Therapists in Loop, Chicago, IL

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and a Certified Addictions Counselor (CADC). I see therapy as a collaborative process of growth and change. My approach is flexible, warm and empathic. I have over 10 years of experience with individuals, couples and groups and utilize psychodynamics, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, family systems, relational, and relapse prevention strategies.

Is a relationship causing you pain? As a relationship expert, I help both couples and individuals get what they truly need, either individually or through the relationship itself. I will help you (each) get in touch with what you're deeply wanting, and be able to express those desires in a healthy, positive way that others can hear. From this place of strength, fundamental transformation is possible, either to let go of a harmful relationship or to create a relationship that is vibrant and a source of sustaining joy.

I practice from an insight-oriented, collaborative, and individualized approach to meet the unique needs of each person I work with. I strive to provide a supportive and accepting space for my patients to feel heard and understood while also feeling challenged to experiment with new ways of thinking, feeling and relating. My hope is that therapy can be useful in providing tools to relieve immediate stress while also helping uncover the underlying meanings of unwanted or distressing symptoms, feelings and relational patterns in order to create lasting change.

What's holding you back? I work with driven professionals to work through obstacles and get you back on track to the life you want. Whether it's a diagnosable disorder like depression, something from your past you'd like to sort out, an addiction or consistent compulsion, or a relational issue, it's my privilege to offer my training and experience in service of your goals. I find a lot of our experience comes down to patterns. Our brains quickly assess a situation, choose from a list of pre-formed thoughts and behaviors, and push "GO."

What's your definition of birthright? As we grow, family, culture, and society can assign meaning that does not serve our best interest but theirs. Devastatingly, we're often taught to point the finger back at ourselves when things go wrong. But I believe we heal and thrive when we nurture healthy intrinsic (fundamental to who we are) connection to ourselves and others. This work creates a safety net allowing us to build self-esteem and adapt without losing our personal power. Pursuing the arts with a former career as a performer, choreographer, and artistic director, I strongly relate to "fitting-in while trying to stand-out".

Starting therapy is hard and it is important to find someone you trust and feel comfortable with. If you are struggling with anxiety, trauma, or identity/relationship issues I would love to talk with you. I have extensive experience in working with mental health concerns related to these areas, and more, and I integrate a variety of approaches and techniques into my work as a means of promoting growth and change. Therapy might not be a place for quick fixes but it can lead to lasting change. I offer free phone consultations to talk and see if we might work well together.

People are able to make positive changes in their lives. Do you find yourself unhappy, depressed or anxious? Does it feel that no matter what you have tried, nothing changes? I help clients in positively addressing unhelpful patterns and to become unstuck from negative emotions and life situations.

I consider myself to be a trauma-informed therapist. I believe that each experience in one's life leaves an imprint on the mind & body; thus, informing how one responds to the world. There is a rhyme & reason to these responses, and none of it is about being "wrong," "damaged," or "not good enough" (words I often hear from individuals in my practice). The goal of therapy with me is to help you learn to compassionately connect with, soothe and heal these hurting parts, so that you may be able to let go, engage, and thrive in your personal and professional life. I believe healing is possible for anyone willing to work at it.

If you're navigating the complexities of emotions, life changes, or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, I offer an interactive, empathetic, and creative approach to therapy. In our sessions, I will work with you to identify your values and hopes, helping to sculpt a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling to you. My approach is dynamic and client-centered, focusing on empowering you to make changes that align with your personal values and whatever you want out of life. I will guide you towards new ways of coping and building resilience to not only address immediate concerns but also set you up for long-term well-being.

My clients want to make changes in their lives. They believe that healing is possible for both body and mind. When they feel safe enough, they bravely share the old stories about themselves and the no-longer-helpful ways of dealing with the world that kept them feeling sick or stuck. They keep showing up when the going gets rough, because they’ve seen for themselves that they can trust the process, and they’re willing to keep working it until it works, one day at a time.

I provide quality mental health counseling and therapy that is thoughtfully tailored to your needs. Our work together will address concerns in an empowering and centering way that produces substantive change. My approach is connective (Therapy works best when we are able to connect and work well together) and directive (by directive I mean that I give things for you to do during the week like writing, journaling, reading, exercises, reflections, and/or activities). I'm known for being helpful with people who have been through therapy and haven't had success. I help people find aliveness, creativity, and strength.

(She/Her/Hers) Over the years, I have built a practice devoted to improving the lives of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, struggling with a number of different issues. More recently, I have shifted my focus from clinical practice to the training of pre-licensed and early career therapists. I very much enjoy mentoring as it gives me the opportunity to share all that I have learned in my two decades of providing psychotherapy.

My interest in therapy started when I was at my breaking point, and my own therapy experiences didn't help. Since then, I've tried to be a therapist for anyone who found themselves in a similar situation, and sometimes being a helper isn't enough. I strive to connect with people where they are at, to understand what others might not, and to help when even the system lets you down. We all need an ally to get unstuck, reconnect and pick ourselves up, and I believe in doing so with warmth and respect. It can be tough to choose a stranger when we feel vulnerable and out of control. I've made it my goal to be someone worthy of that.

With over 20 years of experience in the field of mental health, Carolyn has come to trust that the therapeutic bond is crucial to a feeling of safety for the client. Because therapy is an intimate experience, she tailors treatment plans as a co-created process, ensuring that the client’s needs are prioritized. Carolyn integrates techniques to tailor solutions that are not only practical but create lasting change. As a psychotherapist, Carolyn works with individuals, couples, and families.

I love working with people of all cultures who have histories of trauma and addiction and who want to make pivotal breakthroughs in recovery. I work best with patients who engage honestly, directly and courageously; welcome challenges; and want to thrive. We discover and nurture strengths borne of struggle. I specialize in culturally responsive group treatment of trauma and addiction, relationship issues, family dynamics and multigenerational legacies. I empower patients; we tap into their insight, intellect, creativity and spontaneity. I enthusiastically welcome Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other People of Color to my practice.

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.

I believe in the transformative power of a compassionate and trusting therapeutic relationship. I value patience and kindness as I walk with my clients through their struggles. There are many paths to healing, and I invite my clients to collaborate with me on identifying their barriers and overcoming them with curiosity and creativity. Each person has innate strengths, and I work with clients on harnessing these tools. Together, we shine a light on old narratives to make way for change and transformation.

My practice works with a diverse population. I specialize in addiction, both Sex Addiction and a range of other addictions. I run groups for sex addicts and for the partners of sex addicts. I also specialize in trauma and work with adolescent and adult trauma survivors, both male and female. The practice also works with the LGBTQ community.

We are dedicated to helping people improve emotional, physical and spiritual well-being by focusing on personal growth. Our team of highly qualified therapists has experience in a wide variety of issues including relationship issues, depression and anxiety. However, we don't dwell on what isn't working; we help you build upon what IS working. Our approach is empowering, empathetic and non-judgmental. We help you identify and release unhealthy behavior patterns, which may interfere with your ability to experience a deeper sense of peace and serenity. We look forward to working with you and in accompanying you upon your journey.