Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists in Chicago, IL

A certain level of disillusionment exists when your external world doesn't match your internal one. Restless and intrusive thoughts may be hindering your everyday joys or harsh flashbacks affecting your presence and sense of safety. A certain level of growth is wanted, but the pathway how to get there may seem unclear or too difficult. I can help by building upon your already-existing skills and resilience to decrease your shame-narrative with a healthier mental paradigm. I incorporate somatic and experiential techniques into sessions to aid in addressing and processing chronic and pervasive trauma.

Hi there, I'm Allyson! I am so proud that you have made this step. I’m glad you are here. There is a reason you are here, and I understand how vulnerable this can be. It is so brave that you have started this process and are ready to start your healing journey.

As your therapist, one of my priorities is to walk alongside you as you grow into the most integrated version of yourself, embracing your autonomy and strengths. It can be difficult to balance your sense of internal safety and the external commotion of the world. A sense of disillusionment occurs when our external wants do not meet our internal needs. I focus on your concept of Self as it relates to emotional disturbance, fragmentation of the self, maladaptive thinking patterns, and dissociation. My aim is to work with you to embrace and overcome challenges endured throughout the lifespan and to help you find alignment within.

I specialize in working with trauma survivors who want to increase their self-compassion, understand themselves more fully, build healthier boundaries with those around them and increase their sense of safety. I thoroughly enjoy working with the following populations: BIPOC, 1st & 2nd Generation Immigrants, Sex workers, Survivors of Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Survivors, LGBTQIA+., Adult Children of Abusive Parents.

Whether you want to make a change in your life or are recovering from life events through which you have already changed, my aim is to support the transformational processes that are taking place in you. Change can be daunting or painful, and it can also open up the possibility of living more fully and feeling more real. Together, we will explore the meaning that things have for you and learn to attend to the parts of you that have not been in a position to surface before. I facilitate change through expansion and reorientation around what is, at a deeper level, known.

I am interested in helping clients develop curiosity about themselves. With curiosity, we can create new ways of relating to ourselves. This is a tremendous capacity! I want to help the client feel empowered about therapy and have increased insight are some of my goals when working within a therapeutic framework. Clients who are motivated to work, because this is very hard work, and it takes investment of time, money and energy to heal.

I believe that a client-focused, relational, and accepting therapeutic relationship encourages meaningful change and spiritual development. Further, I have found that maintaining an openness to the exploration and integration of faith and spirituality can be transformational for many individuals. I primarily use an existential framework to conceptualize my clients and incorporate techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and solution-focused therapy.

Do you feel overwhelmed? Stuck? Are you struggling with unresolved past pain? Healing is possible. I can help. My career focus has been on treating trauma and its aftermath. I have training and experience with many trauma treatment approaches ( PE, CPT, EMDR, DBT) which I apply in the context of a psychodynamic and relational approach to therapy. You have the right to seek a therapist who is a good fit!

For 20 years, I have provided safe, affirming trauma therapy for adults, couples, and groups. I also have the experience and education to provide therapy for many other relationship, mood, and dissociative concerns. I am straightforward, collaborative, and endeavor to be empowering. My therapy style is relational and includes a focus on emotion & body connection and your whole picture of health. We will work together to create peace and fullness in your life.

Everyone gets stuck now and then, may feel lost or alone. Sometimes you may just need a little support, an unbiased listener to help gain insight or clarity. Other times you may need help to delve more deeply into your emotions to transform and grow. I approach therapy as a collaborative process where together we explore your life challenges with curiosity but without judgement. Although not always easy, therapy can be deeply rewarding. An exploration that will help you reconnect with your inner strength and wisdom, better able to overcome obstacles and to move towards a greater sense of wellbeing.

As a licensed clinical social worker, I believe in every person's capacity to heal, grow and foster deep transformation in their lives. In my practice, I act as a companion to teens and adults who have powerful stories to tell. These may be rooted in histories of complex trauma and pain, new explorations into self and identity, grief in the midst of life transitions, and challenges related to feeling "at home" in one's own body. Ofrezco todos los servicios en español y estoy feliz hablar con usted, por teléfono y en persona, sobre sus intereses, preferencias y esperanzas para la psicoterapia y su salud mental.

I am a gender affirming therapist and practice trauma informed care. The most common thing I hear from clients when they come to me is, "I've tried it all." They have done the work and feel they have plateaued in some way. I'm here to intuitively guide and teach you new skills and perspectives to go deeper in your connection to self, others, and this life.

As a Clinical Therapist, I treat children, teenagers, and adults; women; immigration/new comers; clients with disabilities; vulnerable coping skills; self-esteem issues; depression and anxiety, etc. By working with various groups of clients and families in different communities, I sharpened my counseling skills in enhancing self-awareness, assisting in life transition, re-configuring family system, and building up better interpersonal relationships.

I'm passionate about working with people who desire to learn, reflect, and grow--even if it's hard to find the motivation or energy to do so. Their goals are to work through their current situation by building skills and developing insight together. We often seek therapy when things are not going well only to realize it is a tool that can help us reach our goals no matter the circumstance. I am a firm believer that taking the step to care for your mental health will undoubtedly change so many aspects of your life, and I hope to provide support as you continue to build your skills and work toward your goals.

I work to help people gain awareness of why and how they have lost access to meaningful parts of themselves, find ways to remove blocks to emotional growth and move towards a life that feels more connected and alive. I attend to past and present circumstances, behaviors, feelings, thoughts, and the body. I am open, authentic, engaged, and gently challenging in my interactions with clients. As a Marriage & Family Therapist, I intend to support you in enhancing your relationships and offer guidance for healing and growth in any other domains of your life that you'd like to examine.

Navigating life's set backs, challenges, and adversities can absolutely take a toll on our wellbeing and ability to function, which is why it is important to know that you do not have to work through these concerns alone. I believe in the power of healing through promoting self-awareness, autonomy and empowerment, and also in people's strength to move towards change. Though suffering is a part of life, something that all humans share, working to manifest helpful and sustainable coping mechanisms, and skills that will work to serve you long term makes a difference in the quality of life a person experiences.

You deserve to live a life with a calm and focused mind, a relaxed body, and a sense of wellbeing. Sessions with me involve a collaborative approach to help you improve relationships, ease your racing mind, relax physical tension, and live a more balanced life. Whether it be work stress, trauma, challenging relationships or addictive behaviors, I will help you explore the issues you are facing.

I believe that just because we can navigate life’s challenges alone, doesn’t mean we should have to. It takes strength and courage to seek support, and in my style of genuine and empathic connection, I actively engage individuals in an insight-oriented therapeutic experience. Together we will build tools to navigate daily challenges, as well as draw connections to past experiences and how they impact your present. My goal is to help you access and trust your internal compass, strengthen resiliency, and find growth and fulfillment.

We believe that being the best version of ourselves requires work. Many things can obstruct our path toward self-improvement. We enjoy accompanying our clients on their path and helping them to overcome their challenges. Individuals often become entrenched in patterns of behavior and relationships that are difficult to escape. But if we can assist our clients in honestly assessing their motivations, we believe they can live authentic, meaningful lives every day.