Therapists in Chicago, IL
I have solid experience working with adults who live with trauma, depression, bipolar, anxiety, disordered eating, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, stress, relationship issues, academic struggles, immigration difficulties, and grief.
Shopping around online for a human to trust and talk to can be a strange experience, and I understand that the beginning of this journey can feel overwhelming. I utilize humor, creativity, self-reflection, body-based interventions, and education to promote your growth. Your therapy will be individualized to who you are and your lived experiences. We’ll work as a team to explore, understand, and update the obstacles in your life. I believe knowledge is a transformative tool that can help us update how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world. Together, we'll look beyond diagnoses, and examine attachment and relationships.
I have solid experience working with adults who live with trauma, depression, bipolar, anxiety, disordered eating, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, stress, relationship issues, academic struggles, immigration difficulties, and grief.
Shopping around online for a human to trust and talk to can be a strange experience, and I understand that the beginning of this journey can feel overwhelming. I utilize humor, creativity, self-reflection, body-based interventions, and education to promote your growth. Your therapy will be individualized to who you are and your lived experiences. We’ll work as a team to explore, understand, and update the obstacles in your life. I believe knowledge is a transformative tool that can help us update how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world. Together, we'll look beyond diagnoses, and examine attachment and relationships.
I've spent my entire professional life working with people who have trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or a psychotic disorder. My clients are fighting a hard fight, and I value being in it with them. I called my web site "Audeo", which is Latin for "I dare", because my typical client needs some courage just to look up a therapist (or *another* therapist) and I respect it. When it was hard for you to show up for therapy, or use your coping skills, or get up today, you have my respect. You might be doing everything right when you don't feel right at all.
I've spent my entire professional life working with people who have trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or a psychotic disorder. My clients are fighting a hard fight, and I value being in it with them. I called my web site "Audeo", which is Latin for "I dare", because my typical client needs some courage just to look up a therapist (or *another* therapist) and I respect it. When it was hard for you to show up for therapy, or use your coping skills, or get up today, you have my respect. You might be doing everything right when you don't feel right at all.
My strengths as a therapist are in helping people who are experiencing difficulties related to mood (depression, bipolar disorder), traumatic events (past or recent), anxiety, or psychosis. My therapy style is warm, person-centered, and collaborative but also humorous and active. I am also LGBTQIA+ friendly, gender affirming, and body/sex positive. I enjoy working with members of the kink, BDSM, and ethical non-monogamy communities and strive to make therapy a safe space to explore topics relevant to their lives. I am neurodivergence affirming and competent and try to make accommodations whenever possible so therapy is accessible.
My strengths as a therapist are in helping people who are experiencing difficulties related to mood (depression, bipolar disorder), traumatic events (past or recent), anxiety, or psychosis. My therapy style is warm, person-centered, and collaborative but also humorous and active. I am also LGBTQIA+ friendly, gender affirming, and body/sex positive. I enjoy working with members of the kink, BDSM, and ethical non-monogamy communities and strive to make therapy a safe space to explore topics relevant to their lives. I am neurodivergence affirming and competent and try to make accommodations whenever possible so therapy is accessible.
Sean McMenamin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614
I have experience working with adults who struggled with anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, substance use, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Sharing one's thoughts and feelings with a complete stranger can seem awkward and bizarre. My goal early on in therapy is to make the experience feel as comfortable as possible by creating a space without judgement and aiming to understand you as a whole person, rather than simply a set of symptoms or a diagnosis. I believe that we all have the capacity to overcome life's many obstacles and live closer to our fullest potential. Although therapy is ultimately very serious, I use humor whenever possible so it doesn't feel like you're talking to a robot.
I have experience working with adults who struggled with anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, substance use, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Sharing one's thoughts and feelings with a complete stranger can seem awkward and bizarre. My goal early on in therapy is to make the experience feel as comfortable as possible by creating a space without judgement and aiming to understand you as a whole person, rather than simply a set of symptoms or a diagnosis. I believe that we all have the capacity to overcome life's many obstacles and live closer to our fullest potential. Although therapy is ultimately very serious, I use humor whenever possible so it doesn't feel like you're talking to a robot.
Additionally, I have much experience working with individuals living with a bipolar condition.
Clients frequently come to me when they are at a “fork in the road.” They are searching for direction after having experienced and/or overcome significant personal challenges. Unfortunately, they now find that their historical coping mechanisms are no longer serving them. They seek a greater understanding of their emotions, thoughts, and behavioral patterns in order to progress in life.
Additionally, I have much experience working with individuals living with a bipolar condition.
Clients frequently come to me when they are at a “fork in the road.” They are searching for direction after having experienced and/or overcome significant personal challenges. Unfortunately, they now find that their historical coping mechanisms are no longer serving them. They seek a greater understanding of their emotions, thoughts, and behavioral patterns in order to progress in life.
Allison Greven
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601
Waitlist for new clients
Allison’s specialties include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and trauma.
Allison Greven (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who received her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Loyola University Chicago in 2014. Prior to starting Lela Counseling, Allison worked as a therapist in a partial and intensive outpatient hospitalization program for adults struggling with mood and anxiety disorders. She has also worked in several community mental health settings serving adults and adolescents with a variety of needs including depression, anxiety, suicidality, self-harm, ADHD, psychosis, mood instability, attachment trauma and PTSD.
Allison’s specialties include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and trauma.
Allison Greven (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who received her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Loyola University Chicago in 2014. Prior to starting Lela Counseling, Allison worked as a therapist in a partial and intensive outpatient hospitalization program for adults struggling with mood and anxiety disorders. She has also worked in several community mental health settings serving adults and adolescents with a variety of needs including depression, anxiety, suicidality, self-harm, ADHD, psychosis, mood instability, attachment trauma and PTSD.
I have worked with many clients, including those who struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, sexual and physical abuse, workplace issues, LGBTQ issues and issues surrounding chronic illness.
My name is Manya, and I am trained in psychodynamic, psychoanalytic psychotherapy. My approach is to form a relationship with each person I see, taking special care to note any patterns in a person's history or present that may be holding them back or causing unnecessary pain or conflict. I take great care to notice how the past is informing the present and to provide the insight needed to develop and maintain healthy relationships, behaviors and feelings.
I have worked with many clients, including those who struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, sexual and physical abuse, workplace issues, LGBTQ issues and issues surrounding chronic illness.
My name is Manya, and I am trained in psychodynamic, psychoanalytic psychotherapy. My approach is to form a relationship with each person I see, taking special care to note any patterns in a person's history or present that may be holding them back or causing unnecessary pain or conflict. I take great care to notice how the past is informing the present and to provide the insight needed to develop and maintain healthy relationships, behaviors and feelings.
Kristen Blocker, MA (she/her) is a psychotherapist with her Masters and in her fourth year of pursuing her doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Kristen has experience supporting individuals facing various challenges, including trauma, anxiety-related disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, eating concerns, and other concerns relating to behavior, life transitions, relationships, and intimate partner violence. Kristen utilizes a collaborative and holistic approach, tailoring treatment to meet the specific needs and goals of each client.
Kristen Blocker, MA (she/her) is a psychotherapist with her Masters and in her fourth year of pursuing her doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Kristen has experience supporting individuals facing various challenges, including trauma, anxiety-related disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, eating concerns, and other concerns relating to behavior, life transitions, relationships, and intimate partner violence. Kristen utilizes a collaborative and holistic approach, tailoring treatment to meet the specific needs and goals of each client.
Stacey Griffith
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60626
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in trauma, anxiety disorders, mood disorders (depression, bipolar), and life transitions.
Therapy is not "one-size-fits-all." I believe each person is the real expert on themselves, and a therapist facilitates change as a supportive partner in the process. Whether your current concerns have to do with anxiety or mood changes, due to major life changes, are trauma-related, or you just need someone to talk about your daily life, I am here to offer the space for you to grow, discover, heal, and succeed.
I specialize in trauma, anxiety disorders, mood disorders (depression, bipolar), and life transitions.
Therapy is not "one-size-fits-all." I believe each person is the real expert on themselves, and a therapist facilitates change as a supportive partner in the process. Whether your current concerns have to do with anxiety or mood changes, due to major life changes, are trauma-related, or you just need someone to talk about your daily life, I am here to offer the space for you to grow, discover, heal, and succeed.
Lizzie Loring
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657 (Online Only)
Just because you carry it well, does not mean it is not heavy. I am here to help take some weight off of your shoulders. Over my years in the field I have worked with a variety of clients with a multitude of diagnoses and issues, ranging from but not limited to addiction, alcoholism, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and depression. I also have experience working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and LGBTQ teens. I am here to meet you where you are at and work with you to get unstuck. I offer a safe, confidential and supportive place for you to work through your struggles to find happiness and success.
Just because you carry it well, does not mean it is not heavy. I am here to help take some weight off of your shoulders. Over my years in the field I have worked with a variety of clients with a multitude of diagnoses and issues, ranging from but not limited to addiction, alcoholism, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and depression. I also have experience working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and LGBTQ teens. I am here to meet you where you are at and work with you to get unstuck. I offer a safe, confidential and supportive place for you to work through your struggles to find happiness and success.
I utilize integrative therapy for people struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar, relationships, and other emotional struggles so that they may maximize their experience of emotional being.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a lifelong mission of helping children and adults improve their social and emotional well-being. I am the co-founder of Formative Psychological Services, a family-run practice in Chicago. I have over 15 years of experience working in the schools and in private practice, and provide individual therapy, assessments, school consultation, and presentations.
I utilize integrative therapy for people struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar, relationships, and other emotional struggles so that they may maximize their experience of emotional being.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a lifelong mission of helping children and adults improve their social and emotional well-being. I am the co-founder of Formative Psychological Services, a family-run practice in Chicago. I have over 15 years of experience working in the schools and in private practice, and provide individual therapy, assessments, school consultation, and presentations.
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My clinical training and expertise include the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, grief and loss, parenting struggles, and difficult life transitions.
Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming. You probably sense that it’s finally time to reach out for help, but feel unsure of where to begin. Perhaps you feel uncertain if there is anyone out there who can understand, let alone help. I believe that the strength of the therapeutic relationship directly impacts an individual’s capacity for change. So my first priority is to cultivate a safe, open, and compassionate relationship with each of my clients. My style of therapy is supportive, lively, and direct. My goal is to help you learn to trust yourself and feel less weighed down by self doubt.
My clinical training and expertise include the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, grief and loss, parenting struggles, and difficult life transitions.
Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming. You probably sense that it’s finally time to reach out for help, but feel unsure of where to begin. Perhaps you feel uncertain if there is anyone out there who can understand, let alone help. I believe that the strength of the therapeutic relationship directly impacts an individual’s capacity for change. So my first priority is to cultivate a safe, open, and compassionate relationship with each of my clients. My style of therapy is supportive, lively, and direct. My goal is to help you learn to trust yourself and feel less weighed down by self doubt.
I enjoy working with people who are ready to explore their mental health, whatever that may be. I have worked with clients of all ages with many different diagnoses: Anxiety, Depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, etc. It takes a lot of bravery to begin therapy and I enjoy providing information and education, teaching coping skills, or just providing a space to talk and explore whatever struggle my client may be encountering. I am also passionate about working with children and helping them grow their understanding of themselves and help their families learn how to best support them.
I enjoy working with people who are ready to explore their mental health, whatever that may be. I have worked with clients of all ages with many different diagnoses: Anxiety, Depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, etc. It takes a lot of bravery to begin therapy and I enjoy providing information and education, teaching coping skills, or just providing a space to talk and explore whatever struggle my client may be encountering. I am also passionate about working with children and helping them grow their understanding of themselves and help their families learn how to best support them.
At times it may feel as though our power in our lives has been taken from us. Stress, life transitions, family issues, relationships, and many other factors can play a large role in making us feel anxious, depressed, and not living to our fullest potential. If you relate to this, therapy can help you find your power again. I have experience working with adolescents and adults who have experienced a myriad of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, and anger. My passion is helping girls and women reach their fullest potential and overcome challenges through empowerment.
At times it may feel as though our power in our lives has been taken from us. Stress, life transitions, family issues, relationships, and many other factors can play a large role in making us feel anxious, depressed, and not living to our fullest potential. If you relate to this, therapy can help you find your power again. I have experience working with adolescents and adults who have experienced a myriad of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, and anger. My passion is helping girls and women reach their fullest potential and overcome challenges through empowerment.
Paulina Anna Miszczak
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613
I have experience working with individuals of all age ranges and specialize in LGBTQIA+ affirming care, identity exploration, trauma & PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and self harm.
By empowering clients to rewrite their own narratives, I encourage them to take charge of their life stories and create the changes they want to see. Using a collaborative, individualized approach, I strive to promote a warm, supportive, growth-oriented therapeutic environment while celebrating multicultural diversity and intersecting identities. I believe that therapy can aid individuals in achieving a greater sense of inner harmony and healing by providing guidance, insight, and understanding. In session, I aim to create a safe space for clients to explore areas of stress in their lives which do not align with their ideal self.
I have experience working with individuals of all age ranges and specialize in LGBTQIA+ affirming care, identity exploration, trauma & PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and self harm.
By empowering clients to rewrite their own narratives, I encourage them to take charge of their life stories and create the changes they want to see. Using a collaborative, individualized approach, I strive to promote a warm, supportive, growth-oriented therapeutic environment while celebrating multicultural diversity and intersecting identities. I believe that therapy can aid individuals in achieving a greater sense of inner harmony and healing by providing guidance, insight, and understanding. In session, I aim to create a safe space for clients to explore areas of stress in their lives which do not align with their ideal self.
Julleon Garrison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60602 (Online Only)
My ideal client comes from many walks of life. They are children, teenagers, and adults and present with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, relationship and family problems, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), school problems, and oppositional-defiant disorder. They all share a common need to be heard, empowered, and guided on the path of recovery. I provide evidence-based treatments tailored to the needs of my clients. I focus on strengths and capabilities rather than "illness."
My ideal client comes from many walks of life. They are children, teenagers, and adults and present with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, relationship and family problems, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), school problems, and oppositional-defiant disorder. They all share a common need to be heard, empowered, and guided on the path of recovery. I provide evidence-based treatments tailored to the needs of my clients. I focus on strengths and capabilities rather than "illness."
Myrna Abdel-Aziz
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613
I've worked to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorder, relationship conflicts, life transitions, cultural, and self-esteem related issues.
Healing can be a daunting process and I believe no individual should have to go through it alone. The healing journey is unique to each person therefore I strive to create a warm, accepting, and collaborative environment through non-judgment and cultural humility. My main goal is to empower clients to recognize their own resilience despite the obstacles they face. Through a person-centered and diversity affirming lens, I work to create a positive dynamic with each client, meanwhile helping you recognize the impacts that your thoughts and behaviors have on your ability to lead a fulfilling life.
I've worked to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorder, relationship conflicts, life transitions, cultural, and self-esteem related issues.
Healing can be a daunting process and I believe no individual should have to go through it alone. The healing journey is unique to each person therefore I strive to create a warm, accepting, and collaborative environment through non-judgment and cultural humility. My main goal is to empower clients to recognize their own resilience despite the obstacles they face. Through a person-centered and diversity affirming lens, I work to create a positive dynamic with each client, meanwhile helping you recognize the impacts that your thoughts and behaviors have on your ability to lead a fulfilling life.
Ruri (Nuri) Kim
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, LSW, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My clinical approach is authentic and integrative, resulting in a collaborative treatment plan based on client’s culture and values, the best available clinical research, and clinical expertise for my clients to thrive in their lives. I enjoy working with children, adolescents and adults in individual, family and group settings. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Executive Functioning (EF) skills, complex trauma/PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, racial/cultural identities, academic performance, family conflicts, relationship issues, grief, life transitions, stress and other life concerns. I also speak Korean.
My clinical approach is authentic and integrative, resulting in a collaborative treatment plan based on client’s culture and values, the best available clinical research, and clinical expertise for my clients to thrive in their lives. I enjoy working with children, adolescents and adults in individual, family and group settings. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Executive Functioning (EF) skills, complex trauma/PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, racial/cultural identities, academic performance, family conflicts, relationship issues, grief, life transitions, stress and other life concerns. I also speak Korean.
Our specialty areas include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, general mood disorders, selective mutism and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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....
Our specialty areas include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, general mood disorders, selective mutism and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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....
Hannä Renee Zimmermann
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613
I believe in empowering every client to be the center of the therapeutic process where the goal is to encourage exploration, insight, and reflection through curiosity and collaboration. My aim is to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space to foster healing for every individual. I also believe that each individual is unique and exploring collaboratively allows for deeper understanding and context for how one thinks, feels, and experiences life. I have worked with adolescents, teens and adults in both individual who face struggles with people pleasing, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.
I believe in empowering every client to be the center of the therapeutic process where the goal is to encourage exploration, insight, and reflection through curiosity and collaboration. My aim is to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space to foster healing for every individual. I also believe that each individual is unique and exploring collaboratively allows for deeper understanding and context for how one thinks, feels, and experiences life. I have worked with adolescents, teens and adults in both individual who face struggles with people pleasing, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.
See more therapy options for Chicago
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Bipolar Disorder Therapists
What is the most successful approach to treating bipolar disorder?
Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, and a number of therapies have been found effective in providing support to patients as they gain the skills to understand and manage the disorder. Family-focused therapy is often helpful for children and teens (the majority of cases develop before age 19); it aims to minimize mood cycling by improving family communication and reducing conflict. It also helps young people navigate the developmental challenges the disorder can create. Cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) and variants such as Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)help patients manage the thoughts and feelings that influence bipolar mood swings as well as develop specific behavioral strategies to counteract them.
What happens in therapy for bipolar disorder?
Because the patterns of mood switching and its triggers differ for each person and can change over time, mood tracking or monitoring becomes a basic way patients learn about the nature of their condition. One of the most common features of therapy is finding a workable method of mood monitoring, in which patients track their daily activities and rate their moods, then use the findings to adjust routines accordingly. Patients learn ways of handling the many stresses that arise in life so that they do not trigger mood swings.
What kinds of problems does therapy help with?
Like many other mental health disorders, BPD is heavily influenced by stress; therapy provides skills for coping with stressors of all kinds. Therapy is extremely important for helping individuals identify the situations that may trigger mood switching, so that mood swings can be prevented. Therapy may especially target recognition of the early stages of mood change so that they can be managed. In addition, therapy helps patients deal with the significant amount of turbulence the disorder can create in relationships and in work life.
What is the goal of therapy for bipolar disorder?
Therapy helps patients set up their lives to maintain stability so that their mood isn’t constantly threatened by daily events. Perhaps the first task of therapy is to educate people about the nature of the disorder. At the same time, a primary goal of therapy is to enhance adherence to drug treatment. Extended periods of mood stability can prompt patients to discontinue medication, triggering relapse, while the early phases of manic episodes can feel so energizing that patients stop medication, ushering in full-blown mania and the altered self-perception that can lead to destructive behaviors. Another major goal of therapy is to understand one’s mood patterns so as to minimize both the frequency and intensity of mood cycling.