Therapists in Avondale, Chicago, IL

My primary goal is to make you feel seen, heard, and deeply understood. We will collaborate on how to dig into therapy and what approach works best for you. I help my clients tap into the resiliency they already have to figure out how they can support themselves and ask for support from others. You will learn to harness your existing strengths towards achieving your goals and lasting change. I help my clients give themselves permission to explore their identities and anxieties in a safe, affirming environment. I'm here to support you as you get curious about your past, present, and future.

I graduated from Adler University with a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and hold a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois and Oregon. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals, families, couples, adolescents, and children on a wide range of issues. These include anxiety, depression, communication, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, Autism spectrum disorder, trauma, and life transitions. My approach to therapy is rooted in the belief that true change occurs by focusing our energy on building the new rather than fighting the old.

I have a warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative approach towards helping people feel better and improve their lives. I will work with you to develop an approach to therapy that is tailored to meet the changes you would like to see within yourself and your life.

I enjoy working with individuals and couples. My goal is to provide a warm, non-judgmental and inviting space to process and improve: relationships (familial, friendships, work or love), difficulty balancing obligations, challenges with stress or anxiety, self-esteem issues and/or depressive tendencies. I help people identify relational, thought and behavioral patterns that may have once been functional but are no longer helpful. My ideal client is looking for active therapy that has a practical application to help with immediate symptom relief while also looking at and changing lifelong patterns of behavior for longer term change.

It often takes courage to come in for the first session, and I am glad that you are making the first step in reaching out for support. My goal is to create a safe place where we can work together towards your individual goals. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the Feinberg School of Medicine, and on staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I am Certified in both Sport Psychology and Child and Family Therapy. I specialize in eating and weight-related disorders, couples therapy, sports psychology and women's health.

Are you or a loved one facing the challenges of living with a chronic illness? Between managing appointments, navigating the medical system, understanding your condition and your medications, recovering from hospital stays, and many more... it can become overwhelming. The mind and the body influence each other, and it's important to actively manage mental health when living with chronic illness. My speciality is in navigating mental health in chronic illness. I can support you in finding the balance and living a life of value.

Intuitive, resourceful clinical therapist. Highly regarded for a creative, empowering and strengths-based approach to counseling, and quickly establishing rapport and trust with clients from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Tonya uses trauma-informed, innovative and adaptable treatment strategies, based on research and current best practices. As a clinician, she’s adept at helping clients assess and change environmental triggers and thoughts contributing to a problem. Most importantly, Tonya works collaboratively with clients to establish clear goals and to develop a personalized treatment plan.

I enjoy working with a wide range of clients in terms of age, background, gender, and sexual orientation. I have several years of experience working with adolescents and those who have experienced complex trauma. I am interested in working with members of the vast LGBTQ population, as well as adult children of alcoholics, and those on the autism spectrum. I am passionate about exploring various aspects of identity and how the intersections of those identities impact our experiences in the world.

I enjoy working with clients on a variety of issues and concerns. From depression and anxiety to life transitions and complex trauma. I thrive on working with you to bring a greater awareness of your needs, as well as compassion for yourself as you are working, growing, changing and transcending the issues that are causing stress or dysfunction. I have experience working with children, adults and couples; all of who come from diverse backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status.

Holistic Healing with Creative Arts Therapies: If traditional talk therapy, yoga, or self-help apps haven’t provided relief from stress, anxiety, depression, or grief, consider a different approach. Grounded in mindfulness and creative arts therapies—art, movement, music, and drama—we believe that the path to clarity, growth, and empowerment involves more than just talking. Creative arts therapies can help you explore and express yourself in new ways, gaining insights unique to the creative process.

What if the things that make you different are actually your strengths? My clients often come to me feeling worried, depressed, disconnected, or overwhelmed-- sometimes, after they've already been trying for years on their own. In our work together, we help you find relief, self-acceptance, positive change, and real growth by building on your unique strengths. I believe that the therapeutic relationship itself is one of the most valuable tools we have to help you feel centered, empowered, and strong. We all deserve to feel seen and accepted for who we are by someone who cares.