Strength-Based Therapists in Chicago, IL

If you have relationship problems, there seems to be this dominant cultural narrative that assumes something is wrong with you. Science provides a more comprehensive perspective: our relationship problems may be rooted in attachment trauma. What happens inside you is more important than what happens to you. If this speaks to you, let's connect.

Becky is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has over 25 years of counseling experience and loves her job helping others! Her priority is to provide a therapeutic relationship in a safe, nonjudgmental, and confidential environment so you feel comfortable discussing your truth. Becky’s person-centered & integrative approach is customized to your specific needs. She counsels from a positive, holistic, strength-based perspective of hope and growth through self-awareness and insights. She believes each of us is a unique individual with several differences that make us who we are so only we know the best solutions for ourselves.

I am a bi-lingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Social Worker serving young people and adults who want to start their process of learning how to care for their emotional well-being and healing. I have experience with people working through depression, bipolar disorder, substance use, grief, sex & intimacy, trauma, anxiety, adjustment disorders, divorce, domestic violence, immigration, life transitions, peer relationships, relationship issues, self esteem, and stress.

Our past can impact how we navigate the present. In my opinion, understanding our experiences can lead to healing and transformation. My priority is creating an open and safe space where you can freely explore those vulnerabilities. This is a space where you can vent, laugh, and make greater meaning out of your experiences. I use a strength-based approach to empower you to be your most authentic self. This approach can include times of humor and times when I challenge you. I believe the therapeutic relationship is integral to exploring uncomfortable emotions and relationship dynamics.

Beginning therapy can feel difficult or come with a lot of unknown. That's why it is an honor for me to work with my clients and foster a space that is non-judgmental, warm, safe, and collaborative. I work with individuals who may want to explore topics like anxiety, emerging adulthood, experiencing life transitions, women's issues, those transitioning to a life with Type I diabetes, identify development, relationship (familial, friendship, romantic etc.) challenges and more.

The issues that I help folks with include substance use, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma, body dysmorphia, & interpersonal relationships. I firmly believe that evidence-based psychotherapy, focused on one’s identity and their own experiences, can provide individuals with the agency they need to live the best version of their lives. It is critical to me that those I work with know that their uniqueness is part of what contributes to their strengths. Furthermore, it contributes to the strength-based approach I believe best helps individuals learn to love themselves in society today.

I believe that the therapeutic relationship should provide a space for unconditional acceptance. Each individual, no matter their age or ability is the expert of their own lives. My approach is to help each of my clients uncover and remind them of, the best parts of themselves.

We're a trauma-informed, culturally-sensitive mental health counseling group for multicultural, Asian, BIPOC, immigrants, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities. We're passionate about working with individuals, couples and families from different cultural backgrounds, exploring how complex identities and unique personal experiences have shaped us into who we are. We specialize in healing from anxiety, complex trauma, relationship issues, perinatal issues, ADHD, adoption, OCD, stress, cultural identity, cultural/intergenerational conflicts, family conflicts, grief, and other issues.

Bola earned his M.A. in Clinical Professional Psychology from Roosevelt University, Chicago. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and has experience working with individual, couple, group, and family of diverse backgrounds and psychological issues. Area of interest include anxiety, depression, substance use, anger management, grief and loss, trauma, marital conflict, family issues, and crisis intervention. Along with CBT, Bola utilizes strength based approach, collaborating with clients in identifying, nurturing, and utilizing the identified innate strengths in attaining clients improved mental/emotional well being.

I’m a warmhearted therapist dedicated to fostering deep connections and emotional safety. My approach will empower you to embrace your authentic self, navigate diverse emotions, and face challenges with courage and compassion. I’ll create a comfortable environment for us to work collaboratively, empowering you to make lasting changes aligned with your values and principles, leading to a more fulfilling life. My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, empathetic, radically compassionate, playful, strength-based and non-judgmental.

I lead therapy with a strength-based approach. I believe all clients have the ability to reach their full potential as they grow to learn about themselves. I earned my masters degree in Social Work from the Jane Addams College of Social Work. I spent 5 years working as a school social worker. I strive to be an advocate for children during the special education process and educating parents on their rights.

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.

Using a compassionate and collaborative approach to counseling, Renee works with people at all life cycle stages—children, adolescents and adults—helping them navigate a range of personal challenges, including life transitions, depression, anxiety, relationship issues and trauma. Renee also uses a strength-based and trauma informed perspective to empower individuals to build resilience while moving toward positive change.

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.

I believe it takes a tremendous amount of courage to seek therapy, and I seek to honor and respect this effort in every session through a collaborative process. During our work together, my mission is to work as a team as exploration of difficult thoughts, memories, and feelings arise. My hope is for clients to feel they can be their authentic selves while reflecting on their strengths and bringing awareness to their vulnerabilities and needs through a non-judgmental approach. I have extensive training in working with adults with a special interest in working with first responders, as well as other clinicians, and veterans.

Hi I’m Gina! Do you know that everyone feels overwhelmed from time to time? Balancing the demands of life, family, and work can be challenging, especially now. I have a PhD and MSW from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I am a highly trained therapist with experience helping people work through issues such as grief and loss, depression, anxiety, addiction, and a host of other issues that may be affecting your well-being. I am a strength-based therapist that views every client as having the ability to work through challenges. Sometimes all you need is a little help to move forward.

Are you feeling alone, misunderstood, or overwhelmed with your current life circumstances? Stressors from work, finances, family, friendships, and romantic partnerships impede on your quality of life and interfere with the happiness you want and deserve. Whether you are going through a career transition, navigating healthy boundaries, or in need of processing the negative thoughts or emotions you feel daily, I am here to help. I will address, validate, and acknowledge these aspects of your life, while also providing empowerment and evidence-based practices needed to help you take control of who you want to become.

My name is Citlali Lara and I am a bi-cultural and bi-lingual therapist (English/Spanish). I enjoy working with individuals who are ready and committed to change! I have experience working with children, and adolescents as well as their families. I specialize in anxiety, depression, low-self esteem, stress, relationships and life changes/transitions. I enjoy creating positive therapeutic relationships with my clients as I believe that effective therapy starts at fostering positive rapport.

We all yearn for fulfilling relationships with our partners, family, and other important people in our social circles. Sometimes we need help navigating the complexities of our connections. I believe the therapeutic experience can help clients better understand themselves and their relational needs. I am a Couple and Family Therapist intern and a second-year Ph.D. student in the Couple and Family Therapy program at Adler University in Chicago.