Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Chicago, IL
I specialize in working with adults struggling with feelings of unworthiness/low self-esteem, complex trauma survivors, the pain that comes from neglectful/emotionally immature parents, anxiety, and depression.
If you find yourself not feeling good enough, struggling to cope with traumas, worries, and pain from the past, or wanting to learn more about yourself and why you think and behave in the ways that you do, my therapeutic approach may be right for you. My intention in our work together is to see you, understand you, and challenge you to grow. Depending on your needs, we will work together to increase your self-awareness and help you gain a better ability to regulate triggers/feelings. With time and some self-compassion, you will be able make different decisions in life to get you closer to who and where you want to be.
I specialize in working with adults struggling with feelings of unworthiness/low self-esteem, complex trauma survivors, the pain that comes from neglectful/emotionally immature parents, anxiety, and depression.
If you find yourself not feeling good enough, struggling to cope with traumas, worries, and pain from the past, or wanting to learn more about yourself and why you think and behave in the ways that you do, my therapeutic approach may be right for you. My intention in our work together is to see you, understand you, and challenge you to grow. Depending on your needs, we will work together to increase your self-awareness and help you gain a better ability to regulate triggers/feelings. With time and some self-compassion, you will be able make different decisions in life to get you closer to who and where you want to be.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, haunted by past trauma, or stuck in patterns that impact your relationships?.
Trained in EMDR levels one and two, I have seen its profound effectiveness in treating anxiety, trauma, and phobias, bringing significant relief to many of my clients. My areas of expertise include anxiety and phobias, child and adolescent trauma, sexual trauma, and marriage and couples therapy. I am here to support you in your healing journey.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, haunted by past trauma, or stuck in patterns that impact your relationships?.
Trained in EMDR levels one and two, I have seen its profound effectiveness in treating anxiety, trauma, and phobias, bringing significant relief to many of my clients. My areas of expertise include anxiety and phobias, child and adolescent trauma, sexual trauma, and marriage and couples therapy. I am here to support you in your healing journey.
I use an array of Art Therapy, PolyVagal Therapy, Narrative Therapy, CBT and EMDR techniques to address anxiety, depression, trauma, and social and family issues in a safe and playful manner with successful results.
You have come here because you want something to change. Therapy can bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. I think a lot about the brain and and how we unconsciously replicate patterns. The work I do uses current neuropsychology to help integrate outdated patterns into newer more helpful ones.
I use an array of Art Therapy, PolyVagal Therapy, Narrative Therapy, CBT and EMDR techniques to address anxiety, depression, trauma, and social and family issues in a safe and playful manner with successful results.
You have come here because you want something to change. Therapy can bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. I think a lot about the brain and and how we unconsciously replicate patterns. The work I do uses current neuropsychology to help integrate outdated patterns into newer more helpful ones.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I bring extensive experience in treating mental health challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression and PTSD.
I strive to create a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients feel genuinely heard and supported. Together, we will identify your strengths, explore your concerns, and develop strategies that empower you to move forward. Whether through individual sessions, group therapy, or mindfulness-based intervention, my goal is to help you navigate challenges.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I bring extensive experience in treating mental health challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression and PTSD.
I strive to create a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients feel genuinely heard and supported. Together, we will identify your strengths, explore your concerns, and develop strategies that empower you to move forward. Whether through individual sessions, group therapy, or mindfulness-based intervention, my goal is to help you navigate challenges.
Alicia specializes in trauma-focused therapies, working with diverse age groups and family systems across the Chicagoland communities.
Her clinical areas of focus and interest include adjustment to trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief (loss) and bereavement for adults, couples, and families. Alicia has an expressed passion for providing services to older adult populations (55+). Prior to coming to LifePath, she co-created the Meaningful Living for Older Adults groups.
Alicia specializes in trauma-focused therapies, working with diverse age groups and family systems across the Chicagoland communities.
Her clinical areas of focus and interest include adjustment to trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief (loss) and bereavement for adults, couples, and families. Alicia has an expressed passion for providing services to older adult populations (55+). Prior to coming to LifePath, she co-created the Meaningful Living for Older Adults groups.
I specialize in supporting children, adolescents, and adults through the healing process after they have been exposed to traumatic life events such as abuse/neglect, adoption, divorce, grief/loss, attachment difficulties, medical trauma, and other life stressors.
I work creatively to meet families and individuals where they are at based on their cultural background and needs. I work collaboratively to address concerns within the family unit and provide a safe space for exploration through talk therapy, mind-body connections such as EMDR, art, and play therapy. I am trained in several evidence-based trauma therapies.
I specialize in supporting children, adolescents, and adults through the healing process after they have been exposed to traumatic life events such as abuse/neglect, adoption, divorce, grief/loss, attachment difficulties, medical trauma, and other life stressors.
I work creatively to meet families and individuals where they are at based on their cultural background and needs. I work collaboratively to address concerns within the family unit and provide a safe space for exploration through talk therapy, mind-body connections such as EMDR, art, and play therapy. I am trained in several evidence-based trauma therapies.
My therapeutic approach is informed by motivational interviewing, family systems and other trauma informed approaches.
Life can be really difficult to navigate at times. Different spaces in life require different tools and skills. Maybe, you are finding that the tools that worked in a previous space in time, are no longer useful; leaving you feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Maybe, you are tired of the same feelings of guilt, hurt, and shame from your past and you are ready to heal. Maybe you are feeling the intensity of the current time and world we live in, and you need a space to process it all. Whatever the case, it is my passion assisting teen and adult women as they discover themselves and develop what they need to live the lives they desire.
My therapeutic approach is informed by motivational interviewing, family systems and other trauma informed approaches.
Life can be really difficult to navigate at times. Different spaces in life require different tools and skills. Maybe, you are finding that the tools that worked in a previous space in time, are no longer useful; leaving you feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Maybe, you are tired of the same feelings of guilt, hurt, and shame from your past and you are ready to heal. Maybe you are feeling the intensity of the current time and world we live in, and you need a space to process it all. Whatever the case, it is my passion assisting teen and adult women as they discover themselves and develop what they need to live the lives they desire.
I offer a trauma-responsive relationship through which we can explore narrative healing of your authentic self, commitments to anti-oppressive and anti-racist living, anti-adultist parenting support, and supportive community and relationship building.
As an Associate Instructional Professor at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, I integrate social work theory into practice, utilizing a harm reduction, anti-oppressive, anti-adultist, trauma-lens rooted in transformative justice. I offer therapy and consultation to BIPOC folks of all ages, sexuality, gender, and spirituality.
I offer a trauma-responsive relationship through which we can explore narrative healing of your authentic self, commitments to anti-oppressive and anti-racist living, anti-adultist parenting support, and supportive community and relationship building.
As an Associate Instructional Professor at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, I integrate social work theory into practice, utilizing a harm reduction, anti-oppressive, anti-adultist, trauma-lens rooted in transformative justice. I offer therapy and consultation to BIPOC folks of all ages, sexuality, gender, and spirituality.
I have extensive experience with providing therapy to individuals with depression, anxiety, non-suicidal self-injury, self-esteem issues, fertility concerns, disordered eating, body image concerns, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and ideation, psychosis, personality disorders, LGBTQIA+ issues, relationship concerns, OCD, and trauma/ PTSD/CPTSD.
I have specialized training in dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). I tend to provide therapy from all of these approaches in a gentle and challenging way.
I have extensive experience with providing therapy to individuals with depression, anxiety, non-suicidal self-injury, self-esteem issues, fertility concerns, disordered eating, body image concerns, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and ideation, psychosis, personality disorders, LGBTQIA+ issues, relationship concerns, OCD, and trauma/ PTSD/CPTSD.
I have specialized training in dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). I tend to provide therapy from all of these approaches in a gentle and challenging way.
My experience includes working with clients of all ages who have anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Therapist (LCPC) and Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (BC-DMT). I have more than 10 years of experience helping individuals harness their potential to move towards their desired goals, facilitating change and healing. I use a client-centered approach, focusing on empathy, open-mindedness, and unconditional positive regard. I also incorporate Dialectic Behaviors Therapy (DBT), to improve insight, resilience, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. I do psychosomatic work to strengthen mind-body connections.
My experience includes working with clients of all ages who have anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Therapist (LCPC) and Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (BC-DMT). I have more than 10 years of experience helping individuals harness their potential to move towards their desired goals, facilitating change and healing. I use a client-centered approach, focusing on empathy, open-mindedness, and unconditional positive regard. I also incorporate Dialectic Behaviors Therapy (DBT), to improve insight, resilience, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. I do psychosomatic work to strengthen mind-body connections.
Elizabeth Selph
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MBA, MA
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60654
I specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, and feeling “other than.
Therapy is about providing professional support to help you work through what blocks you from experiencing emotional freedom and choice. Sometimes, our cultural, familial, and social experiences cause us pain that we don’t know how to process, which stops us from living fully and freely. Our learned patterns and ways of responding interfere with making sense of our experiences. We need help sifting through our thoughts and emotions to get clarity. Recovery from anxiety, depression, or relationship problems is a healing process, whether from a chemical imbalance or in reaction to life.
I specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, and feeling “other than.
Therapy is about providing professional support to help you work through what blocks you from experiencing emotional freedom and choice. Sometimes, our cultural, familial, and social experiences cause us pain that we don’t know how to process, which stops us from living fully and freely. Our learned patterns and ways of responding interfere with making sense of our experiences. We need help sifting through our thoughts and emotions to get clarity. Recovery from anxiety, depression, or relationship problems is a healing process, whether from a chemical imbalance or in reaction to life.
Meet Our Trauma and PTSD Therapists
She has experience working with adults and adolescents from diverse backgrounds who struggle with anxiety, depression, history of trauma, sexual identity, gender identity, mood disorders, personality disorders, relationship issues, codependency, and mild to severe addictions.
Delaney's integrative approach includes modalities such as CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and trauma-informed therapy. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing and working toward EMDR certification. Typical sessions with Delaney focus on gaining insight, making positive changes, and building a toolbox of coping skills.
She has experience working with adults and adolescents from diverse backgrounds who struggle with anxiety, depression, history of trauma, sexual identity, gender identity, mood disorders, personality disorders, relationship issues, codependency, and mild to severe addictions.
Delaney's integrative approach includes modalities such as CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and trauma-informed therapy. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing and working toward EMDR certification. Typical sessions with Delaney focus on gaining insight, making positive changes, and building a toolbox of coping skills.
My experience has included helping those demonstrating symptoms associated with ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, interpersonal/relational challenges, grief, trauma, school refusal, and self-esteem issues.
I place great importance on creating a safe, warm, and collaborative therapeutic environment for individuals. I strive to build a supportive and honest relationship with clients while maintaining patience, compassion, and humor. I understand that therapeutic change comes from focusing on an individual’s needs while processing the impact of various ecological systems. I value connection with others in order to empower individuals to take on life’s inevitable challenges. I maintain a strength-based and resilience-focused lens while also utilizing interventions from CBT, DBT, ACT, and play therapy to meet the needs of the client.
My experience has included helping those demonstrating symptoms associated with ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, interpersonal/relational challenges, grief, trauma, school refusal, and self-esteem issues.
I place great importance on creating a safe, warm, and collaborative therapeutic environment for individuals. I strive to build a supportive and honest relationship with clients while maintaining patience, compassion, and humor. I understand that therapeutic change comes from focusing on an individual’s needs while processing the impact of various ecological systems. I value connection with others in order to empower individuals to take on life’s inevitable challenges. I maintain a strength-based and resilience-focused lens while also utilizing interventions from CBT, DBT, ACT, and play therapy to meet the needs of the client.
I am a bilingual Registered Art Therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with a specialty in trauma-informed theories, EMDR, and relational therapeutic perspectives.
The clients I work alongside of often seek reflection and changes in their life. This can sometimes be scary, painful, intimidating and occasionally leading to leave things as they are. However in my experience, the thirst for a more fulfilling life is always present. Sometimes hiding behind a hobby or creative interest, music we listen to, places that make us feel at home or a certain moment of the year when we feel more hopeful. I deeply enjoy helping my clients find those special pieces of fulfillment together. With time and intention, these later become the foundation for healing, change, and deeper reflection.
I am a bilingual Registered Art Therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with a specialty in trauma-informed theories, EMDR, and relational therapeutic perspectives.
The clients I work alongside of often seek reflection and changes in their life. This can sometimes be scary, painful, intimidating and occasionally leading to leave things as they are. However in my experience, the thirst for a more fulfilling life is always present. Sometimes hiding behind a hobby or creative interest, music we listen to, places that make us feel at home or a certain moment of the year when we feel more hopeful. I deeply enjoy helping my clients find those special pieces of fulfillment together. With time and intention, these later become the foundation for healing, change, and deeper reflection.
I've worked extensively with and understand the issues of individuals/spouses/families of city workers (police, fire, etc) and others dealing with anxiety, depression, anger management issues, addictions, trauma & situational stress, and life transitions.
I'm a personable therapist w/ 30+ yrs experience. Although I'm virtual only, I've practiced on Chicago's south side since 1996. My working class, practicality-based background informs my approach of getting to understand WHY what we do & feel is important and necessary for real change. I strive to help others live a full, balanced and creative life.
I've worked extensively with and understand the issues of individuals/spouses/families of city workers (police, fire, etc) and others dealing with anxiety, depression, anger management issues, addictions, trauma & situational stress, and life transitions.
I'm a personable therapist w/ 30+ yrs experience. Although I'm virtual only, I've practiced on Chicago's south side since 1996. My working class, practicality-based background informs my approach of getting to understand WHY what we do & feel is important and necessary for real change. I strive to help others live a full, balanced and creative life.
Triseugeny Kononelos
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RYT-200
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I offer trauma-informed therapy that blends somatic healing, depth Jungian psychology, and cultural sensitivity.
As a first-generation Greek American, I understand how cultural identity, family dynamics, and intergenerational pain shape how we relate to ourselves and others. Together, we’ll explore the emotional, physical, and relational patterns that keep you stuck—and slowly transform them into self-awareness, clarity, and choice.
I offer trauma-informed therapy that blends somatic healing, depth Jungian psychology, and cultural sensitivity.
As a first-generation Greek American, I understand how cultural identity, family dynamics, and intergenerational pain shape how we relate to ourselves and others. Together, we’ll explore the emotional, physical, and relational patterns that keep you stuck—and slowly transform them into self-awareness, clarity, and choice.
Cassandra Damm
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
I also have specialized training in PTSD and trauma as an EMDR certified therapist.
I offer therapeutic interventions with warmth and compassion, focusing on strengths to help identify opportunities for change and actualization. My primary areas of experience include depression/anxiety and other mental health concerns, substance use/recovery, and concerns related to gender or sexuality. I see therapy as a journey aiming to get deeper understanding of oneself, relationships, and the world around us.
I also have specialized training in PTSD and trauma as an EMDR certified therapist.
I offer therapeutic interventions with warmth and compassion, focusing on strengths to help identify opportunities for change and actualization. My primary areas of experience include depression/anxiety and other mental health concerns, substance use/recovery, and concerns related to gender or sexuality. I see therapy as a journey aiming to get deeper understanding of oneself, relationships, and the world around us.
I'm licensed in IL and hold additional certifications and trainings in motivational interviewing, harm reduction, child-parent psychotherapy, domestic violence, reflective practice, and trauma-informed therapy.
Hello, I am Kathy Daniher; a licensed clinical therapist and I have been providing clinical therapy for over 17 years. One of my greatest passions is being able to support individuals and help them to make the best choices for themselves. I believe that the only person that knows what is best for you is you. I know the importance of engagement and trust, and I strive to create an environment that is supportive and healing.
I'm licensed in IL and hold additional certifications and trainings in motivational interviewing, harm reduction, child-parent psychotherapy, domestic violence, reflective practice, and trauma-informed therapy.
Hello, I am Kathy Daniher; a licensed clinical therapist and I have been providing clinical therapy for over 17 years. One of my greatest passions is being able to support individuals and help them to make the best choices for themselves. I believe that the only person that knows what is best for you is you. I know the importance of engagement and trust, and I strive to create an environment that is supportive and healing.
I work with young adults/college aged individuals as well as adults (25+) and specialize in various trauma related symptoms, anxiety/depression, life transitions, self esteem, body image, identity development, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
My hope is to cultivate a therapeutic environment that is authentic, empathetic, non-judgmental and filled with compassionate curiosity. I view therapy as a collaborative process that encourages personal growth, self-compassion, and empowerment in the areas that are important to you. As an art therapist, if interested, I can incorporate the art making process as a restorative tool to increase insight in nonverbal forms of expression while expanding your own imaginative capabilities. My desire is to provide a safe space to explore past experiences and traumas while creatively working towards healing and growth.
I work with young adults/college aged individuals as well as adults (25+) and specialize in various trauma related symptoms, anxiety/depression, life transitions, self esteem, body image, identity development, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
My hope is to cultivate a therapeutic environment that is authentic, empathetic, non-judgmental and filled with compassionate curiosity. I view therapy as a collaborative process that encourages personal growth, self-compassion, and empowerment in the areas that are important to you. As an art therapist, if interested, I can incorporate the art making process as a restorative tool to increase insight in nonverbal forms of expression while expanding your own imaginative capabilities. My desire is to provide a safe space to explore past experiences and traumas while creatively working towards healing and growth.
I specialize in working with those who've experienced religious trauma and adults coming to terms with a difficult childhood.
I work best with those ready to explore painful pasts and find self-understanding and liberation in the present. I also have specific training in EMDR, ERP, ACT, Somatic therapy, and expansive relationship structures. I am poly affirming, sex-positive, and a Health at Every Size practitioner.
I specialize in working with those who've experienced religious trauma and adults coming to terms with a difficult childhood.
I work best with those ready to explore painful pasts and find self-understanding and liberation in the present. I also have specific training in EMDR, ERP, ACT, Somatic therapy, and expansive relationship structures. I am poly affirming, sex-positive, and a Health at Every Size practitioner.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Trauma and PTSD Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Broadview
- Cicero
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Maywood
- North Riverside
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Riverside
Trauma and PTSD Therapists
When should I seek treatment for trauma?
Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.
How long does trauma therapy take?
Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.
What happens if trauma is left untreated?
Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.
Can PTSD come back after treatment?
It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.