Therapists in Chicago, IL

You've been feeling distressed. Maybe it's because you're concerned that an important relationship grows more conflicted or distant no matter what you've tried. Maybe it's because you're wrestling with thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that interfere with your everyday life. Finding a good match for therapy is essential to your success; you want someone who will be a knowledgeable, caring guide. Working with your personal strengths, I will join with you to find the solutions you need. Asking for feedback, listening empathically, and answering your questions are ways I collaborate with you from the beginning.

I enjoy working with adult professionals who are feeling burnt out, tired of striving for perfection, and stuck reaching for coping skills that no longer serve them. As a therapist, I believe that everything is relational. The most important relationship we have is the one we nourish with ourselves. I empower my clients to refine, deepen, and strengthen their communication, foster emotional intimacy with themselves and others, and address cyclical relational patterns that feel difficult to end.

It is continually inspiring to be part of the collaborative exploration of how we think, feel, function, and experience the world around us which occurs in therapy. In my work with clients and in my own therapy, I’ve seen how a relationship with an empathic professional can be critical in developing self-understanding and making practical, positive changes. My goal is to create a warm and nonjudgmental space where you can feel comfortable and safe, while also providing honest and direct feedback to support your growth.

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is paramount in fostering change. It is through an open, nonjudgmental, and safe environment that clients can explore and grow into their most authentic selves and lead more fulfilling lives. My approach emphasizes how our past and present experiences shape how we relate to others and the world around us. I work with children, adolescents, and adults, and utilize an integrative and collaborative approach that incorporates aspects of Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Feminist, Relational, and Strengths-Based approaches.

My approach is rooted in the practices of mindfulness and self-compassion. I integrate a variety of mindfulness techniques to psychology to help people nurture their lives with kindness and awareness, and connect with their natural well-being. My practice is informed by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic techniques, client-centered approach and Buddhist psychology. My clinical experience includes a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, sexuality, addiction and grief.

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.

Liberation Psychotherapy is a private LGBTQ-centered group therapy practice. Our foundational philosophy is based on the meaningful engagement between the therapist and client and achieved using Carl Rogers’ client-centered techniques of active-listening, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Liberation Psychotherapy’s primary mission is to help clients explore their experiences thereby clients can heal and grow and embrace their strengths and resiliencies. To honor and respect the uniqueness of our clients, we subscribe broadly to a liberation and integrative model.

Are you looking for growth in your personal and professional life? Together we'll work together to identify your strengths as well as any mental blocks standing in your way of becoming your best self. Areas of clinical expertise include working with individuals who are experiencing life changes/ challenges. Folks who have/are experiencing complex trauma, low self esteem, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and domestic violence. I provide relationship/ marriage and family counseling to those struggling with a variety of issues ranging from infidelity, communication and poly couples. As well as services for the LGTBQIA+.

My career as a therapist has afforded me opportunities to work with individuals from all walks of life. I immigrated to the United States from Kiev, Ukraine and feel intimately familiar with the challenges faced by all of the groups I mentioned. I am able to work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families and treat a wide variety of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, adjustment difficulties, grief / loss, relationship problems, family conflict, and addiction. I am proud member of Chicagoland’s Ukraine Community and am fluent in the Russian and Ukrainian languages.

Do you refer to yourself as a “people pleaser?” Ever find yourself doing something out of obligation because you have trouble saying “no?” Situations like this can feel very confusing and upsetting. Many people struggle with identifying and expressing their needs and wants. Oftentimes this leads to difficulty setting boundaries, balancing work/life, and experiencing feelings of resentment. Creating your own story is one of the most empowering things you can do. Therapy helps you explore your own values and beliefs so you can learn what feels meaningful to you.

Cheri DeMoss is founder & director of Empowering OptionsTM Counseling Innovations. For the past 29 years, Cheri's approach is distinctive in its effectiveness. She provides key information; clear insights & innovative techniques to use immediately. By teaming new information with fresh ways to look at long-standing beliefs, reactions, & behavior patterns you can create the changes you want. Whether you want to improve your relationship, alleviate depression, or be more pro-active in your life - the things we struggle with come from not having relevant knowledge that we can turn into action.

Dr. Bedi is the clinical director and co-owner of New Insights Behavioral Health Services. She is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years of specialized training in providing therapy and assessment services to children, adolescents, adults, and their families. She has worked in community mental health centers and hospital settings, in both clinical and supervisory positions. Dr. Bedi has also held adjunct faculty positions at Alder University, and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and has published several papers regarding the impact of childhood trauma in adulthood.

I offer individual psychotherapy as well as family therapy in-office or through tele-health. I also offer equine therapy. The bond between humans and horses, under my guidance, becomes a gateway to healing and personal growth. I am deeply passionate about this profession and feel privileged to witness the positive impact it has on the lives of those I work with.

For most people, we often find ourselves stuck in patterns, overwhelmed with circumstances and life can be unfair at the worst times. Life has a lot of metaphors for journeys because of how much they shape and twist around us, we can still get lost on the path forward. I believe that by building awareness in our behaviors, identity, emotions, social connections and past, will give you the best road map to really understand what is best for you. By acknowledging each client's unique background and identity (personality, goals, passions) I can create a strong and tailored treatment plan for their possible symptoms and concerns.

Have you been feeling anxious or sad? Do you ever feel stuck in your relationship with yourself or others? Whatever you have been feeling, I can imagine facing these feelings has been challenging, confusing, and scary. These feelings are not uncommon for those of us who experience or have experienced emotionally charged and vulnerable moments. To manage these feelings, many of us often ignore them, which can lead to them feeling intense and uncomfortable. Together we can learn to understand and manage your feelings, ultimately improving your relationship with yourself and others.

We all have been shaped by our past experiences but sometimes we don’t know how to move forward. We don’t want to be “stuck in the past,” but we also know we can’t “avoid” our history. I have extensive experience in helping people process their lived experiences, understand how their relationships with themselves and others affects who they are, and approach anxiety, trauma, grief and loss in a manner that gives space for healing.

I'm a psychologist who's caring and direct. I use compassion, wisdom and humor to help clients understand and deal with problems in a way that's respectful and honors their unique situation. My style is grounded in the belief that promoting an individual's innate desire and ability to move forward in life is the key to progress in therapy. If you're feeling overwhelmed in life, dealing with something you find increasingly hard to handle and are ready to make a change, I can help. Please consider calling me to begin exploring a new way to live.

My interest includes cross-cultural issues with couples, individual therapy, and group therapy. I have extensive experience working with adults who are coping with trauma, domestic violence, struggle with depression, anxiety and addiction. My earlier work focused on immigrants and refugees who have experienced trauma. The therapeutic relationship gives clients a chance to safely explore new effective coping mechanisms to improve the quality of their lives. I have significant clinical experience working with the Latino and Native American communities.Clients have the power to infuse new meaning into their lives and experience fulfillment

Erik Shookman is a Licensed Social Worker who has experience working with adults and adolescents from all walks of life. He specializes in addressing issues related to depression, anxiety, OCD, phobias, relationships, grief and loss, trauma and addiction. Erik strongly believes that the foundation of any successful treatment is built upon the therapeutic alliance between client and therapist. He takes a holistic approach to therapy and takes great pride in the working relationships that he cultivates with his clients. He strives to make his clients feel safe, seen, and understood.