Therapists in Chicago, IL

Life can be stressful and overwhelming. Feelings of anxiety and depression can occur during challenging times. We all have unique identities and ways of expressing ourselves, and we all view the world and our roles in it in distinctive ways. Non-judgmental, open-minded conversations within the context of a trusting relationship can help. Connecting with someone who can relate to your perspectives helps relieve stress and paves the way to lasting, meaningful change.

Often, people come to us without having explored psychological concerns in a sophisticated way. If they had past therapy, they were at times disappointed that it did not go deeper, as it left the greater meaning (the "roots") of their symptoms unexplored. As psychodynamic therapists, however, our goal is to see comprehensively, with thoughtful attention to the subtle depths and intricacies of your experience. In so doing, we can help to both resolve symptoms and impart meaning to your experiences, even those thoughts, feelings, and emotions that are often deemed painful or meaningless.

All of us yearn for a sense of belonging, and it is human to feel lonely due to issues we may be facing in life. Feeling alone can have a detrimental impact not only to our mental/emotional health, but also physical health. I'm here to support you in your mental health journey and working towards a better quality of life. I strive for social justice and am attuned to the impacts and influences of society and culture. I approach therapy from a trauma-informed and harm reduction lens, meaning I’m sensitive to the past experiences that have shaped you into who you are today while working in a collaborative approach.

Individuals come to my office burdened with feelings of being lost, lonely, empty, or disconnected from their closest relationships. Some express a deep yearning to experience authenticity, presence, and freedom. I take an active approach, one that seeks to empower clients to foster not only a deeper understanding of themselves but also the keys to more fulfilling relationships with others. My specialization centers on equipping clients with the indispensable tools of self-awareness and cognitive restructuring, enabling them to nurture self-compassion, harness effective communication skills, and fortify their sense of self.

Our goal is to serve as your guide and walk with you on your life journey. We aim to help you overcome obstacles that may be holding you back from reaching your dreams, while providing you with healthy strategies to implement in your life outside of therapy. Whether exploring the past, present, or future; discussing coping strategies; processing stressful events; building resiliency; healing from trauma; creative problem-solving, or enhancing communication within your relationship. We serve an array of culturally diverse clients, including: children, adolescents, teenagers, college students, adults, couples, and families.

I utilize a supportive and warm approach that is integrative of mindfulness and dialectical-behavioral principles. I work from the perspective that the client-therapist relationship is paramount to progress, and believe that it is the stepping stone to growth and change. Clients set their own pace and can process each step of their journey. I believe in gentle challenging to move through patterns that are not serving anymore and provide practical skill-use in and out of the office.

(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.

In today’s world, many tasks and responsibilities can easily become overwhelming as life throws us unexpected obstacles. We can become anxious, depressed, hopeless, feeling like there is no rhyme or reason to what we are going through, to what we are thinking and feeling, or even to life itself. We might choose to escape from our problems, angst, a sense of void, our past, or our daily thoughts through indulging in external gratifications, by using drugs and alcohol, sex, relationships, or other means. We often get stuck in our thinking, consumed by negative self-talk and perceptions of ourselves.

My practice specializes in helping clients actualize their personal goals. In my approach I attempt to empower clients to modify their thoughts and behaviors in ways that help them meet their particular goals. I also maintain sensitivity to a clients cultural background. I specialize in helping clients with relationship difficulties, anxiety/stress, depression, and impulsivity. I have extensive experience working with children with behavioral challenges and have developed a free app on managing bullying that is available in the apple itunes store (Hero App).

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.

Dr. Nakisher offers a practical approach in a supportive, yet challenging atmosphere to help clients gain insight, make lasting changes in life and get out your own way. He works particularly well with people who have previously experienced therapy as unhelpful. Dr. Nakisher also works a business consultant to major corporations, improving business through human capital.

It is normal, on occasion, for everyone to experience some anxiety dealing with life. But lately those feelings have become overwhelming. Over time, it feels like you are anxious about everything, and nothing. The worry is starting to creep into every aspect of your life- work, family, relationships,... even going to get out of bed feels overwhelming some days! You are not going crazy, and you are not alone- anxiety is one of the most common reasons people reach out to for help. Therapy can help get things back to normal.

My counseling approach emphasizes how all individuals have the capabilities to live life authentically and with reduced stress. My goal is to help you utilize your strengths to achieve positive self-change and growth through the many transitions in life. I provide counseling for adults, couples, and older adults experiencing depression, low self esteem, anxiety, parental difficulties, relationship problems, substance abuse, anger, and stress related symptoms. I have training in teaching relaxation techniques and anger management skills including deep breathing and systematic desensitization.

I provide therapy for individuals and couples, specializing in relationship difficulties. My particular interest and expertise is working with people suffering from anxiety, depression and trauma. I use a psychoanalytic approach with an emphasis on genuine connection and empowerment. This is helpful to bring understanding and insight to past experiences, that may be impacting one's behavior, feelings and patterns, allowing them to remain stuck. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship and am deeply committed to a strong working alliance with each of my clients, resulting in effective treatment and authentic change.

My general approach seeks to honor the emotions and experiences brought into a session while acknowledging the impact that systems and experiences have had on our development and identity. Our experiences in relationship with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us can be the source of pain but also the source of profound healing and recovery.

I believe the therapeutic relationship is the crucible within which clients are helped to heal their pain. I take an active role in the therapeutic process by engaging with the client so he or she feels understood, respected, and seen. The feelings of shame, fear, anxiety and other painful emotions are worked through so the client feels taken care of. The clients I treat often come into therapy in a survival mode. I help people in moving from survival to a life of thriving and self love. Dysfunctional behaviors creates people who feel inauthentic, even to themselves. I assist people in developing true authenticity and a real self.

My approach to therapy is dually focused: I offer evidenced based interventions that teach skills and concepts to help you better manage emotional and mental discomfort. I also focus on insight, so I like to explore the deeper self, your existential curiosity, core beliefs, and values. I have found this approach can increase resilience, foster healing, and allow growth. I am collaborative, encouraging, and enjoy incorporating laughter and humor into sessions when appropriate.

I AM NOW OFFERING SECURE TELEPHONIC COUNSELING DURING THIS CRISIS. I provide positive and action oriented, directive therapy to help you through depression, anxiety, relationship,and school and work issues. Treatment is focused on achieving goals-emotional, spiritual and physical to live an abundant life. Life does not have to be hard! I am an advocate of positive psychology and the Law of Attraction--there is no upside to negativity, I help my clients get back on a positive path.

The purpose of therapy is to help you get beyond a state of elementary survival -to a place where there's energy to be creative, the drive to motivate yourself, some space to take a walk, and perhaps time to attend a class. You may ask yourself constantly: "Isn't there more to life than struggle? Instead of walking in circles wouldn't it be nice to expand your horizons and gain a new perspective? Therapy is the place to do such things. It's a safe environment to become more awake and to develop more fully your genuine Self.