Buddhist Therapists in 60657
As a member of the LGBTQ community, I understand how important it is to find a therapist with whom one can identify and feel comfortable sharing the very personal reasons that bring individuals to counseling. As such, I provide a safe, non-judgmental space in which to explore the needs of my clients. For me, finding meaning and purpose is paramount to maintaining one's mental health. As such I work in collaboration with my clients to help find those things that make one feel whole and connected.
As a member of the LGBTQ community, I understand how important it is to find a therapist with whom one can identify and feel comfortable sharing the very personal reasons that bring individuals to counseling. As such, I provide a safe, non-judgmental space in which to explore the needs of my clients. For me, finding meaning and purpose is paramount to maintaining one's mental health. As such I work in collaboration with my clients to help find those things that make one feel whole and connected.
Jeff Zacharias
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ACSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
There are numerous reasons why an individual makes a decision to seek therapy. From my perspective, the key factor in being able to examine your individual reasons is based upon the relationship between yourself and your therapist. I offer a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment in order to explore your individual needs with a commitment to placing the highest priority on your care. We will work collaboratively to identify and address your concerns in order to foster meaningful change in your life. My clinical experience has included working not only with individuals but couples, families and groups.
There are numerous reasons why an individual makes a decision to seek therapy. From my perspective, the key factor in being able to examine your individual reasons is based upon the relationship between yourself and your therapist. I offer a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment in order to explore your individual needs with a commitment to placing the highest priority on your care. We will work collaboratively to identify and address your concerns in order to foster meaningful change in your life. My clinical experience has included working not only with individuals but couples, families and groups.
Richard Olinger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657 (Online Only)
Clients often say that I create a space where they feel free to share anything without fear of judgment. This freedom and acceptance allows us to transform that inner dialogue and enhance your relationship with yourself. Whether you're feeling depressed, anxious, or burnt out, navigating challenging life situations, feeling weighed down by PTSD or other traumas, exploring identity issues, or wanting to get better at managing stress, I can help you find relief and growth. We'll work to decrease the burden of the past and shape a life that reflects what really matters to you.
Clients often say that I create a space where they feel free to share anything without fear of judgment. This freedom and acceptance allows us to transform that inner dialogue and enhance your relationship with yourself. Whether you're feeling depressed, anxious, or burnt out, navigating challenging life situations, feeling weighed down by PTSD or other traumas, exploring identity issues, or wanting to get better at managing stress, I can help you find relief and growth. We'll work to decrease the burden of the past and shape a life that reflects what really matters to you.
Lara L. Wolff
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60657 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
When we feel stressed and overwhelmed, numb, or stuck, calmness and connection is harder to come by. Our own bodies may feel beyond our control, or we may feel disconnected to them. We may desire change but don't know how to create it. If we feel shame or self-doubt, we may have difficulty finding our voice, our community, or our life’s work. Managing and making sense out of what we’re feeling or thinking sometimes is too much to carry alone. When we know it's time for the way we're feeling or thinking to shift, and we want more health, creativity, and joy in our lives, it's time to invest in ourselves and our wellbeing.
When we feel stressed and overwhelmed, numb, or stuck, calmness and connection is harder to come by. Our own bodies may feel beyond our control, or we may feel disconnected to them. We may desire change but don't know how to create it. If we feel shame or self-doubt, we may have difficulty finding our voice, our community, or our life’s work. Managing and making sense out of what we’re feeling or thinking sometimes is too much to carry alone. When we know it's time for the way we're feeling or thinking to shift, and we want more health, creativity, and joy in our lives, it's time to invest in ourselves and our wellbeing.
Welcome! Finding support is such a hard yet valuable step in your healing journey! I work in a client-centered way to help you understand & cope with present-day stressors and get to the root of the issues/trauma that keep you feeling stuck or disconnected. I use validation, active listening, and intuition to ensure you feel seen, heard, and supported by someone who deeply cares. Trying to manage an issue that seems like no one understands can be a very lonely experience, and sometimes it takes an outside perspective to gain a felt sense of clarity. My goal is to quickly have you feeling like you aren’t alone as you heal & grow.
Welcome! Finding support is such a hard yet valuable step in your healing journey! I work in a client-centered way to help you understand & cope with present-day stressors and get to the root of the issues/trauma that keep you feeling stuck or disconnected. I use validation, active listening, and intuition to ensure you feel seen, heard, and supported by someone who deeply cares. Trying to manage an issue that seems like no one understands can be a very lonely experience, and sometimes it takes an outside perspective to gain a felt sense of clarity. My goal is to quickly have you feeling like you aren’t alone as you heal & grow.
Sylvester James Merritt
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
Clients want to be heard and validated. Clients want to feel their experiences and feelings are acknowledged and not judged for thoughts and behaviors they do not know how to manage. So often the view of therapy is someone telling someone what to do with their life, when the therapeutic space should be a collaborative space that helps a client identify their strengths and how they can become the narrators of their lives again.
Clients want to be heard and validated. Clients want to feel their experiences and feelings are acknowledged and not judged for thoughts and behaviors they do not know how to manage. So often the view of therapy is someone telling someone what to do with their life, when the therapeutic space should be a collaborative space that helps a client identify their strengths and how they can become the narrators of their lives again.
Shan Ru Lin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATCS, ATR-BC, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657 (Online Only)
My ideal client is someone seeking personal growth and healing. They may be facing life changes, trauma, anxiety, or depression and are motivated to better understand their experiences. Their goal is to gain clarity, enhance emotional well-being, and foster more authentic relationships. They seek a safe, supportive space to explore their inner world and work toward healing.
My ideal client is someone seeking personal growth and healing. They may be facing life changes, trauma, anxiety, or depression and are motivated to better understand their experiences. Their goal is to gain clarity, enhance emotional well-being, and foster more authentic relationships. They seek a safe, supportive space to explore their inner world and work toward healing.
Offering In Person Sessions in Chicago and Virtual in California- As a queer transgender therapist, I believe there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to living our lives. The same goes for therapy - there isn't a "right way" to do it. In my practice, I am committed to helping individuals tap into their personal strengths and uncover a path that is meaningful and fulfilling. I trust that my clients are the experts on their own lives and have the skills and tools they need to navigate their problems. However, I'm here to provide support and guidance when they need it.
Offering In Person Sessions in Chicago and Virtual in California- As a queer transgender therapist, I believe there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to living our lives. The same goes for therapy - there isn't a "right way" to do it. In my practice, I am committed to helping individuals tap into their personal strengths and uncover a path that is meaningful and fulfilling. I trust that my clients are the experts on their own lives and have the skills and tools they need to navigate their problems. However, I'm here to provide support and guidance when they need it.
Feeling anxious, stressed or depressed? Many people are overwhelmed these days. There is help.
Feeling anxious, stressed or depressed? Many people are overwhelmed these days. There is help.
Sarah Bowling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60657
Waitlist for new clients
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.
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.
Tara Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657 (Online Only)
You've done what you know to do, exhausted your coping skills, and still find that anxiety, trauma, or difficult relationships are keeping you from the quality of life you know (or at least hope) is possible. It may be that it becomes too uncomfortable in your body to make the changes you'd like to or that you've lost sight of what you even want. I can help you find relief. Even if your challenges are creative or social in nature: stage fright, audition anxiety, writer's block, public speaking dread, networking anxiety, dating fears. You don't have to live in fear!
You've done what you know to do, exhausted your coping skills, and still find that anxiety, trauma, or difficult relationships are keeping you from the quality of life you know (or at least hope) is possible. It may be that it becomes too uncomfortable in your body to make the changes you'd like to or that you've lost sight of what you even want. I can help you find relief. Even if your challenges are creative or social in nature: stage fright, audition anxiety, writer's block, public speaking dread, networking anxiety, dating fears. You don't have to live in fear!
Therapy can seem daunting, though not quite as daunting as a lifetime of emotional discomfort. Lindsey’s approach to psychotherapy is warm and collaborative, empowering her clients to achieve happiness and an unbreakable inner well-being. Trust and confidentiality allow clients to speak freely from the depths of their mind and soul while feeling truly seen, accepted, and cared for even in their darkest moments. Through a compassionate therapeutic relationship, clients work with the therapist to discover the formation of their unique personality traits, beliefs, and patterns in relationships that contribute to present-day distress.
Therapy can seem daunting, though not quite as daunting as a lifetime of emotional discomfort. Lindsey’s approach to psychotherapy is warm and collaborative, empowering her clients to achieve happiness and an unbreakable inner well-being. Trust and confidentiality allow clients to speak freely from the depths of their mind and soul while feeling truly seen, accepted, and cared for even in their darkest moments. Through a compassionate therapeutic relationship, clients work with the therapist to discover the formation of their unique personality traits, beliefs, and patterns in relationships that contribute to present-day distress.
Hi. Come talk about what matters to you most. Together, we walk. Explore. Meander. Clarify. I love what I do and will help you feel better. I can help with multicultural issues, relocation, or if you're struggling with addiction, overcoming trauma, relationships, questions about polyamory, depression or abuse. If life has lost its meaning and you’re missing adventure, intimacy, greater self-expression and passion, let’s go. If you don’t talk about it, it won’t get better. I’m supportive, alternative, warm and kind. You’ll feel comfortable, and challenge thoughts and perceptions preventing you from getting out of your own way.
Hi. Come talk about what matters to you most. Together, we walk. Explore. Meander. Clarify. I love what I do and will help you feel better. I can help with multicultural issues, relocation, or if you're struggling with addiction, overcoming trauma, relationships, questions about polyamory, depression or abuse. If life has lost its meaning and you’re missing adventure, intimacy, greater self-expression and passion, let’s go. If you don’t talk about it, it won’t get better. I’m supportive, alternative, warm and kind. You’ll feel comfortable, and challenge thoughts and perceptions preventing you from getting out of your own way.
An integrative and holistic approach to change, healing, and future growth. Assessing your own being, needs, and internal control while promoting health in the mind-body-and soul. Therapy can heal relationships in your personal and professional worlds. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, communication skills, grief, infertility, eating disorders, etc., you do not have to struggle alone. As a licensed clinical therapist, I commit to diligently working in collaboration with you to bring about the change you desire. I am an experienced therapist, trained yoga instructor, and reiki practitioner.
An integrative and holistic approach to change, healing, and future growth. Assessing your own being, needs, and internal control while promoting health in the mind-body-and soul. Therapy can heal relationships in your personal and professional worlds. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, communication skills, grief, infertility, eating disorders, etc., you do not have to struggle alone. As a licensed clinical therapist, I commit to diligently working in collaboration with you to bring about the change you desire. I am an experienced therapist, trained yoga instructor, and reiki practitioner.
Garrett R. Pluhar-Schaeffer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
We all are in relationships with others, and these relationships affect and change who we are. I look forward to exploring these relationships, past and present, and how they have shaped you. I’m interested in helping my patients gain insight into their relational patterns. I utilize a psychoanalytic theories in psychotherapy. I have received a certificate from the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute in child psychoanalytic psychotherapy where I am also a candidate in the psychoanalytic education program.
We all are in relationships with others, and these relationships affect and change who we are. I look forward to exploring these relationships, past and present, and how they have shaped you. I’m interested in helping my patients gain insight into their relational patterns. I utilize a psychoanalytic theories in psychotherapy. I have received a certificate from the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute in child psychoanalytic psychotherapy where I am also a candidate in the psychoanalytic education program.
I approach counseling with empathy and acceptance through an intersectional lens. I support clients through short-term goals, long-term processing of trauma/past experiences, and the impact on the present using their existing strengths and interests. The therapeutic relationship itself is an effective avenue of healing and as such I value open communication.
I approach counseling with empathy and acceptance through an intersectional lens. I support clients through short-term goals, long-term processing of trauma/past experiences, and the impact on the present using their existing strengths and interests. The therapeutic relationship itself is an effective avenue of healing and as such I value open communication.
Psychotherapy Associates of Chicago - Teletherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
You may have been considering going to therapy for some time, but don't know who to speak to. Or perhaps you're facing an unexpected stress in your life. Either way, we're here to help and you don't have to face things alone. We have the training and experience to help a wide variety of issues: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or relationship problems. Our staff offers a wide range of services including individual therapy, couples counseling, EMDR, and mindfulness training. We specialize in helping people feel better.
You may have been considering going to therapy for some time, but don't know who to speak to. Or perhaps you're facing an unexpected stress in your life. Either way, we're here to help and you don't have to face things alone. We have the training and experience to help a wide variety of issues: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or relationship problems. Our staff offers a wide range of services including individual therapy, couples counseling, EMDR, and mindfulness training. We specialize in helping people feel better.
Jamie Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60657 (Online Only)
Hello, have you been feeling stuck and unable to see a path out of the place you've found yourself in? I am a supporter of women and the LGBTQ+ community. I support you just the way you are and will provide a safe space for you to grow into the person you want to be. I am comfortable talking about sexuality and issues of identity. I have a special interest in working with trans people and I am open to helping people transition into who they want to be. Also, I can help you hold space for your grief. I am compassionate and can understand those who are grieving.
Hello, have you been feeling stuck and unable to see a path out of the place you've found yourself in? I am a supporter of women and the LGBTQ+ community. I support you just the way you are and will provide a safe space for you to grow into the person you want to be. I am comfortable talking about sexuality and issues of identity. I have a special interest in working with trans people and I am open to helping people transition into who they want to be. Also, I can help you hold space for your grief. I am compassionate and can understand those who are grieving.
For over 25 years, I have been offering spiritual companioning & guidance to spiritual seekers. I often serve as: 1) a guide during difficult life transitions, 2) guiding integration of spiritual life with life in the world of work and relationships 3) helping people find more love, joy, and spontaneity in life 4) clarification of your highest purpose and alignment with that purpose 5) deepening of your sense of spiritual awareness, 6) a path to awakening to embodied non-dual consciousness. If you are seeking awakening to greater spiritual aliveness, I can support you in your journey.
For over 25 years, I have been offering spiritual companioning & guidance to spiritual seekers. I often serve as: 1) a guide during difficult life transitions, 2) guiding integration of spiritual life with life in the world of work and relationships 3) helping people find more love, joy, and spontaneity in life 4) clarification of your highest purpose and alignment with that purpose 5) deepening of your sense of spiritual awareness, 6) a path to awakening to embodied non-dual consciousness. If you are seeking awakening to greater spiritual aliveness, I can support you in your journey.
Debby Spertus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
You are ready to make a change. You might be saying to yourself, “I don't know ‘what's wrong,’ I just know that I don't feel right,” or you may be having relationship distress and don't know what to do next. Let's explore! This is your journey, and I am there to support you. I believe that our behaviors are rooted in self-protection and that there are valid reasons that we react the way we do. Through collaborative work, we'll create the path to positive change. My work is enhanced by my years as an artist, small business owner, parent, and community member.
You are ready to make a change. You might be saying to yourself, “I don't know ‘what's wrong,’ I just know that I don't feel right,” or you may be having relationship distress and don't know what to do next. Let's explore! This is your journey, and I am there to support you. I believe that our behaviors are rooted in self-protection and that there are valid reasons that we react the way we do. Through collaborative work, we'll create the path to positive change. My work is enhanced by my years as an artist, small business owner, parent, and community member.
See more therapy options for 60657
Buddhist Therapists
Is buddhism beneficial for mental health?
While Buddhism itself is not a treatment for mental health conditions, its practices can greatly enhance mental well-being by introducing coping skills and ideas that promote overall wellness. Key Buddhist practices, such as mindfulness, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. Moreover, Buddhism's focus on self-compassion, non-judgment, and acceptance can benefit individuals with particularly negative or self-critical thought patterns.
What are the concepts and principles of buddhism as a therapeutic approach?
Core Buddhist principles are often used in therapy to help clients gain insight into their thoughts and emotions. Concepts such as suffering (dukkha) and impermanence (anicca) are applied to help clients recognize that common forms of suffering, like repetitive negative thought patterns, can be accepted and viewed as impermanent. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are additional core concepts utilized frequently in Buddhist therapy sessions. The Four Noble Truths highlight the existence of suffering as an inherent part of the human experience—an insight frequently used to move clients toward greater acceptance. The Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right concentration, and right mindfulness, offers practical skills to alleviate suffering.
What is the buddhist approach and practice during a therapy session?
Therapists informed by Buddhist principles often integrate mindfulness and meditation practices into therapy sessions to help clients cultivate greater acceptance, compassion, and non-judgment toward themselves and others. Typically, Buddhist therapists guide clients through mindfulness exercises, such as breathing exercises or body scans, and encourage them to practice similar exercises outside of sessions. Additionally, many Buddhist therapists utilize elements of Positive Psychology or Compassion-Focused Therapy, which can help reduce symptoms of self-criticism and shame common among clients with various mental health conditions. In general, Buddhist therapists strive to embody the compassion and non-judgmental approach they promote, often incorporating exercises aimed at developing compassion in session, such as loving-kindness meditation (Metta).
Is mindfulness the same as buddhism in the context of therapy?
While Buddhist therapists frequently integrate mindfulness practices into therapy sessions, the terms mindfulness and Buddhism are not synonymous in the context of therapy. Therapists may use mindfulness techniques, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), without identifying as a Buddhist therapist. In contrast, those practicing within a Buddhist belief framework typically encourage mindfulness therapies, in addition to foundational Buddhist beliefs, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These therapists may also guide clients toward a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, unlike those who use Buddhist mindfulness principles without the broader spiritual context.