Therapists in Chicago, IL

I am a Latina bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor with New Insights Behavioral Health Services. As a daughter of Mexican immigrants, I understand the importance of representation for the BIPOC community and the key role it plays to making a therapeutic relationship thrive. I work with children/adolescents and families to understand the complexity of our experiences through a therapeutic lens. With Multicultural and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy we can uncover patterns that trigger the internal conflicts we face in our daily lives.

I love working with college students, adults and couples on a wide variety of issues, but in particular I specialize in ADHD, dating and relationship concerns, family trauma, ethical non-monogomy, polycules and life transitions. My hope for you is straightforward: to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, where you'll gain the tools, insights, and courage to embrace your potential and live a life that's authentically yours.

Tired of being tired? I get that. Always having to be strong can be exhausting. Overwhelmed, excessive worry, lack of interest, irritability, and procrastination are just a few things I hear from Black women in therapy. Together in therapy we can address those feelings and work towards your goals and improved mental health.

I am a licensed therapist with over a decade of experience and hold a master's in Social Work. I have a great deal of experience working with anxiety, OCD, depression, PTSD, school refusal, life transitions, step-down from higher levels of care (hospital or IOP/PHP are common) as well as working with folks on the spectrum/neurovariance. I provide, individual, family (however you define it) and relationship therapy with people of nearly all ages (min.6YO) as well as brief treatment for acute crises and custom treatment paths for people's unique needs..

My approach to therapy is informed by mindfulness practices, focused on assisting my clients in "opening up" to the present moment while connecting to their values to strive toward their "Best Self!" I focus on assisting clients in attending to their relational concerns, which allows for them to overcome the emotional distress associated with a history of difficult and painful relationships. I find that it is my duty to establish a safe space where clients feel truly understood. In doing so, I feel honored to be able to "BE" with my clients, as they strive toward growth and empowerment.

Growth and change are a natural part of living, yet they can be difficult to manage. Stillness and repetition are also natural and difficult at times. Maybe you seek to feel more alive, or respond differently to the unexpected. Maybe you seek to be more still. Or maybe you just have a sense that something is not right. Therapy is a relationship that allows exploration, curiosity, and relief. Together, we will find a creative way through the obstacles you face. I look forward to working with you as life unfolds in new and wonderful ways.

Let's clarify a few things! Often people who experience anxiety, depression and panic attacks feel like they are stuck forever. They have gone through difficult life challenges or tough transitions that are taking a toll on their ability to cope as well as they would like. If you are going through one or more of these challenges, you are not alone. Seeking help through therapy can be the first step to taking back control of your life. I utilize a holistic and engaged style to achieve both comfort and trust, blended with authentic and respectful therapeutic techniques.

I provide a warm, nurturing, collaborative environment to foster healthy emotional functioning. My goal is to assist you in creating a healthier sense of self. With over 20 yrs. experience as a psychotherapist, I am well versed in clinical practice. I incorporate a number of methods, including Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, CBT, Mindfulness, & Attachment Therapy. I'm certified in EMDR for the treatment of trauma & other painful or highly charged memories, experiences, & relationships. My use of EMDR can facilitate rapid resolution of painful memories & relationships, trauma, & change negative beliefs about yourself.

Life transitions can be difficult to navigate alone. There may be grief, confusion, sadness and anger, fear, or any combination of these feelings. There is no circumstance too small in which to seek help from a professional clinician. I believe that my role as a therapist is to help you reach beyond your potential helping you access your own gifts and talents to get you through difficult times and draw meaning from life's challenges. I enjoy working with folks of all ages and incorporating art, music, and writing into the therapy process. I am trained in EMDR and currently in training for Somatic Experience.

My style is warm, direct, and empowering. I collaboratively use evidenced-based treatments to identify unhelpful patterns and redefine old values in order to live a more authentic and rewarding life. A trusting and genuine therapeutic relationship is the foundation for growth, and through this space you will gain insight, awareness, and be gently challenged to see new perspectives and solutions.

I believe trusting relationships, creativity, and community are at the heart of inner peace. I offer you a compassionate, empathetic, playful, and non-judgmental space. Trauma influences life, the body, and brain in complex ways and therefore sometimes in therapy we need to talk, and sometimes we need to pause, move, or create. I am informed by attachment theory, psychodynamic approach, and embrace the relational element of healing. As a musician, and with music therapy training, I understand the regulatory power of art and invite you to integrate expressive elements. I offer music-centered and songwriting focused sessions.

 My goal is to provide each client with an emotionally safe environment where they feel comfortable exploring even the biggest challenges, whether it is how to manage overwhelming emotions such as anxiety or depression, rebuild a more honest sense of identity, learn to recognize and fight unhealthy or toxic patterns in life & relationships, confront past trauma or abuse, or other flavors of struggle. Many of my clients battle mood disorders, daunting life transitions, relationship issues, as well as cultural issues, LGBTQ integration struggles, grief/loss, trauma, & body image discomfort/disordered eating.

I appreciate your willingness to take the time to put yourself first and look for a new therapist. In working with me, you will find a safe space where differences are honored. Together, we will explore challenging topics while incorporating different skills and tools that you can utilize regularly. My approach to psychotherapy is trauma-informed, client-centered, with a social justice lens. The goal is to have a holistic approach to healing so that you can reduce symptoms, meet goals, strengthen supports and overcome everyday stress as well as past trauma.

I offer a holistic, individualized approach to therapy centered around the client-therapist relationship. My training is in relational psychodynamic psychotherapy; however, I use a variety of therapeutic interventions including art therapy, breathwork, yoga for trauma, meditation and mindfulness. I believe in empowering each individual through psychoeducation around sleep and diet, attachment styles, the mind-body connection, etc. I have extensive experience in working with trauma, including survivors of domestic violence, emotional & sexual abuse as well as complex childhood trauma. I see adults, adolescents and families.

NOW Accepting New Clients! We are here to support you. Life Aligned Counseling offers individual and couples counseling services. Our team of therapists has experience in a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, loss and grief, relationship issues, self-esteem and self-concept, family conflict, stress management, spirituality, significant life transitions, lgbtqia+ concerns, women's issues, men's issues, etc.

I am a thoughtful, warm, seasoned therapist who combines a relational approach to counseling with sound clinical judgement. I have had the privilege to work with clients who are courageous, hardworking, introspective, and some of the most wonderful people I have met. I am inspired by my clients daily. I greatly enjoy walking alongside individuals and partnering with them as they pursue wholeness. Most frequently, I see clients facing challenges with anxiety, trauma, and spiritual concerns.

If you’re here, chances are you’re looking for a change. Maybe you are unhappy in your relationships, or struggling with body image or food, or maybe you are stuck in what seems like a never ending cycle of depression, anxiety and hopelessness. Perhaps it feels like you can’t catch a break between responsibilities and the constant over stimulation of society. It's okay if you've fallen down- let's get you back on your feet.

As a modern therapist, I provide culturally sensitive and thoughtful therapy to help individuals and couples. I understand how hard it can be to find a therapist that seems relatable or trustworthy. I work particularly well with individuals navigating trauma, relationships, and identity looking for a therapist that "gets it". This may be an overwhelming point in your life, but pursuing psychotherapy can be one of the most transformative experiences you can take to heal & grow.

With 20 years of experience in residential, inpatient, and outpatient settings, my primary focus is helping individuals of all ages better deal with emotional regulation. This includes a range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, autism spectrum, obsessions, anger management, and interpersonal conflicts. I work with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced significant life stressors and are looking for positive ways of coping. I provide both short- and long-term therapy for individuals seeking healthier methods of understanding and dealing with a variety of life issues.