Jewish Therapists in Chicago, IL
I identify as a cisgender, gay, White, disabled, Jewish man.
I work with many types of clients, but specialize in working with queer and trans people, couples, and other forms of relationships (triads, polycules, open, polygamous, etc.). I deal primarily with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief and loss, transitions, stress management, trauma, sex-related issues and traumas, kink and BDSM, behavioral and substance addictions, and chronic pain and chronic illness. I tend to work with adults. I love working with clients that bring their whole self to therapy as I do too. I always encourage feedback to ensure the therapeutic process feels affirming and healing.
I identify as a cisgender, gay, White, disabled, Jewish man.
I work with many types of clients, but specialize in working with queer and trans people, couples, and other forms of relationships (triads, polycules, open, polygamous, etc.). I deal primarily with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief and loss, transitions, stress management, trauma, sex-related issues and traumas, kink and BDSM, behavioral and substance addictions, and chronic pain and chronic illness. I tend to work with adults. I love working with clients that bring their whole self to therapy as I do too. I always encourage feedback to ensure the therapeutic process feels affirming and healing.
Ashley Beth Plotnick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MEd, MAJS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614 (Online Only)
Ashley completed spiritual direction training, and is a mentor for the training program at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.
Ashley is a relationship-centered therapist, who also draws upon family systems theory in her work. Ashley believes that the therapeutic relationship must foster a sense of warmth, authenticity, and acceptance, enabling clients to bring their full selves to the work, creating deeper awareness and a more connected, lived experience. Ashley's varied life experience has taught her that integration is essential on our journey toward wholeness. In this way, she creates safe space for people to bring the many aspects of their own selves - social, emotional, spiritual, and sexual - to the therapy process.
Ashley completed spiritual direction training, and is a mentor for the training program at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.
Ashley is a relationship-centered therapist, who also draws upon family systems theory in her work. Ashley believes that the therapeutic relationship must foster a sense of warmth, authenticity, and acceptance, enabling clients to bring their full selves to the work, creating deeper awareness and a more connected, lived experience. Ashley's varied life experience has taught her that integration is essential on our journey toward wholeness. In this way, she creates safe space for people to bring the many aspects of their own selves - social, emotional, spiritual, and sexual - to the therapy process.
Annabeth Chickering
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60640
I have extensive experience working with marginalized groups, including the Jewish community; people exploring gender and sexual identity; people struggling with anxiety and depression, including postpartum depression and anxiety; childhood abuse; trauma, including medical trauma; loss; parenting; relationships; work/life balance; and family conflict.
I believe that the relationship formed between therapist and client is at the core of therapy; it is my privilege and responsibility to listen to my clients' experiences with respect and without judgment. I collaborate with my clients to help them trust their voice, honor their inner wisdom, strengthen their personal insight, listen to their bodies, access their story, bring meaning to their past experiences, and find hope for the future. Before becoming a psychotherapist I taught therapeutic dance to people of all ages.
I have extensive experience working with marginalized groups, including the Jewish community; people exploring gender and sexual identity; people struggling with anxiety and depression, including postpartum depression and anxiety; childhood abuse; trauma, including medical trauma; loss; parenting; relationships; work/life balance; and family conflict.
I believe that the relationship formed between therapist and client is at the core of therapy; it is my privilege and responsibility to listen to my clients' experiences with respect and without judgment. I collaborate with my clients to help them trust their voice, honor their inner wisdom, strengthen their personal insight, listen to their bodies, access their story, bring meaning to their past experiences, and find hope for the future. Before becoming a psychotherapist I taught therapeutic dance to people of all ages.
SFC Searching For Change
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSAT-S, SE-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
Our practice is culturally sensitive to the many issues in the Orthodox Jewish Community.
My practice works with a diverse population. I specialize in addiction, both Sex Addiction and a range of other addictions. I run groups for sex addicts and for the partners of sex addicts. I also specialize in trauma and work with adolescent and adult trauma survivors, both male and female. The practice also works with the LGBTQ community.
Our practice is culturally sensitive to the many issues in the Orthodox Jewish Community.
My practice works with a diverse population. I specialize in addiction, both Sex Addiction and a range of other addictions. I run groups for sex addicts and for the partners of sex addicts. I also specialize in trauma and work with adolescent and adult trauma survivors, both male and female. The practice also works with the LGBTQ community.
My specialties include: couples therapy; relationship issues; parenting strategies; working with teenage boys and young men; helping individuals facing potential indictment or prosecution; EMDR; and helping Jewish individuals/families with issues around conflict, closeness, and identity.
I am the co-founder of Psychotherapy Associates of Chicago and am one of the most experienced clinicians on PAC's team, having nearly 25 years of practice in the field.
My specialties include: couples therapy; relationship issues; parenting strategies; working with teenage boys and young men; helping individuals facing potential indictment or prosecution; EMDR; and helping Jewish individuals/families with issues around conflict, closeness, and identity.
I am the co-founder of Psychotherapy Associates of Chicago and am one of the most experienced clinicians on PAC's team, having nearly 25 years of practice in the field.
Inner Choice Psychotherapy
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60640
We have expertise working with marginalized groups, including the Jewish community; people exploring identity development, including gender and sexual identity; those exploring transitions, including Alzheimer’s diagnosis, parenthood, and career; people struggling with anxiety and depression, including postpartum; medical trauma; loss; and family conflict.
Inner Choice Psychotherapy is a small boutique practice located in Chicago, IL committed to providing relational, culturally-sensitive care to all. It is our privilege and responsibility to listen to our clients’ experiences with respect and without judgment. We work together with clients to create a relationship that serves as a base to help clients learn to: trust their voice, honor their inner wisdom, strengthen their personal insight, listen to their bodies, access their story, bring meaning to their past experiences, and find hope for the future.
We have expertise working with marginalized groups, including the Jewish community; people exploring identity development, including gender and sexual identity; those exploring transitions, including Alzheimer’s diagnosis, parenthood, and career; people struggling with anxiety and depression, including postpartum; medical trauma; loss; and family conflict.
Inner Choice Psychotherapy is a small boutique practice located in Chicago, IL committed to providing relational, culturally-sensitive care to all. It is our privilege and responsibility to listen to our clients’ experiences with respect and without judgment. We work together with clients to create a relationship that serves as a base to help clients learn to: trust their voice, honor their inner wisdom, strengthen their personal insight, listen to their bodies, access their story, bring meaning to their past experiences, and find hope for the future.
Maddie Friedman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AM, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657 (Online Only)
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist, I am aware of the unique dynamics of the therapy relationship, and strive to facilitate a sense of safety and trust with each client. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and I approach each client with individualized care. My integrative and culturally sensitive approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and relationship-driven. Together, we will explore your strengths and resources, and set attainable goals to facilitate greater life satisfaction and success.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist, I am aware of the unique dynamics of the therapy relationship, and strive to facilitate a sense of safety and trust with each client. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and I approach each client with individualized care. My integrative and culturally sensitive approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and relationship-driven. Together, we will explore your strengths and resources, and set attainable goals to facilitate greater life satisfaction and success.
Hello, I recently joined the staff at SpringSource and have immediate availability for new clients. As a therapist, I integrate evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients achieve personal goals and deepen self-awareness. Passionate about supporting clients through interpersonal relationship challenges, life transitions, identity exploration, family dynamics, and emotional struggles, I am dedicated to fostering a safe and open space for authentic conversations.
Hello, I recently joined the staff at SpringSource and have immediate availability for new clients. As a therapist, I integrate evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients achieve personal goals and deepen self-awareness. Passionate about supporting clients through interpersonal relationship challenges, life transitions, identity exploration, family dynamics, and emotional struggles, I am dedicated to fostering a safe and open space for authentic conversations.
I can help you get off that annoying wire hamster wheel you've been running around in, watching the wheels spin faster and yet going nowhere, staying stuck. When we get caught up looking for answers and solutions, we feel hopeless. It's easy to forget that we humans are strong, brave, and resilient beings, capable of growth and change. In treatment, I will join you in facing the challenge of letting go of the search for answers or a quick fix, in favor of finding freedom and fulfillment in life.
I can help you get off that annoying wire hamster wheel you've been running around in, watching the wheels spin faster and yet going nowhere, staying stuck. When we get caught up looking for answers and solutions, we feel hopeless. It's easy to forget that we humans are strong, brave, and resilient beings, capable of growth and change. In treatment, I will join you in facing the challenge of letting go of the search for answers or a quick fix, in favor of finding freedom and fulfillment in life.
My special expertise is working with people who want to feel better. People who want to explore themselves, who want help in figuring out why they feel bad, and what they can do in order to feel better. I create space where you can feel comfortable to talk about uncomfortable things. I help people dealing with depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, substance abuse; those having relationship issues, that would include couples/marital, parent-child, brothers-sisters, coworkers, or friends. You'll find out that you're not so different from everyone else; we all struggle.
My special expertise is working with people who want to feel better. People who want to explore themselves, who want help in figuring out why they feel bad, and what they can do in order to feel better. I create space where you can feel comfortable to talk about uncomfortable things. I help people dealing with depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, substance abuse; those having relationship issues, that would include couples/marital, parent-child, brothers-sisters, coworkers, or friends. You'll find out that you're not so different from everyone else; we all struggle.
You may find yourself feeling like you are surrounded by a forest of pressures and uncertainty in your life. Possibly not knowing what or who you can rely on. Daily pressures may feel like you cannot control your thoughts from going into a downward spiral. Ongoing pressures could make you feel the need to have all the answers, all of the time. Excessive pressures can leave you feeling like no matter what you do, you are failing, letting others down or not meeting your own goals. You may act as if everything is ok; ignoring the pain inside, when it feels like you could explode. It’s ok to let go, surrender, and allow help.
You may find yourself feeling like you are surrounded by a forest of pressures and uncertainty in your life. Possibly not knowing what or who you can rely on. Daily pressures may feel like you cannot control your thoughts from going into a downward spiral. Ongoing pressures could make you feel the need to have all the answers, all of the time. Excessive pressures can leave you feeling like no matter what you do, you are failing, letting others down or not meeting your own goals. You may act as if everything is ok; ignoring the pain inside, when it feels like you could explode. It’s ok to let go, surrender, and allow help.
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Counselor, MS, MJ, LCPC, LPHA
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60611 (Online Only)
I work with children & adolescents, adults, couples and families. I have been in the field of Mental Health & Law for over 20 years. I utilize a variety of treatment approaches to treat depression, PTSD, adjustment disorders, culture conflicts, LGBTQ issues and life transitions. I received my MS degree from Mississippi State University and my MJ degree from Loyola University Chicago, School of Law. I've had a solo practice for 8 years on the North Shore of Chicago. I have held several Mental Health Supervisor and Director positions in the Chicagoland area.
I work with children & adolescents, adults, couples and families. I have been in the field of Mental Health & Law for over 20 years. I utilize a variety of treatment approaches to treat depression, PTSD, adjustment disorders, culture conflicts, LGBTQ issues and life transitions. I received my MS degree from Mississippi State University and my MJ degree from Loyola University Chicago, School of Law. I've had a solo practice for 8 years on the North Shore of Chicago. I have held several Mental Health Supervisor and Director positions in the Chicagoland area.
My approach as integrative, using different techniques and perspectives to address each individual's unique needs. I frequently use relational, psychodynamic, and existential practices. I work to create an nonjudgmental, accepting, and supportive space. My job is to listen and honor your experience. Therapy is a collaborative space where we will be a team addressing your personal needs and concerns. Awareness of our own experience offers us power and knowledge over our choices, giving us the ability to move through life with intentionality and lay a foundation to face whatever comes next. Our conversations in therapy can allow you
My approach as integrative, using different techniques and perspectives to address each individual's unique needs. I frequently use relational, psychodynamic, and existential practices. I work to create an nonjudgmental, accepting, and supportive space. My job is to listen and honor your experience. Therapy is a collaborative space where we will be a team addressing your personal needs and concerns. Awareness of our own experience offers us power and knowledge over our choices, giving us the ability to move through life with intentionality and lay a foundation to face whatever comes next. Our conversations in therapy can allow you
Dario Gutierrez Herren
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60605 (Online Only)
Within the framework of the therapeutic setting, some of my primary goals are to promote symptom management, increase your sense of self efficacy, develop and implement effective self-care practices and help you increase your insight into the origin of troublesome thoughts and/or behaviors.
Within the framework of the therapeutic setting, some of my primary goals are to promote symptom management, increase your sense of self efficacy, develop and implement effective self-care practices and help you increase your insight into the origin of troublesome thoughts and/or behaviors.
Marissa Bohrer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60660 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Ready to get into it? Taking the first step into a therapeutic setting requires enormous vulnerability, as well as a great deal of strength, and I strive to make every client feel warm and welcomed. Therapy is an opportunity to create the change in your life that has always been possible – even if it may not feel that way to you right now. My therapeutic style is straightforward, honest, and goal-oriented, and more often than not, there is room for humor and laughter in a therapy session. I am currently licensed in IL and NJ!
Ready to get into it? Taking the first step into a therapeutic setting requires enormous vulnerability, as well as a great deal of strength, and I strive to make every client feel warm and welcomed. Therapy is an opportunity to create the change in your life that has always been possible – even if it may not feel that way to you right now. My therapeutic style is straightforward, honest, and goal-oriented, and more often than not, there is room for humor and laughter in a therapy session. I am currently licensed in IL and NJ!
I am an experienced (25+ years) licensed clinical psychologist working with individuals seeking to improve their capacity to meet daily demands, goals, choices, and opportunities, with regard to their relationships, education, career, and identity. I specialize in individual psychotherapy with later age adolescents and adults, from an integrative, trauma and multiculturally informed, solution focused approach - engaging cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and developmental interventions to help identify and then understand challenges and underlying resilience, to facilitate desired mood, behavior regulation, and cognitive change.
I am an experienced (25+ years) licensed clinical psychologist working with individuals seeking to improve their capacity to meet daily demands, goals, choices, and opportunities, with regard to their relationships, education, career, and identity. I specialize in individual psychotherapy with later age adolescents and adults, from an integrative, trauma and multiculturally informed, solution focused approach - engaging cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and developmental interventions to help identify and then understand challenges and underlying resilience, to facilitate desired mood, behavior regulation, and cognitive change.
Dr. Danielle Frieder
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60603 (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is one of warmth, collaboration, mutual respect, and non-judgment. Whether you're undergoing a life transition, unsatisfied in your relationship(s), or just feeling down as a result of life's ebbs and flows, I am committed to helping you understand your experiences more deeply and ultimately find relief from your pain through self-exploration and meaning-making.
My approach to therapy is one of warmth, collaboration, mutual respect, and non-judgment. Whether you're undergoing a life transition, unsatisfied in your relationship(s), or just feeling down as a result of life's ebbs and flows, I am committed to helping you understand your experiences more deeply and ultimately find relief from your pain through self-exploration and meaning-making.
Hali is a Postgraduate Fellow at Lakeview Center for Psychotherapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. Hali specializes in working with anxiety, depression, and perfectionism. She also works with queer and trans clients. She is committed to incorporating social justice into her therapeutic approach, and promotes vulnerability in therapy so clients can feel accepted and understood. Hali provides psychoanalytic and integrative psychotherapy for adults, couples and adolescents.
Hali is a Postgraduate Fellow at Lakeview Center for Psychotherapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. Hali specializes in working with anxiety, depression, and perfectionism. She also works with queer and trans clients. She is committed to incorporating social justice into her therapeutic approach, and promotes vulnerability in therapy so clients can feel accepted and understood. Hali provides psychoanalytic and integrative psychotherapy for adults, couples and adolescents.
Katya Shcherbakova
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60630 (Online Only)
I am passionate about helping my clients thrive and embark on a path of personal growth. I enjoy working with adult clients who are ready to gain insight into their lives, behaviors, and patterns. I firmly believe in our capacity for self-healing, and through a collaborative approach, we can unlock powerful insights and achieve personal growth. My therapeutic style is direct yet warm and compassionate. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can begin their therapeutic journey. I am EMDR trained and have found this modality to be extremely helpful in moving clients out of a place of feeling stuck.
I am passionate about helping my clients thrive and embark on a path of personal growth. I enjoy working with adult clients who are ready to gain insight into their lives, behaviors, and patterns. I firmly believe in our capacity for self-healing, and through a collaborative approach, we can unlock powerful insights and achieve personal growth. My therapeutic style is direct yet warm and compassionate. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can begin their therapeutic journey. I am EMDR trained and have found this modality to be extremely helpful in moving clients out of a place of feeling stuck.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of clinical experience. I am on staff at SpringSource Psychological Center and have immediate availability for new clients. I specialize in the treatment of mood, anxiety, personality and trauma-related disorders in adults, young adults, and families and have worked for many years in higher levels of care settings. I most recently served as a Clinical Director for Pathlight’s Mood and Anxiety Center in Chicago and have experience teaching and training clinicians and students. I value the power of the therapeutic relationship to move clients towards sustained recovery.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of clinical experience. I am on staff at SpringSource Psychological Center and have immediate availability for new clients. I specialize in the treatment of mood, anxiety, personality and trauma-related disorders in adults, young adults, and families and have worked for many years in higher levels of care settings. I most recently served as a Clinical Director for Pathlight’s Mood and Anxiety Center in Chicago and have experience teaching and training clinicians and students. I value the power of the therapeutic relationship to move clients towards sustained recovery.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Jewish Therapists Searches for Chicago
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Jewish Therapists
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
Therapists and clients don’t need to share the same background to be able to work together, but a therapist whose training includes a focus on cultural competence may be better able to form a therapeutic bond with individuals from a range of backgrounds, as they will have experience tailoring their approach to each client—and will be prepared to acknowledge and consider the effects of cultural forces, such as discrimination, that may contribute to that client’s concerns. With a professional who has such training, a client should feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues without feeling that they need to self-censor.
How can I recognize an effective Jewish therapist?
As with members of any religious or ethnic group, just because two people happen to be Jewish does not guarantee that they will share the same values, knowledge, or experiences. A Jewish client seeking a therapist who shares their cultural identity, or for whom it’s important that a therapist share their religious beliefs, may want to discuss a professional’s Jewish background with them before beginning therapy. For someone who seeks justification for major life changes in their religious tradition, or in biblical writings, finding a therapist who is comfortable framing guidance in that context may be especially valuable.
Would a Jewish therapist have unique training?
No, but they should have the same training and certification as any other mental health professional, as well as experience with a range of evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or mindfulness-based therapy. A therapist with this type of experience should be able to help any client feel comfortable and safe, which is essential for a therapeutic alliance. Once this is established, a potential client may want to find out more about the therapist’s Jewish background.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with Jewish clients?
A client can directly ask a therapist if they have extensive experience working with Jewish clients and if so, whether these individuals sought counseling for faith-related issues or marital or familial issues in which their Jewish background was a factor. A client may also wish to ask a potential therapist whether they incorporate Jewish teachings and values into their own professional work.
Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of Jewish therapists?
The directory of Jewish therapists includes professionals who have opted to share their cultural background on their profiles. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their background, and they may not appear in search results for this reason.The directory also shows therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with Jewish clients and/or communities.