Relational Therapists in Illinois
Linda M. Sutton
Counselor, MA, LCPC, NBCC, CMHIMP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tinley Park, IL 60477
Ready to get the support and validation you need and deserve to reach your full potential and change your life? I am ready to work with you. My clinical background involves working with clients' dealing with a variety of challenges, particularly anxiety, depression and relationship issues. I can assist you with gaining insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while learning new strategies in resolving or managing your personal and relational issues.
Ready to get the support and validation you need and deserve to reach your full potential and change your life? I am ready to work with you. My clinical background involves working with clients' dealing with a variety of challenges, particularly anxiety, depression and relationship issues. I can assist you with gaining insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while learning new strategies in resolving or managing your personal and relational issues.
Fran Tierney
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sycamore, IL 60178
Areas of treatment expertise include: Depressive & Anxiety Disorders, Eating Disorders, Self-Injury Behaviors, Bipolar & Trauma Disorders, OCD, Women's Issues, Professional Stress, Motivation Challenges, Unexpected Life & Relational Changes, as well as Codependency concerns.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with over 20 years of experience in working with individuals, couples, families and groups. I believe that clients benefit most in a therapeutic relationship which is based on positive regard, understanding, support, acceptance, encouragement and expectations. I work in partnership with each of my clients and their families to elicit change in their daily lives and relationships. It is an honor to witness the change that occurs as my clients grow and develop into the person they wish to be, with greater skills and belief in themselves.
Areas of treatment expertise include: Depressive & Anxiety Disorders, Eating Disorders, Self-Injury Behaviors, Bipolar & Trauma Disorders, OCD, Women's Issues, Professional Stress, Motivation Challenges, Unexpected Life & Relational Changes, as well as Codependency concerns.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with over 20 years of experience in working with individuals, couples, families and groups. I believe that clients benefit most in a therapeutic relationship which is based on positive regard, understanding, support, acceptance, encouragement and expectations. I work in partnership with each of my clients and their families to elicit change in their daily lives and relationships. It is an honor to witness the change that occurs as my clients grow and develop into the person they wish to be, with greater skills and belief in themselves.
Katie Hatches
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60615 (Online Only)
I prioritize using trauma-informed and relational approaches and may integrate components of Internal Family Systems Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and attachment-based interventions.
I am a pre-licensed mental health counselor with experience in community-based mental health and crisis intervention. I believe in the transformative nature of community, and I value exploring the intersections of identity and the ways they interact with your life and lived experiences. My goal is to encourage the strengthening of your voice and to better understand how various systems impact how we show up. You already have the answers within you, and my role is to collaborate with you in the recalling of them.
I prioritize using trauma-informed and relational approaches and may integrate components of Internal Family Systems Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and attachment-based interventions.
I am a pre-licensed mental health counselor with experience in community-based mental health and crisis intervention. I believe in the transformative nature of community, and I value exploring the intersections of identity and the ways they interact with your life and lived experiences. My goal is to encourage the strengthening of your voice and to better understand how various systems impact how we show up. You already have the answers within you, and my role is to collaborate with you in the recalling of them.
Mónica Guzmán
Counselor, LCPC, ATR, EMDR
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601
Waitlist for new clients
I am a bilingual Registered Art Therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with a specialty in trauma-informed theories, EMDR, and relational therapeutic perspectives.
The clients I work alongside of often seek reflection and changes in their life. This can sometimes be scary, painful, intimidating and occasionally leading to leave things as they are. However in my experience, the thirst for a more fulfilling life is always present. Sometimes hiding behind a hobby or creative interest, music we listen to, places that make us feel at home or a certain moment of the year when we feel more hopeful. I deeply enjoy helping my clients find those special pieces of fulfillment together. With time and intention, these later become the foundation for healing, change, and deeper reflection.
I am a bilingual Registered Art Therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with a specialty in trauma-informed theories, EMDR, and relational therapeutic perspectives.
The clients I work alongside of often seek reflection and changes in their life. This can sometimes be scary, painful, intimidating and occasionally leading to leave things as they are. However in my experience, the thirst for a more fulfilling life is always present. Sometimes hiding behind a hobby or creative interest, music we listen to, places that make us feel at home or a certain moment of the year when we feel more hopeful. I deeply enjoy helping my clients find those special pieces of fulfillment together. With time and intention, these later become the foundation for healing, change, and deeper reflection.
Steff Du Bois
Psychologist, PhD, LCP
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60640 (Online Only)
I identify as a multi-racial, gender-nonconforming queer male. My work with all clients is informed by frameworks like antiracism, social justice, feminism, and anti-imperialism. I bring authenticity and genuine empathy to each client, pairing these with effective and approachable therapeutic interventions that research says work. I can help with micro-level goals like improving mood and reducing anxiety, on macro-level goals like recovering from trauma and coping with systemic oppression, and on relational goals like building intimacy. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are my personal and professional values.
I identify as a multi-racial, gender-nonconforming queer male. My work with all clients is informed by frameworks like antiracism, social justice, feminism, and anti-imperialism. I bring authenticity and genuine empathy to each client, pairing these with effective and approachable therapeutic interventions that research says work. I can help with micro-level goals like improving mood and reducing anxiety, on macro-level goals like recovering from trauma and coping with systemic oppression, and on relational goals like building intimacy. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are my personal and professional values.
Jess Twitchell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657 (Online Only)
My specialty is working with adults or adolescents who have experienced relational and/or sexual trauma.
I believe we all have an inner knowing inside of us that can help us along our life path. My therapeutic approach is to help individuals follow this inner wisdom to a more fulfilling future. Therapy is a safe space to examine harmful intergenerational patterns and begin the process of change into a lighter future. I also enjoy working with individuals who identify as creatives and those who are interested in cultivating their creativity in their daily life.
My specialty is working with adults or adolescents who have experienced relational and/or sexual trauma.
I believe we all have an inner knowing inside of us that can help us along our life path. My therapeutic approach is to help individuals follow this inner wisdom to a more fulfilling future. Therapy is a safe space to examine harmful intergenerational patterns and begin the process of change into a lighter future. I also enjoy working with individuals who identify as creatives and those who are interested in cultivating their creativity in their daily life.
Michael Mays
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601
I believe psychotherapy should be simple and accessible; theories are important yet your own experience is the best teacher. Similarly, connecting with my clients on a deeply relational level and developing an understanding of who you are is as integral to the process as the clinical training which informs my therapeutic approach. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who emphasizes existential concerns at the heart of the issues that bring people into therapy. Some examples include creating a more meaningful existence, exercising personal freedom/choice, and developing a greater sense of responsibility for one's growth.
I believe psychotherapy should be simple and accessible; theories are important yet your own experience is the best teacher. Similarly, connecting with my clients on a deeply relational level and developing an understanding of who you are is as integral to the process as the clinical training which informs my therapeutic approach. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who emphasizes existential concerns at the heart of the issues that bring people into therapy. Some examples include creating a more meaningful existence, exercising personal freedom/choice, and developing a greater sense of responsibility for one's growth.
Kurt Stevens
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
My therapeutic style is warm, relational, insight-oriented, and collaborative.
Are you feeling dissatisfied and frustrated with yourself, your personal relationships, and/or your career at this time? Have you attempted to resolve such concerns on your own or with the assistance of important others but only made limited progress? If so, it might be a good time to consider participating in therapy with a trained professional to assist you in making the meaningful changes in yourself and your life that you desire. I specialize in helping young and middle-aged adults address their personal, vocational identity, and interpersonal related concerns.
My therapeutic style is warm, relational, insight-oriented, and collaborative.
Are you feeling dissatisfied and frustrated with yourself, your personal relationships, and/or your career at this time? Have you attempted to resolve such concerns on your own or with the assistance of important others but only made limited progress? If so, it might be a good time to consider participating in therapy with a trained professional to assist you in making the meaningful changes in yourself and your life that you desire. I specialize in helping young and middle-aged adults address their personal, vocational identity, and interpersonal related concerns.
Balanced Mind Therapy, LLC
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
Feeling disconnected? At this uncertain time, many are experiencing relational challenges within their family, marriage/romantic life, workplace, or social life. I will help you to address ongoing anxiety, depression, or avoidance of difficult feelings such as self-doubt. My approach is focused on a partnership, and supporting you to seek-out positive and meaningful experiences to rebuild connection and self-esteem. During our initial sessions, I will complete an assessment to form a better understanding of your background and we will form individualized goals such as improved relationship satisfaction or reduced anxiety.
Feeling disconnected? At this uncertain time, many are experiencing relational challenges within their family, marriage/romantic life, workplace, or social life. I will help you to address ongoing anxiety, depression, or avoidance of difficult feelings such as self-doubt. My approach is focused on a partnership, and supporting you to seek-out positive and meaningful experiences to rebuild connection and self-esteem. During our initial sessions, I will complete an assessment to form a better understanding of your background and we will form individualized goals such as improved relationship satisfaction or reduced anxiety.
Cynthia Lubin Langtiw
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60654 (Online Only)
My areas of expertise are relational and developmental trauma, immigrant/acculturative mental health, pre/post natal health, psychospiritual wellbeing, and couples therapy.
At our best we are connected. We are connected with ourselves. We believe that the best is in us and that we can live that authentically. We are connected with our families, friends, communities, and societies. There is congruence. I believe that we experience the deepest sorrows and difficulties when there is disconnection. When we are out of sorts, or disconnected, with a part of ourselves, family, friends, communities, or society, there is incongruence. My belief is that by identifying salient disconnections and working towards reconnection that one is on the path towards healing.
My areas of expertise are relational and developmental trauma, immigrant/acculturative mental health, pre/post natal health, psychospiritual wellbeing, and couples therapy.
At our best we are connected. We are connected with ourselves. We believe that the best is in us and that we can live that authentically. We are connected with our families, friends, communities, and societies. There is congruence. I believe that we experience the deepest sorrows and difficulties when there is disconnection. When we are out of sorts, or disconnected, with a part of ourselves, family, friends, communities, or society, there is incongruence. My belief is that by identifying salient disconnections and working towards reconnection that one is on the path towards healing.
Karyn Schwitters, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockford, IL 61107
My special interests include parent-child relational issues, parenting and child behavior issues, women's issues, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, fertility and adoption, attachment, and stress-coping.
I believe in the importance of each individual and in honoring your story, and it is my sole purpose to have clients feel valued and understood, within a trusting, open minded relationship. I operate from a strengths based perspective, offering hope and healing to individuals and families. Testimonial:: "My oldest son and I have worked with Karyn for about three years. She has truly been the light at the end of a very difficult and dark tunnel. Our family will forever be very grateful for her help! Karyn is truly gifted at what she does."
My special interests include parent-child relational issues, parenting and child behavior issues, women's issues, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, fertility and adoption, attachment, and stress-coping.
I believe in the importance of each individual and in honoring your story, and it is my sole purpose to have clients feel valued and understood, within a trusting, open minded relationship. I operate from a strengths based perspective, offering hope and healing to individuals and families. Testimonial:: "My oldest son and I have worked with Karyn for about three years. She has truly been the light at the end of a very difficult and dark tunnel. Our family will forever be very grateful for her help! Karyn is truly gifted at what she does."
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Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD, EdM, MA
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60623 (Online Only)
as a Black queer, non-binary femme psychologist, i intertwine relational, healing justice, and anti-oppression practices.
imagine you're a creative at a crossroads, desiring to express yourself fully but feeling hindered. perhaps societal norms, self-doubt, or the complexities of your identity in marginalized communities make it challenging to fully embrace your creative potential. you're seeking a therapeutic journey that not only understands but values your unique story. here, you'll find support to navigate these challenges, embracing your full self and your artistic expression. it's a path towards living authentically, where every facet of your identity and creative spirit is not just accepted but celebrated.
as a Black queer, non-binary femme psychologist, i intertwine relational, healing justice, and anti-oppression practices.
imagine you're a creative at a crossroads, desiring to express yourself fully but feeling hindered. perhaps societal norms, self-doubt, or the complexities of your identity in marginalized communities make it challenging to fully embrace your creative potential. you're seeking a therapeutic journey that not only understands but values your unique story. here, you'll find support to navigate these challenges, embracing your full self and your artistic expression. it's a path towards living authentically, where every facet of your identity and creative spirit is not just accepted but celebrated.
Taneka Taylor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60630 (Online Only)
Welcome! My name is Taneka Taylor (she/her) and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Trauma Professional providing tele-health therapy in Chicago, Illinois. Since 2014, I have worked in various community mental health centers providing compassionate support to individuals who have faced a multitude of diverse life experiences. Whether the struggles my clients are facing are relational, mood, or trauma related, the techniques I use are oriented toward enhancing self-understanding and healing, and to ultimately foster healthier self-soothing coping skills.
Welcome! My name is Taneka Taylor (she/her) and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Trauma Professional providing tele-health therapy in Chicago, Illinois. Since 2014, I have worked in various community mental health centers providing compassionate support to individuals who have faced a multitude of diverse life experiences. Whether the struggles my clients are facing are relational, mood, or trauma related, the techniques I use are oriented toward enhancing self-understanding and healing, and to ultimately foster healthier self-soothing coping skills.
Dj Crosby
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60613
Some areas of my focus include childhood trauma, relational trauma, religious deconstruction, attachment theory, anxiety, depression, stress management, and life transitions.
Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you doesn't mean you can, should or need to do it alone. - Lisa Olivera. Together we can build a safe and collaborative space that fosters growth. Life can be messy, even demanding; we will have hard days; and that’s okay. I approach therapy with authenticity, compassion, and humor. Each individual requires a personalized therapeutic approach and I aim to cultivate that early on in our time together. I use an integrative approach to therapy with a focus on Acceptance and Commitment therapy, decolonizing and anti-oppressive therapy modalities.
Some areas of my focus include childhood trauma, relational trauma, religious deconstruction, attachment theory, anxiety, depression, stress management, and life transitions.
Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you doesn't mean you can, should or need to do it alone. - Lisa Olivera. Together we can build a safe and collaborative space that fosters growth. Life can be messy, even demanding; we will have hard days; and that’s okay. I approach therapy with authenticity, compassion, and humor. Each individual requires a personalized therapeutic approach and I aim to cultivate that early on in our time together. I use an integrative approach to therapy with a focus on Acceptance and Commitment therapy, decolonizing and anti-oppressive therapy modalities.
Wendy Ortiz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
Waitlist for new clients
Hi, my name is Wendy, and I use She/Her/Ella/La pronouns. I am a Bilingual (Spanish and English) Latinx, relational cultural therapist, and empowering clients is at the heart of my work. My focus centers around supporting folks respond to anxiety, depression, PTSD, intimate partner violence, trauma, generational trauma, spiritual abuse, immigration trauma, navigating gender and sexuality identity or grief felt when navigating chronic medical health conditions.
Hi, my name is Wendy, and I use She/Her/Ella/La pronouns. I am a Bilingual (Spanish and English) Latinx, relational cultural therapist, and empowering clients is at the heart of my work. My focus centers around supporting folks respond to anxiety, depression, PTSD, intimate partner violence, trauma, generational trauma, spiritual abuse, immigration trauma, navigating gender and sexuality identity or grief felt when navigating chronic medical health conditions.
Tom Herman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60640
Relationship therapy includes a shift from attempting to conquer or control our partner(s), to creating a relational field in which all partners cultivate interest in learning more about the other’s experience, whether they agree with them or not.
I work with people who are experiencing anxiety and distress. Many feel stuck in unsatisfying experiences. We can gently explore these experiences in ways that can loosen their "grip", and bring innate healing resources into play, cultivating a deeper sense of ease and opportunity in everyday experience. The dissolving of these unsatisfying patterns, and the appearance and growth of more satisfying ones, happens in both individual and relationship therapy.
Relationship therapy includes a shift from attempting to conquer or control our partner(s), to creating a relational field in which all partners cultivate interest in learning more about the other’s experience, whether they agree with them or not.
I work with people who are experiencing anxiety and distress. Many feel stuck in unsatisfying experiences. We can gently explore these experiences in ways that can loosen their "grip", and bring innate healing resources into play, cultivating a deeper sense of ease and opportunity in everyday experience. The dissolving of these unsatisfying patterns, and the appearance and growth of more satisfying ones, happens in both individual and relationship therapy.
Gabrielle Hardin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60605
I utilize CBT and Relational-Cultural Theory.
Has life been overwhelming lately, and you need a safe space to process it? Are you seeking self-understanding and acceptance? Together we can work through the difficulties and bring some clarity and relief to your life. I offer a safe and non-judgmental space where you can effectively work on the needs you have at the present moment.
I utilize CBT and Relational-Cultural Theory.
Has life been overwhelming lately, and you need a safe space to process it? Are you seeking self-understanding and acceptance? Together we can work through the difficulties and bring some clarity and relief to your life. I offer a safe and non-judgmental space where you can effectively work on the needs you have at the present moment.
Jessica Zaehringer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60602 (Online Only)
I help people learn to forgive themselves for not being 'perfect' through eclectic evidence based modalities while also incorporating psychoeducation and lived experience – learning to give yourself the grace you deserve as well as increasing the ease with which you healthily cope with the stressors of life; To learn to create space for yourself and gain a sense of self acceptance and self actualization. I engage with you conversationally to create movement and change towards a healthy outcome through a relational and supportive approach. You are doing your best to navigate through a contradictory world.
I help people learn to forgive themselves for not being 'perfect' through eclectic evidence based modalities while also incorporating psychoeducation and lived experience – learning to give yourself the grace you deserve as well as increasing the ease with which you healthily cope with the stressors of life; To learn to create space for yourself and gain a sense of self acceptance and self actualization. I engage with you conversationally to create movement and change towards a healthy outcome through a relational and supportive approach. You are doing your best to navigate through a contradictory world.
Jessica Mead
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60625
At some point in life we all need a little help finding our way back to our sense of self and security. Life events, a global pandemic, mental illness, substance abuse, and trauma can take us all off course. Therapy can be what helps to guide us back to our path. I believe healing occurs in the context of human relationships, so I take a relational approach to therapy. Understanding and finding satisfying relationships are vital to our mental health and life quality. Children, adolescents and adults all want to be heard and understood, and therapy can aid in finding emotional connection.
At some point in life we all need a little help finding our way back to our sense of self and security. Life events, a global pandemic, mental illness, substance abuse, and trauma can take us all off course. Therapy can be what helps to guide us back to our path. I believe healing occurs in the context of human relationships, so I take a relational approach to therapy. Understanding and finding satisfying relationships are vital to our mental health and life quality. Children, adolescents and adults all want to be heard and understood, and therapy can aid in finding emotional connection.
Michael P. McCauley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Orland Park, IL 60462
I work hard to identify the relational patterns that bedevil the partners who come to me, and I use Gottman-themed, emotionally-focused and other approaches when meeting with partners.
Do you feel anxious or depressed? Are you struggling with relationship challenges or major life transitions? Or do you suffer from low self-esteem? I provide compassionate support to people who find themselves dealing with these issues, and offer sessions that are nurturing, captivating and goal-oriented. My warm and non-judgmental approach to working with individuals is grounded in the psychodynamic and mindfulness traditions, and I’m also quite interested in working with clients on issues of spirituality and meaning.
I work hard to identify the relational patterns that bedevil the partners who come to me, and I use Gottman-themed, emotionally-focused and other approaches when meeting with partners.
Do you feel anxious or depressed? Are you struggling with relationship challenges or major life transitions? Or do you suffer from low self-esteem? I provide compassionate support to people who find themselves dealing with these issues, and offer sessions that are nurturing, captivating and goal-oriented. My warm and non-judgmental approach to working with individuals is grounded in the psychodynamic and mindfulness traditions, and I’m also quite interested in working with clients on issues of spirituality and meaning.
See more therapy options for Illinois
Relational Therapists
How does relational therapy work?
Relational therapy was developed by psychologist Jean Miller, whose ideas stressed that having strong connections with others encourages better health and well-being when compared with a lonely existence. Conversely, poor interpersonal relationships do not foster growth and learning. Relational therapy also encourages trust in others and patience with others, along with better communication and less conflict.
Is relational therapy evidence-based?
Relational therapy is not well-studied, and it may not be as effective in treating certain mental health conditions when compared with evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral or acceptance and commitment therapy. However, relational therapy uses techniques found in cognitive behavioral therapy as well as psychodynamic therapy, which are both well-studied with empirical research.
How long are people typically in relational therapy?
Clients may see improvement after a few weeks or months of therapy. Like cognitive behavioral therapy, relational therapy can reduce symptoms within 10 to 20 weeks, at 45 to 50 minutes once a week. But like any type of therapy, improvement depends on the person and the severity of the problem.
Does relational therapy work?
While no therapy type will work for everyone, some evidence suggests that this therapy can be effective. Relational therapy can help a person manage problematic relationships as well as the mental health conditions that accompany difficult relationships like depression or anxiety. This therapy type may offer benefits that are hard to measure but can be just as valuable—including feelings of higher self-worth or healthier connections with others.