Expressive Arts Therapists in Medical Village, Chicago, IL
Shanel Jackson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, REAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medical Village, Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
As a holistic counselor and expressive arts therapist, my work with clients takes the whole person, mind, body and spirit into consideration.
Perhaps you feel stuck, with no clear sense of purpose and don’t know the next steps to move forward in your life. Or your environment is not supportive, and you feel disconnected, frustrated and unheard in your relationships. Maybe you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or emotional wounds caused by racism, sexism, homophobia or other forms of oppression. And maybe you aren't even sure what the problem is, you just know things aren't working. I am here to support you in creating deep and meaningful change, so you can live the authentic and empowering life that you deserve to have.
As a holistic counselor and expressive arts therapist, my work with clients takes the whole person, mind, body and spirit into consideration.
Perhaps you feel stuck, with no clear sense of purpose and don’t know the next steps to move forward in your life. Or your environment is not supportive, and you feel disconnected, frustrated and unheard in your relationships. Maybe you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or emotional wounds caused by racism, sexism, homophobia or other forms of oppression. And maybe you aren't even sure what the problem is, you just know things aren't working. I am here to support you in creating deep and meaningful change, so you can live the authentic and empowering life that you deserve to have.
Cinthia Lopez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Medical Village, Chicago, IL 60608 (Online Only)
I specialize in Latino mental health and provide a trauma-informed approach through talk, play, and expressive arts-based therapies.
Hello, I’m Cinthia, a bilingual, first-generation Mexican American therapist and proud Chicago native. My practice is dedicated to helping youth, young adults, and their families navigate childhood trauma, behavioral challenges, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. I deeply understand the unique experiences of Latino families and offer strengths-based, collaborative, and culturally affirming therapy that respects and honors your values.
I specialize in Latino mental health and provide a trauma-informed approach through talk, play, and expressive arts-based therapies.
Hello, I’m Cinthia, a bilingual, first-generation Mexican American therapist and proud Chicago native. My practice is dedicated to helping youth, young adults, and their families navigate childhood trauma, behavioral challenges, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. I deeply understand the unique experiences of Latino families and offer strengths-based, collaborative, and culturally affirming therapy that respects and honors your values.
I have training/experience in a variety of treatment modalities including drama therapy and expressive arts therapy, Ketamine Asissted Psychotherapy, DBT, ACT, EMDR, psychodynamic, and EFT.
Are you feeling stuck or unsure of yourself? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, work/life balance, relationship concerns, or how to achieve what you really want? I can help you find your authentic voice, connect to your inner strengths, discover new perspectives, and effectively assert yourself to make the positive changes you need. I will help you manage your self-critical voices and gain meaningful insights into your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. I specialize in helping young and not so young adults who are struggling with self-confidence, relationships, trauma, life transitions, and issues of identity.
I have training/experience in a variety of treatment modalities including drama therapy and expressive arts therapy, Ketamine Asissted Psychotherapy, DBT, ACT, EMDR, psychodynamic, and EFT.
Are you feeling stuck or unsure of yourself? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, work/life balance, relationship concerns, or how to achieve what you really want? I can help you find your authentic voice, connect to your inner strengths, discover new perspectives, and effectively assert yourself to make the positive changes you need. I will help you manage your self-critical voices and gain meaningful insights into your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. I specialize in helping young and not so young adults who are struggling with self-confidence, relationships, trauma, life transitions, and issues of identity.
Albe Gutierrez
Pre-Licensed Professional, MAATC, BFA
Verified Verified
Medical Village, Chicago, IL 60608
I combine expressive arts with psychodynamic, client-centered, and Positive CBT to promote a trauma-informed environment for growth.
I'm Albe (she/her/ella), also known as Miss Albe, a bilingual (English/Spanish) art therapist working with individuals and groups among Chicago’s various LGBTQIA+ and Spanish-speaking communities. I view therapy as a collaborative experience designed to enhance personal insight, coping skills, & communication techniques through various avenues of self-expression. I am a kink and poly aware therapist with a strong background in direct service, advocacy, and engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community and transgender women of color in particular.
I combine expressive arts with psychodynamic, client-centered, and Positive CBT to promote a trauma-informed environment for growth.
I'm Albe (she/her/ella), also known as Miss Albe, a bilingual (English/Spanish) art therapist working with individuals and groups among Chicago’s various LGBTQIA+ and Spanish-speaking communities. I view therapy as a collaborative experience designed to enhance personal insight, coping skills, & communication techniques through various avenues of self-expression. I am a kink and poly aware therapist with a strong background in direct service, advocacy, and engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community and transgender women of color in particular.
Warm greetings! I’m so glad you are reading this page—it means you are looking for change. Therapy can help you find your own source of strength. Maybe it’s inside you, just waiting to be discovered, or a gift from your culture or ancestors. Maybe it’s outside: new knowledge or skills. Maybe it’s spiritual, physical, or expressive. I believe that when you are empowered by your sources of strength, you can make the change that leads to your best life.
Warm greetings! I’m so glad you are reading this page—it means you are looking for change. Therapy can help you find your own source of strength. Maybe it’s inside you, just waiting to be discovered, or a gift from your culture or ancestors. Maybe it’s outside: new knowledge or skills. Maybe it’s spiritual, physical, or expressive. I believe that when you are empowered by your sources of strength, you can make the change that leads to your best life.
Arielle Miree
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medical Village, Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
I believe in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel free to let their true selves be seen. We all innately crave love, connection, and healthy relationships. We were not created to do life alone. I view each person as a holistic being, considering your mental, physical, relational, emotional, and spiritual health as we journey together towards healing, growth, and a meaningful life.
I believe in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel free to let their true selves be seen. We all innately crave love, connection, and healthy relationships. We were not created to do life alone. I view each person as a holistic being, considering your mental, physical, relational, emotional, and spiritual health as we journey together towards healing, growth, and a meaningful life.
Cardenas Institute
Counselor, LCPC, LCSW, EMDR, CADC
Verified Verified
Medical Village, Chicago, IL 60612
Thank you for checking our profile! We love our work and we are very committed to providing services that promote dignity, and respect. We are very intentional about creating a space where all parts of you (your ancestors, the systems that shaped you, your otherness) are welcomed and seen. Over the last eighteen years or so we have learned wonderful therapy approaches such as EMDR, somatic work, CBT, Sandtray, Theraplay, ACT, and others. We understand that each person needs to receive an individualized approach and this involves going beyond Western approaches... Our family legacies, our ancestors, our history matter....
Thank you for checking our profile! We love our work and we are very committed to providing services that promote dignity, and respect. We are very intentional about creating a space where all parts of you (your ancestors, the systems that shaped you, your otherness) are welcomed and seen. Over the last eighteen years or so we have learned wonderful therapy approaches such as EMDR, somatic work, CBT, Sandtray, Theraplay, ACT, and others. We understand that each person needs to receive an individualized approach and this involves going beyond Western approaches... Our family legacies, our ancestors, our history matter....
Community Wellness Group
Counselor, EdD, LCPC, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medical Village, Chicago, IL 60608
This a group practice that employs clinicans of various ethnicities and backgrounds. People come to therapy due to feeling excessive stress at work, at home, or in their relationships. They find the pressures of everyday life have exceeded their abilities, overwhelmed their senses, and left them with an inability to cope. They are often having problems with school, completing tasks, getting along with others at work, and finding activities enjoyable. We believe in the resiliency of the human spirit, and that therapy is a process of exploring and getting to know oneself.
This a group practice that employs clinicans of various ethnicities and backgrounds. People come to therapy due to feeling excessive stress at work, at home, or in their relationships. They find the pressures of everyday life have exceeded their abilities, overwhelmed their senses, and left them with an inability to cope. They are often having problems with school, completing tasks, getting along with others at work, and finding activities enjoyable. We believe in the resiliency of the human spirit, and that therapy is a process of exploring and getting to know oneself.
Nikhaar Surti
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Medical Village, Chicago, IL 60608 (Online Only)
As an art therapist, I work best with clients who are navigating life’s complexities, often feeling overwhelmed by grief, anxiety, or past traumas that have impacted their emotional and physical well-being. They seek a safe, culturally sensitive space to be seen, understood, and supported. My clients want to explore these feelings in a way that resonates with their personal story and helps them gain deeper insight and healing. They’re drawn to creative expression as a means of understanding themselves, hoping to find a grounded, compassionate guide who respects their individuality and empowers them to grow.
As an art therapist, I work best with clients who are navigating life’s complexities, often feeling overwhelmed by grief, anxiety, or past traumas that have impacted their emotional and physical well-being. They seek a safe, culturally sensitive space to be seen, understood, and supported. My clients want to explore these feelings in a way that resonates with their personal story and helps them gain deeper insight and healing. They’re drawn to creative expression as a means of understanding themselves, hoping to find a grounded, compassionate guide who respects their individuality and empowers them to grow.
Susie Moya
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ICDVP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Medical Village, Chicago, IL 60608
Life can be a journey of transitions and challenges. I recognize that the impact of change can be stressful on the mind and the body. As a bi-cultural therapist, I support individuals adjust to life transitions using culturally informed strength-based and mindful based approaches. I have experience providing trauma therapy to adults who have been affected by interpersonal violence and intergenerational trauma. I also recognize how chronic stress and trauma, as well as cultural factors, influence an individual’s sense of self.
Life can be a journey of transitions and challenges. I recognize that the impact of change can be stressful on the mind and the body. As a bi-cultural therapist, I support individuals adjust to life transitions using culturally informed strength-based and mindful based approaches. I have experience providing trauma therapy to adults who have been affected by interpersonal violence and intergenerational trauma. I also recognize how chronic stress and trauma, as well as cultural factors, influence an individual’s sense of self.
Rachel Sharp
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Medical Village, Chicago, IL 60608 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm Rachel. I graduated from Northwestern University in 2014 with a Masters in Counseling Psychology specializing in Child and Adolescent Psychology. I have been trained in EMDR, worked with trauma in the inner-city of Chicago and am very well versed in this department. I am LGBTQI affirming. My clients have said I have a warm presence. My therapeutic approach is client-centered- I use expressive/art therapy techniques, focus on internal family systems and parts work (essentially looking at oneself through a lens of functional parts, some more at the forefront than others). I offer free 15 min consultations.
Hi! I'm Rachel. I graduated from Northwestern University in 2014 with a Masters in Counseling Psychology specializing in Child and Adolescent Psychology. I have been trained in EMDR, worked with trauma in the inner-city of Chicago and am very well versed in this department. I am LGBTQI affirming. My clients have said I have a warm presence. My therapeutic approach is client-centered- I use expressive/art therapy techniques, focus on internal family systems and parts work (essentially looking at oneself through a lens of functional parts, some more at the forefront than others). I offer free 15 min consultations.
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Robert Narciso
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, ATR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medical Village, Chicago, IL 60608
Do you feel lost, disconnected, or out of touch from yourself or the energy you once had? It’s been a rough year that has impacted people’s relationships, careers, and motivation. Are you feeling empowered or anxious as we move towards “normal” life?
Do you feel lost, disconnected, or out of touch from yourself or the energy you once had? It’s been a rough year that has impacted people’s relationships, careers, and motivation. Are you feeling empowered or anxious as we move towards “normal” life?
Kyle J. Jankowski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, MADP, BSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Medical Village, Chicago, IL 60607
I work to help people make lasting revisions to their lives through practical change-oriented work. This vocationally focused approach instructs and helps people to recognize, structure, and integrate their creative gifts and traditional intelligence into practical and meaningful career paths. Vocational and creative consultation are useful for midlife/quarter-life crises, college drop-outs, veterans, non-traditional students and entrepreneurs. My practice is enhanced by utilizing music, poetry, bibliotherapy, film, art, travel, dreamwork, mythology, traditional storytelling, and building a strong therapeutic relationship.
I work to help people make lasting revisions to their lives through practical change-oriented work. This vocationally focused approach instructs and helps people to recognize, structure, and integrate their creative gifts and traditional intelligence into practical and meaningful career paths. Vocational and creative consultation are useful for midlife/quarter-life crises, college drop-outs, veterans, non-traditional students and entrepreneurs. My practice is enhanced by utilizing music, poetry, bibliotherapy, film, art, travel, dreamwork, mythology, traditional storytelling, and building a strong therapeutic relationship.
Jasper H Wurster
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MAAT, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
Medical Village, Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
Do you feel stuck, unmotivated, or not like "yourself"? I'm here to help you find peace of mind, freedom, & personal relief to take charge of your life. I'm an Integrative Internal Family Systems counselor & Adlerian art therapist, with 12+ years of experience, who excels in addressing mood shifts, anxiety, work-life balance, grief, & trauma. I listen with an insightful, patient disposition and an engaging, compassionate heart when we talk about your values, identities, and challenges. Together, we approach obstacles to discover new solutions & apply intuitive skill sets, gaining newfound confidence, authenticity, & wholeness.
Do you feel stuck, unmotivated, or not like "yourself"? I'm here to help you find peace of mind, freedom, & personal relief to take charge of your life. I'm an Integrative Internal Family Systems counselor & Adlerian art therapist, with 12+ years of experience, who excels in addressing mood shifts, anxiety, work-life balance, grief, & trauma. I listen with an insightful, patient disposition and an engaging, compassionate heart when we talk about your values, identities, and challenges. Together, we approach obstacles to discover new solutions & apply intuitive skill sets, gaining newfound confidence, authenticity, & wholeness.
Jennifer Zeck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Medical Village, Chicago, IL 60607
A psychotherapist, life coach and yoga instructor whose passion is to help you illuminate yourself so that you can build a life that reflects your authentic self. I have worked with clients who truly want to understand themselves and live to their purpose and potential without the pitfalls or traumas of the past burdening them. Engaging with a willingness to take a multifaceted approach to mental wellness is beneficial however sometimes we need help finding our spark for motivation too. Life can take on new meaning and we can always rebuild and repurpose, no one needs to stay stuck in shame or pain.
A psychotherapist, life coach and yoga instructor whose passion is to help you illuminate yourself so that you can build a life that reflects your authentic self. I have worked with clients who truly want to understand themselves and live to their purpose and potential without the pitfalls or traumas of the past burdening them. Engaging with a willingness to take a multifaceted approach to mental wellness is beneficial however sometimes we need help finding our spark for motivation too. Life can take on new meaning and we can always rebuild and repurpose, no one needs to stay stuck in shame or pain.
Amanda Brandimore
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Medical Village, Chicago, IL 60608
Sometimes the stresses and responsibilities of life leave us feeling stuck, run down, and powerless to do anything but keep our heads above water. Would you like to trade that heaviness for a sense of empowerment, resilience, and confidence? My goal is to walk alongside you, pairing your expertise in your own experience with my expertise in mental health. Together we will foster curiosity and awareness to better understand the challenges you are going through, how you got there, and how best to chart a path to healing and wholeness. There is no one size fits all. I tailor my approach to you and your unique needs.
Sometimes the stresses and responsibilities of life leave us feeling stuck, run down, and powerless to do anything but keep our heads above water. Would you like to trade that heaviness for a sense of empowerment, resilience, and confidence? My goal is to walk alongside you, pairing your expertise in your own experience with my expertise in mental health. Together we will foster curiosity and awareness to better understand the challenges you are going through, how you got there, and how best to chart a path to healing and wholeness. There is no one size fits all. I tailor my approach to you and your unique needs.
Matt Cavanaugh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Medical Village, Chicago, IL 60607
Folks enter into therapy to examine the internal and external barriers that keep them from cultivating the kind of life they want to lead. Working with a therapist can help you not only recognize the way these barriers impact your life, but help you break through them by utilizing many of the skills and strengths you already possess. Together, we’ll also work to build bridges leading to new skills and strengths, guiding you to the kind of life you truly want to live. My main focus is on creating a safe, supportive and trusting environment where clients can share their story and know that it will be received with positive regard.
Folks enter into therapy to examine the internal and external barriers that keep them from cultivating the kind of life they want to lead. Working with a therapist can help you not only recognize the way these barriers impact your life, but help you break through them by utilizing many of the skills and strengths you already possess. Together, we’ll also work to build bridges leading to new skills and strengths, guiding you to the kind of life you truly want to live. My main focus is on creating a safe, supportive and trusting environment where clients can share their story and know that it will be received with positive regard.
Susan Steinke
Counselor, LCPC, RYT-200
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medical Village, Chicago, IL 60608
Do you struggle to balance life roles, find it difficult to be kind to yourself, or feel depleted by stress and anxiety? Are looking for a way to safely explore difficult thoughts and emotions. Perhaps you are curious about your relationship to yourself and others, and long to make meaning in life? Imagine feeling less overwhelmed, having confidence in life’s direction, and increasing your connection with others. Change is possible! I invite you to put on your detective hat as you get to know yourself, explore your experiences, and forge your journey.
Do you struggle to balance life roles, find it difficult to be kind to yourself, or feel depleted by stress and anxiety? Are looking for a way to safely explore difficult thoughts and emotions. Perhaps you are curious about your relationship to yourself and others, and long to make meaning in life? Imagine feeling less overwhelmed, having confidence in life’s direction, and increasing your connection with others. Change is possible! I invite you to put on your detective hat as you get to know yourself, explore your experiences, and forge your journey.
Keren Diaz de Leon
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medical Village, Chicago, IL 60608
I enjoy working with people of all ages and have additional training specialized in working with children and adolescents. I am very interested in play and creativity as tools in promoting wellness and healing. This can look like using art materials to explore emotions or guided visualizations to process and get to the root of an experience or issue.
I enjoy working with people of all ages and have additional training specialized in working with children and adolescents. I am very interested in play and creativity as tools in promoting wellness and healing. This can look like using art materials to explore emotions or guided visualizations to process and get to the root of an experience or issue.
Gabriela Brizuela
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medical Village, Chicago, IL 60608
Hi, I’m Gabriela (she/ her/ ella)! Our work in therapy is about the core essence of what it means to be human, to love, to hurt, to hurt others, and to help. I am rooting for you! I know that what brings you here may feel overwhelming, but this is the first step. I believe therapy should be collaborative and inclusive. I bring a lot of energy and humor as well as compassion and understanding to my sessions.
Hi, I’m Gabriela (she/ her/ ella)! Our work in therapy is about the core essence of what it means to be human, to love, to hurt, to hurt others, and to help. I am rooting for you! I know that what brings you here may feel overwhelming, but this is the first step. I believe therapy should be collaborative and inclusive. I bring a lot of energy and humor as well as compassion and understanding to my sessions.
See more therapy options for Medical Village, Chicago
Nearby Expressive Arts Therapists Searches for Medical Village, Chicago
- Dearborn Park
- Little Italy
- Loop
- Lower West Side
- Near West Side
- Noble Square
- River North
- South Loop
- Ukrainian Village
- University Village
- West Loop
- West Town
Expressive Arts Therapists
What happens in expressive arts therapy?
In an expressive arts therapy session, the therapist will provide the space and materials necessary to encourage the client to express themselves creatively. These can include art supplies, musical instruments, a journal, a camera, and more. The therapist offers careful guidance throughout the creative process, often noticing and talking about psychological issues as they arise. Many clients also benefit from the mind-body connection—the physical act of making art can help them feel more grounded and present.
How long does expressive arts therapy take?
An expressive arts therapy session will typically last between 50 minutes and an hour. Group sessions may run longer. Sometimes, a client might only need one or two sessions of expressive arts therapy in conjunction with talk therapy to resolve a psychological issue. Others might find a fixed number of sessions over the course of either weeks or months to be beneficial. The duration depends on the client and their individual needs and goals for therapy.
How does expressive arts therapy help children?
Creativity is an important part of normal child development. Expressive arts therapy proves a safe outlet for child clients to learn to identify their emotions and express them in healthy ways. In expressive arts therapy, children can build their self-esteem, discover more about their personality and strengths, and feel a sense of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic world. This therapeutic approach can be particularly helpful for children with developmental disabilities, autism, ADHD, speech impairments, and other conditions.
What are the limitations of expressive arts therapy?
Sometimes individuals have physical limitations that can affect their ability to express themselves artistically in certain mediums. For example, someone with hearing problems might find it difficult to make music. Sickness and mobility issues can make some types of art physically inaccessible (e.g., sculpting, dancing, etc.). Sometimes, clients are overly skeptical and have trouble letting go and engaging with the creative process. Individuals who require a higher level of care may be better served with other types of therapy.