Therapists in Chicago, IL

Have you found it difficult to set boundaries in relationships? Are you feeling deflated by societal expectations? Does uncertainty about the future overtake your thoughts? Whatever you may be experiencing, I commend you for being here. It’s no simple task to address the challenges you may be facing, but I believe it is the most important step forward.

Welcome! I’m glad you’re here. I am a licensed therapist with over a decade of clinical experience working with adults from a myriad of backgrounds. I offer a collaborative approach to therapy with warmth, authenticity, and empathy. My primary areas of focus include anxiety, ADHD, depression, disordered eating, career concerns, parental stress, women’s issues, life transitions, and relationship issues. I pride myself on consistent education and self reflection in cultural competency to ensure I am able to justly provide services to all communities.

As a licensed clinical psychologist, my goal is to make therapy a rewarding process that allows individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Oftentimes, people struggle to make decisions about their future, cope with a loss, question their identity, or feel conflicted in their closest relationships. Others grapple with ongoing difficulties, such as recurring depression and anxiety, that overwhelm and impair their ability to engage in their everyday life in a manageable way. No matter the challenge you face, when working with me, you will have a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative partner to address your concerns and support you as you take your next steps.

My clients describe my approach as gentle and direct with a dab of humor. I do my best work treating individuals who have experienced interpersonal trauma, people who are navigating their role in complicated families, and those who have been emotionally abused. I tend to find success with people who struggle with depression or low self-esteem, people who work in high-stress or helping professions, and people who do not know where to start. I have experience working with people with Bipolar Disorder, PMDD, learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, insomnia, auto-immune conditions, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, autism, & PTSD.

It's important that you find a therapist that is a right fit for you. I strive to create a safe holding environment where clients feel understood and encouraged to take their next step. I utilize a developmental framework and family systems approach, while viewing each client as a unique individual. I specialize in working with young children and families, providing individual, family, couples, and group treatment.

UPDATE: I currently have openings for new telehealth clients (MD, IL, and PSYPACT states). My practice consists of a small group of psychologists focused on helping clients make changes toward more fulfilling, connected, and healthier lives. Knowing it can be difficult to reach out for help, I create a caring, safe space in which we work collaboratively to foster healing and eliminate barriers to finding meaning and living life more fully. Therapy is a collaborative endeavor, and it is key to develop an effective and nurturing relationship in which we have a common understanding of the challenges you face.

Starting therapy is hard and it is important to find someone you trust and feel comfortable with. If you are struggling with anxiety, trauma, or identity/relationship issues I would love to talk with you. I have extensive experience in working with mental health concerns related to these areas, and more, and I integrate a variety of approaches and techniques into my work as a means of promoting growth and change. Therapy might not be a place for quick fixes but it can lead to lasting change. I offer free phone consultations to talk and see if we might work well together.

For over 15 years of providing therapy, Christine enjoys helping individuals recover from issues concerning self-esteem, anxiety, addiction, trauma, codependency, adjustments to motherhood, life transitions, self-identity, and relationship dynamics. She also enjoys teaching clients successful tools to help conquer difficult life challenges and gain a sense of empowerment. Additionally, she is fully trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which helps to process trauma and unresolved emotions.

It takes a great deal of courage to share your experiences with someone, and I am honored to walk this journey with you! Together we can explore how current (and past) stressors and uncertainties may be impacting your lived experience. I aim to co-create an open and warm therapeutic space of collaboration where we can unfold your experiences and culture while strengthening insight, healthy coping skills, and self-compassion. In this process we can explore a holistic understanding of your self in the context of your relationships and the world. I offer easy-to-use, HIPAA-compliant TeleHealth/teletherapy services.

At the heart of my work, I approach therapy from a relational, psychodynamic therapy model, which means I believe the relationship between the client and therapist can be a transformative component in the growth process. I am a LPC combining modern neurobiology with holistic somatic healing, the psychodynamic therapeutic relationship, and body-based practices to create an experiential awakening on a bodily, psychological and emotional level. I work from a somatic-centered therapeutic approach, meaning that I believe that the body tells the stories and narratives. For more information, my website is: www.kellypastori.com

I believe that dealing with stressful situations can become tough and overwhelming. But, I also believe that you have the ability – with professional guidance – to unlock your own potential and solve the problems that are holding you back from a more fulfilling life. My role is to partner with you in change, create specific and achievable goals, and work together in lock-step to help you reach your full potential. My ideal client has been suffering from anxiety, depression, relationship problems, immigration and acculturation issues, LGBTQIA+, burnout, trauma, and substance abuse and is looking to make a change for the better.

My clinical areas of specialty include sex and sexuality, reproductive mental health concerns (e.g. postpartum mood and anxiety concerns, navigating infertility, perimenopause & menopause, PMDD, etc), anxiety/mood, and relationship challenges. Some folks I work with also might describe themselves as sensitive, deep thinkers/feelers. Overall, I often support clients in growing self-compassion, increasing self-awareness, living more aligned with their values, and in creating a life that feels sustainable and meaningful.

***Dr. Sachdev currently has limited daytime availability at both offices***A therapist can be an ally and partner during times when life presents us with challenges that make us feel stuck. A strong therapeutic relationship can help us feel safe and comfortable as we work to understand ourselves and get 'unstuck'. As a clinician, I aim to develop a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients. I am present and accessible to my clients. I have a warm and very down-to-earth style that helps my clients find their voice as we embark on a journey towards empowerment.

I approach my clinical work with a grounding in my deeply-held belief that all human beings have infinite worth. My goal for all individuals with whom I work is to support each person's path towards experiencing that worth within themselves. Having worked in the mental health field for the past 16 years with children, adolescents, adults, and families, I have utilized this philosophy to guide the process of therapy with individuals having a wide range of challenges, from autism spectrum disorders to struggles with mood and anxiety to relationship problems.

This summer, take the courageous step towards self-discovery and growth. Let's work together to uncover the insights and transformations you seek, building a brighter, more fulfilling path forward. I know that starting or restarting therapy can be intimidating and finding the right fit is important. In my practice I take time to work with clients to feel understood without judgement while building meaningful insight. Building communication, understanding, compassion, and confronting difficult patterns are important components to consider when looking for a therapist and these are hallmarks of my work with clients.

For over 15 years I have worked with children, teens and adults managing difficulties with social, emotional and behavioral difficulties. The diverse experience with each age has given me insight to share in the therapy room with you. I address each challenge with great care and energy to help move toward growth with you or your child to find understanding and greater ways of coping, being in relationships and thriving.

Together we will focus on reaching new understandings in your life to support your goals, well-being and agency. We will explore your personal and environmental challenges, while discovering helpful meanings and solutions thru our conversations - often casual and comfortable in style. We will process the root of your anxiety, unhappiness and/or discontent, while taking a fresh look at your needs and coping style - working to empower your strengths. Together here we consider the reasons that bring you to therapy.

We do the best we can with the histories and resources we have. Our experiences and relationships shape/influence us, sometimes leaving us hopeful and nourished and other times leaving us stuck, depleted, anxious, sad, confused/overwhelmed. With a safe space and support, we can draw on our inner resilience to confront, manage and transcend our challenges, freeing us to live more authentic and fulfilling lives. My work is trauma-informed. My process is collaborative and interactive. I approach each therapy encounter with an open mind, recognizing that you are the expert in your life and know what works and what you need from therapy.

I am passionate about working collaboratively with my clients on their unique mental health goals. As a clinical social worker at a community mental health agency, I have experience working with folks struggling with their relationship with substances, complex trauma backgrounds, and more. I am committed to meeting my clients where they are at and working together to help overcome life's challenges. I embrace my queer identity, and I enjoy working with folks who identify as LGBTQIA+ and are looking for a clinician who is aware of the specific challenges and intersectional issues we face within our community.