Strength-Based Therapists in Chicago, IL

Everyone has a story. While we learn language as children, we also learn languages within our relationships and interactions. The content of those interactions may eventually become the words that we speak. We learn to express ourselves according to these terms, but there is always more to the story. Through your lens, my goal is to help you cultivate awareness of specific patterns that perpetuate “stuck points” and support you while exploring your languages, interactions, and connections. I will provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment for us to explore the hurdles that impact your fulfillment and development.

By empowering clients to rewrite their own narratives, I encourage them to take charge of their life stories and create the changes they want to see. Using a collaborative, individualized approach, I strive to promote a warm, supportive, growth-oriented therapeutic environment while celebrating multicultural diversity and intersecting identities. I believe that therapy can aid individuals in achieving a greater sense of inner harmony and healing by providing guidance, insight, and understanding. In session, I aim to create a safe space for clients to explore areas of stress in their lives which do not align with their ideal self.

I believe that our most impactful relationships and our cultural contexts profoundly influence how we navigate the world. This systemic approach is combined with a practice that is trauma-informed and strength-based to hold space that balances warmth, thoughtfulness, and laughter with an appropriate amount of challenge. In my work, I value creating authentic and meaningful relationships with my clients where we can collaborate to deepen your understanding of yourself and your relationships.

I earned my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Roosevelt University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Human Development from DePaul University. I have worked in inpatient hospital settings providing crisis management and therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults. I have also worked alongside various non-profit organizations and community based mental health centers to address barriers to mental health services in underserved communities.

I specialize in working with the adult and young adult populations as they navigate the challenges of depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, life changes/transitions, relationship difficulties, work/life balance and more. I also provide counseling for issues related to Athletic Performance. I believe that by creating a strong therapeutic relationship through empathic understanding, the client will be empowered when focusing on personal development. Authenticity, honesty, and empathy are values that drive my work as a counselor.

I specialized working with adolescents and adults, aged 16 and above, who is navigating challenges related to anxiety, panic disorder, depression, or life transitions. I provide motivation to improve their mental well-being and provide effective tools to manage their mental health long-term. My goal is for them to understand themselves better, develop coping strategies, and achieve a better quality of life. I provide a judgment-free and supportive environment where they can explore their feelings and thoughts openly.

I am deeply committed to my clinical work and consider it a great privilege to accompany my clients in their personal journey as they navigate life's challenges. I strive to create a therapy space that is warm, open, inviting, supportive and affirming. My intervention techniques are strength-based and informed by the latest research. Although I enjoy working with a variety of concerns, my areas of expertise focus on adjustment to life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, and topics related to diversity. In addition to maintaining a thriving private practice, I am also a Professor at Alliant University.

I believe everyone has a special story to share, and it would be my honor to hear yours. Growing up in France and speaking multiple languages, I bring a multicultural perspective to my practice. With experience in inpatient behavioral health, child protective services, and addiction recovery, my goal is to create a safe, warm, and comfortable space for you to share your story. Using a person-centered and strength-based approach, I aim to help you thrive with your unique skills. Together, we can alleviate emotional pain and find strategies to confidently manage life's stressors.

Greetings! It's great to have you here! Ralph Yaniz has been helping clients for over 25 years. He is dedicated to addressing a range of challenges. His expertise spans anxiety, OCD, depression, stress, bipolar disorder, and life adjustment issues (life coaching). His clients come to him to work on procrastination, task management, mood swings, and relationship concerns. He is proficient in bilingual Spanish services. Hola! Con más de 25 años de experiencia en salud mental, Ralph Yaniz aborda diversos desafíos, como ansiedad, TOC, depresión, estrés y trastorno bipolar. También ofrece servicios bilingües en español.

Life can sometimes be challenging and painful. There are times when you need someone to talk to that’s objective, an outside source that’s compassionate and will not only listen but understand and “get it”.

Hi I’m Gina! Do you know that everyone feels overwhelmed from time to time? Balancing the demands of life, family, and work can be challenging, especially now. I have a PhD and MSW from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I am a highly trained therapist with experience helping people work through issues such as grief and loss, depression, anxiety, addiction, and a host of other issues that may be affecting your well-being. I am a strength-based therapist that views every client as having the ability to work through challenges. Sometimes all you need is a little help to move forward.

Welcome! I have learned that healing happens within safe relationships. I specialize in providing a safe relationship for children and teens who have experienced trauma or life challenges. I absolutely love supporting young people. Anxiety, depression, “prickly” behaviors, anger, and relational or school challenges are all typical symptoms of a difficult season in life. Trauma-informed and strength-based care are at the core of my work with clients. My practice philosophy is affirming, and I welcome neurodivergent or LGBTQ+ clients. I will honor exactly who you are while supporting any growth that you would like to see.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor and a trauma-informed clinical practitioner, with over 25 years of experience, I am committed to helping children, teens and adults on their healing journey. I work with clients who have mood/anxiety disorders, OCD, addiction, self-esteem, grief, relationship issues, SA, DV, life transitions, sexuality, trauma and C-PTSD, adjustment challenges and identity exploration. I work with people therapeutically to make desired changes or simply improve well-being and sense of self. My experience includes people from all racial/cultural backgrounds, sexual preferences and gender identifications.

At Gradations Studio - Art, Therapy and Wellness, I offer art therapy and talk therapy to individuals seeking a supportive and creative space to heal. I work with individuals of all ages and stages of life who are experiencing anxiety, depression, loss/grief, trauma, life transitions and challenges. In addition to art therapy and talk therapy, I work to incorporate a variety of modalities and coping strategies to address your unique needs.

I'm a licensed clinical social worker who has experience working with individuals in education, nonprofit, and private practice settings. I'm trained in EMDR through the EMDR Institute and utilize a trauma informed approach within therapy. I use a strength based and relational approach while working to integrate all aspects of an individual’s life, such as culture, family origin, spirituality, relationships, and internal thoughts and emotions, to foster healthy growth. I work with new moms and parents, adults with mental disabilities, first responders, young professionals, and individuals working through every day life challenges.

Are you feeling alone, misunderstood, or overwhelmed with your current life circumstances? Stressors from work, finances, family, friendships, and romantic partnerships impede on your quality of life and interfere with the happiness you want and deserve. Whether you are going through a career transition, navigating healthy boundaries, or in need of processing the negative thoughts or emotions you feel daily, I am here to help. I will address, validate, and acknowledge these aspects of your life, while also providing empowerment and evidence-based practices needed to help you take control of who you want to become.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”.Sometimes gathering the other ingredients (pitcher, spoon, sugar, water)needed to make lemonade can be difficult. I am here to assist you with gathering those ingredients to make the best batch of lemonade for you. I am here to help you live your best life and become the best version of you! I am a licensed clinical professional counselor from Chicago Illinois. I have years of experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, groups, and families in several settings.I have my clinical license in Illinois and Georgia.

Hello, My name is Michelle Locke. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been actively practicing as a social worker since 1996 and as an LCSW since 2015. My skill set and professional experience lend themselves to supporting various individuals with Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), and Spirituality. I enjoy keeping people in therapy through Christian Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Compassion Focused, Strength-Based, and Trauma Focused therapies. I believe that treatment helps people find true hope and healing for the pain we experience at times in life.

I am a strength-based, caring, and non-judgmental counselor who enjoys building relationships with individuals of all different backgrounds. I take an approach where I believe in identifying positive qualities in an individual and utilizing those qualities to help a person improve in the areas where they are experiencing challenges. I strive to promote self-acceptance where a person can grow to their fullest potential; therefore I tailor my sessions to each individual. My approach is to provide a safe and warm environment where a person feels free to share their experiences and concerns without judgment.