Female Therapists in West Humboldt Park, Chicago, IL

You’re likely here because life has become overwhelmingly challenging. Sure, you’re surviving (and others may look at you and think you have it all together), but inside you feel sad, angry, ashamed, stuck, and exhausted. You’ve always been the “giver” in your life, and saying “no,” feels like a luxury and beyond your reach. If you're ready to experience a healthier life, I'd like to provide you with a space to start prioritizing yourself and get the support you need to regain a sense of control and peace. Together, we can work through complex relationships, emotions, and uncertainties you're facing in a non-judgmental environment.

Even the strongest people need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Everyone has hurdles to overcome, and we’d love to help you along the way. You might be initially hesitant to seek out help and support, but when you do, you will feel confident that you are taking a courageous first step towards getting to a better place and being a better you. Here at The Essence of Healing LLC, we realize that no two people are the same, and we tailor our therapy to meet your specific needs as an individual.

Taking the initial step to seek therapy can bring a roller coaster of emotions and even hesitation. It's ok - you are not alone. The fact you made it to this sentence is an amazing first step. Welcome! Everyone is different with different needs, and I believe in tailoring my modalities based on my client's specific goals. This is about you and what you need.

My experience includes working with grief, loss, anticipatory grief and trauma. Anxiety, panic and mood disorders. Lifestyle concerns and modifications including chronic illness, pain and co-occurring (mental health and substance abuse) disorders. I am certified in thanatology (death, dying & bereavement) from the Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) from EMDRA.

My name is Claire Brown and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My approach to therapy is making it what YOU want and need it to be. I see clients with a diverse range of needs, including mental health and substance use disorders. I'm comfortable treating many different mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, co-dependency, trauma, work-related stressors, and many, many others. Additionally, I'm a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) who has extensive experience supporting those struggling with substance use disorders.

I am a licensed clinical therapist in Illinois with over 10 years of experience providing therapy services. My goal for when we first meet is provide a safe and comfortable space to explore what has been causing distress in your life. In our sessions we will work together to determine the root of the issue, assess what has or has not been working, and collaborate on how to move past whatever is holding you back.

Anxiety and depression impact your work, relationships, and personal goals. But with support, it is completely possible to feel better and manage these often-debilitating symptoms. I specialize in assisting adults with anxiety/depression to manage their symptoms and reduce the impact they have on their lives. I also specialize in working with those who are reconsidering their relationship with alcohol and other substances. Together, we will work to find a healthy relationship with substances so you feel intentional about their place in your life.

"Life is full of challenges... it's how you respond to them that makes the difference." - Anonymous No one is exempt from life's challenges, but you don't have to face them alone. Whether you're dealing with personal or familial mental illness, feeling sad, unsure of what's next, or like you just can't cope with some of life's struggles, contact me and together we can work towards you reaching your "better!"

Are you finding it hard to concentrate? Feeling sad and down in the dumps? Do you find it hard to rest at night? It's possible that you may be dealing with some level of depression or anxiety. I would love to help. You deserve a life that is meaningful and satisfying. I provide a safe space for you to process your feelings and to gain an understanding of how to better manage your life.

My mission is to provide guidance and support to individuals, children, and their families; to encourage healthier relationships to families and communities, one child, one family at a time.

Congratulations on taking the difficult, but brave, step to research options for support! I am here to act as a GPS on your journey to self actualization - whether you currently find yourself in the packing stage, are determining your destination, or you're looking to discover "how did I end up here?' My passion and my training work to aid you in defining your truths and walking boldly in them. Wellness is achieved when you can look at your worn-out shoes and esteem them for getting you this far instead of forever cursing the road that damaged them. Be well.

ONLINE COUNSELING AVAILABLE! Get counseling without going out. I specialized in remote online counseling. I have immediate openings for daytime, evening, and weekend appointments. My passion is working with individuals relating to grief and other life transitions; which include, employment exit strategies, career decisions while identifying gifts and talents, finding your life calling and coaching through life altering events. I am a excellent couples counselor and whether you are preparing for marriage or married, I can help you become better communicators and partners for life.

Danielle's overall work experience is in behavior medicine mainly addresses the health and mental health care needs of adults and children, often times involving substance abuse through a holistic approach, (or with the use of psychotropic medication when needed). I am also skilled in identifying maladaptive behaviors, which may inhibit a patient achieving optimal physical health, and implementing brief, focused interventions in decreasing or eradicating such behavior. In addition, I also use social and psychological evaluation techniques to promote physical health and wellness to underserved populations.

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.

Shelby Duran is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2021. She has a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago's Social Service Administration Program. Shelby's treatment philosophy is eclectic and holistic. She believes that not one single approach works for every person and practices from a psychodynamic lens, acknowledging that our history directly impacts our present and future. Shelby also believes in the importance of our mind-body connection and the way that mental health impacts our physical health.

Jen Novak is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 20 years of counseling experience and a particular interest in Women's Mental Health issues. Jennifer has specialized training and extensive experience working with women, their partners, and their families around maternal mental health and reproductive issues, including: fertility challenges, miscarriage and infant loss, perinatal mood & anxiety disorders, the transition into parenthood, maintaining partner intimacy post baby, and renegotiating individual/family roles & dynamics in response to an expanding family.

Kim Curtis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has been practicing since 2020. Her main areas of focus include anxiety, depression, women’s health issues, and addiction/dependency. Kim has specialized training and experience in substance and process addictions, including opioid, stimulant, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, inhalant, sedatives, hallucinogens, anxiolytics, gambling, sex, gaming, food, and exercise addiction. Kim is currently exploring more trainings on women’s health, including attentive deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and premenstrual exacerbation (PME).

Grace is a Licensed Social Worker with over 7 years of experience specializing in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Grief/Loss, ADHD, and Life Transitions/Adjustments. Grace has extensive experience counseling individuals, across the lifespan, including couples, families, and groups, in both clinical and outpatient settings.

Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.