Psychodynamic Therapists in Evanston, IL

Life’s most difficult experiences can provide seeds for change. On our own, it can be challenging to see their potential. As an individual therapist, I aim to create a non-judgmental and authentic space for exploration and growth. I often work with young adults, clients in the midst life transitions, those experiencing symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, clients in recovery from addictions, and those experiencing the impacts of trauma.

With a background in pastoral counseling and youth mental health, Tommy has a gift for putting young people at ease. Through deep listening and connection, he allows clients to be who they are while working to become the person they believe they can be. Tommy works primarily with boys and young men, ages 10 to early 20s—a group that often resists going into therapy. He responds by building a trusting and authentic relationship, helping clients navigate their healing within a mutually respectful space. Tommy’s specialties include ADD/ADHD, compulsive technology use, anxiety, depression, academic pressures, sports performance,

As a therapist who was a lawyer for over 30 years, I am uniquely positioned to work with lawyers and other men and women in high stress occupations, dealing with issues of anxiety, self-esteem, depression, work life balance, relational challenges, occupational dissatisfaction, and difficulties accessing, expressing and regulating emotion. I work with individuals, couples and groups. Although my practice is not limited to lawyers, a significant percentage of my private practice clients are attorneys. You can learn more about me from our websites at CareForLawyers.com and EvanstonTherapy.com.

Hi there! I’m Rachel (she/her) and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Trained in Integrative Systemic Therapy at Northwestern University, I am most passionate about working with couples and individuals (older teens, young adults, adults) presenting with various needs, concerns, and presentations. These include depression/anxiety, trauma, complex PTSD, attachment issues, codependency, life transitions, and relational conflict.

We sometimes find ourselves struggling in life. Psychotherapy can be a great place to examine where we are, how we got there, and where we want to go from here. I work collaboratively with clients to explore these questions with empathy, curiosity, and care. I am passionate about supporting clients in being their true, authentic self, and helping them to create deeper connections with the people in their lives. I value the diverse identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences that each client brings. I aim to meet clients where they are at to uncover the right goals for them.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) specializing in Complex Trauma, Athletics-Focused Counseling, and Alcohol and Drug use. I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, and athletic populations using a collaborative approach that fosters a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. My goal is to work together with you to help navigate your life’s journey. If you have ever felt blocked or unreasonably triggered, have had flashbacks to unpleasant moments in your life, or are unreasonably afraid of the future, we can work towards more adaptive responses to otherwise detrimental, "freezing" moments.

*I am unable to accept new clients at this time* I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adult individuals, couples, and families. My areas of expertise are with emerging adults dealing with the unique challenges of transitioning into adulthood, couples in conflict or for whom trauma histories exist for one or both partners, and women coping with balancing the many roles they occupy. If you feel disconnected, either from yourself or others, I will join you in a process of being present and experiencing the transformative power of being seen and heard so that you can begin to see and hear your true self.

People seek therapy for various reasons. It takes a lot of courage to recognize that things aren't working and to seek help. Have you been struggling with specific problems involving work, family, or relationships? Or have you perhaps been suffering from something harder to define, such as persistent feelings of meaninglessness or sadness? Whether the problem is easy or hard to identify, I'm here to help.

I believe change and growth occur through a collaborative, supportive therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic alliance can be a catalyst for increased self-awareness, gained insight, and positive change. In a safe and non-judgmental environment, we will work together to address and process unresolved issues, as well as learn healthier, more effective ways to cope. I strive to assist clients with learning effective tools to achieve their identified goals, as well as find meaningful change, self-understanding, and acceptance. My areas of specialty are Eating Disorders, Trauma and PTSD, Relationship Issues, and Anxiety Management

Speaking to adults… Joseph Campbell defines Compassion as “…an immediate participation in the suffering of another to such a degree that you forget yourself and spontaneously do what is necessary.” With hybrid training as therapist, teacher, and coach, I compassionately support individuals exactly where they are in their life. Whether one wishes to address past trauma, wants to contemplate a career decision and change of environment, or wants support with relationships and life’s many unpredicted events, I create the space to do so at the pace and depth that the individual wants and is ready to successfully take on.

As you scroll through all these listings you know you’re looking for something—and it probably isn’t just someone to help you sort things out or someone who practices a certain way or works with a particular kind of person—there’s definitely something else. But what is this elusive “something”? I’m convinced it’s a feeling of connection or rather the potential for connecting, finding a fit in other words, or as the academics term it, rapport. Which interestingly is by all accounts the single best predictor for success in therapy: how well people relate to their therapists.

You're used to being the person who makes sure those around you feel happy even when that's meant putting your own needs last (if they stay on the list at all). It hasn't always been easy but you feel it’s been worth it and you’ve been really good at it. But lately it isn’t working any more. Out of nowhere, you're irritable. And anxious. It's harder holding onto that motivation to keep being The Fixer. You're sad and maybe angry with yourself. And feeling guilty for letting down your parents, partner, kids, friends. You have no idea what is going with you and you don't feel like you're being a good person.

My clients include adults of all ages. I am warm, skilled therapist with knowledge and experience with a broad range of issues. I have expertise in working with people who are anxious, depressed, or who have experienced trauma or loss. I facilitate groups called "Honoring Our Lost Mothers and Others: Connecting and Reconnecting" and Honoring Our Departed Animal Companions for people who have experienced a significant loss. The participants use art materials to honor and express their loss. No art experience is necessary.

You’ve been carrying the anxiety and pain for far too long. No one really knows what it's like to be you. It feels utterly lonely. But you are at the point, where you want to find hope again and see if there is a chance that it doesn’t have to be this way. You are navigating relationships with your intimate partner and friends, and experiencing difficult lonely feelings about your life, family, health, and career. Whether you have a relationship or are starting a new one, planning a family or maintaining one, struggling at college, battling chronic pain or IBS, or moving into the empty nest syndrome, there is so much to worry about.

I have been a clinical social worker since 1980. I have had a variety of experience, as follows: anxiety and depressive disorders, adults of all ages, palliative care and hospice . My interests also involve the creative arts, parenting issues, older adults. I work in an active manner and consider psychotherapy a collaborative process between therapist and client. I believe in the therapeutic relationship as being a catalyst for change. My orientation is pragmatic, solving everyday problems rather than delving into the past, which inevitably comes up on its own during the process of working together.

The purpose of therapy is to help you get beyond a state of elementary survival -to a place where there's energy to be creative, the drive to motivate yourself, some space to take a walk, and perhaps time to attend a class. You may ask yourself constantly: "Isn't there more to life than struggle? Instead of walking in circles wouldn't it be nice to expand your horizons and gain a new perspective? Therapy is the place to do such things. It's a safe environment to become more awake and to develop more fully your genuine Self.

The human experience can be challenging at times. One can encounter situations leading to feeling powerless, in pain, or stuck. At times, this can look like an individual ruminating in the past or experiencing levels of depression. Or possibly, one can also be worried about the future or experiencing anxiety levels. I value the autonomy that people have and their ability to problem solve. Yet, I also acknowledge that a constructive and intentional space could provide efficiency for individuals maneuvering through various situations. As a counselor, I intend to help you within this space and support you on your healing journey.

I respect that coming to therapy is a choice a client makes to do something good for themselves, and that it can be challenging to choose you, or to open up to someone new. Social work strongly believes in the autonomy of the client, and I believe people are the experts on themselves. As a therapist, I'm present to meet you where you are at and to help with what is most important to you. My personality is laid back, and as a therapist I feel I'm open minded, easy to talk to, and accepting. I enjoy supporting people in defining goals and taking steps to achieve them.

Is your goal lowering your stress? Having better communication with family and medical providers? Broadening your social support? Improving your coping skills, including bereavement and grief? These are goals that I can help you achieve. I've been a therapist for many years working inside a hospital and supporting all walks of life. I can help you overcome anxiety, depression, grief, worry, stress, managing chronic illness, concerns about being a caregiver to family, and navigating life's challenges and transitions.