Career Counseling Therapists in Chicago, IL

Is it difficult for you to sustain well being, change self defeating patterns, or avoid unhealthy relationships? These forms of unhappiness deprive an individual of satisfying relationships, career goals and self contentment. It is my view, that therapy can improve satisfaction and happiness in relationships, career and life. My goal is to work collaboratively with a client to address their concerns and difficulties and to help them attain a healthy and fulfilling life.

We all procrastinate from time to time— that assignment isn’t that hard, the towels aren’t that dirty, the mail isn’t so urgent. Suddenly, it’s 9:30PM, and even though you used the day productively (reorganizing Tupperware and extra electronic cables), the one thing you needed to do didn’t get done. Procrastination isn’t about being lazy or mismanaging time; it’s a misunderstanding of internal motivations and anxieties. I can help you implement changes in your life to decrease avoidant (procrastinating) behaviors as well as the frustration and guilt that comes with it.

I believe psychotherapy should be simple and accessible; theories are important yet your own experience is the best teacher. Similarly, connecting with my clients on a deeply relational level and developing an understanding of who you are is as integral to the process as the clinical training which informs my therapeutic approach. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who emphasizes existential concerns at the heart of the issues that bring people into therapy. Some examples include creating a more meaningful existence, exercising personal freedom/choice, and developing a greater sense of responsibility for one's growth.

As a therapist, I value the mutual relationship and energy we offer each other, as the success of therapy largely depends on the quality of the therapeutic relationship. Do you feel valued, heard, empowered, and safe with your therapist? In a healthy therapeutic relationship, unhealthy habits can be replaced with adaptive coping strategies.

I discover objectively what is the issue, applying the best treatment for abuse, aging, alcohol/substance use, anger, anxiety, attention deficit, autism spectrum disorders, bereavement, cancer, career consultation, coping, criminal charges, custody, delinquency, dementia, depression, divorce, DUI, dyslexia, hyperactivity, hypnosis, individualized education plans, insomnia, job loss, learning disability, lower productivity, neuropsychological exams, panic attacks, parenting, personal injury, personality tests, post automobile accident, relationships, stress, trauma, TBI, underachievement, vocational guidance, workers compensation.

My name is Rene Stockton (pronounced Reni). I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of Illinois. It is my honor and pleasure to serve our community as a counselor/therapist and change agent. I have had the privilege to work with individuals and families from primarily underserved populations and communities over the course of a 30 year social work practice in two great American States. I have encountered a range of adolescent and adult challenges ranging from mental health and trauma to writer’s block and wellness. I will partner with you to create the concrete change you are looking to achieve in your life.

If you are struggling with managing your experience of anxiety, stress, or tolerating uncertainty, I can provide support and guidance through the counseling process. Clients often reach out to me to gain support to address concerns related to life transitions such as new parenting or career changes, relationship changes, or grief and loss. I work with clients to address symptoms of anxiety and depression while also supporting their insight into broader interpersonal patterns. I assist clients in identifying and understanding current solutions to a healthier, happier, and more satisfying quality of life.

Balancing a career, relationships, finances, and family? We know it isn’t easy. And it’s common to let self-care slip down your priority list. Whether you’ve tried therapy before or not, our online therapy services start from a place of acceptance, safety, and professionalism. Our goal is to help you and your loved ones connect, recover, and flourish. If you’re looking for the perfect virtual therapist, trust our team of friendly, skilled, caring practitioners.

I provide psychotherapy to adults of all ages, creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their experiences, gain insights, and develop coping strategies. I specialize in helping clients navigate relationship concerns, life transitions, identity issues, trauma, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and academic challenges. With a genuine and authentic presence, I empower clients to reach their fullest potential. Hailing from the vibrant streets of New York City and raised in a culturally rich Nigerian-American household, I am deeply committed to enhancing mental health care within marginalized communities.

Wow…how did the day turn out like this? No, how did the YEAR turn out like this? It’s felt like a complete shit show. The career that went up in flames, that grief and loss that swallowed you whole, the relationship struggles that make you want to pull your hair (and eyebrows) out…the health issues that make you permanently set up camp in bed all day with your dog…it’s really f-cking sucked. And it’s been so lonely. No one really seems to GET IT and nothing seems to help. Cue the magic wand, please?! Well, I know I’m not a magic wand and therapy isn’t either BUT I will tell you that you can feel a hell of a lot better…

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and provide individual therapy to adults across the lifespan. I received my clinical training at the University of Chicago and over my career have specialized in perinatal mental health, life transitions (particularly related to career, parenthood, and caregiver support), mood disorders, trauma, and grief and loss.

I am a firm believer that therapy is a collaborative process. I know through my own personal and professional experience that wanting and choosing to seek out therapy is a big step in your journey and I believe it is my job to meet you where you are in that journey to help meet your needs whatever they may be. For me, trust and the therapeutic relationship is the number one factor in helping to make the changes you’re hoping to make. I try to do this by bringing my whole self to each session which can include humor, empathy, challenging questions and supportive feedback.

I offer practical, solution-focused goal-oriented psychotherapy aimed at timely symptom relief and problem resolution. My clients, being adults, determine their own therapy goals and agenda. My style is respectful, but interactive. I do not tell my clients what to do but I will always tell you honestly how I feel about the things that you present. I believe therapy should be time-limited and results-oriented, NOT a life-long continuous process. I believe that people can change, or else I would not be in this business. I delight in helping people master the tools which facilitate desired change.

Seeking therapy can be filled with uncertainties of how it can really help you. I invite you to contact me for a 15 minute phone consultation to learn how therapy can benefit you. I cover a wide range of needs. So whether you are dealing with symptoms of depression or life stressors that make you feel tired, defeated, anxious, lack of focus, frustrated, and overwhelmed, or you just need help with goal planning, time management skills, developing skills to deal with conflict in the work place, or conquer a fear of public speaking, then look no further, I can provide you the level of service that you need to achieve your goals!

Many young adults and working professionals experience life transitions, career stressors, and relationship challenges during this season of life that contribute to chronic feelings of sadness, isolation, and worry. Or perhaps past hurts resurface and we find ourselves having a tough time getting over them. Sometimes in these instances, we hesitate to involve the ones closest to us and, though it can be scary to confide in a therapist, we recognize that we could truly benefit from an objective perspective.

You finally made it, and you’re still not happy. You graduated, landed a dream job, and have a nice home. You checked every box on the “should-do list” and while you’re not completely miserable you're not that far from it. You long for Fridays and dread Mondays, not that it matters because you catch up on work on the weekends. If you feel overwhelmed by work that has taken over the other areas of your life, I can help. I help professionals learn to manage stress, feel less anxious, and set boundaries at the office without jeopardizing their job.

As a therapist I work with clients who are ready to feel empowered to work through life's challenges and grow into their most authentic self. I champion clients as they heal through past traumas, work on boundaries, and create fulfillment in their lives. Together we can address anxiety, depression, life transitions, boundaries, relationships, career transitions, and unhealthy coping skills that no longer serve you.

Ten years after completing my graduate degree in counseling, I found my self in a high-stress executive career and recovering from several major life-altering events, including the death of a parent, an unexpected surgery, my daughter's tragic accident, and a broken marriage. I was at a crossroad trying to hold it all together through anxiety and panic attacks. I asked myself, whose life am I living? How can I fix this? I knew I needed to heal and build a life that I truly wanted, a life where I did not feel like I was drowning but I didn't know where to start.

I offer a warm, empathic, and collaborative therapy space that reflects my passion for helping clients build fuller and more authentic lives. I have worked with individuals across the lifespan with various concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, relationships, identity, education/career, and family-of-origin. I also have specialized training in working with college students, immigrants, and trauma survivors. Regardless of what brings you to therapy, my culture-centered approach allows me to attend to the intersections of your cultural identities and how it impacts your experience of the world.