Music Therapy in Chicago, IL
As a queer, creative, and trauma responsive therapist, I am passionate about nurturing an affirming space for LGBTQIA+ adults and youth, artists, and cnm clients where you can experience therapy as a brave space to continue exploring identity, sex, imagination, relationships, and everyday life. Trauma influences the body, and brain in complex ways and therefore sometimes in therapy we need to talk, and sometimes to pause, move, or create. As a musician, and with music therapy training, I understand the regulatory power of art and invite you to integrate expressive elements. I also offer music-centered & songwriting focused sessions.
As a queer, creative, and trauma responsive therapist, I am passionate about nurturing an affirming space for LGBTQIA+ adults and youth, artists, and cnm clients where you can experience therapy as a brave space to continue exploring identity, sex, imagination, relationships, and everyday life. Trauma influences the body, and brain in complex ways and therefore sometimes in therapy we need to talk, and sometimes to pause, move, or create. As a musician, and with music therapy training, I understand the regulatory power of art and invite you to integrate expressive elements. I also offer music-centered & songwriting focused sessions.
Melissa Howard
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MT-BC, SBD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60643
I have also worked in mental health and wellness as a music therapist since 2007 with experience working in adult and pediatric hospice, inpatient and outpatient behavioral health, medical music therapy and senior wellness.
I specialize in supporting children ages 5-10 who struggle with big emotions, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem and more. I use a child centered play therapy model in working with children. Fred Rogers said, "Play is really the work of childhood." I meet children in this work, providing therapeutic support, to help build emotional intelligence and vocabulary, process life events, build self-esteem and self-trust. I am a parent of two children and one Angel baby. My life experience deepens my passion to support parents through challenges beginning in the prenatal period of life.
I have also worked in mental health and wellness as a music therapist since 2007 with experience working in adult and pediatric hospice, inpatient and outpatient behavioral health, medical music therapy and senior wellness.
I specialize in supporting children ages 5-10 who struggle with big emotions, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem and more. I use a child centered play therapy model in working with children. Fred Rogers said, "Play is really the work of childhood." I meet children in this work, providing therapeutic support, to help build emotional intelligence and vocabulary, process life events, build self-esteem and self-trust. I am a parent of two children and one Angel baby. My life experience deepens my passion to support parents through challenges beginning in the prenatal period of life.
Ashley Allcorn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, AM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614
Waitlist for new clients
I work from a client-centered theoretical approach and practice from a post-modern and philosophically informed lens. My clinical interests include: artistic expression, mindfulness, sexual and gender identity exploration, sex positive approaches, existential questioning, trauma recovery, couples therapy, harm reduction, religious trauma, and body image. I work with individuals and couples. I have also offered groups centering on consent, sexuality, and relationships in local high schools and I have facilitated workshops on music therapy and media literacy.
I work from a client-centered theoretical approach and practice from a post-modern and philosophically informed lens. My clinical interests include: artistic expression, mindfulness, sexual and gender identity exploration, sex positive approaches, existential questioning, trauma recovery, couples therapy, harm reduction, religious trauma, and body image. I work with individuals and couples. I have also offered groups centering on consent, sexuality, and relationships in local high schools and I have facilitated workshops on music therapy and media literacy.
Utilizing a recovery based model of therapeutic interventions including: client-centered therapy, ACT therapy, faith based counseling, and music therapy; Nina strives to be with you in the moment providing an abundance of counseling to adolescents, young adults, couples, and families.
Nina is a seasoned clinician with an MA in Mental Health & Community Counseling specializing in trauma recovery, with over 10 years in the field Her work includes; crisis and trauma intervention with adolescents, young adults, couples and families as well as providing counseling to individuals who are struggling with life complications that result in depression, anxiety, and stress. Nina has extensive experience collaborating with other entities such as Social Services, Group Therapeutic Programs, Psychiatrists, and other community providers.Nina is passionate in supporting her community and individuals of all walks of life.
Utilizing a recovery based model of therapeutic interventions including: client-centered therapy, ACT therapy, faith based counseling, and music therapy; Nina strives to be with you in the moment providing an abundance of counseling to adolescents, young adults, couples, and families.
Nina is a seasoned clinician with an MA in Mental Health & Community Counseling specializing in trauma recovery, with over 10 years in the field Her work includes; crisis and trauma intervention with adolescents, young adults, couples and families as well as providing counseling to individuals who are struggling with life complications that result in depression, anxiety, and stress. Nina has extensive experience collaborating with other entities such as Social Services, Group Therapeutic Programs, Psychiatrists, and other community providers.Nina is passionate in supporting her community and individuals of all walks of life.
Lisa Whittingham
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, RYT-200
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60602
Our world is changing at such a rapid pace. You may feel it's difficult to cope with all these shifts in your life, and to keep up with daily routines. We have all been through a huge upheaval the past several years. Are you looking for a safe, non-judgmental place to process some of these challenges? Or maybe you need some tools and resources to help you (or a loved one) manage anxiety, stress or trauma. Maybe your child/tween/teen/20 yr old has become surprisingly disagreeable, spending less time with family, pushing you away. You may notice changes in appearance, or name. Whether sudden or gradual, you may not know how to cope.
Our world is changing at such a rapid pace. You may feel it's difficult to cope with all these shifts in your life, and to keep up with daily routines. We have all been through a huge upheaval the past several years. Are you looking for a safe, non-judgmental place to process some of these challenges? Or maybe you need some tools and resources to help you (or a loved one) manage anxiety, stress or trauma. Maybe your child/tween/teen/20 yr old has become surprisingly disagreeable, spending less time with family, pushing you away. You may notice changes in appearance, or name. Whether sudden or gradual, you may not know how to cope.
Sean Collins
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60617 (Online Only)
I am so grateful that you clicked me! My name is Sean Collins. I have worked in the social service field for over 10 years! I started off working with youth and families with DCFS involvement as a residential therapist. I am very proud of being able to reunite families, break negative generational patterns, and provide my clients with a clearer path to success. I have a wealth of experience in working with trauma and other anxiety-related disorders. I have also worked with clients who experienced attachment problems, domestic abuse, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, and developmental issues.
I am so grateful that you clicked me! My name is Sean Collins. I have worked in the social service field for over 10 years! I started off working with youth and families with DCFS involvement as a residential therapist. I am very proud of being able to reunite families, break negative generational patterns, and provide my clients with a clearer path to success. I have a wealth of experience in working with trauma and other anxiety-related disorders. I have also worked with clients who experienced attachment problems, domestic abuse, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, and developmental issues.
My name is Angela Johnson, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 15 years of clinical experience working with young adults and the LGBTQ+ community with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Trauma, PTSD, and Panic Attacks. I utilize a combination of Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Couples Therapy, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma Focused during my treatments with clients. I believe it is also my job to help clients learn about themselves and determine what is important and what is not.
My name is Angela Johnson, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 15 years of clinical experience working with young adults and the LGBTQ+ community with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Trauma, PTSD, and Panic Attacks. I utilize a combination of Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Couples Therapy, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma Focused during my treatments with clients. I believe it is also my job to help clients learn about themselves and determine what is important and what is not.
Eleni Clavijo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, Reiki, Master, Teacher
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60657
What circumstances shifted you into this specific moment in time...to bring this bio into your awareness? Was it the guilt that has consumed you since morning of how you didn’t show up exactly how you envisioned being the best parent...or that you have become conscious to the burden of unrealistic expectations upon self and have decided to courageously dive into the depths of your shadows? Perhaps you have questions about self you never have had before and feeling like no one can relate. All you would like is for someone to hold space while you allow emotions like sadness or anger to flow and feel you are able to cry without shame!
What circumstances shifted you into this specific moment in time...to bring this bio into your awareness? Was it the guilt that has consumed you since morning of how you didn’t show up exactly how you envisioned being the best parent...or that you have become conscious to the burden of unrealistic expectations upon self and have decided to courageously dive into the depths of your shadows? Perhaps you have questions about self you never have had before and feeling like no one can relate. All you would like is for someone to hold space while you allow emotions like sadness or anger to flow and feel you are able to cry without shame!
I aim to create a safe space where clients can explore multidimensional issues and set down the load of living in a messy society, even if just for an hour each week. My primary clinical experience has been working with clients in the LGBTQIA+ community and neurodivergent clients (ASD, ADHD, CPTSD, OCD, etc.). My additional work includes but is not limited to religious trauma, body neutrality, anxiety, and depression. I also love working with other clinicians. Embedded in how I support clients is my commitment to anti-racism, anti-ableism, intersectional feminism, Health at Every Size, and support for marginalized communities.
I aim to create a safe space where clients can explore multidimensional issues and set down the load of living in a messy society, even if just for an hour each week. My primary clinical experience has been working with clients in the LGBTQIA+ community and neurodivergent clients (ASD, ADHD, CPTSD, OCD, etc.). My additional work includes but is not limited to religious trauma, body neutrality, anxiety, and depression. I also love working with other clinicians. Embedded in how I support clients is my commitment to anti-racism, anti-ableism, intersectional feminism, Health at Every Size, and support for marginalized communities.
I believe in cultivating a strong therapeutic relationship that honors your authentic self and promotes healing. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen and heard, as you are the expert on your own life. I aim to be a dedicated ally, broadening your awareness and skills while facilitating open collaboration as we work together towards your goals.
I believe in cultivating a strong therapeutic relationship that honors your authentic self and promotes healing. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen and heard, as you are the expert on your own life. I aim to be a dedicated ally, broadening your awareness and skills while facilitating open collaboration as we work together towards your goals.
I view the world through the lens of curiosity and wonder. As a person and a therapist, I have always been interested in learning more about people and their stories. I’m a relational therapist, specializing in working with couples, families, and individuals. I love working with queer couples, folks navigating non-monogamy, and neurodivergent families. As someone who’s experienced chronic pain, I’m particularly passionate about working with people experiencing pelvic pain or chronic illness and the impact this has on ourselves, our relationships, and our sex lives.
I view the world through the lens of curiosity and wonder. As a person and a therapist, I have always been interested in learning more about people and their stories. I’m a relational therapist, specializing in working with couples, families, and individuals. I love working with queer couples, folks navigating non-monogamy, and neurodivergent families. As someone who’s experienced chronic pain, I’m particularly passionate about working with people experiencing pelvic pain or chronic illness and the impact this has on ourselves, our relationships, and our sex lives.
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Arielle Miree
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
I believe in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel free to let their true selves be seen. We all innately crave love, connection, and healthy relationships. We were not created to do life alone. I view each person as a holistic being, considering your mental, physical, relational, emotional, and spiritual health as we journey together towards healing, growth, and a meaningful life.
I believe in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel free to let their true selves be seen. We all innately crave love, connection, and healthy relationships. We were not created to do life alone. I view each person as a holistic being, considering your mental, physical, relational, emotional, and spiritual health as we journey together towards healing, growth, and a meaningful life.
Have you been feeling overwhelmed or stuck lately? If disruptions like depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship challenges, or work burnout are causing you stress, I would love to walk alongside you while helping navigate your path toward a more mindful and purposeful life. My focus is helping my clients recognize and identify their inner strengths, and communicate effectively and openly, while also cultivating a nurturing and accepting therapeutic environment in the process with a bit of comedic humor sprinkled in.
Have you been feeling overwhelmed or stuck lately? If disruptions like depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship challenges, or work burnout are causing you stress, I would love to walk alongside you while helping navigate your path toward a more mindful and purposeful life. My focus is helping my clients recognize and identify their inner strengths, and communicate effectively and openly, while also cultivating a nurturing and accepting therapeutic environment in the process with a bit of comedic humor sprinkled in.
Teens, adolescents, adults, and couples ... As strength and performance-based clinicians, we welcome clients across the lifespan. We work to form authentic therapeutic relationships and are transparent in our work with you. As relational practitioners, we help you create safe and satisfying relationships with others that are necessary for psychological wellness. We use the therapeutic relationship as a model to create healthier relationships with yourself and others.
Teens, adolescents, adults, and couples ... As strength and performance-based clinicians, we welcome clients across the lifespan. We work to form authentic therapeutic relationships and are transparent in our work with you. As relational practitioners, we help you create safe and satisfying relationships with others that are necessary for psychological wellness. We use the therapeutic relationship as a model to create healthier relationships with yourself and others.
Charlene Mabins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60606 (Online Only)
Life can get challenging sometimes. Sometimes coping can become difficult and that's when it's time to get some support and learn new coping skills to maneuver through the challenging times.
Life can get challenging sometimes. Sometimes coping can become difficult and that's when it's time to get some support and learn new coping skills to maneuver through the challenging times.
I have a passion for helping people discover their true selves and implement positive changes in their lives. I have always been interested in humans and their unique experiences, leading me to pursue a career in the counseling space. I work to create a collaborative, empathetic space for clients to learn more about themselves and challenge themselves to grow. I enjoy working with people of all ages.
I have a passion for helping people discover their true selves and implement positive changes in their lives. I have always been interested in humans and their unique experiences, leading me to pursue a career in the counseling space. I work to create a collaborative, empathetic space for clients to learn more about themselves and challenge themselves to grow. I enjoy working with people of all ages.
I have extensive training working with individuals who struggle with a range of anxiety symptoms, and diagnoses especially trauma. In my years of practice, I have noticed that many clients lack trust in themselves and the ability to find a positive sense of self. People just want to understand themselves and become more comfortable with how they handle daily life stressors and others. To achieve this goal individuals need support with recognizing triggers and utilizing appropriate coping skills to reduce the negative responses to those triggers.
I have extensive training working with individuals who struggle with a range of anxiety symptoms, and diagnoses especially trauma. In my years of practice, I have noticed that many clients lack trust in themselves and the ability to find a positive sense of self. People just want to understand themselves and become more comfortable with how they handle daily life stressors and others. To achieve this goal individuals need support with recognizing triggers and utilizing appropriate coping skills to reduce the negative responses to those triggers.
My approach to therapy is both practical and positive. I work primarily with adults who are looking to make changes in their lives and are unsure of where to begin. I enjoy the process of connecting with my clients, who often experience anxiety/depression, and developing a relationship that supports movement and acceptance. Specializing in addiction and trauma work I incorporate evidence-based strategies to facilitate healing. I have a mind and body approach that I believe promotes patience and encourages understanding to all aspects of a persons life.
My approach to therapy is both practical and positive. I work primarily with adults who are looking to make changes in their lives and are unsure of where to begin. I enjoy the process of connecting with my clients, who often experience anxiety/depression, and developing a relationship that supports movement and acceptance. Specializing in addiction and trauma work I incorporate evidence-based strategies to facilitate healing. I have a mind and body approach that I believe promotes patience and encourages understanding to all aspects of a persons life.
One of the hardest steps of the therapeutic process is what you’re going through now. Searching to find the counselor that aligns with your needs can feel daunting. I commend you for taking the first steps. My long experience with finding a therapist with shared identities and values was the catalyst to me entering the counseling profession. I value creating a space where transformation can occur through exchanges of knowledge from your life experience and my education. The theories I intend to integrate into the space are Psychodynamic and Adlerian. I remain open to other theories according to what best meets your needs.
One of the hardest steps of the therapeutic process is what you’re going through now. Searching to find the counselor that aligns with your needs can feel daunting. I commend you for taking the first steps. My long experience with finding a therapist with shared identities and values was the catalyst to me entering the counseling profession. I value creating a space where transformation can occur through exchanges of knowledge from your life experience and my education. The theories I intend to integrate into the space are Psychodynamic and Adlerian. I remain open to other theories according to what best meets your needs.
I am a clinical psychologist with 24 years experience in Lincoln Park. Telehealth. I’m BCBS, UBH, Magellan in network. I specialize with emotional regulation and resilience for anxiety, ADHD, depression, trauma, life transitions, career goals, relationships, family dynamics, positive communication, and stress management. I would be honored to be of assistance. Christian counseling, Ziglar Coaching
I am a clinical psychologist with 24 years experience in Lincoln Park. Telehealth. I’m BCBS, UBH, Magellan in network. I specialize with emotional regulation and resilience for anxiety, ADHD, depression, trauma, life transitions, career goals, relationships, family dynamics, positive communication, and stress management. I would be honored to be of assistance. Christian counseling, Ziglar Coaching
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How does music therapy work?
A music therapist will begin by assessing the client’s specific needs and getting a sense of their musical ability and interests. Musical training is not required, and clients of all ages can benefit from this type of therapy. The therapist will then make a plan for how to achieve the client’s therapeutic goal(s) using a range of receptive (e.g., listening to a song) and active (e.g., drumming in a group) music therapy techniques.
What are some common music therapy techniques?
Music therapy usually involves listening to music (either live or recorded). Music therapy clients may also make music on popular instruments, such as the piano, guitar, and hand drum, or sing. Sometimes music therapy can include guided imagery. A music therapist may ask clients to improvise on the spot or even compose their own songs. Dancing or moving to music can be an effective intervention to help clients feel more fully grounded in their bodies and remain in the present moment.
How does music therapy help with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
Music therapy can be a valuable creative outlet for clients with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who have trouble putting their painful feelings into words. Listening to music can be relaxing while making music as part of a group provides plenty of opportunities to connect with other people. In addition to its mood-boosting effects, music therapy can help clients build resilience and overcome PTSD symptoms that may interfere with their daily lives.
How long does music therapy take?
Music therapy sessions generally last between 30 and 50 minutes. They can be scheduled in advance (for example, once a week) or can be done on an as-needed basis. Some clients will only require a handful of music therapy sessions to achieve their goals, while others may need months or longer, depending on their specific concern.