Humanistic Therapists in Chicago, IL
I understand how overwhelming the process of finding a therapist can be as well as the discouragement felt when your therapist isn’t the right fit. My approach to therapy is down to earth and humanistic. Therefore, I recognize that everyone is having their own authentic and imperfect experience which cannot be judged, and the way I treat every client mirrors that. My core belief is that everyone deserves to be heard, and my clients walk away from sessions feeling seen, heard, and supported. I tell all of my clients that I’m just a regular person, too, and provide realistic and self-compassionate perspectives.
I understand how overwhelming the process of finding a therapist can be as well as the discouragement felt when your therapist isn’t the right fit. My approach to therapy is down to earth and humanistic. Therefore, I recognize that everyone is having their own authentic and imperfect experience which cannot be judged, and the way I treat every client mirrors that. My core belief is that everyone deserves to be heard, and my clients walk away from sessions feeling seen, heard, and supported. I tell all of my clients that I’m just a regular person, too, and provide realistic and self-compassionate perspectives.
Premlata Nikoniuk
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor , LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60643 (Online Only)
Client-centered, humanistic, Rdaical Acceptance(CBT), Mindfulness, and emotion focused therapy.
Hello My name is Prem Nikoniuk. I have been serving my fellow travelers in life for the past 22 years and it never tires me. I discover a little bit of me in literally every single interaction I have with someone new. I am licensed in AK and IL and I've lived in both states enjoying their many gifts. I am human-based and believe deeply in the human experience- as in doing life versus being in life. I work endlessly with people of all ages, backgrounds, race/ethnicity/culture/identity and as such have been privy to so very many of their experiences along the way!
Client-centered, humanistic, Rdaical Acceptance(CBT), Mindfulness, and emotion focused therapy.
Hello My name is Prem Nikoniuk. I have been serving my fellow travelers in life for the past 22 years and it never tires me. I discover a little bit of me in literally every single interaction I have with someone new. I am licensed in AK and IL and I've lived in both states enjoying their many gifts. I am human-based and believe deeply in the human experience- as in doing life versus being in life. I work endlessly with people of all ages, backgrounds, race/ethnicity/culture/identity and as such have been privy to so very many of their experiences along the way!
Katie Munro
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60647
Waitlist for new clients
I come from a humanistic perspective and strive to be empathetic and genuine with my clients while also exploring the ways our identities interact with the world and impact our experiences.
When we are feeling overwhelmed and uncertain, seeking therapy can be a daunting experience. It is my goal as a therapist to foster connection and create a space for you to unpack life's challenges. I work with adults who are seeking change in their lives. My clients often come into counseling dealing with anxiety, overwhelming life transitions & identity and relationship issues. I believe that finding connection with others is key to change in our lives and that with empathy and reflection, you have the capacity to grow and develop as a person.
I come from a humanistic perspective and strive to be empathetic and genuine with my clients while also exploring the ways our identities interact with the world and impact our experiences.
When we are feeling overwhelmed and uncertain, seeking therapy can be a daunting experience. It is my goal as a therapist to foster connection and create a space for you to unpack life's challenges. I work with adults who are seeking change in their lives. My clients often come into counseling dealing with anxiety, overwhelming life transitions & identity and relationship issues. I believe that finding connection with others is key to change in our lives and that with empathy and reflection, you have the capacity to grow and develop as a person.
Kate Naomi Aldridge
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60622 (Online Only)
I'm specially trained in Existential- Humanistic Therapy, EMDR, and Inner-Child Healing that helps unite the mind, body, and spirit.
One of my favorite song lyrics says, "I'm just a spirit trying to be human." There’s so much weight that lives inside those words: emotions, questions, uncertainty. For those of us who wander, question who we are, or wonder what our purpose is, we can stumble if life hasn’t met our expectations. The majority of my clients identify as misfits, empaths, spiritual beings, and highly sensitive people who have survived childhood trauma, harsh life transitions, and an occasional identity crisis.
I'm specially trained in Existential- Humanistic Therapy, EMDR, and Inner-Child Healing that helps unite the mind, body, and spirit.
One of my favorite song lyrics says, "I'm just a spirit trying to be human." There’s so much weight that lives inside those words: emotions, questions, uncertainty. For those of us who wander, question who we are, or wonder what our purpose is, we can stumble if life hasn’t met our expectations. The majority of my clients identify as misfits, empaths, spiritual beings, and highly sensitive people who have survived childhood trauma, harsh life transitions, and an occasional identity crisis.
My approach is humanistic and existentially oriented, focusing on helping you find meaning in your experiences, even in the face of challenges.
My work is rooted in the belief that each woman possesses inherent strength and resilience, and my goal is to help you tap into that power to create meaningful change in your life. Whether you're navigating life transitions, healing from trauma, striving for a greater sense of self, transitioning from “Maidenhood to Motherhood,” or seeking to break free from old narratives, I am here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can explore your experiences, values, and beliefs to foster self-empowerment and trust, helping you to shed old narratives and stuck points.
My approach is humanistic and existentially oriented, focusing on helping you find meaning in your experiences, even in the face of challenges.
My work is rooted in the belief that each woman possesses inherent strength and resilience, and my goal is to help you tap into that power to create meaningful change in your life. Whether you're navigating life transitions, healing from trauma, striving for a greater sense of self, transitioning from “Maidenhood to Motherhood,” or seeking to break free from old narratives, I am here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can explore your experiences, values, and beliefs to foster self-empowerment and trust, helping you to shed old narratives and stuck points.
I work with others through humanistic, empowerment , existential, and narrative perspectives.
I provide quality mental health counseling and therapy that is thoughtfully tailored to your needs. Our work together will address concerns in an empowering and centering way that produces substantive change. My approach is connective (Therapy works best when we are able to connect and work well together) and directive (by directive I mean that I give things for you to do during the week like writing, journaling, reading, exercises, reflections, and/or activities). I'm known for being helpful with people who have been through therapy and haven't had success. I help people find aliveness, creativity, and strength.
I work with others through humanistic, empowerment , existential, and narrative perspectives.
I provide quality mental health counseling and therapy that is thoughtfully tailored to your needs. Our work together will address concerns in an empowering and centering way that produces substantive change. My approach is connective (Therapy works best when we are able to connect and work well together) and directive (by directive I mean that I give things for you to do during the week like writing, journaling, reading, exercises, reflections, and/or activities). I'm known for being helpful with people who have been through therapy and haven't had success. I help people find aliveness, creativity, and strength.
Leslie Phillips
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60604 (Online Only)
My name is Leslie Phillips and I’m a LCPC in Illinois with 9 years of experience in treating mood disorders, interpersonal issues, and intimacy and attachment related concerns drawing heavily on Humanistic, Schema, and Cognitive and Acceptance Based Behavior Therapy.
My name is Leslie Phillips and I’m a LCPC in Illinois with 9 years of experience in treating mood disorders, interpersonal issues, and intimacy and attachment related concerns drawing heavily on Humanistic, Schema, and Cognitive and Acceptance Based Behavior Therapy.
Through cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and family systems approaches I can help you alleviate symptoms, identify strengths, find hope, adjust your thinking, and teach ways to cope with negative and stressful thoughts/emotions.
My name is Melissa Shanley and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and I am here to help. I graduated from Eastern Illinois University where I studied to earn my Master of Science in Clinical Counseling. I have years of experience working in and supervising community mental health centers, college settings, hospital settings, and as an outpatient therapist to all ages and populations. My professional interests include working with people who have experienced complex trauma/PTSD, family systems issues, and supporting people with attachment, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Through cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and family systems approaches I can help you alleviate symptoms, identify strengths, find hope, adjust your thinking, and teach ways to cope with negative and stressful thoughts/emotions.
My name is Melissa Shanley and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and I am here to help. I graduated from Eastern Illinois University where I studied to earn my Master of Science in Clinical Counseling. I have years of experience working in and supervising community mental health centers, college settings, hospital settings, and as an outpatient therapist to all ages and populations. My professional interests include working with people who have experienced complex trauma/PTSD, family systems issues, and supporting people with attachment, anxiety, and mood disorders.
I work from a client-centered, trauma-informed, multicultural, feminist, humanistic approach.
As the Dread Pirate Roberts from the Princess Bride once said, "Life is pain. Anyone who says otherwise is selling something." While I do very much love this movie, I believe this statement is "Inconceivable!" and far too large of a generalization. I agree that pain is an inevitable part of life, but believe this is much too large of a statement to believe all of life is pain. Life can be filled with beauty, joy, and wonder as we learn to triumph over, manage, and/or live with pain. In my practice, I focus on developing resiliency and increasing your awareness for your own resources, strength, and power.
I work from a client-centered, trauma-informed, multicultural, feminist, humanistic approach.
As the Dread Pirate Roberts from the Princess Bride once said, "Life is pain. Anyone who says otherwise is selling something." While I do very much love this movie, I believe this statement is "Inconceivable!" and far too large of a generalization. I agree that pain is an inevitable part of life, but believe this is much too large of a statement to believe all of life is pain. Life can be filled with beauty, joy, and wonder as we learn to triumph over, manage, and/or live with pain. In my practice, I focus on developing resiliency and increasing your awareness for your own resources, strength, and power.
My work draws on psychodynamic, humanistic/existential, and feminist interventions.
Our past can impact how we navigate the present. In my opinion, understanding our experiences can lead to healing and transformation. My priority is creating an open and safe space where you can freely explore those vulnerabilities. This is a space where you can vent, laugh, and make greater meaning out of your experiences. I use a strength-based approach to empower you to be your most authentic self. This approach can include times of humor and times when I challenge you. I believe the therapeutic relationship is integral to exploring uncomfortable emotions and relationship dynamics.
My work draws on psychodynamic, humanistic/existential, and feminist interventions.
Our past can impact how we navigate the present. In my opinion, understanding our experiences can lead to healing and transformation. My priority is creating an open and safe space where you can freely explore those vulnerabilities. This is a space where you can vent, laugh, and make greater meaning out of your experiences. I use a strength-based approach to empower you to be your most authentic self. This approach can include times of humor and times when I challenge you. I believe the therapeutic relationship is integral to exploring uncomfortable emotions and relationship dynamics.
Shakyra Winston
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613 (Online Only)
Shakyra uses a strength-based, trauma-focused, and humanistic approach to assist clients in exploring the way their identities, past experiences, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors present in their internal and external relationship(s).
Shakyra has several years of experience providing therapy and advocacy services to sexual assault survivors. Shakyra also has experience working with women, men, couples, LGBTQIA+ populations, teens, children, and families. She has experience working with Post-Partum Depression, anxiety, other mental illness, trauma, interpersonal/relational issues, and day to day stressors. Shakyra is particularly passionate about working with Black and Brown people, fat folks (with a body-positive lenses), LGBTQIA+ identities, and non-monogamous/polyamorous communities. She is kink, BDSM, ENM, and sex work friendly and affirming.
Shakyra uses a strength-based, trauma-focused, and humanistic approach to assist clients in exploring the way their identities, past experiences, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors present in their internal and external relationship(s).
Shakyra has several years of experience providing therapy and advocacy services to sexual assault survivors. Shakyra also has experience working with women, men, couples, LGBTQIA+ populations, teens, children, and families. She has experience working with Post-Partum Depression, anxiety, other mental illness, trauma, interpersonal/relational issues, and day to day stressors. Shakyra is particularly passionate about working with Black and Brown people, fat folks (with a body-positive lenses), LGBTQIA+ identities, and non-monogamous/polyamorous communities. She is kink, BDSM, ENM, and sex work friendly and affirming.
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I utilize several approaches within Humanistic framework.
I am committed to supporting my clients ability to grow and change. As a Humanist, I believe that people are always striving to succeed, but at times are blocked by fears, doubts and loss of clear identity. I see my clients as collaborators in the therapeutic process, and together we create a personal path for healing and growth, that incorporates soundly researched therapeutic techniques.
I utilize several approaches within Humanistic framework.
I am committed to supporting my clients ability to grow and change. As a Humanist, I believe that people are always striving to succeed, but at times are blocked by fears, doubts and loss of clear identity. I see my clients as collaborators in the therapeutic process, and together we create a personal path for healing and growth, that incorporates soundly researched therapeutic techniques.
Marci L Mazza
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
I utilize the Humanistic, Person-Centered, and Family Systems theories and techniques in my approach.
Entering into therapy is great way to get support when you are going through a tough time or life transition. Sometimes all we need is someone to listen. Other times, we need assistance with coping skills or reframing our thoughts. My goal is to meet you where you are and provide you a safe place to express yourself and your needs.
I utilize the Humanistic, Person-Centered, and Family Systems theories and techniques in my approach.
Entering into therapy is great way to get support when you are going through a tough time or life transition. Sometimes all we need is someone to listen. Other times, we need assistance with coping skills or reframing our thoughts. My goal is to meet you where you are and provide you a safe place to express yourself and your needs.
I work with couples, families, and individuals. I'm trained to work with individual clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, religious trauma, perinatal mental health, and LGBTQ+ exploration. I'm experienced in working with parents, adolescents, familial transitions, relational strains, infidelity, and ambivalence in romantic dyads. I have extensive training in psychedelic integration and experience with entheogenic substances. I work from a relational, humanistic, social justice orientation.
I work with couples, families, and individuals. I'm trained to work with individual clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, religious trauma, perinatal mental health, and LGBTQ+ exploration. I'm experienced in working with parents, adolescents, familial transitions, relational strains, infidelity, and ambivalence in romantic dyads. I have extensive training in psychedelic integration and experience with entheogenic substances. I work from a relational, humanistic, social justice orientation.
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.
Despina 'dessie' Stathopoulos
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60643
I gravitate towards a humanistic style of counseling while utilizing cognitive-behavioral tools in order to give clients research-supported, “take-home” coping strategies.
I have had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, and adults of all backgrounds coping with a wide range of concerns ranging from depression and anxiety, to trauma and PTSD. I believe that one of the most powerful approaches to overcoming life’s tricky obstacles is resilience, and that working with my clients from a genuine and supportive place of connection is the key to overcoming even the most difficult of times.
I gravitate towards a humanistic style of counseling while utilizing cognitive-behavioral tools in order to give clients research-supported, “take-home” coping strategies.
I have had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, and adults of all backgrounds coping with a wide range of concerns ranging from depression and anxiety, to trauma and PTSD. I believe that one of the most powerful approaches to overcoming life’s tricky obstacles is resilience, and that working with my clients from a genuine and supportive place of connection is the key to overcoming even the most difficult of times.
F. Cary Shepard
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60626
Some tools and theories I routinely utilize include DBT, Psychodynamic, Existential and Humanistic therapies.
If you are someone who finds yourself in the grip of anxiety, grief, depression, or any other symptom or trait that makes it hard to function in this world, I would be honored to work with you. I am passionate about working with clients who feel like they don’t fit in, who feel marginalized, or who feel as though their identities are being overlooked or rejected; but no matter your experience or identity, I seek to offer support, validation, and aid. Some of my main areas of focus include anxiety and mood concerns, discovery around gender and sexuality, as well as support for lived experience of neurodivergence and disability.
Some tools and theories I routinely utilize include DBT, Psychodynamic, Existential and Humanistic therapies.
If you are someone who finds yourself in the grip of anxiety, grief, depression, or any other symptom or trait that makes it hard to function in this world, I would be honored to work with you. I am passionate about working with clients who feel like they don’t fit in, who feel marginalized, or who feel as though their identities are being overlooked or rejected; but no matter your experience or identity, I seek to offer support, validation, and aid. Some of my main areas of focus include anxiety and mood concerns, discovery around gender and sexuality, as well as support for lived experience of neurodivergence and disability.
My practice is informed by humanistic, existential, feminist, and multicultural theory.
Reaching out and asking for help is often a brave and difficult first step. There are many reasons why people seek out therapy. I work to create a safe and supportive environment for all of my clients, so that they may begin to explore and understand themselves, their feelings, and their way of relating to others. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and a strong therapeutic relationship enables change to happen. I tailor my approach to meet each of my client's unique needs.
My practice is informed by humanistic, existential, feminist, and multicultural theory.
Reaching out and asking for help is often a brave and difficult first step. There are many reasons why people seek out therapy. I work to create a safe and supportive environment for all of my clients, so that they may begin to explore and understand themselves, their feelings, and their way of relating to others. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and a strong therapeutic relationship enables change to happen. I tailor my approach to meet each of my client's unique needs.
HPC specializes in counseling for individuals, couples, and families of all ages and backgrounds. Our psychologists are doctorate level and work from a humanistic perspective. For children and adolescents, we provide a safe nonjudgmental environment for them to explore their emotional and thinking world in a way that leads to better self-care and improved behaviors. This includes Non-Direct Play Therapy for children ages 3-12. For couples, we use the Gottman Method to help couples understand and improve dynamics during conflict, build trust, deepen the way you connect and discuss maintaining that connection over time.
HPC specializes in counseling for individuals, couples, and families of all ages and backgrounds. Our psychologists are doctorate level and work from a humanistic perspective. For children and adolescents, we provide a safe nonjudgmental environment for them to explore their emotional and thinking world in a way that leads to better self-care and improved behaviors. This includes Non-Direct Play Therapy for children ages 3-12. For couples, we use the Gottman Method to help couples understand and improve dynamics during conflict, build trust, deepen the way you connect and discuss maintaining that connection over time.
Dr. Shannon McCarrick
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60641 (Online Only)
My practice involves humanistic, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness-based interventions.
NOW Accepting New Clients for Summer/Fall 2024! Most clients are already aware of what they need or where they want to go. My role is to help you identify what is getting in the way of living out your values each day, and to help you gradually remove those barriers. If you aren't sure what you hope to get out of therapy but just want to feel better, we'll work together on a plan towards increased wellness that fits for you
My practice involves humanistic, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness-based interventions.
NOW Accepting New Clients for Summer/Fall 2024! Most clients are already aware of what they need or where they want to go. My role is to help you identify what is getting in the way of living out your values each day, and to help you gradually remove those barriers. If you aren't sure what you hope to get out of therapy but just want to feel better, we'll work together on a plan towards increased wellness that fits for you
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Humanistic Therapists
How does humanistic therapy work?
One tenet of humanistic therapy is that people are good. The humanistic approach is concerned with a person’s ability to accept oneself. It likewise encourages a person to overcome self-criticism and self-defeating tendencies, as well as disapproval from others. This approach also emphasizes self-actualization and treating an individual as a whole person. A foundation of this therapy type: The patient is the expert in their life, and treatment often takes the individual’s lead.
Is humanistic therapy evidence-based?
Humanistic therapy is an evidence-based practice. Research has found that humanistic therapy can lead to significant improvement, and for some people it can be just as effective as other therapies, such as Cognitive behavioral therapy. The benefits of humanistic therapy are enduring.
How long does humanistic therapy last?
The goal of humanistic therapy is to understand a person’s day-to-day experiences. While sessions can be short-term and last over a few months, therapy can sometimes continue beyond that and last up to a year or more. And because patients learn the theory behind humanistic therapy during treatment, they can also practice its tenets throughout life after therapy sessions have been completed.
Is humanistic therapy effective?
According to research, many patients find success with humanistic therapy. Researchers note that the therapy is particularly useful in addressing poor self-esteem and self-sabotage, as well as improving conditions including anxiety and depression. Improvements in problem areas can be long standing, as individuals can continue working on themselves by using the tools they’ve learned during treatment.