Couples Counseling Therapists in Uptown, Chicago, IL
Luke Clohisy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, AM
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60640
I've worked extensively with the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC, and youth through issues related to anger, relationship difficulties, grief, coming out, gender transition, and substance abuse.
Relationships are the heart of all meaningful change. Whether you are coming to therapy because you feel lost, demoralized, or moved to deepen your self-understanding, feeling authentically understood and appreciated in your relationships is crucial to healing. In my practice, I strive to create an accepting atmosphere in which you feel comfortable speaking freely about the concerns in your life. Together, we can understand how the relationship we build in our work is both a microcosm of your present, as well as a vehicle for surprise, change, and growth.
I've worked extensively with the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC, and youth through issues related to anger, relationship difficulties, grief, coming out, gender transition, and substance abuse.
Relationships are the heart of all meaningful change. Whether you are coming to therapy because you feel lost, demoralized, or moved to deepen your self-understanding, feeling authentically understood and appreciated in your relationships is crucial to healing. In my practice, I strive to create an accepting atmosphere in which you feel comfortable speaking freely about the concerns in your life. Together, we can understand how the relationship we build in our work is both a microcosm of your present, as well as a vehicle for surprise, change, and growth.
Gloria Arfelis
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60613 (Online Only)
I am a caring professional with 25 years of experience helping individuals, couples and families live healthier, richer lives. I use a holistic approach to health: I consider the person's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.
I am a caring professional with 25 years of experience helping individuals, couples and families live healthier, richer lives. I use a holistic approach to health: I consider the person's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.
In my individual and relationship therapy, I center complex trauma, attachment and communication styles and their impact on the quality of life, family, relationships, sex, love and kink.
As a queer-identified therapist, I am dedicated to guiding you through the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Whether you're seeking support in individual therapy, relationship counseling, or group therapy, my goal is to create a warm and accepting space where you can explore and embrace all aspects of yourself. With a deep focus on trauma-informed care, and expertise in kink, polyamory, queer identities, religious trauma and eating disorders, Our work together involves delving into the depths of the unconscious, uncovering hidden truths and shadow aspects, to cultivate a deeper understanding of the self.
In my individual and relationship therapy, I center complex trauma, attachment and communication styles and their impact on the quality of life, family, relationships, sex, love and kink.
As a queer-identified therapist, I am dedicated to guiding you through the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Whether you're seeking support in individual therapy, relationship counseling, or group therapy, my goal is to create a warm and accepting space where you can explore and embrace all aspects of yourself. With a deep focus on trauma-informed care, and expertise in kink, polyamory, queer identities, religious trauma and eating disorders, Our work together involves delving into the depths of the unconscious, uncovering hidden truths and shadow aspects, to cultivate a deeper understanding of the self.
With a background in community-based mental health and a focus on the sociopolitical systems that bring people to therapy, I approach my work with a thoughtful perspective. I specialize in working with trans and queer individuals, trauma-processing, navigating relationship concerns, and supporting those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of themselves.
With a background in community-based mental health and a focus on the sociopolitical systems that bring people to therapy, I approach my work with a thoughtful perspective. I specialize in working with trans and queer individuals, trauma-processing, navigating relationship concerns, and supporting those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of themselves.
I approach my work with an understanding that each client's experience is unique and I appreciate the courage it takes to engage in therapy. I work to help my client's feel heard and understood while exploring the sources of their difficulty. It is important to me that my relationship with clients is collaborative and I believe that you are the best expert on yourself and what you want for treatment. Sessions typically focus on building insight into how past experiences affect us today as well as developing communication and coping skills.
I approach my work with an understanding that each client's experience is unique and I appreciate the courage it takes to engage in therapy. I work to help my client's feel heard and understood while exploring the sources of their difficulty. It is important to me that my relationship with clients is collaborative and I believe that you are the best expert on yourself and what you want for treatment. Sessions typically focus on building insight into how past experiences affect us today as well as developing communication and coping skills.
Patrice K Quehl
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCSW
Verified Verified
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60640 (Online Only)
I once had a partner of a couple I was seeing describe me as a "no-nonsense counselor": he explained this to mean that I was forthright, quick to get to the heart of the matter, yet empathic in my approach.
My areas of expertise include relational concerns, anxiety/depression, emotion regulation, young-adult development and life transitions (moves, school/career, divorce/separation, etc.) Interpersonal difficulties with repetitive arguments, communication and messaging, lack of understanding, stonewalling/withdrawal, infidelity, difficulty navigating needs and expectations. Together we will identify patterns, stressors, the role of beliefs, goals and emotions in motivating behavior. Life comes with problems, and success is dependent on navigating the ups and downs.
I once had a partner of a couple I was seeing describe me as a "no-nonsense counselor": he explained this to mean that I was forthright, quick to get to the heart of the matter, yet empathic in my approach.
My areas of expertise include relational concerns, anxiety/depression, emotion regulation, young-adult development and life transitions (moves, school/career, divorce/separation, etc.) Interpersonal difficulties with repetitive arguments, communication and messaging, lack of understanding, stonewalling/withdrawal, infidelity, difficulty navigating needs and expectations. Together we will identify patterns, stressors, the role of beliefs, goals and emotions in motivating behavior. Life comes with problems, and success is dependent on navigating the ups and downs.
My areas of experience include trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief and loss, gender and sexuality, socio-political stress, immigrant/generational trauma, couples/family issues, and life transitions.
I honor the courage it takes for you to have made it to this point in your journey. I work to facilitate a space of curiosity that leads to deeper insight, awareness, and self-compassion to help bring meaningful change where it is needed. I believe that resilience, the capacity to recover from adversity, is a key ability for mental and emotional health. Building this capacity is a healing practice. I use resiliency skills in the “here and now” during our sessions to build healthy habits for sustainable wellness. I also value collaboration, and often invite feedback to ensure your voice and purpose is at the center of the work,
My areas of experience include trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief and loss, gender and sexuality, socio-political stress, immigrant/generational trauma, couples/family issues, and life transitions.
I honor the courage it takes for you to have made it to this point in your journey. I work to facilitate a space of curiosity that leads to deeper insight, awareness, and self-compassion to help bring meaningful change where it is needed. I believe that resilience, the capacity to recover from adversity, is a key ability for mental and emotional health. Building this capacity is a healing practice. I use resiliency skills in the “here and now” during our sessions to build healthy habits for sustainable wellness. I also value collaboration, and often invite feedback to ensure your voice and purpose is at the center of the work,
Certified in prenatal psychology, I offer a holistic approach (mind, body, spirit) for individuals and couples working toward family planning.
Do you feel lost, anxious, or disconnected from life? In a compassionate environment, we will explore what has you feeling disempowered or stuck. Using a mind-body approach and healing modalities from the field of energy psychology, you will discover how to shift these unwanted states. You will learn how to cultivate centeredness and live from a place of balance and conscious choice. Or are you looking to get support on your fertility journey? Healing your own family of origin imprints and past traumas is an important part of this work. I facilitate prenatal bonding which serves conception, pregnancy & childbirth.
Certified in prenatal psychology, I offer a holistic approach (mind, body, spirit) for individuals and couples working toward family planning.
Do you feel lost, anxious, or disconnected from life? In a compassionate environment, we will explore what has you feeling disempowered or stuck. Using a mind-body approach and healing modalities from the field of energy psychology, you will discover how to shift these unwanted states. You will learn how to cultivate centeredness and live from a place of balance and conscious choice. Or are you looking to get support on your fertility journey? Healing your own family of origin imprints and past traumas is an important part of this work. I facilitate prenatal bonding which serves conception, pregnancy & childbirth.
Sometimes we might feel like nobody understands us or what we are going through. Life can present some major challenges, and it is hard to be trapped in what seems like an inescapable situation. I know what it is like to feel stuck. These types of situations are numerous: problems communicating with a partner, having low motivation in a job, missing a loved one that you have lost, paralyzing anxiety about making an important decision. Seeking the help of a mental health professional is the first step in getting unstuck. There is great courage in being able to ask for help. I am glad that you are embarking on this journey.
Sometimes we might feel like nobody understands us or what we are going through. Life can present some major challenges, and it is hard to be trapped in what seems like an inescapable situation. I know what it is like to feel stuck. These types of situations are numerous: problems communicating with a partner, having low motivation in a job, missing a loved one that you have lost, paralyzing anxiety about making an important decision. Seeking the help of a mental health professional is the first step in getting unstuck. There is great courage in being able to ask for help. I am glad that you are embarking on this journey.
Hi I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois and am experienced providing individual, couples, family and group counseling interventions. I work with children through adults, from a variety of backgrounds and varied presenting concerns. I utilize CBT, brief solution focused models, TF-CBT, and person centered interventions. I am a member of the Illinois Counseling Association and Illinois Mental Health Counseling Association.
Hi I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois and am experienced providing individual, couples, family and group counseling interventions. I work with children through adults, from a variety of backgrounds and varied presenting concerns. I utilize CBT, brief solution focused models, TF-CBT, and person centered interventions. I am a member of the Illinois Counseling Association and Illinois Mental Health Counseling Association.
I believe in collaborative work, and am committed to meeting you where you are and creating a strong therapeutic relationship.
I believe it takes courage to know yourself deeply. I want to create a space where you can begin to know yourself better, uncover connections between past and present, and build out a life that makes you proud. I want to honor the strength and knowledge you already hold, and create a partnership where we can talk about what feels most tender, scary, and exciting. I believe that understanding your past can help illuminate struggles in your present, and can offer a road map towards change. We can work together to explore ways in which you can feel safer in your body and more confident in your ability to handle life’s challenges.
I believe in collaborative work, and am committed to meeting you where you are and creating a strong therapeutic relationship.
I believe it takes courage to know yourself deeply. I want to create a space where you can begin to know yourself better, uncover connections between past and present, and build out a life that makes you proud. I want to honor the strength and knowledge you already hold, and create a partnership where we can talk about what feels most tender, scary, and exciting. I believe that understanding your past can help illuminate struggles in your present, and can offer a road map towards change. We can work together to explore ways in which you can feel safer in your body and more confident in your ability to handle life’s challenges.
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Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60640 (Online Only)
As an intercultural and bilingual therapist, I provide culturally responsive, client-centered services to diverse populations in Spanish and English. I have extensive training and experience supporting children, youth, adults, couples, and families. I strive to create a safe space that is responsive, affirming, and inclusive. I use an integrative approach in therapy, considering personal strengths, values, culture, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and intersectional identity.
As an intercultural and bilingual therapist, I provide culturally responsive, client-centered services to diverse populations in Spanish and English. I have extensive training and experience supporting children, youth, adults, couples, and families. I strive to create a safe space that is responsive, affirming, and inclusive. I use an integrative approach in therapy, considering personal strengths, values, culture, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and intersectional identity.
Allison treats depression and anxiety; trauma and PTSD; life changes/transitions; women's issues; relationship and intimacy issues; issues related to gender, sex, and sexuality; LGBTQ issues; body image/self esteem issues; family and relational challenges; occupational/academic difficulties; and parenting challenges, techniques, and strategies.
Allison Sheade is a feminist psychodynamic, relational, trauma-focused LCPC in Chicago. Her style is warm, empathic, collaborative, and direct. Allison has an active style, and clients enjoy knowing that she will offer insights, interpretations, and feedback that are effective, helpful, and supportive. Allison has worked in community mental health, at the Women's Center at Northwestern University, and in outpatient settings. Allison works with diverse populations and operates from a multicultural perspective, valuing differences of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender and sexuality (+ poly & kink), ableness, and world-view.
Allison treats depression and anxiety; trauma and PTSD; life changes/transitions; women's issues; relationship and intimacy issues; issues related to gender, sex, and sexuality; LGBTQ issues; body image/self esteem issues; family and relational challenges; occupational/academic difficulties; and parenting challenges, techniques, and strategies.
Allison Sheade is a feminist psychodynamic, relational, trauma-focused LCPC in Chicago. Her style is warm, empathic, collaborative, and direct. Allison has an active style, and clients enjoy knowing that she will offer insights, interpretations, and feedback that are effective, helpful, and supportive. Allison has worked in community mental health, at the Women's Center at Northwestern University, and in outpatient settings. Allison works with diverse populations and operates from a multicultural perspective, valuing differences of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender and sexuality (+ poly & kink), ableness, and world-view.
I work with many LGBTQ clients who seek support for relationship issues, internet/drug/sex addiction and concerns relating to HIV.
Challenges can overwhelm our ability to cope. My objective, as a certified psychotherapist, is to assist in managing these issues safely, in a stress- free environment. Treatment is tailored towards the individual's needs. My job is to support you through the process of change in order to feel greater security and self-esteem. I use psychodynamic, relational and CBT approaches. I specialize in mood issues - anxiety, depression and chronic feelings of isolation being among the most common. I am a certified drug and alcohol counselor and have spent years helping clients grappling with substance abuse.
I work with many LGBTQ clients who seek support for relationship issues, internet/drug/sex addiction and concerns relating to HIV.
Challenges can overwhelm our ability to cope. My objective, as a certified psychotherapist, is to assist in managing these issues safely, in a stress- free environment. Treatment is tailored towards the individual's needs. My job is to support you through the process of change in order to feel greater security and self-esteem. I use psychodynamic, relational and CBT approaches. I specialize in mood issues - anxiety, depression and chronic feelings of isolation being among the most common. I am a certified drug and alcohol counselor and have spent years helping clients grappling with substance abuse.
Kate Swiatek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60640
I am here to partner with you.
Hi, I'm glad you're here. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live an authentic and fulfilling life. My approach to therapy is meeting people where they are and helping them get to where they want to be. I think that change happens through genuine connection, so feel free to be completely yourself in therapy - I’ll do the same. Some of the topics I'm passionate about in my practice are body image/body neutrality, grief, anxiety, parenting, exploring gender and sexuality, dating/relationships, life transitions, social difficulties, and OCD, but really, I'm open and excited to support you with whatever you're dealing with.
I am here to partner with you.
Hi, I'm glad you're here. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live an authentic and fulfilling life. My approach to therapy is meeting people where they are and helping them get to where they want to be. I think that change happens through genuine connection, so feel free to be completely yourself in therapy - I’ll do the same. Some of the topics I'm passionate about in my practice are body image/body neutrality, grief, anxiety, parenting, exploring gender and sexuality, dating/relationships, life transitions, social difficulties, and OCD, but really, I'm open and excited to support you with whatever you're dealing with.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor my goal is to create a warm and compassionate space in which individuals, couples and families can develop and improve meaningful relationships.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor my goal is to create a warm and compassionate space in which individuals, couples and families can develop and improve meaningful relationships.
I believe in the therapeutic relationship’s ability to create meaningful change in your life.
I practice interpersonal psychoanalytic psychotherapy, which means I learn about you by examining your relationships while gaining insight as to how you relate to the world and yourself. My approach to therapy is rooted in harm reduction, intersectionality, and awareness of systemic oppression. I like to work with adults and have special interest working with the LGBTQIA2S+ population, trauma survivors, religious trauma survivors, couples, neurodivergent individuals, and those who are struggling with substance misuse.
I believe in the therapeutic relationship’s ability to create meaningful change in your life.
I practice interpersonal psychoanalytic psychotherapy, which means I learn about you by examining your relationships while gaining insight as to how you relate to the world and yourself. My approach to therapy is rooted in harm reduction, intersectionality, and awareness of systemic oppression. I like to work with adults and have special interest working with the LGBTQIA2S+ population, trauma survivors, religious trauma survivors, couples, neurodivergent individuals, and those who are struggling with substance misuse.
Our human experience can innately be encountered by adversity. I believe our therapeutic relationship and your internal wisdom can turn those experiences into opportunities for growth and transformation. You deserve to reconnect with your essence and your infinite power to create the life you want and the one that already belongs to you through the power of healing.
Our human experience can innately be encountered by adversity. I believe our therapeutic relationship and your internal wisdom can turn those experiences into opportunities for growth and transformation. You deserve to reconnect with your essence and your infinite power to create the life you want and the one that already belongs to you through the power of healing.
Vivian Sierra
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Uptown, Chicago, IL 60613 (Online Only)
I believe in creating safe space for self-expression and exploration in a collaborative and affirming way. I have worked with individuals navigating gender and sexuality identity exploration, polyamory struggles and dynamics, sexual trauma – including religious trauma and family of origin trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, HIV+ status, domestic violence, ADHD, suicidality, and milestone transitions. I have also worked with couples around family of origin conflict, communication struggles, parenting, navigating polyamory and kink, gender and sexuality expansion, as well as various role changes across the lifespan.
I believe in creating safe space for self-expression and exploration in a collaborative and affirming way. I have worked with individuals navigating gender and sexuality identity exploration, polyamory struggles and dynamics, sexual trauma – including religious trauma and family of origin trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, HIV+ status, domestic violence, ADHD, suicidality, and milestone transitions. I have also worked with couples around family of origin conflict, communication struggles, parenting, navigating polyamory and kink, gender and sexuality expansion, as well as various role changes across the lifespan.
Our clients present with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, disordered eating, body image concerns, OCD, relationship challenges, and navigating life transitions .
Life is full of “shoulds.” Family, friends, and society often have a very clear idea of the path we’re supposed to be on, but we believe that peace and empowerment lie in finding your own path- worrying less about the expectations of others and more about what you want your life to look like. Taking an alternative path or changing route along the way is difficult. Therapy can help as you strive to be true to yourself on the journey. We offer a space where individuals learn to utilize their personal strengths to live their most meaningful lives, develop fulfilling relationships, and find true liberation.
Our clients present with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, disordered eating, body image concerns, OCD, relationship challenges, and navigating life transitions .
Life is full of “shoulds.” Family, friends, and society often have a very clear idea of the path we’re supposed to be on, but we believe that peace and empowerment lie in finding your own path- worrying less about the expectations of others and more about what you want your life to look like. Taking an alternative path or changing route along the way is difficult. Therapy can help as you strive to be true to yourself on the journey. We offer a space where individuals learn to utilize their personal strengths to live their most meaningful lives, develop fulfilling relationships, and find true liberation.
See more therapy options for Uptown, Chicago
Couples Counseling Therapists
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.