Parenting Therapists in Chicago, IL

Mandy Jones-Fischer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT, JD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60641
Waitlist for new clients
Even when working with children, as a parent you will be involved every step of the way.
As a mental health therapist, I am dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for individuals and families to explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. My approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, playfulness, and respect for each person's unique journey. I understand that seeking therapy can be a daunting step, and I strive to create a therapeutic alliance built on trust and collaboration. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, I am committed to working alongside you and your family to cultivate resilience, self-awareness, and empowerment.
Even when working with children, as a parent you will be involved every step of the way.
As a mental health therapist, I am dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for individuals and families to explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. My approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, playfulness, and respect for each person's unique journey. I understand that seeking therapy can be a daunting step, and I strive to create a therapeutic alliance built on trust and collaboration. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, I am committed to working alongside you and your family to cultivate resilience, self-awareness, and empowerment.

Margaret Waugh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613
I have been trained in and utilize practice informed by Child- Parent Psychotherapy when working with parents and their children ages 0-5.
Therapy is a unique opportunity to focus on yourself and begin down the path to a healthy, more fulfilling life. Working collaboratively with a therapist can help you to explore patterns, relationships and ways of functioning that no longer serve your best interest. This exploration can lead to the strength and confidence necessary to make changes and regain focus in your life. Therapy is an emotionally safe place that will allow you to heal as you address difficult issues, gain clarity, and become reacquainted with your authentic self.
I have been trained in and utilize practice informed by Child- Parent Psychotherapy when working with parents and their children ages 0-5.
Therapy is a unique opportunity to focus on yourself and begin down the path to a healthy, more fulfilling life. Working collaboratively with a therapist can help you to explore patterns, relationships and ways of functioning that no longer serve your best interest. This exploration can lead to the strength and confidence necessary to make changes and regain focus in your life. Therapy is an emotionally safe place that will allow you to heal as you address difficult issues, gain clarity, and become reacquainted with your authentic self.

DiGangi is a neuropsychologist, specializing in anxiety and relationships (in couples, parenting and work).
Dr. Dr. DiGangi is a specialist able to offer the best that science has to offer. She has treated many patients and published in the scientific literature. She has offered care in-person and through telehealth for years.
DiGangi is a neuropsychologist, specializing in anxiety and relationships (in couples, parenting and work).
Dr. Dr. DiGangi is a specialist able to offer the best that science has to offer. She has treated many patients and published in the scientific literature. She has offered care in-person and through telehealth for years.

I specialize in family planning (fertility loss, adoption, parenting) and working with those struggling with identity and life transitions due to career change, divorce, custody, legal and reunification challenges.
Warm wishes and kudos to you for reaching out in this time of such uncertainty. I know all too well how uncertainty in the future and loss of control can contribute to anxiety and feelings of defeat. I have over 10-yrs of experience supporting individuals and couples in the midst of crisis and loss of control. While each circumstance is unique and will vary, please be assured that you are not, and do not have to navigate this alone. Whether it’s loss of purpose, lack of direction or feeling an overall loss of control, I will partner with you to identify your goals and reach fulfillment while gaining a sense of relief along the way.
I specialize in family planning (fertility loss, adoption, parenting) and working with those struggling with identity and life transitions due to career change, divorce, custody, legal and reunification challenges.
Warm wishes and kudos to you for reaching out in this time of such uncertainty. I know all too well how uncertainty in the future and loss of control can contribute to anxiety and feelings of defeat. I have over 10-yrs of experience supporting individuals and couples in the midst of crisis and loss of control. While each circumstance is unique and will vary, please be assured that you are not, and do not have to navigate this alone. Whether it’s loss of purpose, lack of direction or feeling an overall loss of control, I will partner with you to identify your goals and reach fulfillment while gaining a sense of relief along the way.

Some of my identities that shape the work I do are: being a biracial Chinese-English immigrant, feminist, abolitionist, and parent.
I became a therapist because I love building relationships with people, learning about your inner world, and helping you create change in your life. I know everyone has strengths and skills they bring to their healing journey, and I love creating a safe space with people to reflect, be curious, and challenge patterns that are no longer working for you. In our demanding, scarcity-driven world, slowing down and taking time to take care of yourself can be a transformative act. I also know that our identities and unique experiences impact our relationship and access to mental health care.
Some of my identities that shape the work I do are: being a biracial Chinese-English immigrant, feminist, abolitionist, and parent.
I became a therapist because I love building relationships with people, learning about your inner world, and helping you create change in your life. I know everyone has strengths and skills they bring to their healing journey, and I love creating a safe space with people to reflect, be curious, and challenge patterns that are no longer working for you. In our demanding, scarcity-driven world, slowing down and taking time to take care of yourself can be a transformative act. I also know that our identities and unique experiences impact our relationship and access to mental health care.

I have experience treating individuals from diverse backgrounds who come to treatment with trauma, grief, self-harming behaviors, low self-esteem, gender dysphoria, depression and anxiety as well as parenting, relationship, work-place and family issues.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide psychotherapy to teens, emerging adults, adults and families. I offer a nurturing, warm environment where you will feel heard and safe. It is my belief that the therapeutic process works best when the therapist meets the client “where they are” and allows space for a working alliance to develop organically. Once understanding and trust have been established, we will delve into deeper therapeutic work to address areas in your life where you feel stuck and unsatisfied. I can help you identify your core values and guide you to recognize unhelpful behaviors.
I have experience treating individuals from diverse backgrounds who come to treatment with trauma, grief, self-harming behaviors, low self-esteem, gender dysphoria, depression and anxiety as well as parenting, relationship, work-place and family issues.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide psychotherapy to teens, emerging adults, adults and families. I offer a nurturing, warm environment where you will feel heard and safe. It is my belief that the therapeutic process works best when the therapist meets the client “where they are” and allows space for a working alliance to develop organically. Once understanding and trust have been established, we will delve into deeper therapeutic work to address areas in your life where you feel stuck and unsatisfied. I can help you identify your core values and guide you to recognize unhelpful behaviors.

Many view their child’s behavior as a direct reflection of their parenting, which can lead to stress and misunderstandings.
As a child and family therapist, I serve as a translator between children and their parents. Many children thrive simply from the experience of being seen and valued despite their problematic behaviors. I am able to support co-parents as they navigate relationship transitions and find new ways of connecting emotionally after having children.
Many view their child’s behavior as a direct reflection of their parenting, which can lead to stress and misunderstandings.
As a child and family therapist, I serve as a translator between children and their parents. Many children thrive simply from the experience of being seen and valued despite their problematic behaviors. I am able to support co-parents as they navigate relationship transitions and find new ways of connecting emotionally after having children.

In doing so, I work with clients with multiple concerns, including parenting, depression, school problems, and trauma, to name a few.
Greetings! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience providing therapy services to diverse individuals.
In doing so, I work with clients with multiple concerns, including parenting, depression, school problems, and trauma, to name a few.
Greetings! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience providing therapy services to diverse individuals.

Ruth C Mills
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60647
I provide standalone parent focused therapy and support if wanted and also have regular parent sessions as part of my therapeutic work with children and young people.
I approach each relationship in a collaborative, positive, and individual way. Understanding how my client communicates best and creating a therapeutic environment where they can do as they feel safe. Helping them and their families understand where challenging feelings and behavior have come from, why and how they can be changed.
I provide standalone parent focused therapy and support if wanted and also have regular parent sessions as part of my therapeutic work with children and young people.
I approach each relationship in a collaborative, positive, and individual way. Understanding how my client communicates best and creating a therapeutic environment where they can do as they feel safe. Helping them and their families understand where challenging feelings and behavior have come from, why and how they can be changed.

Lauren Robinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MDiv
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613
I support individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, and help them identify, process, and find transformation through a range of issues including: negotiating parenting roles and expectations, adjusting to life transitions, processing loss and grief, spiritual questioning, and managing relational stress.
I bring compassion, laughter, and evidence-based strategies such as DBT, CBT, and mindfulness to each session with clients. I invite clients to bring their wealth of knowledge, skills, and strengths to session. We will work together to identify goals and a therapeutic plan.
I support individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, and help them identify, process, and find transformation through a range of issues including: negotiating parenting roles and expectations, adjusting to life transitions, processing loss and grief, spiritual questioning, and managing relational stress.
I bring compassion, laughter, and evidence-based strategies such as DBT, CBT, and mindfulness to each session with clients. I invite clients to bring their wealth of knowledge, skills, and strengths to session. We will work together to identify goals and a therapeutic plan.

In my work with children I have specialized training in working with children with ADHD, Autism Spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioral difficulties and related parenting issues.
Congratulations on taking the first step towards making a commitment to improve your life through the process of therapy. It is so important to find someone that you feel is the right fit for you, or for your loved one. I enjoy working with individuals at all stages of life, but practice mostly with children, adolescents, young adults and families. Regardless of the issue, I am committed to helping you or your loved one discover the best parts of yourself so that you can move towards healthy changes for the future.
In my work with children I have specialized training in working with children with ADHD, Autism Spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioral difficulties and related parenting issues.
Congratulations on taking the first step towards making a commitment to improve your life through the process of therapy. It is so important to find someone that you feel is the right fit for you, or for your loved one. I enjoy working with individuals at all stages of life, but practice mostly with children, adolescents, young adults and families. Regardless of the issue, I am committed to helping you or your loved one discover the best parts of yourself so that you can move towards healthy changes for the future.
Meet Our Parenting Therapists

Christine Wulbecker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60647
Are you overwhelmed in your role as a parent, birth worker, pregnant person, or just as a member of society in general?.
I have been passionately supporting individuals and families since 2010. With advanced-level training in perinatal mental health and faith-based social work, my holistic approach nurtures both the mind and the spirit. Having grown up overseas, I bring a unique perspective that resonates deeply with the diverse experiences of my clients.
Are you overwhelmed in your role as a parent, birth worker, pregnant person, or just as a member of society in general?.
I have been passionately supporting individuals and families since 2010. With advanced-level training in perinatal mental health and faith-based social work, my holistic approach nurtures both the mind and the spirit. Having grown up overseas, I bring a unique perspective that resonates deeply with the diverse experiences of my clients.

Whether you're single, a single parent, married, co- parenting, in a relationship - we'll collaborative work on the betterment of YOU!.
Accepting New Clients. Hi, I am Nancy Griffin, Integrative Life Coach! Using my own life experiences combined with a diverse range of healing techniques in the areas of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellness, I have a passion for helping you achieve positive changes in all areas of life! Therapy is a great way to improve the quality of relationships, learn coping skills, overcome obstacles and to focus on better understanding yourself and the intricate layers within your life's purpose.
Whether you're single, a single parent, married, co- parenting, in a relationship - we'll collaborative work on the betterment of YOU!.
Accepting New Clients. Hi, I am Nancy Griffin, Integrative Life Coach! Using my own life experiences combined with a diverse range of healing techniques in the areas of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellness, I have a passion for helping you achieve positive changes in all areas of life! Therapy is a great way to improve the quality of relationships, learn coping skills, overcome obstacles and to focus on better understanding yourself and the intricate layers within your life's purpose.

I am particularly interested in parent-child relationships and hope to help parents improve family functioning and satisfaction through parent-coaching.
I use warmth, safety, and a non-judgmental environment to help you explore what is causing you distress. I am a patient listener and will be thoughtful in my feedback to you. I also employ a variety of evidence-based techniques and skills that will help you overcome your obstacles and set goals for your treatment.
I am particularly interested in parent-child relationships and hope to help parents improve family functioning and satisfaction through parent-coaching.
I use warmth, safety, and a non-judgmental environment to help you explore what is causing you distress. I am a patient listener and will be thoughtful in my feedback to you. I also employ a variety of evidence-based techniques and skills that will help you overcome your obstacles and set goals for your treatment.

I am dedicated to empowering individuals aged 14-50 to overcome generational trauma, navigate life transitions, and refine their parenting practices.
I help clients navigate anxiety and depression during life changes by examining systemic factors and empowering them to make impactful decisions. I address systemic barriers, fostering awareness, clarity, and confidence. My approach transforms anxiety and depression into agency, supporting clients in their unique journeys.
I am dedicated to empowering individuals aged 14-50 to overcome generational trauma, navigate life transitions, and refine their parenting practices.
I help clients navigate anxiety and depression during life changes by examining systemic factors and empowering them to make impactful decisions. I address systemic barriers, fostering awareness, clarity, and confidence. My approach transforms anxiety and depression into agency, supporting clients in their unique journeys.

Perhaps you are a parent struggling to feel connected to your child and questioning your parenting or maybe your child or teen seems unhappy or is having problems in school or with peers.
I believe in the healing power of therapy for all ages, and I can help guide you every step of the way towards the balance and happiness you desire for yourself and/or your family. In a safe, accepting, and judgement-free space, you (or your child/teen) can express yourself fully, while finding your unique pathway to long-lasting health and well-being.
Perhaps you are a parent struggling to feel connected to your child and questioning your parenting or maybe your child or teen seems unhappy or is having problems in school or with peers.
I believe in the healing power of therapy for all ages, and I can help guide you every step of the way towards the balance and happiness you desire for yourself and/or your family. In a safe, accepting, and judgement-free space, you (or your child/teen) can express yourself fully, while finding your unique pathway to long-lasting health and well-being.

Jamie D. Pellar LCSW,BCD,CYT
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, CYT, MA
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60613
I help couples/families restore better communication and redevelop bonds that seem to have faded, as well as work with problematic parent-child interactions.
With more than 20 years of experience, I have learned to empower my clients with the proper tools to survive the upheaval, heal & then thrive. I believe the mind, body and spirit are all connected & the key to a healthy life is BALANCE. Each person has the ability to achieve this & by utilizing the body and spirit through different modalities, it is facilitated even faster. I provide a safe, nurturing & compassionate environment that promotes healing & growth through different expressions besides just talking including hypnotherapy, yoga & meditation, when appropriate . I work on focus,awareness and energy together with each client to help create a healthier balance.
I help couples/families restore better communication and redevelop bonds that seem to have faded, as well as work with problematic parent-child interactions.
With more than 20 years of experience, I have learned to empower my clients with the proper tools to survive the upheaval, heal & then thrive. I believe the mind, body and spirit are all connected & the key to a healthy life is BALANCE. Each person has the ability to achieve this & by utilizing the body and spirit through different modalities, it is facilitated even faster. I provide a safe, nurturing & compassionate environment that promotes healing & growth through different expressions besides just talking including hypnotherapy, yoga & meditation, when appropriate . I work on focus,awareness and energy together with each client to help create a healthier balance.

Hello! I’m Hannah Hensley, an MSW practicum provider helping individuals find freedom from anxiety and peace in stressful life transitions through a person-centered approach. I’m passionate about helping others develop strong relationships and healthy family dynamics through marriage and parenting support. I’m engaged in the military community and am a student at the University of Texas at Arlington, where I am completing my Master of Social Work.
Hello! I’m Hannah Hensley, an MSW practicum provider helping individuals find freedom from anxiety and peace in stressful life transitions through a person-centered approach. I’m passionate about helping others develop strong relationships and healthy family dynamics through marriage and parenting support. I’m engaged in the military community and am a student at the University of Texas at Arlington, where I am completing my Master of Social Work.

I am driven to focus on relational conflict, family sculpting with blended families and single- parent, men and women’s issues, communities of color, intergenerational trauma, systemic racism, and mindfulness.
There is power in seeking the help of others along our journey, and it is my hope that therapy can represent a unique healing environment, focused on your reality and your needs. The change that we all seek lies within our stories being validated and understood. As we witness the power of our stories in light of culture, race, gender, sexual orientation, and other intersections of identity through therapy, we partner in using your strengths to lessen your limitations. By developing your self-awareness, we can work to heal from past wounds, develop more understanding of your Self and those around you, and create better relationships.
I am driven to focus on relational conflict, family sculpting with blended families and single- parent, men and women’s issues, communities of color, intergenerational trauma, systemic racism, and mindfulness.
There is power in seeking the help of others along our journey, and it is my hope that therapy can represent a unique healing environment, focused on your reality and your needs. The change that we all seek lies within our stories being validated and understood. As we witness the power of our stories in light of culture, race, gender, sexual orientation, and other intersections of identity through therapy, we partner in using your strengths to lessen your limitations. By developing your self-awareness, we can work to heal from past wounds, develop more understanding of your Self and those around you, and create better relationships.

My specialties include LGBTQ+, gender identity, sexuality, ADHD, Anxiety, Neurodevelopmental and behavioral emotional disorders, and parent management training.
Finding the right therapist can be a daunting and vulnerable task, whether you're new to the process or a seasoned pro. As you're scrolling through endless profiles and bios, you may ask yourself "Do I belong here?". I became a therapist to give people the safe space, supportive relationship and perspective that they may not get in other aspects of their lives. I also hope to challenge the stigma that may have discouraged them from engaging in the therapy process.
My specialties include LGBTQ+, gender identity, sexuality, ADHD, Anxiety, Neurodevelopmental and behavioral emotional disorders, and parent management training.
Finding the right therapist can be a daunting and vulnerable task, whether you're new to the process or a seasoned pro. As you're scrolling through endless profiles and bios, you may ask yourself "Do I belong here?". I became a therapist to give people the safe space, supportive relationship and perspective that they may not get in other aspects of their lives. I also hope to challenge the stigma that may have discouraged them from engaging in the therapy process.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Parenting Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Cicero
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Maywood
- Norridge
- North Riverside
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Riverside
Parenting Therapists
What does therapy for parenting look like?
Therapists may work with parents individually, together, or include the whole family to find solutions for the problems a parent faces. Many parent-based therapies work on a parent’s relationship with their children, problem-solving within the family, and analysis of family dynamics. Therapy conducted remotely by video may be helpful in allowing a therapist to observe how families interact in their own homes.
When should a parent seek therapy?
When behavioral problems begin to disrupt the healthy functioning of a family, it may be a good time to look into therapy. If parents find that children are acting out in school, have started using drugs or alcohol, have developed eating disorders, or other similar red flags, a therapist may be able to help.
How long does therapy take for parenting problems?
Depending on the severity of a family’s challenges and the type of treatment utilized, therapy for parenting can last from weeks to months. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a pragmatic therapy type that can be brief, most often ranging from between 5 and 20 sessions. Structural family therapy, which inspects family dynamics, often takes several months. Parent-child interaction therapy is typically shorter-term, lasting between 10 and 20 sessions. For any therapy, the duration will depend on the progress made and results realized.
Can therapy help parents dealing with burnout or stress?
Parenting is difficult. Parents may dismiss or conceal feelings of exhaustion, overwhelm, or escape ideation—imagining withdrawing from their parental obligations altogether. but left unattended, these feelings can have negative effects on the whole family. A therapist can help parents work on the skills they might need to better cope with the burdens of parenting and help them be the best parents they can be.