Therapists in Chicago, IL

Thanks for checking out my page and kudos to you for taking care of yourself! What matters most to me is that my clients know they are welcomed and accepted for who they are. As a therapist, I support clients as they make their way through challenging times, whether that be a breakup, a rejection, loneliness, family struggles, depression, or life transitions that feel overwhelming. In my work, I strive to help clients find belonging and connection while also becoming more accepting of unpleasant or challenging experiences outside of their control.

In a time where the world is shifting toward isolation, I will guide you in new ways to help form closer relationships to yourself and to others no matter your orientation or relationship style. Whether you are challenged by self-esteem, emotional connection, body image, anxiety, sexuality, conflict management, (re)building intimacy, differing sexual desires, arousal concerns, or navigating the world of dating; huge transformations await you! I'll support and guide your efforts to become more aware of intruding patterns to embrace more understanding and meaning in your life and help you become closer to the people you love.

Are you done struggling with anxiety, depression, and relationships? Are you ready to feel fully yourself and alive again? Are you ready to build the life you want to live? My first goal when meeting with you is to establish a genuine & collaborative connection. This'll serve as the foundation for the work necessary to deal with daily feelings, understand experiences & make positive changes to your life. We'll work together to help you feel whole, peaceful, and connected. When you're done with therapy, you'll feel empowered and ready to face whatever challenges life throws at you. I can help you live your passion, purpose & truth.

My style of therapy is best suited towards clients who hope to develop a meaningful therapeutic relationship that can be used to better understand and address uncomfortable feelings and problematic relational patterns. By helping clients talk about disappointing and hurtful relationships throughout their lives, I have been amazed to see how well clients can make sense of what once seemed confusing and disorienting, ultimately moving forward with greater confidence. Additionally, I have a deep respect for the healing process that ensues when people can express their feelings and thoughts free of fear or inhibition.

Individuals come to my office burdened with feelings of being lost, lonely, empty, or disconnected from their closest relationships. Some express a deep yearning to experience authenticity, presence, and freedom. I take an active approach, one that seeks to empower clients to foster not only a deeper understanding of themselves but also the keys to more fulfilling relationships with others. My specialization centers on equipping clients with the indispensable tools of self-awareness and cognitive restructuring, enabling them to nurture self-compassion, harness effective communication skills, and fortify their sense of self.

I specialize in working with men, especially those who identify as gay, bi or queer. Common issues I work with clients on include relationship/intimacy struggles, isolation, depression, shame, career issues, anger/rage, anxiety, sexual issues, feelings of numbness and addiction. I can assure you a level of comfort and understanding as well as specialized training when dealing with these issues. In addition, I take a sex positive approach and am attuned to the needs of poly, non-monogamous, kink and BDSM clients.

I have a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate a range of behavioral, emotional, physical, and spiritual concerns. My experiences have not only provided me with an in-depth knowledge of psychological theories and evidence-based interventions, but also an intimate understanding that healing and growth through psychotherapy cannot take place without a strong acceptance, appreciation, and integration of the unique strengths, needs, and identities of those with whom I work. My responsibility as your therapist is to walk alongside you in a collaborative manner that will help facilitate the change and healing you desire.

Although beginning therapy and delving deeper into the inner workings of your life can initially be fearful, it is a courageous act and an opportunity for growth and a new understanding of who you are. I believe that the foundation of any effective therapeutic work is a genuine therapeutic relationship based on trust, honesty, and empathy. I value creating a non-judgmental environment where you feel seen, accepted, and understood and can safely explore difficult emotions and relational patterns that may have previously felt too overwhelming to embark on alone.

Whether you are going through a fog in your life, struggling to get over hurt, experiencing broken relationships, depressive mood, stress and anxiety, or seeking help with career decisions or finding a new path, I'm here to offer support to you.

We work together to identify and support who you are at your core. I help you determine what you want from your relationships, family and career and then create a plan to make it happen. Of course, there may be some challenges along the way but I don't believe life has to be endless suffering. Schedule a session and we can figure out the path together. All you need already exists within you!

My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe space where you can explore and heal the difficult and painful issues that are showing up in your life. Together we will move beyond problem-solving into releasing the deeply held mistaken beliefs and core unresolved issues behind your symptoms. My body-centered and somatic approach allows me to work directly with your nervous system to address symptoms like anxiety, racing thoughts, and irrational fears as well as feeling stuck, depressed and unavailable or unresponsive to life and relationships.

There are numerous reasons why an individual makes a decision to seek therapy. From my perspective, the key factor in being able to examine your individual reasons is based upon the relationship between yourself and your therapist. I offer a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment in order to explore your individual needs with a commitment to placing the highest priority on your care. We will work collaboratively to identify and address your concerns in order to foster meaningful change in your life. My clinical experience has included working not only with individuals but couples, families and groups.

Costa holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from DePaul University and a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Certified Professional Coach. Costa utilizes a variety of therapeutic and motivational approaches (including CBT) to help his clients cope with depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, and a variety of life transitions and stressors. He also has spent many years helping clients navigate career development goals and achieving greater career success.

I am committed to helping individuals live more fulfilling, meaningful, and complete lives. Often, we may find ourselves feeling disconnected from others and from ourselves, or we may feel like we’re unable to live the life we would like to live. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental, and empathic space where we can explore these difficult thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I consider the therapeutic relationship to something to be cherished and will walk by your side as we do the work of coming back home to who we really are.

I am a firm believer that the success of a therapeutic relationship can be determined within the first two sessions. A strong alliance between the practitioner and client is essential for the success of treatment. As such, I place a strong emphasis on creating an environment that fosters comfortable conversation, safety, and openness between us as partners in the therapeutic process. By doing so, and allowing conversation to flow naturally, I believe that a more authentic alliance can begin to develop. I adhere mainly to cognitive behavioral theory to serve as the backbone for the therapeutic techniques that I employ.

Michael Alexander is a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, Illinois. Have you experienced anxiety, loss, feeling marginalized, trauma, and/or feelings of depression that have impacted your life? My approach and practice promotes self-awareness, self-love, and creating a safe environment for clients to be their full authentic selves in session. I utilize CBT, trauma-informed, relational, and strength-based therapy techniques in session. My specialization is working with adolescents, and adults (men and women, LGBTQI) with a focus on addressing relationships, and familial trauma through a culturally informed lens.

Struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, or self-esteem? Or are you having a hard time committing to relationships and tasks? I am committed to working with you as you navigate challenges that keep you from experiencing a full and happy life. I enjoy working with people of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and specializing in working with individuals struggling with anxiety . depression . substance abuse . trauma . and self-esteem, as well as with couples seeking to improve communication and learn conflict resolution skills. I strive to foster a strong and safe therapeutic relationship by meeting you where you are.

The ideal client is seeking out reassurance and support in times of calm as well as crisis. The goal is to help clients with the issues facing them every day to treat the entire person, not just the pinpointed issue. A therapist is only as strong as the relationship with each client. Each client is unique, collaboratively we find an approach to therapy that fits to your specific needs and goals then we re-evaluate to bring about the best self. Whether it be LGBTQIA+ issues, sex/intimacy, relationships, depression, anxiety, OCD, substance use, kink and/or other issues, you aren't alone. Together we can get you where you want to go.

¡Hola! My name is Luis and I am a bilingual therapist with a focus on treating depression and anxiety. I have had the privilege of witnessing incredible transformations and helping individuals find relief and happiness so they can achieve their goals. I also work the areas of trauma, gender identity, sexual orientation, relationship problems, stress, self-esteem, mindfulness, self-care, and culture shock. As a Spanish speaker, I'm thrilled to be able to offer therapy sessions in Spanish. Language should never be a barrier to seeking support. I am here to contribute to the idea that everyone can access the help they need.