Therapists in Chicago, IL

I believe a deep, exploratory approach to therapy allows us to uncover the underlying roots of unresolved emotions, unmet needs, and internal conflicts. While I do have training in behavioral therapies and can offer practical techniques for handling distress, my practice centers around helping clients explore the interplay between past experiences, recurring patterns, and present-day behaviors to gain meaningful insight into emotional triggers and coping mechanisms. I developed this approach from my work with people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic distress, difficulty with relationships, and eating disorders.

The therapeutic dialogue is a unique collaboration in which exploration and growth can occur while addressing difficult issues around relationships and life. I work with clients to navigate challenges and explore the parts of themselves that have held them back or limited their ability to make satisfying decisions. Each person coming to therapy is in a different place with different needs. I meet them at that place and work with them to move forward and find healing. My goal is to approach clients with compassionate understanding.

I work in partnership with my clients to reduce symptoms and to make sustainable changes to improve your overall quality of life. I am intentional with my work by providing collaborative, compassionate, and client-centered care that is tailored towards the goal of reducing symptoms and providing coping mechanisms. It is my mission to create a warm, non-judgmental, and empathetic relationship with each client while fostering an environment that promotes growth and well-being. When working with adults, I like to be clear about our goals and direction of therapy. We will work together towards your goals and increasing your well-being.

An ideal client for me, would be someone who hasn't felt heard in a long time. Perhaps someone who's been told "you should do this/that.." but never asked, "what do you want?". Maybe you've never had someone that you can just vent to, and for a therapist to keep things real while still offering professional guidance. An ideal client for me would be anyone who's feeling burnt out, hopeless, or lonely and is ready to regain control of their life. Scopes: Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Trauma, Personality/Mood Disorders, LGBTQ+ issues, Adjustment Disorder, Substance use

My approach to therapy is based on the following: 1. The capacity for growth and healing is innate and hardwired. 2. All behavior serves a purpose. As a result of some life experiences, we may resort to what become maladaptive strategies to try to manage our pain. 3. Maladaptive coping patterns can be changed. 4. Change is scary and uncomfortable, but people are resilient.

I work with individuals and couples to deepen self-understanding, build upon strengths, understand unhelpful patterns, address challenges, and create new and more satisfying strategies for living.

Seeking help is a vulnerable process and one that doesn’t have to be done alone. No matter what you would like to work on, either individually or as a couple, I am committed to helping you find ways to reach your personal goals. In particular, I enjoy working with the LGBTQ+ community and welcome adults and couples of all identities. Additionally, I am body-positivity allied and work with body image, disordered eating and those seeking new and healthy ways to treat their bodies.

Casey Tortorello, LCPC, is an individual and group psychotherapist whose expertise is in the treatment of trauma, eating disorders, co-dependence, relationship struggles, anxiety, depression, and addictive/compulsive behaviors.

Starting therapy can be a daunting and overwhelming process. It is my goal to make it an easy and comfortable transition. I view therapy as a team approach including the child and/or adolescent, the family, community resources, and myself. We work together to best address the presenting challenge. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience working with children, adolescents, and families within a variety of therapeutic settings. I received my Master of Social Work from New York University and a Post Master's Degree from Loyola University.

My goal as a therapist is to assist my clients who are struggling in various areas of their life gain back their strength in themselves, provide reparative and healing opportunities, and to learn and perfect coping skills that can be applied in various situations. I have previous experience working with clients who are suffering from trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I aim to boost my clients in allowing them to become the best versions of themselves.

As a justice-oriented therapist, what matters to me is what works for you. I prioritize an intersectional, relational, and pluralistic approach by drawing from multiple frameworks, including but not limited to psychodynamics, parts work, attachment theory, and somatics. I seek to build authentic, accountable, transparent relationships based on your definitions of safety and respect. Centering and affirming your experiences in the world is most important to me. In our time together, I’ll regard you as the expert in your own lived experience as we both learn more about what it is like to be you.

I believe therapy is a collaboration between client and therapist, working together to understand and shift patterns that may not be working for you anymore. I understand the strength it takes to face challenges and the sense of vulnerability that goes along with it. I believe the relationship that develops between client and therapist fosters a comfortable space where honest dialogue can happen. My approach is straightforward, encouraging and comes with a bit of humor as a way to remind ourselves that life is supposed to be enjoyed.

Everything has felt meaningless lately. Another week sleepwalking through the motions at work and dreading your time at home. Since that event, you’re not even sure what any of it is for. The people around you have noticed a change in your behavior; you’ve stopped socializing and have become gloomier. You had no idea how devastating this loss/change would be or how much it would change your life. Now, nights are spent restlessly staring at the ceiling. You barely eat and can’t remember the last time you exercised. Painful thoughts flood in without warning and overwhelm you. Life has become colorless, and you don’t see a way forward.

People are not their diagnoses even though these labels can sometimes be informative. I prefer to get to know you. Specifically, what do you want out of therapy? What is currently working for you, not working? What brings you in to see me in this moment? Therapy is not only about reducing our suffering, but also finding meaning and fulfillment in our lives. It is about getting to know ourselves, parts that we love, parts that we are afraid of, parts that we don't yet understand. People are also not things that need to be "fixed", instead, this is a place for healing, self-compassion, and growth.

Choosing the right therapist is important. I am committed to assisting you confront old and new obstacles and make meaningful changes in your life. I have the highest respect for someone who comes through my door. Together, we create a path for personal healing and growth.

You are taking the first step in feeling better by exploring the idea of therapy. Work, family, relationships, societal pressure: it's a lot to manage, especially alone. Perhaps you feel like life is increasingly challenging and you no longer feel like you. While you may be experiencing pain and anguish, things can feel better. Just as the body can heal from physical pain, the mind can heal from emotional pain. Working with a therapist is a unique collaborative relationship built on trust and respect that helps you examine some of the difficult parts of life, whether in the past or present.

As a licensed clinical social worker, I believe it is important to start where the patient (or family) is in their therapeutic journey. I can help you explore and understand the emotional barriers in life and reach your full potential utilizing patient-centered and strengths-based approach to care.

My approach is founded upon the relationship I have with each client. I create a safe, comfortable environment by providing empathy, genuineness, and a sense of humor, and work collaboratively with each client to meet their unique goals. I help clients to identify, express, and understand emotions so that they may better manage them. Therapy can also aid in understanding and changing patterns in relationships that may contribute to distress. I welcome conversations with clients about our relationship, as this can be very useful in shedding light on other relationships in their lives.

Above all else, I value the human experience. My approach is to meet individuals, couples, and families where they are to help balance their current reality with what they desire. I can help you develop improved insights and effective coping skills. I work with couples and families to achieve healthy goals of relating. Once empowered with tools, clients can begin to experience a new and positive reality. For clients who desire brief or solution-focused therapy, I'm happy to work with you in minimizing past failures/problems and shift towards increasing your strengths. *Call me to make an appointment.