Black and African American Therapists in Oak Park, IL
I've been a therapist for over thirty-three years. I'm passionate about helping clients navigate through debilitating mental health illnesses such as anxiety, depression, traumas, grief/ loss, medical conditions, and other personal, relational, cultural, and social and spiritual struggles by providing knowledge and strategies to establish better ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving.
I've been a therapist for over thirty-three years. I'm passionate about helping clients navigate through debilitating mental health illnesses such as anxiety, depression, traumas, grief/ loss, medical conditions, and other personal, relational, cultural, and social and spiritual struggles by providing knowledge and strategies to establish better ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving.
I focus on helping clients manage issues related to depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship conflict, compassion fatigue, anger, self-esteem, family conflict and work place stress. My approach is mostly laid back, nonjudgemental, and relationship-based. I focus on helping clients identify goals for treatment and support them in understanding their emotions, relationships, behaviors, and thoughts.
I focus on helping clients manage issues related to depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship conflict, compassion fatigue, anger, self-esteem, family conflict and work place stress. My approach is mostly laid back, nonjudgemental, and relationship-based. I focus on helping clients identify goals for treatment and support them in understanding their emotions, relationships, behaviors, and thoughts.
Finding a therapist that is best for you can be a difficult process, so I applaud you for taking this first step towards healing! I enjoy working with individuals from various stages of life. I have a passion for supporting teens and young adults, creating a space where they can feel truly seen and understood. I also work with couples and families, helping each person explore their own story and how it shapes the way they connect as a unit.
Finding a therapist that is best for you can be a difficult process, so I applaud you for taking this first step towards healing! I enjoy working with individuals from various stages of life. I have a passion for supporting teens and young adults, creating a space where they can feel truly seen and understood. I also work with couples and families, helping each person explore their own story and how it shapes the way they connect as a unit.
Being trained in integrative systemic therapy, I believe that each client is a conglomeration of their human experiences and the various systems and and organizations that impact them. With this belief, I provide therapy to individuals, families and couples. I believe that therapy is a collaborative experience where we work as a team to guide you through your current situation. As a Marriage and Family therapist, I am dedicated to the mission of anti-racism, gender affirmation, and curiosity. Bringing my own authenticity into the space will hopefully provide comfort and safety so real work can be done.
Being trained in integrative systemic therapy, I believe that each client is a conglomeration of their human experiences and the various systems and and organizations that impact them. With this belief, I provide therapy to individuals, families and couples. I believe that therapy is a collaborative experience where we work as a team to guide you through your current situation. As a Marriage and Family therapist, I am dedicated to the mission of anti-racism, gender affirmation, and curiosity. Bringing my own authenticity into the space will hopefully provide comfort and safety so real work can be done.
I am Dr. Shirly Tharakan, a committed psychologist with a profound dedication to assisting individuals and families in their mental health journeys. With over thirty years of experience, my expertise encompasses family psychology, psychotherapy, and clinical psychology. I obtained my M.A. in Psychology from Bangalore in 1986, followed by an M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology from the esteemed NIMHANS in 1997, and completed my Ph.D. in Psychology at Christ University in Bangalore in 2022.
I am Dr. Shirly Tharakan, a committed psychologist with a profound dedication to assisting individuals and families in their mental health journeys. With over thirty years of experience, my expertise encompasses family psychology, psychotherapy, and clinical psychology. I obtained my M.A. in Psychology from Bangalore in 1986, followed by an M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology from the esteemed NIMHANS in 1997, and completed my Ph.D. in Psychology at Christ University in Bangalore in 2022.
Therapy Health Clinic: Lavangela
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
As a Licensed Social Worker and multi-generational therapist with over ten years of experience working with children, adults, and families, I am passionately committed to advocating for mental health and personal development. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Western Illinois University and a Master’s degree in Social Work specializing in Gerontology from Aurora University. My commitment to inclusivity and social equity shapes my practice. I strive to promote mental wellness and equip individuals and families with essential coping strategies, emphasizing that healing is both transformative and empowering.
As a Licensed Social Worker and multi-generational therapist with over ten years of experience working with children, adults, and families, I am passionately committed to advocating for mental health and personal development. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Western Illinois University and a Master’s degree in Social Work specializing in Gerontology from Aurora University. My commitment to inclusivity and social equity shapes my practice. I strive to promote mental wellness and equip individuals and families with essential coping strategies, emphasizing that healing is both transformative and empowering.
Therapy is an incredible honor of journeying alongside clients as they work towards healing and empowerment in their everyday lives. I partner with my clients in a compassionate manner where they can feel heard, valued, and encouraged to create meaningful change. I believe all clients have a unique and complex story to tell and that all can benefit from taking time to focus on their emotional/mental well-being. I am committed to helping clients learn about themselves in new ways so as to be able to tap into their own unique abilities to overcome life’s obstacles and stressors.
Therapy is an incredible honor of journeying alongside clients as they work towards healing and empowerment in their everyday lives. I partner with my clients in a compassionate manner where they can feel heard, valued, and encouraged to create meaningful change. I believe all clients have a unique and complex story to tell and that all can benefit from taking time to focus on their emotional/mental well-being. I am committed to helping clients learn about themselves in new ways so as to be able to tap into their own unique abilities to overcome life’s obstacles and stressors.
As a black woman born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, I can connect with a diverse array of people from countless walks of life, cultures, and personalities.
My ideal client is you! who is looking for resolutions, answers, and revelations. Someone, that is trying to better themselves and their realities by facing past traumas and present stressors and having hope that their future can be as bright as they believe. An ideal client is someone who may not have ever experienced therapy before. They may be nervous about the process but still hold on to a small sliver of hope inside them that they, too, can benefit from therapy. I am deeply committed to partnering with kids, individuals, and couples to help them reach their fullest potential and gaining new insights of themselves & the world.
As a black woman born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, I can connect with a diverse array of people from countless walks of life, cultures, and personalities.
My ideal client is you! who is looking for resolutions, answers, and revelations. Someone, that is trying to better themselves and their realities by facing past traumas and present stressors and having hope that their future can be as bright as they believe. An ideal client is someone who may not have ever experienced therapy before. They may be nervous about the process but still hold on to a small sliver of hope inside them that they, too, can benefit from therapy. I am deeply committed to partnering with kids, individuals, and couples to help them reach their fullest potential and gaining new insights of themselves & the world.
We all feel sad, stressed, or anxious at times. That's a normal part of life to me. But if these feelings are interfering with personal and family relationships, work, or your feelings of self-confidence, counseling can help you find a more satisfying path. Especially since the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic, mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and stress, have worsened. You may have increased your use of substances, hoping that they will help relieve your symptoms, only to find that they have made matters worse. Recognizing that you need outside assistance can be difficult.
We all feel sad, stressed, or anxious at times. That's a normal part of life to me. But if these feelings are interfering with personal and family relationships, work, or your feelings of self-confidence, counseling can help you find a more satisfying path. Especially since the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic, mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and stress, have worsened. You may have increased your use of substances, hoping that they will help relieve your symptoms, only to find that they have made matters worse. Recognizing that you need outside assistance can be difficult.
Jacquelyn is a Marriage and Family Therapist with specialized training in working systemically with individuals, couples, and families. She experience in both community mental health and partial hospitalization settings, treating issues of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and (sexual) trauma. She is adamant about addressing matters surrounding high conflict relationships, communication, first and second-generation challenges, grief and loss and complex family dynamics.
Jacquelyn is a Marriage and Family Therapist with specialized training in working systemically with individuals, couples, and families. She experience in both community mental health and partial hospitalization settings, treating issues of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and (sexual) trauma. She is adamant about addressing matters surrounding high conflict relationships, communication, first and second-generation challenges, grief and loss and complex family dynamics.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is committed to partnering with clients to identify strategies that can help them work through life’s difficulties. I understand the complex relationship between thinking and emotions, as well as the impact it can have on mood. I treat issues of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and (sexual) trauma, substance use/abuse, grief/ loss and complex family dynamics. I have many years of experience of working with diverse populations and assisting them with developing and reaching their goals. I identify as a social work first focusing on life issues to mitigate mental health issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is committed to partnering with clients to identify strategies that can help them work through life’s difficulties. I understand the complex relationship between thinking and emotions, as well as the impact it can have on mood. I treat issues of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and (sexual) trauma, substance use/abuse, grief/ loss and complex family dynamics. I have many years of experience of working with diverse populations and assisting them with developing and reaching their goals. I identify as a social work first focusing on life issues to mitigate mental health issues.
I have years of experience in working with diverse populations within the mental health community and crisis prevention. I provide therapy for adults, adolescents, couples, groups and families. My approach is influenced but not limited to CBT, Trauma focused CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic, Psychotherapy, Solution Focused, Strength Based, Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness and Strength Based therapy.
I have years of experience in working with diverse populations within the mental health community and crisis prevention. I provide therapy for adults, adolescents, couples, groups and families. My approach is influenced but not limited to CBT, Trauma focused CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic, Psychotherapy, Solution Focused, Strength Based, Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness and Strength Based therapy.
As a therapist, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard, respected, and supported. My approach is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and the belief that meaningful change is possible for everyone. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, family conflicts, relationship issues, or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to walk alongside you in your journey toward healing and growth. I tailor my work to meet your unique needs, drawing from evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strength-based, and person-centered.
As a therapist, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard, respected, and supported. My approach is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and the belief that meaningful change is possible for everyone. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, family conflicts, relationship issues, or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to walk alongside you in your journey toward healing and growth. I tailor my work to meet your unique needs, drawing from evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strength-based, and person-centered.
As a therapist, I offer a compassionate, client-centered approach, meeting you where you are in your journey. Over the years, I’ve honed my ability to assess progress, adjust treatment plans, and provide steady, personalized support. I specialize in helping people build resilience and develop practical, realistic coping strategies so they can navigate life’s challenges with more clarity and confidence. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where healing not only feels possible—but sustainable.
As a therapist, I offer a compassionate, client-centered approach, meeting you where you are in your journey. Over the years, I’ve honed my ability to assess progress, adjust treatment plans, and provide steady, personalized support. I specialize in helping people build resilience and develop practical, realistic coping strategies so they can navigate life’s challenges with more clarity and confidence. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where healing not only feels possible—but sustainable.
I understand the complexities of navigating life's challenges while carrying the weight of past experiences. I specialize in working with BIPOC individuals, couples, and family systems navigating trauma, identity shifts, and relational challenges. Many feel weighed down by "people pleasing", family expectations, or unresolved hurt, and they want a safe space to finally put themselves first. I love working with clients who are ready to explore their stories, deepen their self awareness, and build healthier, more authentic connections with themselves and with others.
I understand the complexities of navigating life's challenges while carrying the weight of past experiences. I specialize in working with BIPOC individuals, couples, and family systems navigating trauma, identity shifts, and relational challenges. Many feel weighed down by "people pleasing", family expectations, or unresolved hurt, and they want a safe space to finally put themselves first. I love working with clients who are ready to explore their stories, deepen their self awareness, and build healthier, more authentic connections with themselves and with others.
Pam is a graduate of Governors State University With a Masters in Community Counseling, Pamela has a diverse background in working with people in Mental Health and also holds a full time position with as a Therapist and group facilitator at Ingalls Hospital. Pam specializes in working with adolescents, teens, adults and couples providing evidence based treatment to help assist with challenges you may face. She understands that like adults children, teen and adolescents have many challenges in life. She also is Gottman trained to assist couples with challenges in their relationships and marriages,
Pam is a graduate of Governors State University With a Masters in Community Counseling, Pamela has a diverse background in working with people in Mental Health and also holds a full time position with as a Therapist and group facilitator at Ingalls Hospital. Pam specializes in working with adolescents, teens, adults and couples providing evidence based treatment to help assist with challenges you may face. She understands that like adults children, teen and adolescents have many challenges in life. She also is Gottman trained to assist couples with challenges in their relationships and marriages,
Welcome! I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self-esteem & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes and parenting issues. In my practice, I have worked with families, individuals, and children/teens. I find it deeply rewarding to work with clients to reach their goals and achieve overall better well-being. I create a strong relationship with my clients by giving them an environment where all of their feelings are welcome.
Welcome! I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self-esteem & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes and parenting issues. In my practice, I have worked with families, individuals, and children/teens. I find it deeply rewarding to work with clients to reach their goals and achieve overall better well-being. I create a strong relationship with my clients by giving them an environment where all of their feelings are welcome.
Kyla Marie Gilmore
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, BC-DMT
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60304
Waitlist for new clients
Holding space for others in their time of need is a responsibility I consider sacred. I believe we heal through the conscious, embodied presence of therapeutic relationships. My training as a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist informs my holistic approach to counseling which is tailored to each client's needs. Through this relationship I support my clients as they come into compassionate witnessing of self as they grow and explore. We all deserve someone to walk with us on that journey. My specialties include helping those with Mood Disorders, Relationship Concerns, Life Transitions, Behavioral Concerns, and Trauma Recovery.
Holding space for others in their time of need is a responsibility I consider sacred. I believe we heal through the conscious, embodied presence of therapeutic relationships. My training as a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist informs my holistic approach to counseling which is tailored to each client's needs. Through this relationship I support my clients as they come into compassionate witnessing of self as they grow and explore. We all deserve someone to walk with us on that journey. My specialties include helping those with Mood Disorders, Relationship Concerns, Life Transitions, Behavioral Concerns, and Trauma Recovery.
I specialize in self-esteem issues and will work with you to increase your confidence and sense of well-being. I work with a variety of individuals and provide culturally affirming counseling to BIPOC individuals, with a focus on first-generation and immigrants. I am a sex-positive, LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, and kink-friendly therapist. Whether you're feeling stuck, depressed, helpless, anxious, worried, unsure, or insecure you deserve to be heard and understood. My passion is creating a safe and supportive environment to navigate life's challenges. Wherever you may be on that journey, I want to help support you!
I specialize in self-esteem issues and will work with you to increase your confidence and sense of well-being. I work with a variety of individuals and provide culturally affirming counseling to BIPOC individuals, with a focus on first-generation and immigrants. I am a sex-positive, LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, and kink-friendly therapist. Whether you're feeling stuck, depressed, helpless, anxious, worried, unsure, or insecure you deserve to be heard and understood. My passion is creating a safe and supportive environment to navigate life's challenges. Wherever you may be on that journey, I want to help support you!
I have experience in both private practice and partial hospitalization settings, treating issues of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and (sexual) trauma. I specialize in working with individuals, and families through life transitions, gender equality and navigating societal norms. I am adamant about addressing matters surrounding high conflict relationships, communication, first and second-generational challenges, grief and loss, and complex family dynamics.
I have experience in both private practice and partial hospitalization settings, treating issues of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and (sexual) trauma. I specialize in working with individuals, and families through life transitions, gender equality and navigating societal norms. I am adamant about addressing matters surrounding high conflict relationships, communication, first and second-generational challenges, grief and loss, and complex family dynamics.
See more therapy options for Oak Park
Nearby Black and African American Therapists Searches for Oak Park
- Bellwood
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Cicero
- Forest Park
- Franklin Park
- Maywood
- Melrose Park
- North Riverside
- River Forest
- Riverside
- Westchester
Black and African American Therapists
As an African American, why might I wish to see a therapist who is African American?
African American clients may seek out African American therapists for several reasons, foremost being a sense of cultural understanding and the possibility of shared experiences. Cultural sensitivity and context on the part of the therapist may make it easier to form a therapeutic alliance and to focus on the work of therapy without the need to explain or educate a therapist on cultural matters. It may also be empowering to work with a therapist who shares one’s racial or ethnic background. It is important to note that a therapist who demonstrates cultural sensitivity can be highly effective even if they do not share a client’s background or race.
Can clients benefit from working with a therapist who shares their race or ethnicity?
Yes, having a therapist who shares a client’s race or ethnicity is often valuable, especially if it fosters a strong therapeutic alliance between the two. While training, qualifications, and experience are always important, a strong alliance between client and therapist is a major contributor to therapeutic effectiveness. An alliance is likely to be strengthened with a therapist who has an understanding of a client’s background and perhaps also shared life experiences. It should be noted that many clients form a strong bond with their therapist regardless of their race or ethnicity. This is a personal decision, and it depends on the therapist, the client, and the connection between the two.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with African American clients?
Clients can ask therapists directly about their experience working with clients of diverse backgrounds, including with African American individuals. You may wish to inquire whether a therapist has undertaken training in cultural competence broadly, and how specifically they would ensure that their approach is sensitive to the needs of African American clients. Therapy involves honesty and trust, so it’s best for clients to share concerns about their therapist’s cultural competence at the outset. And a good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals based on the concerns you articulate.
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
It’s important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive because everyone comes to therapy with a unique background and set of experiences. Being aware of culture and cultural differences between people is important for understanding clients, as is coming to therapy with an open mind, recognizing that the therapist doesn’t necessarily understand everything and that the client can help guide the way.
Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of Black therapists?
The directory of Black therapists includes therapists who have self-identified their ethnicity in their profiles. Psychology Today uses this information to assist clients in finding a therapist who can provide a cultural match. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their ethnicity in their profile, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. In situations where the number of therapists who have identified as Black is limited, the directory will also show therapists who have undergone specific multicultural training or have extensive experience working with clients from relevant cultural backgrounds.