Therapists in Chicago, IL

My specialties include self-esteem and identity, victims of narcissism, relationship concerns, body image, anxiety, depression and trauma. I primarily use Psychodynamic approach while incorporating mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment, and Relational Therapy. I am warm and empathetic, humorous and honest. I provide a safe space where clients can explore and hopefully discover their purpose in life. I believe that our past experiences shape our lives and that it is important to carefully examine critical and sometimes difficult moments. I believe that there is no “quick fix” in therapy and that true change takes time.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and work with emerging adults and adults across the life span experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, women's issues, stress, and self-esteem concerns, among many other difficulties. I believe people come to therapy for all kinds of reasons, often with a common theme of being stuck in some way. It is a privilege to guide people on a journey of becoming "unstuck," helping them cultivate a path of healing, wellness, growth and greater self-understanding.

Lara received her Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work from The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Lara specializes in working with adolescents, teens, and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, mood and personality disorders, OCD, eating disorders, trauma, and addiction. Lara has experience working with a wide demographic in various settings, including residential, outpatient, and individual treatment programs. Lara uses a client-centered approach to healing, meeting clients where they are at and working in collaboration to create an individualized treatment plan.

A certain level of disillusionment exists when your external world doesn't match your internal one. Restless and intrusive thoughts may be hindering your everyday joys or harsh flashbacks affecting your presence and sense of safety. A certain level of growth is wanted, but the pathway how to get there may seem unclear or too difficult. I can help by building upon your already-existing skills and resilience to decrease your shame-narrative with a healthier mental paradigm. I incorporate somatic and experiential techniques into sessions to aid in addressing and processing chronic and pervasive trauma.

It is human nature to move away from discomfort and towards pleasure. That is how we are wired. This becomes problematic when the ways we attempt to feel better and soothe no longer work for us, or start to cause bigger issues. Our emotional distress can end up manifesting in crippling anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, or a host of other emotional disorders. Becoming aware of our emotions can help us better navigate our needs and break patterns that are increasing our suffering. Through this work you will learn to respond to emotions in ways that help you find more peace and live more fulfilling lives.

I specialize in working with sexual desire discrepancy and intimacy. Sexual desire discrepancy is when one person in a relationship wants sex more or differently than their partner(s). It is very common and occurs in otherwise happy and healthy relationships. Although common, desire discrepancy can lead to severe relational discord. Through a combination of psychosexual education, deep couple's work, and a compilation of the leading sexual desire discrepancy theories, I have designed a way of addressing desire discrepancy that offers you and your partner(s) a new way to be sexual together. It is not easy work, but it is rewarding.

Hi, my name is Keva, and I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I have worked in the hospital system as a crisis and medical social worker supporting individuals in high stress situations get the services needed to help them thrive. I would love to meet you and hear your story. Therapy is a safe place for you to come and share your truth in a non-judgmental space. I know that life can be stressful, and overwhelming. We will partner together to help you develop the coping mechanisms so that you can live your best life.

Dr. Anne Rufa (she/her/hers) received her Ph.D. in Clinical and Community Psychology from DePaul University. She has worked with clients of all ages in a variety of settings including hospital-based outpatient clinics, community mental health centers, shelters for people experiencing homelessness, and a Veterans Affairs hospital. Dr. Rufa uses an integrative approach to therapy driven by a collaborative working relationship that honors clients’ goals, preferences, and strengths.

Sincere, compassionate, and knowledgeable, I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience treating adults, children, adolescents, and families from diverse backgrounds. Educated in psychodynamic psychotherapy and incorporating cognitive behavioral strategies and mindfulness techniques, I strive to create a safe and welcoming therapeutic environment, while helping you process earlier life experiences and implement healthier coping skills. I focus on a collaborative process in providing you with prevention and interventions towards your current stressors.

Do you find yourself overwhelmed? Does it sometimes feel like your to-do list is never ending no matter how many things you cross off? I want to help you find your balance. To accomplish this, I work with you to tailor therapy to your needs and to your comfort. As a person centered therapist, I approach therapy as a collaborative experience where I join you in your self-exploring. I aim to help increase your understanding of yourself and of your needs. Understanding and highlighting yourself, you can work to advocate for you, your boundaries and your balance.

Change can be hard and sometimes we need extra support to get through trying times. Oftentimes when adjusting to new life circumstances, it can take time to accept and acclimate to the changes taking place. Whether you are starting college, changed your relationship status, became a parent, or started a new job, it takes time to adapt. New experiences may feel overwhelming and exciting at times too. Therapy is a great place to process and explore what is going on in your life and how it is impacting you. Overcoming challenges is not easy, but with the right skills and support you can successfully navigate the transition.

I am well-trained, and an experienced, research-informed, solution-focused, multi-model therapist. I draw upon various truths, selecting what may be most helpful according to the needs of each client. I want clients to feel comfortable and informed. I will use metaphor and analogies as appropriate to bring insight and change. Specialties: therapy with trauma victims, adolescents, children, and families; couples with relationship issues; conditions such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, complicated grief/loss, PTSD, stress, and life/job transition issues.

My clients generally have a sense that something in their lives requires a big shift & seek support & guidance from a professional. Whether it is clarity about relationships, healing from a traumatic event, or taking control of anxiety - I work with you to reveal blind spots, be less reactive, more grounded, and stop getting in your own way; by empowering you to reclaim your inner peace and move forward with renewed strength and resilience. I genuinely trust that my clients know what is best for them and my job is to guide them toward their personal truth that was there all along.

Starting therapy and finding the right therapist can feel like a daunting task. I congratulate you on taking the first step and am glad you are here! A quick peek into what sessions with me involve: an unbiased, nonjudgmental place to express yourself, building specific coping skills to deal with stressors, psychoeducation, identifying and restructuring negative thinking styles, changing maladaptive behaviors, learning assertiveness skills, identifying and working towards important values in your life, building insight into unhelpful cyclical patterns, increasing self-esteem and confidence, and recognizing your own strengths.

My style of therapy is best suited towards clients who hope to develop a meaningful therapeutic relationship that can be used to better understand and address uncomfortable feelings and problematic relational patterns. By helping clients talk about disappointing and hurtful relationships throughout their lives, I have been amazed to see how well clients can make sense of what once seemed confusing and disorienting, ultimately moving forward with greater confidence. Additionally, I have a deep respect for the healing process that ensues when people can express their feelings and thoughts free of fear or inhibition.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who specializes in the treatment of pre-teens, adolescents, young adults, and adults presenting with depression, suicidality, self-injurious behavior, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and behavioral issues. I have a particular interest in working with trauma survivors and helping girls and women navigate life transitions and stressors.

Over time, we have all developed coping strategies that have gotten us to today, yet many of us find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, complacent, or even having accepted unhappiness. Through the therapeutic relationship, we will work together to add new skills to your repertoire, while learning more about how behaviors and previous experiences show up in your day to day life. Although I use in a variety of specific techniques and interventions, much of our work together rests on the idea that that although challenges are a natural part of life, we move towards healing naturally when we feel understood by others and by ourselves.

Sometimes life can feel like a road trip filled with an endless amount of obstacles and crossroads. Sometimes you feel stuck in one place, lost, or as if you’re driving on autopilot. It may even feel as though you hold too much baggage to move forward on your own. But I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to continue on this journey alone. I am here to help, and I would be honored to guide you toward your final destination. We can work together, in a collaborative partnership, to make way for living a full and meaningful life. My clients leave feeling supported, heard, validated, and often with an increased sense of readiness.

The foundation of successful change is a willingness to see things clearly - to be honest with ourselves about our thoughts, feelings, intentions, and actions. In order to do this, we need both courage and compassion that come from the heart. Therapy is about opening our eyes to our emotional needs and the patterns we've developed to get those needs met. We examine what is and isn't working, with compassion and understanding that all feelings and behaviors serve a purpose.