Self-Harming Therapists in Chicago, IL
I excel at building positive therapeutic rapports with children, adolescents, adults, and families presenting with trauma, depression, anxiety, self-harming, mood lability, and impulsivity.
I've had the privilege to work with diverse populations that helped me grow as a clinician. My clients entered my office presenting with depression, anger, or anxiety. We came to discover the impact of trauma on daily functioning. My specialty to help my clients find and understand the “why” to emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to manage daily life.
I excel at building positive therapeutic rapports with children, adolescents, adults, and families presenting with trauma, depression, anxiety, self-harming, mood lability, and impulsivity.
I've had the privilege to work with diverse populations that helped me grow as a clinician. My clients entered my office presenting with depression, anger, or anxiety. We came to discover the impact of trauma on daily functioning. My specialty to help my clients find and understand the “why” to emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to manage daily life.
Ready to break free from what’s holding you back? If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or constantly battling stress and uncertainty, I’m here to help you make lasting change. Therapy with me isn’t just about talking –it’s about finding real, actionable solutions to transform your life. I specialize in helping folks navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, ADHD and body image/eating concerns. My approach is tailored to you: whether you need to tackle deep-seated patterns or just need a compassionate ear as you navigate life’s challenges. Together, we’ll focus on practical steps that lead to meaningful change.
Ready to break free from what’s holding you back? If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or constantly battling stress and uncertainty, I’m here to help you make lasting change. Therapy with me isn’t just about talking –it’s about finding real, actionable solutions to transform your life. I specialize in helping folks navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, ADHD and body image/eating concerns. My approach is tailored to you: whether you need to tackle deep-seated patterns or just need a compassionate ear as you navigate life’s challenges. Together, we’ll focus on practical steps that lead to meaningful change.
I work with teens, young adults, and adults, specializing in Borderline Personality Disorder, complex trauma, and management of high-risk, self-harming, and suicidal behaviors.
I am the Founder and Director of Midwest DBT, LLC, where my team and I provide full-fidelity comprehensive DBT, DBT skills training, supportive psychotherapy, and clinical supervision and consultation.
I work with teens, young adults, and adults, specializing in Borderline Personality Disorder, complex trauma, and management of high-risk, self-harming, and suicidal behaviors.
I am the Founder and Director of Midwest DBT, LLC, where my team and I provide full-fidelity comprehensive DBT, DBT skills training, supportive psychotherapy, and clinical supervision and consultation.
I am a therapist-in-training who believes that healing begins with honoring the full story you bring into the room—your relationships, culture, and lived experiences. I deeply value my clients’ autonomy and trust what each person chooses to explore in therapy.
My work is rooted in psychodynamic, relational, strengths-based, and arts-based approaches, allowing us to look at both present day concerns and the emotional patterns that are shaped by past experiences. I utilize these to support clients in their understanding of themselves and to encourage overcoming life's hurdles.
I am a therapist-in-training who believes that healing begins with honoring the full story you bring into the room—your relationships, culture, and lived experiences. I deeply value my clients’ autonomy and trust what each person chooses to explore in therapy.
My work is rooted in psychodynamic, relational, strengths-based, and arts-based approaches, allowing us to look at both present day concerns and the emotional patterns that are shaped by past experiences. I utilize these to support clients in their understanding of themselves and to encourage overcoming life's hurdles.
Clients often come to therapy feeling stuck in patterns that once helped them survive but no longer feel aligned with who they are. Strategies like independence, people-pleasing, avoidance, or emotional shutdown are often shaped by early relationships and lived experiences and while they may have once offered protection; over time they can feel limiting or isolating. Many clients are seeking space to slow down, understand these patterns with compassion, and reconnect with themselves and others in ways that feel more grounded, authentic, and sustainable
Clients often come to therapy feeling stuck in patterns that once helped them survive but no longer feel aligned with who they are. Strategies like independence, people-pleasing, avoidance, or emotional shutdown are often shaped by early relationships and lived experiences and while they may have once offered protection; over time they can feel limiting or isolating. Many clients are seeking space to slow down, understand these patterns with compassion, and reconnect with themselves and others in ways that feel more grounded, authentic, and sustainable
Change can feel scary, but it can be easier when we feel empowered and supported. As a therapist, my goal is to create a warm, comfortable, and non-judgmental environment to help you explore your experiences, emotions, and patterns, and decide together how change can happen. I utilize a person-centered, holistic approach to work alongside you and help you feel more connected to yourself, your values, and your goals. We all deserve to feel supported, safe, and confident, and I strive to create a space where we can identify and work toward your goals together.
Change can feel scary, but it can be easier when we feel empowered and supported. As a therapist, my goal is to create a warm, comfortable, and non-judgmental environment to help you explore your experiences, emotions, and patterns, and decide together how change can happen. I utilize a person-centered, holistic approach to work alongside you and help you feel more connected to yourself, your values, and your goals. We all deserve to feel supported, safe, and confident, and I strive to create a space where we can identify and work toward your goals together.
I work with individuals experiencing trauma related to grief and loss, sexual assault, gun violence, first-generation responsibilities, low self-esteem, cultural expectations, toxic relationships, and major life transitions. I help clients find tangible ways to cope with stress and heal from its impact on their well-being and mental health.
I work with individuals experiencing trauma related to grief and loss, sexual assault, gun violence, first-generation responsibilities, low self-esteem, cultural expectations, toxic relationships, and major life transitions. I help clients find tangible ways to cope with stress and heal from its impact on their well-being and mental health.
I’m a licensed therapist who works with adults from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds facing challenges related to mental health and addiction. My approach emphasizes empathy, positive support, and nonjudgment. I incorporate evidence-based practices such as Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness. I believe that connecting with our authentic selves not only enhances our sense of wellness and self-esteem but also strengthens the relationships we share with others.
I’m a licensed therapist who works with adults from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds facing challenges related to mental health and addiction. My approach emphasizes empathy, positive support, and nonjudgment. I incorporate evidence-based practices such as Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness. I believe that connecting with our authentic selves not only enhances our sense of wellness and self-esteem but also strengthens the relationships we share with others.
If you feel like your emotions run the show—swinging from intense highs to overwhelming lows—you’re not alone. Many people struggle with impulsive behaviors, relationship conflict, self-criticism, or feeling out of control with their thoughts and reactions. You may know what you want to do differently, but in the moment it feels impossible to change.
I work with individuals who experience intense emotions and want practical tools to regain stability and direction in their lives. Together, we focus on building the skills needed to manage emotions, improve relationships, and create a life that feels meaningful and sustainable.
If you feel like your emotions run the show—swinging from intense highs to overwhelming lows—you’re not alone. Many people struggle with impulsive behaviors, relationship conflict, self-criticism, or feeling out of control with their thoughts and reactions. You may know what you want to do differently, but in the moment it feels impossible to change.
I work with individuals who experience intense emotions and want practical tools to regain stability and direction in their lives. Together, we focus on building the skills needed to manage emotions, improve relationships, and create a life that feels meaningful and sustainable.
Many of my clients come to therapy feeling weighed down by emotions that seem too heavy to carry alone. They may be grieving a loss, healing from trauma, or struggling to manage the demands of multiple identities and roles. Whether you’re an adult or teen, you may long to feel calmer, more connected, and more in control of your emotions. Therapy offers a place to rebuild trust in yourself, honor what you’ve endured, and create space for growth and self-compassion.
Many of my clients come to therapy feeling weighed down by emotions that seem too heavy to carry alone. They may be grieving a loss, healing from trauma, or struggling to manage the demands of multiple identities and roles. Whether you’re an adult or teen, you may long to feel calmer, more connected, and more in control of your emotions. Therapy offers a place to rebuild trust in yourself, honor what you’ve endured, and create space for growth and self-compassion.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois. I received my MA in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Illinois University and have practiced for over 25 years. I enjoy helping people find hope again when struggling with depression, trauma, and self-injury. Life is hard, and sometimes we need to know that someone out there believes in us and knows that we can heal.
In our first session, I want to answer any questions you may have and get to know each other briefly.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois. I received my MA in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Illinois University and have practiced for over 25 years. I enjoy helping people find hope again when struggling with depression, trauma, and self-injury. Life is hard, and sometimes we need to know that someone out there believes in us and knows that we can heal.
In our first session, I want to answer any questions you may have and get to know each other briefly.
Our worlds are chaotic, messy and sometimes cruel. As a result it is easy to unknowingly repeat that disorganization in our own lives. My goal to challenge these patterns of behaviors and relationships that may be keeping children, adolescents and emerging adults stuck. My specialty is working with strong personalities who have difficulty communicating their emotions with others, often relying on their behaviors alone to do so. My clients are quirky teens who have ADHD, trauma, self injury, suicidality and mood disorders in addition to adolescents and college students who struggle with identity formation and healing the past.
Our worlds are chaotic, messy and sometimes cruel. As a result it is easy to unknowingly repeat that disorganization in our own lives. My goal to challenge these patterns of behaviors and relationships that may be keeping children, adolescents and emerging adults stuck. My specialty is working with strong personalities who have difficulty communicating their emotions with others, often relying on their behaviors alone to do so. My clients are quirky teens who have ADHD, trauma, self injury, suicidality and mood disorders in addition to adolescents and college students who struggle with identity formation and healing the past.
"Strive to achieve all you want. Find happiness in everything you do" Are you having difficulties accomplishing this? My goal is to help you achieve this, to become unstuck and to help you move forward. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is essential to achieve this. During this process, I will help guide and support you through your strengths and to build upon it. I have had experience working with multitude of issues with clients ranging from anxiety, depression, severe mental illness to divorce, LGBT, family & romantic relationship issues as well as adjustment and or life transition issues.
"Strive to achieve all you want. Find happiness in everything you do" Are you having difficulties accomplishing this? My goal is to help you achieve this, to become unstuck and to help you move forward. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is essential to achieve this. During this process, I will help guide and support you through your strengths and to build upon it. I have had experience working with multitude of issues with clients ranging from anxiety, depression, severe mental illness to divorce, LGBT, family & romantic relationship issues as well as adjustment and or life transition issues.
I work with young adults and adults, as well as adolescents and families, who are navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, trauma, life transitions, and relationship stress. Many feel stuck, reactive, or unsure why things haven’t improved despite their efforts. With experience across levels of care, including higher-acuity settings, I support clients dealing with emotion dysregulation, self-harm, mood concerns, and eating disorders.
I work with young adults and adults, as well as adolescents and families, who are navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, trauma, life transitions, and relationship stress. Many feel stuck, reactive, or unsure why things haven’t improved despite their efforts. With experience across levels of care, including higher-acuity settings, I support clients dealing with emotion dysregulation, self-harm, mood concerns, and eating disorders.
I specialize in supporting adolescents, young adults, and adults who struggle with overwhelming emotions, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and relationship difficulties. With advanced training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I provide a safe and structured space where you can feel understood, build clarity, and take steps toward lasting change. My approach is collaborative and hands-on: I’ll offer practical skills for managing emotions, tolerating distress, and improving relationships, while also helping you shift the deeper patterns that hold you back.
I specialize in supporting adolescents, young adults, and adults who struggle with overwhelming emotions, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and relationship difficulties. With advanced training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I provide a safe and structured space where you can feel understood, build clarity, and take steps toward lasting change. My approach is collaborative and hands-on: I’ll offer practical skills for managing emotions, tolerating distress, and improving relationships, while also helping you shift the deeper patterns that hold you back.
I work with clients who have depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and/or attempts, self-harming behaviors, relationship issues, divorce, marriage therapy, grief issues, domestic victims, substance use, anger management and adolescent/family issues.
Does life seem more complicated than it needs to be? Are the daily pressures of life, work, finances, children or relationships getting the best of you? Do you find yourself feeling sad, overwhelmed or anxious? Do you feel alone, abandoned, or invisible? Do you find yourself turning to alcohol or drugs to relax and forget your problems? Or does life feel so hopeless you’re thinking about checking out? If the answer is Yes, Call Debra today for a Free 15 minute consultation and appointment. Let me help you discover the hope and peace you’ve lost and bring more meaning back to your life.
I work with clients who have depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and/or attempts, self-harming behaviors, relationship issues, divorce, marriage therapy, grief issues, domestic victims, substance use, anger management and adolescent/family issues.
Does life seem more complicated than it needs to be? Are the daily pressures of life, work, finances, children or relationships getting the best of you? Do you find yourself feeling sad, overwhelmed or anxious? Do you feel alone, abandoned, or invisible? Do you find yourself turning to alcohol or drugs to relax and forget your problems? Or does life feel so hopeless you’re thinking about checking out? If the answer is Yes, Call Debra today for a Free 15 minute consultation and appointment. Let me help you discover the hope and peace you’ve lost and bring more meaning back to your life.
I support individuals and couples across the lifespan who are navigating uncertainty around identity, relationships, family expectations, or major life transitions. I focus on building a warm, compassionate connection, knowing the therapeutic relationship is a strong predictor of meaningful change. I tailor therapy to your needs while gently challenging patterns that no longer serve you, using relational therapy, CBT, art-based interventions, and somatic-based therapy to support insight and regulation. As a trauma-sensitive yoga teacher, I integrate mind–body practices to support holistic healing in a culturally attentive way.
I support individuals and couples across the lifespan who are navigating uncertainty around identity, relationships, family expectations, or major life transitions. I focus on building a warm, compassionate connection, knowing the therapeutic relationship is a strong predictor of meaningful change. I tailor therapy to your needs while gently challenging patterns that no longer serve you, using relational therapy, CBT, art-based interventions, and somatic-based therapy to support insight and regulation. As a trauma-sensitive yoga teacher, I integrate mind–body practices to support holistic healing in a culturally attentive way.
I work with thoughtful, capable people who are often carrying more than they let on. Many of my clients are navigating anxiety, burnout, grief, trauma, or major life transitions. My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and grounded in nervous system awareness. I pay close attention to both your words and what’s happening beneath them, helping you slow down, build safety, and understand patterns that may no longer serve you. Therapy with me is collaborative and steady, designed to support insight, regulation, and meaningful change. I bring a calm, grounded presence shaped by years of working with people under real strain.
I work with thoughtful, capable people who are often carrying more than they let on. Many of my clients are navigating anxiety, burnout, grief, trauma, or major life transitions. My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and grounded in nervous system awareness. I pay close attention to both your words and what’s happening beneath them, helping you slow down, build safety, and understand patterns that may no longer serve you. Therapy with me is collaborative and steady, designed to support insight, regulation, and meaningful change. I bring a calm, grounded presence shaped by years of working with people under real strain.
My first intention in therapy is to “listen with the ear of my heart.” For over 30 years, I have companioned teens and adults of all ages through life’s ordinary and traumatic challenges. I am a culturally sensitive/culturally affirming therapist, who has a fierce commitment to my clients’ self-determination and well-being. I approach this work with humility, deep respect, and an open and steadfast heart. I am known to hang in there when things get tough, and I enjoy a healthy dose of playfulness and humor in every relationship.
My first intention in therapy is to “listen with the ear of my heart.” For over 30 years, I have companioned teens and adults of all ages through life’s ordinary and traumatic challenges. I am a culturally sensitive/culturally affirming therapist, who has a fierce commitment to my clients’ self-determination and well-being. I approach this work with humility, deep respect, and an open and steadfast heart. I am known to hang in there when things get tough, and I enjoy a healthy dose of playfulness and humor in every relationship.
I want to commend you for your bravery in taking the first step towards reaching out for help. Counseling can give you a non-judgmental place to vent as well as a place to learn about new ways to manage overwhelming feelings. As a therapist, my main way of understanding how people work is through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It can help us challenge our negative thoughts and utilize healthy coping skills. I primarily take a humanistic approach with my clients and make sure to address psychosocial, biological, developmental, spiritual, and cultural issues as needed since every client is unique.
I want to commend you for your bravery in taking the first step towards reaching out for help. Counseling can give you a non-judgmental place to vent as well as a place to learn about new ways to manage overwhelming feelings. As a therapist, my main way of understanding how people work is through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It can help us challenge our negative thoughts and utilize healthy coping skills. I primarily take a humanistic approach with my clients and make sure to address psychosocial, biological, developmental, spiritual, and cultural issues as needed since every client is unique.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Self-Harming Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Cicero
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Lyons
- Norridge
- North Riverside
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Riverside
Self-Harming Therapists
How does therapy for self-harm work?
A person may turn to self-injury so that they can distract themselves from their stress, depression, anxiety, or upsetting circumstances. Therapy can address the cause of an individual’s suffering. A therapist can help a person understand why they may want to self-harm and help the person learn new methods of coping. A person may have poor emotion regulation, and treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is helpful for breaking this behaviour. In addition, treatment such as dialectical behavior therapy can help a person manage their tolerance of distress.
Which therapies are best for self-harm?
Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, and mentalisation-based therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are common approaches for people who have painful thoughts and past traumas. These therapies help an individual cope with distress, regulate emotions, and manage impulsive urges.
Does the tendency to self-harm mean the person is suicidal?
Having this urge does not mean the individual suffers from suicidal ideation. People who want to self-injure look to distract or alleviate themselves from the pain they are experiencing. People with suicidal tendencies want to end life altogether. However, this does not mean a person with the intent to self-harm will not attempt suicide.
How often and how long are therapy sessions for self-harm?
As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Clients may see improvement within 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, while others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, maybe, a six-month period. People, especially those with co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, may need to continue therapy for up to 12 to 18 months.