Therapists in Chicago, IL

Practicing for over twenty years and a graduate of the University of Chicago, my therapeutic approach is psychodynamic and interpersonal. I work with adults and specialize in women's health issues, frequently addressing anxiety and depression. By focusing on present issues and using past experiences to gain insights, it is possible to create tools for resolving problems, healing emotional wounds, and building coping skills. I believe that working within the interpersonal sphere builds the understanding, confirmation and acceptance necessary for the therapeutic relationship to thrive.

Patrycja is a Chicago based Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in therapy for adults with trauma, c-PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, addictions, and challenging life transitions. She cares deeply about the individuals she serves, and strives to provide a supportive and impactful therapeutic experience. She practices from a psychodynamic and humanistic framework, and has a profound curiosity about the complexity of the human experience. She is passionate about demystifying the process of therapy.

My clinical areas of specialty include anxiety/OCD, neurodivergence (e.g ADHD, Autism, OCD) and those exploring it, relationship challenges, and career concerns/burnout. Some folks I work with also might describe themselves as sensitive, deep thinkers/feelers. As a neurodivergent woman myself, I feel passionate about working with clients who face challenges related to these areas. Overall, I often support clients in growing self-compassion, increasing self-awareness, living more aligned with their values, and in creating a life that feels sustainable and meaningful.

I'm a queer therapist who often works with LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and Latine children, adults, couples/partners, families, and polycules, while being mindful of my white identity. My areas of interest include identity exploration and intersectionality, difficulties related to sex and intimacy, challenges in communication between partners, and non-monogamous and polyamorous relationships. I work across the lifespan and have experience with children as young as three years old through adulthood. I often pull from frameworks like psychodynamic theory, person-centered therapy, and attachment theory.

People seek therapy for many reasons. Maybe you’ve experienced a recent life change or event that is causing distress or discomfort. Maybe you’ve struggled with issues for a long time and have decided you have the desire and capacity to deal with it now. Maybe you’re looking for a place to process and reflect on the stressors that are part of daily life. Whatever your motivation for seeking support at this time, I’m glad you’re here and eager to learn more about how I can help.

I am a compassionate trauma-informed therapist that primarily works with individuals struggling with trauma/PTSD, ADHD, neurodivergent issues, relationship issues, chronic pain, physical disability, partner violence, substance abuse, anxiety, stress, depression, cultural identity, cultural/intergenerational conflicts, family conflicts, and other issues. As a daughter of South Asian immigrants, I have always been interested in working with traditionally overlooked communities. I have worked with individuals with dual diagnosis, domestic violence survivors, veterans, and LGBTQIA individuals.

Whatever the obstacle - fear to move forward, nagging self-doubt, or a harsh inner critic that tells you that you can't do it, I'm here to help you get unstuck! I'm passionate about working with adults affected by anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma as well as those wanting to focus on personal growth and relational issues. I have a background in Executive Functioning Coaching and Holistic Health Coaching, and expertise in a variety of approaches including Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Depth Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Inner Child Healing, Somatic/Body Work, and Meditation.

I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor specializing in the treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Women’s Mental Health. I enjoy working with those who are looking for an integrative approach and would like to incorporate psychological, emotional, and physical wellness into their lives.

If you are struggling with feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed or experiencing increased life stressors due to work, family or other responsibilities, psychotherapy can help. Strengthening your interpersonal, behavioral and relational strategies will bring you relief. Together, we will explore how the complex patterns of your experiences are affecting your current life challenges, emotions, and behaviors. Whether working with children, adolescents, teens or adults, my approach is to be compassionate and attuned to your unique set of needs, providing a space for you to feel understood, appreciated and learn self-acceptance, ultimately achieving more effective strategies for dealing with life's stressors.

At some point in our early childhoods, we learned (whether communicated directly or indirectly) that we must sacrifice a part of our authentic selves in order to be worthy of love. Even as adults, this shame around our true selves continues to hold us back from feeling deeply connected with others, living by our values, and finding internal peace to buoy us through uncertain, stressful times.

As a licensed clinical psychologist, I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I often work with individuals and families going through difficult adjustments, such as the birth of a new child, divorce, grief, or career struggles. Educated in psychodynamic psychotherapy and incorporating cognitive behavioral strategies, I aim to provide therapy with an empathic approach while helping the client process earlier life experiences and implement healthier coping skills.

My specialties include self-esteem and identity, victims of narcissism, relationship concerns, body image, anxiety, depression and trauma. I primarily use Psychodynamic approach while incorporating mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment, and Relational Therapy. I am warm and empathetic, humorous and honest. I provide a safe space where clients can explore and hopefully discover their purpose in life. I believe that our past experiences shape our lives and that it is important to carefully examine critical and sometimes difficult moments. I believe that there is no “quick fix” in therapy and that true change takes time.

Are you or your teen struggling with navigating your identity? Have you experienced trauma, bullying, communication issues, self-harm, or suicidal ideation? Has your gender and/or sexuality impacted your mental health and you are wanting to learn how to embrace your most authentic self? Knowing how to navigate your own identity, or knowing how to support your child as they discover parts of who they are, can be a scary process. In order to embrace authenticity we need safety, security, and an ability to communicate. We will work together on finding healing, cultivating healthy communication, and creating a sense of safety.

Psychotherapy offers a unique opportunity to better understand oneself, others, our contexts and histories, and the interplay among these elements. While some patients come to me seeking relief from concrete symptoms of anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, others wish to wrest themselves from a more opaque sense of disconnection, emptiness, or dissatisfaction. Regardless of what brings you to psychotherapy, I offer a space that is warm, empathically attuned, collaborative, and that generates the necessary factors to both promote insight and more importantly move you towards a new, more fulfilling experience of yourself and life.

I continually work to create an environment that feels safe, warm, and supportive for each person. My goals as a therapist are to establish connection, to be adaptable and creative enough that differences are respected and more alternatives explored, and to identify strengths that can be used as a foundation for coping. As a part of the process, goals are set to create balance between work, life, and self. Ultimately, an ideal client would recognize the need for more or a need for something to change in their situation and be brave enough to take the first major step and call.

I'm passionate about supporting different generations of Asian immigrants, multicultural individuals, and other marginalized populations to deal with life challenges including trauma, complex trauma, intergenerational conflicts, self-esteem issues, life transitions, acculturation, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, stress, grief, and other issues. I work mostly with different generations of immigrants, multicultural individuals, and other marginalized communities.

Treatment is about promoting change, and this change must come from within. I ask a great deal from clients when I ask them to change; this journey requires both the client and myself to work collaboratively and deeply. While my therapeutic approach is greatly influenced by psychoanalysis and relational therapy, I also employ aspects of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, specifically, the principle of radical genuineness to build rapport with my clients. I aim to provide my clients the space to explore underlying feelings, thought processes and behaviors, and the support needed to engage with the therapy process.

I wonder if your life’s journey feels filled with twists and turns that manifest in countless ways. Perhaps you find yourself asking questions like, “Well, what now? Where to? How did I/we get here? How do I/we get there instead?”. Maybe your paths can seem never-ending, you experience unanticipated steep cliffs, and/or you revisit familiar, unfulfilling destinations. It's in these moments of struggle and feeling stuck that I ask clients to welcome me to support them. Where you have questions about the paths you experience and have not taken. When you are either upset or self-reflective. Let me help you figure out the next steps.

I believe that growth and change are possible - but also - you might be exactly where you need to be in your life. Perhaps you just need to create more space for your authentic self to exist and grow. Working with both individuals and couples, I believe that a healthy relationship with ourself and others is an important part of our well-being. In addition to 1:1 therapy, I am a Level 2 Gottman trained couples therapist who specializes in helping couples strengthen connection, build intimacy, learn direct and loving communication skills and hone conflict management skills to help repair and connect more deeply in relationships.