Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Therapists in Chicago, IL

I have supported neurodivergent children and their families for over 15 years providing individual therapy, family therapy, parent coaching, and school advocacy. I am passionate about highlighting and nurturing strength in children, adolescents and teens and helping to develop skills and process complex emotions. I specialize in providing social coaching to help increase relationship skills, and, utilizing CBT techniques, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression through reframing strategies and stress management. I also use expressive art techniques in my work with kids to encourage expression of feelings and experiences.

I became a clinician because I know what it feels like to search for the highest version of yourself, and I wanted to provide a space where people can feel free to explore their true identity, while feeling valued and heard. Therapy to me is about connecting with your inner self, ultimately leading to healing and power within. For me, one of the most rewarding parts about being a therapist is watching my clients grow and achieve their personal goals, big or small. Through my experience working with a wide variety of communities and individuals, I have come to realize that anyone is capable of finding the best version of themselves.

NOW Accepting New Clients! It's okay to not be okay. Life happens, and we all need support and someone to talk to. The first step, and often the hardest, is asking for help. I offer you a safe space to explore and process what is going on in your life without judgement or preconception. We will partner together to help you find your best path forward.

Life can bring great challenges, and also incredible joys. Sometimes the challenges can feel overwhelming. In difficult times, it's critical to create a solid emotional foundation to allow you identify your path. My goal as a clinician is to restore balance when you are struggling with tough emotions, or a difficult situation. I believe that as with physical pain, emotional pain is a clear message that something in your life needs attending to. By taking time to reflect and heal, you can regain a sense of clarity, purpose and peace.

Feeling like your life is on pause, while from the very first session together, my commitment is clear – you're not just a client; you're a co-pilot in this voyage towards self-healing. Here, your voice guides our compass, and your unique story shapes the course. Getting your child the support they need to thrive in life is possible. I’ve been helping young people and their parents navigate these complex issues for over two decades. It’s time to give your child their best chance at the future they deserve.

Our perspective is that everyone's life has a story, and therapy is a way to identify and change that story to fit with your goals and values. Seeking therapy can be difficult, and we enjoy supporting people in finding their narrative and re-writing it the way they desire to fit their needs. As strength-based and client-centered therapists, we believe that meeting people where they are enables them to feel at ease and supported in the process. Helping others identify their innate strengths and using them is a large part of my philosophy. We are an anti racist practice and pride ourselves on being able to serve BIPOC populations.

Culturally Competent Therapy specializes in building trust and a therapeutic alliance with their clients, so they are prepared to do the work. Clients, often including licensed therapists, feel accepted to be themselves in a safe environment. Individualized tailored approaches include culturally sensitive cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic approaches to treatment that may challenge the client's belief system. I enjoy helping clients of all backgrounds discover the root of their problems and understanding the value of cultural factors such as family, race, socio-economic status, work/career demands, and integration of faith.

There are many reasons why people seek therapy. You may be working through problems at home or at work. Grappling with feelings of anxiety, anger, or depression. Or maybe searching for purpose in your life. You may be frustrated with relationships with friends, family, or chosen family. You may be thinking, "this is not how I imagined my life would be". As a therapist with over 30 years of experience, I believe the answers to changing your life are within you—and that you can find them through a safe therapeutic relationship.

It can feel extremely discouraging when you look at your partner and feel like the spark or flame that brought you together is now dwindling. We find ourselves in patterns that have become comfortable or too familiar and don't know how to break out of them. Often times we don't know where to begin when creating relationship goals and increasing the connection we once felt with one another. Our therapy space is one where curiosity and authenticity are inherently invited. Together, we make sense of all the moments, interactions, traumas, narratives, and experiences that shaped your relationship and find a new normal.

I bring nearly ten years of experience in guiding adults and teens through their therapy journeys. My background spans inpatient hospital settings, outpatient community health centers, specialized outpatient clinics, and private practice, equipping me with a broad perspective on mental wellness. I hold a holistic view of therapy and emphasize the importance of nurturing overall health and wellness. I encourage clients to examine their habits, relationship dynamics, and lifestyle choices as integral components of mental health. I empower clients to uncover and overcome the barriers to their personal growth.

Jenna's clinical experience includes working with teenagers and adults coping with a variety of presenting concerns including depression, anxiety, OCD, and life transitions. Jenna believes facilitating the connection between mind and body helps to maintain a healthy and happy life. She appreciates the use of humor to decrease the power challenges may hold over each individual. Jenna is committed to providing an empowering and welcoming space to her clients.

The clients that I work with often find themselves struggling with follow-through, low self-esteem or having a lack of focus that is impacting their wellbeing and relationships. My clients may experience being frustrated with themselves and find themselves thinking negative thoughts such as “I should be able to do this."

Datrese Bradley, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. We will discuss your goals and identify barriers as we explore alternate methods of handling stressors. I focus on thinking and behavior patterns that affect your functioning. I will provide support and rebuild boundaries and decision making while exploring a person’s past trauma. I work with clients from various backgrounds. I specialize in trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationships. I am comfortable treating any of the above listed symptoms as well as obsessive and personality disorders.

My clinical experience includes working with low-income communities, survivors of interpersonal violence, individuals with severe mental illness, the LGBTQIA+ population, neurodiversity, and racial and ethnic minorities.

As we journey through life, we may encounter challenges that are too overwhelming to handle alone or without the right equipment. They might impact our sense of self, sense of others, and sense of the world. As a therapist, I strive to empower clients to explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and foster resilience for such challenges. My aim is to join you in this healing journey to process the challenges that you experienced in the past, determine what we can do for your current day, and provide you with materials that can help you along the way for the future.

My approach with clients is engaging and interactive, and I am invested in a collaborative process, which I believe is inherent to the therapeutic relationship. I aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment finding balance between active listening, support, and behavioral interventions. I will help you identify and better understand relational dynamics, constructive choices, and behavioral patterns that will foster balance, trust, and deeper connection. Our work together will include exploration of thought content, opportunity for improving mood & functioning, and expansion of engagement with others and your environment.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s stressors, transitions, or traumatic events that have happened to you? I specialize in women’s mental health and offer a compassionate approach to help you navigate these complex issues. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your feelings, gain insights, and develop strategies for overcoming obstacles.

Imagine climbing a mountain with every obstacle coming your way whether it’s falling rocks or inclement weather. This is something we can call life. We endure every obstacle that comes our way whether we face it head on, fall down, leap over or move around it. How do you cope? What gets you through your day to day? Do you ever feel like things keep piling up? As your Therapist, when you reach out for help, I will be supportive and non-judgmental. I will meet you wherever you are on your mountain, and take it day by day.

Are you struggling in life and feeling stuck? Do you believe no one understands or fully sees you? Are you finding certain adaptive behaviors no longer serving you and you’re tired of repeating the same mistakes? As a trauma-informed and certified EMDR therapist, I have successfully worked with adolescents and adults who often feel overwhelmed. They struggle due to their fractured sense of self and relationships, grief and loss, and unprocessed past traumas/stress. In our sessions, I establish a warm working relationship in which my clients know they will be met with respect and empathy, while experiencing a true sense of belonging.