Strength-Based Therapists in Chicago, IL

Life’s challenges happen suddenly. Without warning it feels like you can’t navigate through with confidence and calm. Instead, you are plagued with worry, hesitation, anxiety, and depression. At times, life feels like a ticking time bomb, and you are desperately searching for an effective means to diffuse it. But your coping skills aren’t working well enough, or maybe they weren’t that healthy in the first place. How are you supposed to get comfortable with the challenges you are experiencing, let alone feel you are responding in a healthy way, when everything around you – maybe even your person – can be so unpredictable?

I want to give you the tools and support to create a life that meets your needs. As an art therapist and counselor, I believe in the power of creativity to foster connection, expression, and healing, particularly when words fall short. My goal is to meet you where you are and to create a non-judgmental space to foster change.

I am passionate about empowering people to flourish and find greater fulfillment amidst seasons of challenge and transition. Whether you are feeling stuck, lonely, emotionally exhausted, disconnected, anxious, or discouraged, let's work together to build healing and lasting positive change in your life. With my experience growing up internationally, I identify as an Adult Third Culture Kid and hold a special place for people with cross-cultural experiences who may be navigating culture shock, re-assimilation, plans to move, adoption, community building, bicultural relationships, separation from family, and other cultural challenges.

If you are looking for help with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, stress from work or school, or issues with your health or relationships, I can help you define and achieve your goals. We will work together in a solution- oriented way to access your internal resources and help you move forward proactively, positively and comfortably. My style as a therapist is genuine, person-centered, creative, objective, compassionate, goal oriented and personal.

I am currently accepting new clients. I have experience working with individuals from different ethnic, socio-economic, religious, and spiritual backgrounds, who are experiencing a variety of life’s challenging situations. I am dedicated to working with each client to help resolve temporary and deep rooted issues. One of the most important relationships you will ever have is the one you have with yourself. I assist clients in gaining a deeper understanding of themselves, in order to move forward in their lives in a healthy and purposeful way. I am invested in treating the “whole” person with a focus on the mind body connection.

My name is Emily Cassidy, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I work with adolescents and adults, and focus on anxiety and panic disorder, depression, life transitions, and non-complex trauma. I assist clients to meet their goals by focusing on the here and now, utilizing modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Mindfulness.

Klara utilizes strength-based and relational approaches to help clients build resilience and personal insight through self-compassion and skill-building. Due to the creative and fluid nature of the therapeutic process, Klara mindfully shifts with each client’s needs, changing and growing with them on their unique journeys. She utilizes creative, holistic, and trauma-informed interventions while working collaboratively with her clients to create a tailored therapeutic experience.

I earned my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Roosevelt University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Human Development from DePaul University. I have worked in inpatient hospital settings providing crisis management and therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults. I have also worked alongside various non-profit organizations and community based mental health centers to address barriers to mental health services in underserved communities.

My ideal client is one who is open and curious. Their issues, needs and goals may vary or evolve over time, but the primary objective is to work collaboratively to explore any conscious or unconscious thoughts and feelings that may gain better insight into behaviors, patterns and/or relational concerns. Our work will create a space that is nurturing, safe and secure. This means being able to speak freely, without judgment or fear of being unheard or unseen. This can be uncomfortable for some, having to be vulnerable. My goal is to provide a safety net to help individuals as they lean into vulnerability to create a path of healing.

Michael Alexander is a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, Illinois. Have you experienced anxiety, loss, feeling marginalized, trauma, and/or feelings of depression that have impacted your life? My approach and practice promotes self-awareness, self-love, and creating a safe environment for clients to be their full authentic selves in session. I utilize CBT, trauma-informed, relational, and strength-based therapy techniques in session. My specialization is working with adolescents, and adults (men and women, LGBTQI) with a focus on addressing relationships, and familial trauma through a culturally informed lens.

Seeking, entering into, and staying in therapy take a lot of courage. I believe therapy helps us reconnect more deeply with who we are and who we are becoming. Therapy gives us opportunities to explore what matters in our lives, how we affect one another individually or collectively, how we serve or support one another in our multi-layered environments, and how to cultivate meaningful relationships with people whom we encounter. Therapy offers opportunities to learn where we may be stuck emotionally and spiritually. In this process, we can find a “home” or a “safe and sacred” place within ourselves.

At Gradations Studio - Art, Therapy and Wellness, I offer art therapy and talk therapy to individuals seeking a supportive and creative space to heal. I work with individuals of all ages and stages of life who are experiencing anxiety, depression, loss/grief, trauma, life transitions and challenges. In addition to art therapy and talk therapy, I work to incorporate a variety of modalities and coping strategies to address your unique needs.

Do you want to learn about yourself in a nonjudgemental environment to better navigate life and improve relationships? I specialize in working with adolescents and adults of all ages. We will work together on your therapy goals and individualize your treatment. I have expertise in ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, interpersonal struggles, life transitions, social skills, and trauma. I am a LGBTQ+ and cultural ally, and will help you uncover barriers that are in your way. I also have expertise in navigating school advocacy issues such as obtaining 504 plans and special education support / Individualized Education Plans.

I am a licensed professional clinical psychotherapist with over a decade of experience working with youth ages 0-18. I also specialize in early infant-parent psychotherapy, childhood development, parent-child relationships, parental mental health, and family wellness. I have has also received additional specialized training in trauma-informed care and multicultural psychology which are vital to youth wellness!

My approach is solution focused and strength based. I am nuturing and supportive and will work to build a relationship of mutual trust and respect in an environment that fosters growth and change. I will assist clients to become aware of alternative behaviors as they approach their treatment goals. Treatment goals will seek to increase an overall sense of well being and address challenges they face.

Amber Walker is a graduate from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is currently obtaining her licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Illinois. She received her M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent treatment from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Before CCBH, Amber worked closely with children and families residing in underserved populations. Amber provided continuous support and used strength-based and evidence-based models such as the Parent as Teacher model to strengthen family engagement, family dynamics, and parenting practice.

Welcome! I have learned that healing happens within safe relationships. I specialize in providing a safe relationship for children and teens who have experienced trauma or life challenges. I absolutely love supporting young people. Anxiety, depression, “prickly” behaviors, anger, and relational or school challenges are all typical symptoms of a difficult season in life. Trauma-informed and strength-based care are at the core of my work with clients. My practice philosophy is affirming, and I welcome neurodivergent or LGBTQ+ clients. I will honor exactly who you are while supporting any growth that you would like to see.

I am a licensed social worker with over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families. In addition to office-based settings, I have worked in intensive in-home treatment and as a school counselor. Many years of my career were spent as a clinical consultant for a research-based, family-focused treatment model, Multisystemic Therapy (MST). Through my work, I have gained advanced knowledge in family and couples therapy, behavioral modification, and cognitive behavioral therapy. My approach is strength-based and solution-focused. I believe that all individuals have assets that can be leveraged to foster change, and that my role is to support clients in living a full and rewarding life. In my approach with children and adolescents, I view parents/caregivers as the experts on their children, and essential partners in ensuring successful treatment. Understanding family dynamics and promoting healthier patterns are special areas of interest, and utilized in my therapeutic approach. I commend you for taking the first step in researching a therapist for yourself or loved one!

I believe therapy should be a supportive experience. Using a strength-based approach, I work hard to help my clients navigate emotions, develop coping skills and strengthen relationships. While working towards their goals, I value understanding individual experiences and underlying emotions. My work is centered around lifting constraints which prevent change and exploring new behaviors and thought patterns.