Relationship Issues Therapists in Chicago, IL

My areas of specialization are working with individuals/couples/relationships who are in the LGBTQ+ community who have experienced violence, such as sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, family system-based violence, spiritual abuse, and community-based violence. I work with many different relationship structures from cisgender heterosexual monogamous couples and folx with more expansive relationship structures. My areas of specialization in working with relationship clients are high-conflict relationships, sexual dysfunction/dysregulation, infidelity, trust, safety, and stability.

Clients reach out for help for a variety of reasons: they may feel the loss of a relationship, be struggling with communication with their family or significant other, believe they are under-performing at work, feel depressed, anxious, "down in the dumps," lack self-confidence or may struggle with out of control behaviors. Some clients come to me completely new to therapy, others have explored and worked on themselves for years, but seek a new perspective. I draw on a variety of theoretical approaches to understand a person and explore their perspectives on their life and their issues.

Relationships can be complicated. You may find yourself struggling to express yourself and to feel heard. You find yourself avoiding conflict or feel like you’re walking on eggshells. Resentment and emotional distance are building up from trying to gain respect and understanding. You crave intimacy but the emotional distance makes it feel unbearable. You can have a healthy relationship with yourself and others. I became a therapist because I have seen in my personal experiences people who have been hurt or used. I am dedicated to changing ongoing cycles of suffering and hidden wounds. I recognize that relationships take hard work.

For over 30 years, I have accompanied others on their journey towards greater self-awareness, more fulfilling relationships, and exploring the needs and challenges of maintaining sound emotional, physical and spiritual health. My experience is particularly helpful when working on self-esteem issues, depression, grief and loss, relationship struggles, and faith and spiritual development. My clinical work draws upon skills developed while working as a hospital chaplain, pastoral counselor, bereavement counselor, youth counselor and a mental health therapist in a social service agency.

I support clients in finding clarity, understanding themselves more deeply, and taking steps towards creating the kind of life they want to experience. My clients feel lost or overwhelmed and want something to change, but may not know where to start. Together, we work to understand how unprocessed emotions and past experiences are getting in the way of their wellbeing in the form of anxious thoughts, unhelpful relationship patterns, or negative self-talk. My clients want to build tools to become more self-aware, cope with challenges, and feel more satisfied in their personal relationships.

I am committed to supporting my clients ability to grow and change. As a Humanist, I believe that people are always striving to succeed, but at times are blocked by fears, doubts and loss of clear identity. I see my clients as collaborators in the therapeutic process, and together we create a personal path for healing and growth, that incorporates soundly researched therapeutic techniques.

This is difficult; I get it. Searching for a therapist, placing the initial call, scheduling then attending the first session can truly be overwhelming. I commend you for deciding to make a positive change in your life or the life of a loved one. My goal as a therapist is to help individuals and couples clarify the type of lives they want to live, recognize strengths, identify obstacles, discover realistic solutions, and devise a plan to reach established goals. Our collaborative relationship will increase self-awareness to foster growth and healing.

Therapy can sometimes feel awkward or uncomfortable. Being curious and open about our pains is not an easy task, which is why it is important to feel comfortable with the therapist you work with. The relationship between therapist and client is fundamental to creating a safer space in which this exploration can occur.

I am an impassioned and unwavering therapist deeply committed to guiding individuals on their transformative journey towards emotional well-being and personal growth. Within the sacred sanctuary of my practice, I craft a haven of unconditional acceptance and understanding, devoid of judgment, where clients are free to embark on a profound exploration of their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. My firm belief in the profound influence of the therapeutic relationship fuels my dedication to building strong, authentic connections with each individual I work with.

Are you struggling with emotions, relationships, behaviors, or life circumstances that are interfering with living the life you dream of, or once had? For over 20 years, I have compassionately and effectively helped individuals and couples alleviate distress and increase self-understanding and life satisfaction. Your therapy will be tailored specifically for you as we collaborate to understand your concerns and strengths as well as plan for improving your life and relationships. My work with you will be respectful, empathic, and interactive.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with experience working with adolescents and adults.I use a variety of techniques to help clients discover positive ways of coping and responding to the difficulties they face. I value the psychologist-client relationship and strive to establish a connection with each client based on empathy and understanding of each individual's needs. I assist clients in developing ways to cope with life stressors and establish/maintain personal relationships. In the therapeutic process, I focus on an individual's strengths and encourage clients to use strengths to enhance their lives and attain their goals.

I deeply enjoy challenging and deconstructing all flavors of shame and stigma. I work with clients to notice, give attention, and slow down when our culture encourages us to ignore, distract, and speed up. By thoughtfully exploring family patterns and our ways of being in relationship, we can come to intriguing conclusions about ourselves and others. I work with people ages 17+, and I see clients individually, as families, as sibling groups, and in all configurations of romantic relationships.

Have you ever felt stuck while in a relationship or confused about who you are or where you want to be in your life? Do parts of you feel lost and insecure while other parts of you are so ready to change and give up old habits? These different parts of us may feel pressure from family, friends, work, school, and society to fit a mold of who we are supposed to be as a person. We may even put the most pressure on ourselves to be in control, strive for perfection, or please others. Yet, deep down we may feel empty, out of control, anxious, or inauthentic. You are not alone.

Connection to oneself and others is vital to staying awake and alive. Therapy can help create a space where you see that pain can be used as an opportunity for repair. It's one way that you can work to gain insight, practice self-care and produce meaningful change. Whatever the reason you are coming in, I hope to help through a collaborative, direct approach. We can explore why things may have come to be with self compassion and curiosity and then put that awareness into practice. Active, intentional living can offer a full life while you honor the past and stay in the present. Humor helps too!

I am passionate about working with individuals, couples, and families looking to strengthen relationships with themselves and each other. I work with clients struggling with anxiety, life transitions, and communication issues. I have experience working with diverse populations with a variety of concerns including relational conflict, identity exploration, trauma, and working with couples who have intimacy related concerns. I aim to help clients identify their strengths and gain insight while looking for patterns that no longer serve them to make room for new experiences.

Having lived in different countries (China, England, and the U.S.) and the life of both a “majority” and a “minority”, from marketing to mental health, I am able to connect with people in their diverse life experiences. I see therapy as a relationship between two people committed to face the deeper truths of our lives. I am here to understand your unique personal story, and support you in sorting out complex emotional and relational concerns. The goal is for you to set yourself free from limiting barriers, build emotional resilience, and develop more fulfilling relationships with others.

I support long-term couples struggling with conflict and disconnection who may feel unsure how to solve their challenges or rekindle their loving dynamic. I help couples improve communication skills, identify and express underlying vulnerable emotions, and ultimately deepen their intimacy and romantic connection. I also support folks with dysfunctional family and/or religious histories, who are interested in alternative healing approaches. This may entail witnessing the pain and patterns of the past, and then potentially reclaiming and reimagining their relationship with spirituality.

The choice to change your life's direction can be a challenging one, much like finding the right therapist. If you are looking for extra support through a difficult time or seeking to set out on a path of self-discovery, I can help you achieve your goals. So many of us struggle to experience the type of life we know we deserve; by working together in a relaxing and healing environment, you and I can come to a better understanding of what may be holding you back. Thank you for the opportunity to take part in your journey.

I am a warm, flexible, thoughtful and experienced licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and psychoanalyst located just north Chicago's Loop. I establish supportive and comfortable therapeutic relationships with individuals and couples. Sessions are customized to the unique needs, goals, and strengths of each client. Typical challenges include the following: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, work difficulties, grief or loss, relationship issues or patterns, substance or alcohol abuse, divorce, parenting, stress management, painful emotional symptoms, personality disorders, and renewing hope.