Existential Therapists in Chicago, IL
My approach is psychodynamic and existential: I want to understand where you’ve been and where you hope you’re going, and to travel those paths alongside you even when the journey feels challenging.
The world we live in can feel scary. Things are constantly changing, and global, societal, and personal events happen outside our control that can make it feel hard to find a place where we truly belong. At other times, life’s unpredictability brings delightful surprises and new opportunities. My goal as your therapist is to create space for contradictions: to help you experience both the challenge and the joy, so that you can move away from feeling as though you are just surviving life and towards fully, authentically living it.
My approach is psychodynamic and existential: I want to understand where you’ve been and where you hope you’re going, and to travel those paths alongside you even when the journey feels challenging.
The world we live in can feel scary. Things are constantly changing, and global, societal, and personal events happen outside our control that can make it feel hard to find a place where we truly belong. At other times, life’s unpredictability brings delightful surprises and new opportunities. My goal as your therapist is to create space for contradictions: to help you experience both the challenge and the joy, so that you can move away from feeling as though you are just surviving life and towards fully, authentically living it.
Natalie Eden
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60611
I utilize various methods and clinical techniques to help clients including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), solution focus therapy, existential, and faith-based type therapies.
As a fellow pilgrim in the journey of life, I believe that my work in counseling is more than just a job. It is a vocation. I realize that reaching out for help can seem like a big step for many people. I am committed to assisting clients in this journey by offering empathy, genuineness, and compassion in a nonjudgmental setting. I have many years of working in an outpatient behavioral health in a clinic setting as well as in private practice and in business. I have experience working with a wide variety of clients from many different walks of life, professions, and various faith backgrounds.
I utilize various methods and clinical techniques to help clients including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), solution focus therapy, existential, and faith-based type therapies.
As a fellow pilgrim in the journey of life, I believe that my work in counseling is more than just a job. It is a vocation. I realize that reaching out for help can seem like a big step for many people. I am committed to assisting clients in this journey by offering empathy, genuineness, and compassion in a nonjudgmental setting. I have many years of working in an outpatient behavioral health in a clinic setting as well as in private practice and in business. I have experience working with a wide variety of clients from many different walks of life, professions, and various faith backgrounds.
Jordan Tivers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CGP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
As our therapeutic journey deepens, clients often find themselves exploring existential questions touching on identity, purpose, motivation, aging, and the complexities of loss.
Individuals come to my office burdened with feelings of being lost, lonely, empty, or disconnected from their closest relationships. Some express a deep yearning to experience authenticity, presence, and freedom. I take an active approach, one that seeks to empower clients to foster not only a deeper understanding of themselves but also the keys to more fulfilling relationships with others. My specialization centers on equipping clients with the indispensable tools of self-awareness and cognitive restructuring, enabling them to nurture self-compassion, harness effective communication skills, and fortify their sense of self.
As our therapeutic journey deepens, clients often find themselves exploring existential questions touching on identity, purpose, motivation, aging, and the complexities of loss.
Individuals come to my office burdened with feelings of being lost, lonely, empty, or disconnected from their closest relationships. Some express a deep yearning to experience authenticity, presence, and freedom. I take an active approach, one that seeks to empower clients to foster not only a deeper understanding of themselves but also the keys to more fulfilling relationships with others. My specialization centers on equipping clients with the indispensable tools of self-awareness and cognitive restructuring, enabling them to nurture self-compassion, harness effective communication skills, and fortify their sense of self.
However, existential counseling is simply a framework I use to help guide the therapeutic process and understand your individual concerns.
I believe psychotherapy should be simple and accessible; theories are important yet your own experience is the best teacher. Similarly, connecting with my clients on a deeply relational level and developing an understanding of who you are is as integral to the process as the clinical training which informs my therapeutic approach. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who emphasizes existential concerns at the heart of the issues that bring people into therapy. Some examples include creating a more meaningful existence, exercising personal freedom/choice, and developing a greater sense of responsibility for one's growth.
However, existential counseling is simply a framework I use to help guide the therapeutic process and understand your individual concerns.
I believe psychotherapy should be simple and accessible; theories are important yet your own experience is the best teacher. Similarly, connecting with my clients on a deeply relational level and developing an understanding of who you are is as integral to the process as the clinical training which informs my therapeutic approach. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who emphasizes existential concerns at the heart of the issues that bring people into therapy. Some examples include creating a more meaningful existence, exercising personal freedom/choice, and developing a greater sense of responsibility for one's growth.
Nothing human can be alien to me -Terence. Within the bounds of a safe relationship, I hope you can let the ugly, shameful and confusing parts of you breathe. Together, we can encounter them with compassion, as this is often where the work lies. I endeavor to create a warm holding environment for you as we explore issues more deeply and understand their origins through psychoanalytic, relational and existential perspectives. I share my conceptualizations with clients and provide psychoeducation to deepen insight into our unconscious experiences, while honoring individual uniqueness, cultural nuances, and other complexities.
Nothing human can be alien to me -Terence. Within the bounds of a safe relationship, I hope you can let the ugly, shameful and confusing parts of you breathe. Together, we can encounter them with compassion, as this is often where the work lies. I endeavor to create a warm holding environment for you as we explore issues more deeply and understand their origins through psychoanalytic, relational and existential perspectives. I share my conceptualizations with clients and provide psychoeducation to deepen insight into our unconscious experiences, while honoring individual uniqueness, cultural nuances, and other complexities.
Aimee Dokko Osborne
Counselor, MA, NCC, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60602 (Online Only)
She also incorporates attachment-based, existential and mind-body approaches.
Whether you desire to make changes, heal wounds or develop a more genuine and authentic life, Aimee invites you to partner with her in creating a safe, supportive space for reflection and growth. Examine, explore and discover how maintain a more gratifying and joyful lifestyle. As your story unfolds, she tailors a wholistic approach that meets your personal needs, goals and aspirations.
She also incorporates attachment-based, existential and mind-body approaches.
Whether you desire to make changes, heal wounds or develop a more genuine and authentic life, Aimee invites you to partner with her in creating a safe, supportive space for reflection and growth. Examine, explore and discover how maintain a more gratifying and joyful lifestyle. As your story unfolds, she tailors a wholistic approach that meets your personal needs, goals and aspirations.
Sara Groth
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
I work primarily from an existential-humanistic lens where my clients and I work together to increase understanding and form meaning.
I have experience working with individual adults and partnerships in areas such as anxiety, depression, sex & intimate wellness, relationship conflict, sexual assault, life transitions, and self esteem. One of my primary areas of expertise is working with members of the LGBTQ+ community in areas of positive sexual and/ or gender identity, coming out, transitioning, and sexual health. However, I work with people of all identities and backgrounds. I foster a therapeutic space that is identity-affirming, sex-positive, and polyamorous- and kink-affirming.
I work primarily from an existential-humanistic lens where my clients and I work together to increase understanding and form meaning.
I have experience working with individual adults and partnerships in areas such as anxiety, depression, sex & intimate wellness, relationship conflict, sexual assault, life transitions, and self esteem. One of my primary areas of expertise is working with members of the LGBTQ+ community in areas of positive sexual and/ or gender identity, coming out, transitioning, and sexual health. However, I work with people of all identities and backgrounds. I foster a therapeutic space that is identity-affirming, sex-positive, and polyamorous- and kink-affirming.
Rose Elias
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60618
Waitlist for new clients
I approach my work from a psychodynamic/psychoanalytic, existential and interpersonal base of understanding.
***Please note: I do not currently have openings for new clients and I do not anticipate availability within the next few months. Please feel free to contact me if you would like assistance with referrals or if you would like me to contact you when I have availability. Thank you.***
I approach my work from a psychodynamic/psychoanalytic, existential and interpersonal base of understanding.
***Please note: I do not currently have openings for new clients and I do not anticipate availability within the next few months. Please feel free to contact me if you would like assistance with referrals or if you would like me to contact you when I have availability. Thank you.***
My Approach: I use an integrative therapeutic approach that draws primarily from client-centered, cognitive-behavioral, feminist, and existential therapeutic modalities.
My Clients: I work with teens and adults who are face challenges related to their mood, motivation, outlook, and relationships. Many of my clients feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities and disconnected from their communities. They strive to develop improved personal insight and coping skills that will allow them to feel more calm, capable, and connected. I prioritize providing a safe, welcoming environment where people can feel comfortable openly expressing themselves and becoming more attuned to their values, needs, and identities.
My Approach: I use an integrative therapeutic approach that draws primarily from client-centered, cognitive-behavioral, feminist, and existential therapeutic modalities.
My Clients: I work with teens and adults who are face challenges related to their mood, motivation, outlook, and relationships. Many of my clients feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities and disconnected from their communities. They strive to develop improved personal insight and coping skills that will allow them to feel more calm, capable, and connected. I prioritize providing a safe, welcoming environment where people can feel comfortable openly expressing themselves and becoming more attuned to their values, needs, and identities.
I offer you a safe zone with empathy in which you will get a good listening. Get the empathy - and empathic listening - you need to succeed - in relationships, career, and life. Within this safe zone, we work shifting you from stuckness to flourishing. My credentials: professor at Ross Medical University, author of 3 books on empathy, offer cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavioral (DBT), and psychodynamic existential humanistic therapy. Will give you a good listening with empathy. No need to for a Holiday Special: my rates are flexible in all seasons. Tell me what you can pay. Call for a complimentary consultation.
I offer you a safe zone with empathy in which you will get a good listening. Get the empathy - and empathic listening - you need to succeed - in relationships, career, and life. Within this safe zone, we work shifting you from stuckness to flourishing. My credentials: professor at Ross Medical University, author of 3 books on empathy, offer cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavioral (DBT), and psychodynamic existential humanistic therapy. Will give you a good listening with empathy. No need to for a Holiday Special: my rates are flexible in all seasons. Tell me what you can pay. Call for a complimentary consultation.
Are you seeking meaningful change and healing in your life? Whether you’re struggling with grief or feeling overwhelmed by life transitions, I’m here to help. I offer more than just a listening ear, I provide practical tools to facilitate profound transformation. I have a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Chicago State University. I work under the guidance of an LCSW supervisor. I utilize narrative and existential frameworks to help you build awareness and understanding of your own thoughts and emotions.
Are you seeking meaningful change and healing in your life? Whether you’re struggling with grief or feeling overwhelmed by life transitions, I’m here to help. I offer more than just a listening ear, I provide practical tools to facilitate profound transformation. I have a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Chicago State University. I work under the guidance of an LCSW supervisor. I utilize narrative and existential frameworks to help you build awareness and understanding of your own thoughts and emotions.
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My approach as integrative, using different techniques and perspectives to address each individual's unique needs. I frequently use relational, psychodynamic, and existential practices. I work to create an nonjudgmental, accepting, and supportive space. My job is to listen and honor your experience. Therapy is a collaborative space where we will be a team addressing your personal needs and concerns. Awareness of our own experience offers us power and knowledge over our choices, giving us the ability to move through life with intentionality and lay a foundation to face whatever comes next. Our conversations in therapy can allow you
My approach as integrative, using different techniques and perspectives to address each individual's unique needs. I frequently use relational, psychodynamic, and existential practices. I work to create an nonjudgmental, accepting, and supportive space. My job is to listen and honor your experience. Therapy is a collaborative space where we will be a team addressing your personal needs and concerns. Awareness of our own experience offers us power and knowledge over our choices, giving us the ability to move through life with intentionality and lay a foundation to face whatever comes next. Our conversations in therapy can allow you
My approach is eclectic, drawing from a number of perspectives (Cognitive-Behavioral, Existential, Psychodynamic, and Evolutionary Psychology), as well as pragmatic and honest, focused on insight, meaning, and the ways in which our experiences shape our views of the relations between self and other, the world, and our place therein.
Stories have always fascinated me. They have the power to move us emotionally, to educate and instruct, to entertain us, and to cultivate true compassion and empathy through the act of sharing a story with another. They are also a powerful vehicle for how we perceive, interpret, define and live our lives, yet sometimes it can be easy to forget that we can be the authors of our story, not just a character proceeding along some previously determined narrative.
My approach is eclectic, drawing from a number of perspectives (Cognitive-Behavioral, Existential, Psychodynamic, and Evolutionary Psychology), as well as pragmatic and honest, focused on insight, meaning, and the ways in which our experiences shape our views of the relations between self and other, the world, and our place therein.
Stories have always fascinated me. They have the power to move us emotionally, to educate and instruct, to entertain us, and to cultivate true compassion and empathy through the act of sharing a story with another. They are also a powerful vehicle for how we perceive, interpret, define and live our lives, yet sometimes it can be easy to forget that we can be the authors of our story, not just a character proceeding along some previously determined narrative.
Eleanór Sweeney
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60655
I operate from an umbrella of Rogerian (person-centered) therapy in which I utilize Integrated Existential for adults/adolescents and Nondirective Play Therapy for children.
“Everybody needs somebody…” Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (IL) and a National Certified Counselor (2023). I have just moved to Chicago and am excited to build my caseload at Begin Within Therapy Inc. I earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Holy Cross New Orleans, LA, while simultaneously studying nondirective play therapy at Loyola University New Orleans, LA. I have a background in telehealth, individuals in-person, and group counseling. While serving the city of New Orleans, my clients were primarily middle-schoolers, first responders, and dual-diagnosis chemical dependents.
I operate from an umbrella of Rogerian (person-centered) therapy in which I utilize Integrated Existential for adults/adolescents and Nondirective Play Therapy for children.
“Everybody needs somebody…” Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (IL) and a National Certified Counselor (2023). I have just moved to Chicago and am excited to build my caseload at Begin Within Therapy Inc. I earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Holy Cross New Orleans, LA, while simultaneously studying nondirective play therapy at Loyola University New Orleans, LA. I have a background in telehealth, individuals in-person, and group counseling. While serving the city of New Orleans, my clients were primarily middle-schoolers, first responders, and dual-diagnosis chemical dependents.
I operate from a humanistic/ existential approach, and prioritize the therapeutic alliance in my work, allowing me to focus on the unique needs and goals of each individual.
I work with adults of all ages, adolescents, and couples. My clinical experience includes working with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, life transitions, trauma, relationship concerns, and identity development. I’m especially interested in and passionate about helping my clients navigate the impact trauma can have on various facets of their life. Understanding these influences can help with developing awareness and skills to integrate our past, present and hopes for our future in an intentional and empowering way. I also enjoy working with couples to achieve better communication and connection.
I operate from a humanistic/ existential approach, and prioritize the therapeutic alliance in my work, allowing me to focus on the unique needs and goals of each individual.
I work with adults of all ages, adolescents, and couples. My clinical experience includes working with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, life transitions, trauma, relationship concerns, and identity development. I’m especially interested in and passionate about helping my clients navigate the impact trauma can have on various facets of their life. Understanding these influences can help with developing awareness and skills to integrate our past, present and hopes for our future in an intentional and empowering way. I also enjoy working with couples to achieve better communication and connection.
My areas of expertise include the treatment of depression, relationship concerns, anxiety, life transitions, coping with stress, spiritual/ existential issues, and achieving work/life balance.
I offer a safe place to explore the current issues that are bringing you into therapy. I believe the therapy process works best when it is collaborative, non-judgmental, and empathetic. No matter whether your struggles are newer or longer lasting I aim to fully understand your issues and join you in the process for healing and recovery. It is my goal that you will feel heard, understood, valued, and empowered in order to improve your life, health, and strengthen your relationships.
My areas of expertise include the treatment of depression, relationship concerns, anxiety, life transitions, coping with stress, spiritual/ existential issues, and achieving work/life balance.
I offer a safe place to explore the current issues that are bringing you into therapy. I believe the therapy process works best when it is collaborative, non-judgmental, and empathetic. No matter whether your struggles are newer or longer lasting I aim to fully understand your issues and join you in the process for healing and recovery. It is my goal that you will feel heard, understood, valued, and empowered in order to improve your life, health, and strengthen your relationships.
Carlton Hemphill
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60660 (Online Only)
Additionally, I help clients find meaning in life through existential questions, examining fundamental aspects such as purpose and personal values to foster a sense of direction and fulfillment.
Hello and welcome! My name is Carlton Hemphill, a 32-year-old Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois who is also board certified (NCC). I received my Masters from University in Clinical Psychology-Counseling Practice with a concentration on child and families. I have been working in the field since 2015, and practicing as an independent clinician in my own private practice since June 2023. My therapy background is in behavioral and cognitive theories, which means I focus on how our experiences and beliefs shape our behavior.
Additionally, I help clients find meaning in life through existential questions, examining fundamental aspects such as purpose and personal values to foster a sense of direction and fulfillment.
Hello and welcome! My name is Carlton Hemphill, a 32-year-old Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois who is also board certified (NCC). I received my Masters from University in Clinical Psychology-Counseling Practice with a concentration on child and families. I have been working in the field since 2015, and practicing as an independent clinician in my own private practice since June 2023. My therapy background is in behavioral and cognitive theories, which means I focus on how our experiences and beliefs shape our behavior.
Lizzy Ball
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60640 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work with a diverse set of clients with a variety of concerns, including trauma, depression, anxiety, existential concerns, relationship and couples work, and attachment/family-of-origin issues.
We often feel overwhelmed, out of control, or caught in patterns we can’t seem to escape. Many of us move around the world carrying secret struggles with negative thoughts, emotions, or urges, which disturb our day-to-day life and make waves in our relationships. Clients who seek my support are resourceful, and have typically already tried all of the tools in their existing toolbox. We are searching collaboratively for new pathways to positive change.
I work with a diverse set of clients with a variety of concerns, including trauma, depression, anxiety, existential concerns, relationship and couples work, and attachment/family-of-origin issues.
We often feel overwhelmed, out of control, or caught in patterns we can’t seem to escape. Many of us move around the world carrying secret struggles with negative thoughts, emotions, or urges, which disturb our day-to-day life and make waves in our relationships. Clients who seek my support are resourceful, and have typically already tried all of the tools in their existing toolbox. We are searching collaboratively for new pathways to positive change.
I understand the healing process as one of self-determination through therapeutic empathy. Being curious while employing sensitive honesty makes me a good fit for people who are open to exploring deeper personal and interpersonal connections. The lens of attachment, psychodynamic theory, and existential thought within ecological and systemic perspectives help me appreciate the pressures that impact quality of life issues. I am interested in working with individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds who find themselves struggling in relationships, depression, anxiety, complex trauma, psychosis, and grief/loss.
I understand the healing process as one of self-determination through therapeutic empathy. Being curious while employing sensitive honesty makes me a good fit for people who are open to exploring deeper personal and interpersonal connections. The lens of attachment, psychodynamic theory, and existential thought within ecological and systemic perspectives help me appreciate the pressures that impact quality of life issues. I am interested in working with individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds who find themselves struggling in relationships, depression, anxiety, complex trauma, psychosis, and grief/loss.
My humanistic and existential roots help focus on each client's unique strengths and sources of meaning, and I integrate evidence-based techniques (eg.
Life is a journey with many challenges, and people often become stuck, whether in a way of feeling (sad, anxious, in pain) or a way of being (job, relationship, lifestyle). Such distress and confusion can make it hard to move forward. A therapist who genuinely understands and accepts you can help relieve that distress and mobilize your strengths to move forward in a meaningful direction. As a psychologist, I am skilled in helping you free yourself from being stuck to find the meaning, fulfillment and joy that also can be part of life's journey.
My humanistic and existential roots help focus on each client's unique strengths and sources of meaning, and I integrate evidence-based techniques (eg.
Life is a journey with many challenges, and people often become stuck, whether in a way of feeling (sad, anxious, in pain) or a way of being (job, relationship, lifestyle). Such distress and confusion can make it hard to move forward. A therapist who genuinely understands and accepts you can help relieve that distress and mobilize your strengths to move forward in a meaningful direction. As a psychologist, I am skilled in helping you free yourself from being stuck to find the meaning, fulfillment and joy that also can be part of life's journey.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Existential Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Elmwood Park
- Evergreen Park
- Forest Park
- La Grange
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Lincolnwood
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Riverside
Existential Therapists
How does existential therapy work?
Existential therapy focuses on a patient’s inner experiences. The therapist tries to help the individual comprehend and alleviate symptoms by exploring their interior life. By confronting negative disquiet and emotions, the individual will hopefully become more open to finding meaning and purpose. This therapy can be administered to individuals or groups.
Is existential therapy evidence-based?
Existential therapy is an evidence-based practice. Research has determined that existential therapy can lead to significant improvement in the mental health of patients, and for some people it can be just as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy. The benefits of existential therapy are enduring, even long after treatment has ended.
How long does existential therapy last?
The goal of existential therapy is to understand a person’s internal experiences, which may sound like a lengthy process, but it does not have to be so in-depth. However, sessions are not short-term, and therapy can continue for months or up to a year. And because patients learn the theory behind existential therapy during treatment, they can also practice its tenets throughout life after therapy sessions have been completed.
Is existential therapy effective?
According to research, many patients find success with existential therapy. Researchers note that the therapy is particularly useful in improving feelings of isolation, feelings of purposelessness, as well as conditions such as anxiety and depression. Improvements in problem areas can persist even after the end of existential therapy, as individuals can continue working on themselves by using the tools they’ve developed during treatment.