; we'll see this thing through together
Therapy may seem like a daunting task, but it's worth fighting for. A lot of people are in therapy because they've tried everything else to fix their problems and now need guidance on how not be stuck or anxious about what could potentially help them move forward towards happiness I'm here with you every step along the way; we'll see this thing through together
Whether you’re coping with the death of a loved one, navigating a big life change, or experiencing difficulty in your relationships, I’m here to help you process your experiences, learn new skills, deepen your understanding of yourself and create meaningful change.
My specialties include but are not limited to working with grief, loss ( death, breakup, loss of self), trauma, life transitions, depression, anxiety & emotional dysregulation. My practice draws from many orientations & influences, including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed care, anti-oppressive practices & person-centered approaches.
Whether you’re coping with the death of a loved one, navigating a big life change, or experiencing difficulty in your relationships, I’m here to help you process your experiences, learn new skills, deepen your understanding of yourself and create meaningful change.
My specialties include but are not limited to working with grief, loss ( death, breakup, loss of self), trauma, life transitions, depression, anxiety & emotional dysregulation. My practice draws from many orientations & influences, including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed care, anti-oppressive practices & person-centered approaches.
In my 34 years of experience as a licensed clinical psychologist, I have come to understand the healing power of the therapeutic relationship. I strongly believe that it is through this alliance and partnership that real growth and change occurs. I am committed to tailoring therapy to meet the needs and goals of each patient using a combination of psychodynamic and interpersonal approaches as well as cognitive behavioral techniques. When appropriate, I integrate a unique blend of mind, body, energy and nutritional aspects into the treatment to help move someone forward toward a healthier, more fulfilled self.
In my 34 years of experience as a licensed clinical psychologist, I have come to understand the healing power of the therapeutic relationship. I strongly believe that it is through this alliance and partnership that real growth and change occurs. I am committed to tailoring therapy to meet the needs and goals of each patient using a combination of psychodynamic and interpersonal approaches as well as cognitive behavioral techniques. When appropriate, I integrate a unique blend of mind, body, energy and nutritional aspects into the treatment to help move someone forward toward a healthier, more fulfilled self.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Grief Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Bedford Park
- Berwyn
- Cicero
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- North Riverside
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Riverside
- Summit Argo
Grief Therapists
How long does therapy take for grief?
There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.
When should you seek therapy for grief?
Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.
Can grief be managed without therapy?
Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.
What happens if grief is left untreated?
Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.