Strength-Based Therapists in Austin, Chicago, IL

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience helping people cope with family and social issues. I work with many concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, ADHD, stress management, school-related matters, and career challenges. The modalities I use include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Strength-based Therapy. I believe in providing a safe space for clients to be vulnerable and explore solutions to complex concerns and issues.

True wellness is a commitment to your best self. But what do you do if you don’t know what that looks like? When is the last time you had the space to reflect on your life and goals? Do you find yourself unbalanced due to life’s changes and in need of a reset? Meet with me! Let’s develop a plan for you to see yourself clearly. I believe in the power of expression, faith in self, and determination. I utilize client-centered approaches with science-supported interventions. I won’t leave your wellness up to chance, let’s work together to make a change. Clients describe me as attentive, supportive, caring, and result-driven.

People want to feel sure of themselves. They want to feel confident in what they are doing without second guessing themselves. The problem is, failed relationships, lack of promotions, or a mediocre life has led them to believe that they have no control. In life, there are some things that we cannot control but there sure are a lot of things that we can. I know how easy it is to feel unpretty when an ex has cheated on you OR how easy it is to self sabotage when past events did not end in your favor. The uncertainty surrounding a new transition (newly married/divorced; entering/graduating college; changing careers; single parenting)

My experience includes working with grief, loss, anticipatory grief and trauma. Anxiety, panic and mood disorders. Lifestyle concerns and modifications including chronic illness, pain and co-occurring (mental health and substance abuse) disorders. I am certified in thanatology (death, dying & bereavement) from the Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) from EMDRA.

Do you feel like something needs to change in your life, but you can’t seem to figure out what that “something” is or where to begin? I would be honored to partner with you to access those things that bring you joy, clarity, and peace. I enjoy working with adults open to change and eager to develop patterns of thinking and behaviors that support the life they truly desire. Additionally, I specialize in addressing the unique challenges faced by BIPOC. You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s partner to create the blueprint for your next chapter. There is endless joy that lives within you, and it’s ready to be unleashed.

FREE consultations! Are you feeling stuck in negative thoughts, intense emotions, or behavioral patterns that don't serve your best interest? Are you hoping to build more meaning and joy in your life? You may feel hesitant about reaching out for help, especially with pressure from all directions to "have it all together". I'm here to join you on this journey to discover healing and build a balanced life. My goal is to help you find compassion for yourself, develop skills to help you navigate life stressors, and be confident in the resilient person you are.

Therapy is a space to explore who you are, were & want to be. Change and growth can be scary & difficult but also beautiful & freeing. My hope is to help you move through that process in the way that works best for you. Working toward a greater insight and awareness of our experiences can help us to embrace and enhance connection to ourselves and others. I provide culturally & racially conscious therapy services using the social work adage of beginning where my client is. I see my role as being present with my clients as they face and navigate the grey areas of life, while increasing agency, sense of self & healthy coping skills.

Taking the initial step to seek therapy can bring a roller coaster of emotions and even hesitation. It's ok - you are not alone. The fact you made it to this sentence is an amazing first step. Welcome! Everyone is different with different needs, and I believe in tailoring my modalities based on my client's specific goals. This is about you and what you need.

While I enjoy working with many different types of people, my ideal client is someone who is open to exploration and can view therapy as a journey and a process, rather than quick fix. I work best with someone who can see me as a support and can partner in uncovering solutions that work best for them, rather than looking to me for total direction. I have helped individuals in successfully transitioning to the next level in their lives, increase motivation and self-esteem to improve relationships and sense of self worth, and have helped individuals establish the identity that they desire.

I have always wanted to help people, and in my community I have seen people who look like me battle with various symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma. I dedicated myself to loving and continuously learning all things mental health, so that I can help those that need the most support doing difficult times in their lives. There comes a time in our lives where we want something to change. We have been trying things different ways for a while; nothing seems to be working. Let's give therapy a try. Let's try a new approach that can help you be the you envision for yourself.

At Centro Castillo for Personal and Family Wellbeing, our therapists strongly believe that we understand a person as part of their culture and family upbringing. Together we will discover what motivates you and use this knowledge to increase self-awareness in how you feel, think and act. With this insight, the ultimate goal is make the best decisions that will leave you feeling better and live a happier life. With 14 therapist in 3 offices throughout the city (Lakeview, Pilsen, and near Oak Park) we look forward to helping you and your family.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is committed to partnering with clients to identify strategies that can help them work through life’s difficulties. I understand the complex relationship between thinking and emotions, as well as the impact it can have on mood. I treat issues of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and (sexual) trauma, substance use/abuse, grief/ loss and complex family dynamics. I have many years of experience of working with diverse populations and assisting them with developing and reaching their goals. I identify as a social work first focusing on life issues to mitigate mental health issues.

As a bilingual (Spanish and English) Licensed Social Worker, I am aware of the impact culture influences in one’s life. In therapy, I strive to create a safe, compassionate, non-judgemental and supportive environment. I tailored my therapeutic approach unique to each person utilizing an eclectic, holistic and trauma-informed approach. I’ve experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families. I specialize in anxiety, depression, adjusment difficulties, grief, trauma, etc.

Rachel’s goal in therapy is to provide clients with a strong, stable sense of self and the confidence to live more honestly in relationship with others. As a therapist, Rachel draws heavily on her psychoanalytic training, helping clients access unconscious thoughts that may be affecting day to day life and relationships with the belief that insight itself can be liberating. Rachel’s approach extends beyond the psychoanalytic and is integrative, pulling from behavioralist models as well as family systems and attachment theory when and where appropriate. Rachel works primarily with adolescents, adults, and couples.

It is the desire of every human being to be loved and to belong. The only true thing that distinguishes us from one another is our experiences and our perspective of those experiences. Your past, the personal struggles and decisions you currently face and the conflicts between you and those you care about does not define you. What I offer is empathy, compassion, and support with a focus on creating a warm, safe and welcoming environment where you can be heard and understood without judgment.

Chicago native, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience working with children and adults. I love helping children blossom into their own identities, empowering women through a variety of life changes and personal growth, and supporting men with self-love. As a current PhD Candidate in Organizational Leadership and Certificate in Women's Entrepreneurship, I'm able to explore the anxieties around leadership, workplace and entrepreneurial stress.

I want to help people create a meaningful connection with the world around them. I use compassionate, integrative, and person-focused counseling to resolve difficult issues, facilitate clarity and understanding, and promote growth and change. We all have the resources within us to live and thrive, and it's my goal to help people access strengths, gifts, and talents. No matter the issue, each person is unique and deserves a chance to explore who they are and who they want to be.

I provide culturally competent behavioral health services to children, adolescents and adults. My role is to empower you to achieve balance between your personal, mental and emotional well-being. Allow me to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. You can't change difficult situations of the past, however, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. In a collaborative space, we'll uncover long-standing behavior patterns and negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling life.

Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.