Therapists in Chicago, IL

It takes great courage to come to therapy, and the most important part of being a clinician is the therapeutic relationship I develop with my clients. I provide a space for individuals to feel safe, supported, and empowered to be their authentic selves. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities including: Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy.

As a Pakistani-American Muslim woman, I recognize that there is a significant need for counseling services within diverse communities. I'm especially passionate about working with individuals as they navigate major life transitions, such as going college, entering workforce, moving, marriage, parenthood, and so on. I also enjoy working with clients who experience grief and loss. I've worked with clients from various backgrounds and clinical presentations, focusing on addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, family issues, stressors, identity, etc.

I am passionate about working with adults who are dealing with challenges including but not limited to: identifying and healing from trauma, identity exploration, interpersonal conflict, relationship with food and body, addictions, life transitions, eating disorders, mood disorders, stress management, and ADHD. The goal of my work with clients is for them to increase authenticity and vulnerability within the therapeutic relationship first, then translate that success to their lives outside of therapy. I empower clients with coping skills and provide a safe space for learning effective communication of and connection to emotions.

Allison Sheade is a feminist psychodynamic, relational, trauma-focused LCPC in Chicago. Her style is warm, empathic, collaborative, and direct. Allison has an active style, and clients enjoy knowing that she will offer insights, interpretations, and feedback that are effective, helpful, and supportive. Allison has worked in community mental health, at the Women's Center at Northwestern University, and in outpatient settings. Allison works with diverse populations and operates from a multicultural perspective, valuing differences of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender and sexuality (+ poly & kink), ableness, and world-view.

There can be such a range of feelings, thoughts, and questions in the search for a therapist… and, nonetheless, you've made it here. I believe that an authentic, collaborative relationship is key to building and maintaining an empowered therapy space, which, to me, means that bringing "human-ness" into session is so important. I see therapy as somewhere to get curious and explore where we may feel stuck, rather than a space where we work to be "fixed." I'm relational in my approach with clients and feel passionate in walking alongside folks in their journey through trauma, relationships, self-esteem, grief and anxiety.

I am a psychotherapist specializing in working with individuals with a history of eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, stressful life transitions, identity development, and difficulties with achieving personal goals. I have particular expertise in treating individuals concerned with eating disorders, having provided leadership and treatment for individuals and their families at all levels of care. I believe in a collaborative, empathic, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach to therapy. I utilize psychodynamic, behavioral, and mindfulness principles to support my clients in reaching their personal goals.

Are you feeling unheard, misunderstood, struggling to find your footing in this world? Navigating this thing we call life can be a daunting process. Starting therapy can be a difficult decision and my desire in this work is to meet you where you are and build trust as we embark on this journey together. In my work, I seek to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore the many layers of yourself. I am honored to participate in the journey of you authoring your own story, one that fully encapsulates the complex person whom you are.

Many of the individuals and couples I work with are experiencing anxiety, depression, major life changes, difficulties managing everyday stressors and interpersonal relationship issues. They come to therapy to explore their histories, increase self-awareness, identify patterns, improve communication, process feelings/emotions and gain coping skills and tools to better manage their circumstances. I recognize that every client comes to therapy with unique experiences and needs, which is why we will take time to build a therapeutic relationship and work together to identify your goals.

For the past 12 years, I have had the honor of meeting with clients of all ages and am amazed by human resilience. Often, emotions can be complex to navigate and difficult to manage alone. My goal is to support you through difficult moments, help you build awareness and understanding for your behaviors and feelings, gain clarity in confusing times, better understand your relationships, and ultimately help you see life in clearer terms.

I understand that making the decision to begin therapy can be as daunting as it is positive. I will provide a warm, supportive space to begin to sort out life's challenges. I believe that everyone has the resilient capacity to create change and will help guide clients toward healthy goals by letting go of past issues, negative thoughts, and/or unwanted behaviors. As an experienced, licensed psychotherapist with a masters degree in clinical social work from the University of Chicago, I have been a practicing social worker since 2004 and a psychotherapist since 2011.

My goal as a therapist is to put you back in touch with your own unique voice and sense of self that allows you to thrive. I use a psychodynamic, existential approach to find solutions to the unique challenges your life contains. Through building on open and honest relationship, we will explore effective coping tools and new ways to look at persistent issues that effect you.

I understand the vulnerabilities that come with seeking psychological services. I believe that within a safe, supportive, educational and reciprocal environment we can learn new and effective coping skills. Together we will explore identified problems/challenges and work towards finding coping strategies that are a good fit for you.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with New Insights Behavioral Health Services. I provide therapy that is collaborative, creative, and understanding. I have extensive experience helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate challenges related to Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Traumatic Stress, shame, grief and loss, job and academic stress, sexual trauma, relationship difficulties, self esteem, and adjustment to life changes.

Olivia has worked with clients of all ages with various levels of trauma experiences, narcissistic/ sexual/ physical abuse survivors, attachment difficulties, life transitions, codepedency, depression, anxiety, grief, and familial/peer relationship concerns. Practicing both personally and professionally from an anti-racist/ anti-oppressive lens and being LGBTQIA+ affirming, Olivia honors the intersectionalities of identities, lived experiences, and the ways in which these experiences are held in our bodies. She uses movement and expression to promote holistic healing that can aid with how these experiences show up in our bodies.

Sometimes life throws us challenges that are too overwhelming to handle alone. As a trauma informed and culturally sensitive therapist, I understand the importance of allowing space and time for healing in a non-judgmental space. As your therapist, my priority is that you feel comfortable as we work through these difficulties together. My approach is collaborative, as your voice is equally important. This is your lived experience, and my role is to help guide and gently empower you towards realizing a better version of yourself.

Currently accepting new clients for weekday/daytime appointments (telehealth or in-person). I offer therapy in an affirming environment where individuals share concerns about their current and past challenges. I work collaboratively with clients to help them gain insight into their lives, manage distress, and develop tools to create meaningful and sustainable relationships. With the support of therapy, you can move towards a healthier, more balanced life.

When feeling down or distressed, finding support can be daunting. I believe that mental health struggles are rooted in relationship disconnection, and seeking someone to talk to and problem solve with is a courageous first act of self-care. In our sessions, we will shine a light on patterns of conflict or emotional reactivity that developed in response to stress and trauma. We will get curious about what is working for you already and where there is room for growth. I will empower you to self-soothe and guide you in deepening relationships in order to find relief. We will work together to create goals that are right for you.

Life is unpredictable and can bring stressful and life-altering situations. It makes sense that these situations may be difficult for you to understand, process, and adjust to. I am here to support and assist you with challenges related to the past or present, processing any past painful experiences in a paced way, and creating a coping plan best suited for your needs. Helping you and/or your family return to a place of connection and cohesion is one of my primary goals. I utilize a trauma-informed psychodynamic approach, incorporating CBT, DBT, and mindfulness techniques as needed always meet each client where they are.

Welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. I have experience working with young adults, adults, and senior ages in individual and group settings. Utilizing a Psychodynamic approach, I aim to partner with you to help you achieve your goals.