Strength-Based Therapists in Chicago, IL

Having trouble sleeping? Can’t seem to find the motivation to complete daily tasks? Struggling to communicate with a loved one? Various challenges in life can lead us to feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or BOTH. Therapy can provide a safe space to process, cope, and heal. In life, sometimes, we may struggle to see how our environments, upbringing, and relationships impact our mental health. While other times, we may lack the appropriate self-tools to change our own dynamics. I strongly believe that therapy empowers us to be more self-aware and protective of our mental wellness.

Life’s challenges happen suddenly. Without warning it feels like you can’t navigate through with confidence and calm. Instead, you are plagued with worry, hesitation, anxiety, and depression. At times, life feels like a ticking time bomb, and you are desperately searching for an effective means to diffuse it. But your coping skills aren’t working well enough, or maybe they weren’t that healthy in the first place. How are you supposed to get comfortable with the challenges you are experiencing, let alone feel you are responding in a healthy way, when everything around you – maybe even your person – can be so unpredictable?

Whether seeking to address a specific problem, understand patterns, or explore past relationships or trauma, our work will be collaborative, strength based, and affirming. I strive to provide a safe and welcoming space to explore your feelings and experiences. My approach is person-centered, direct and trauma informed. I believe that everyone has the strengths and resilience to achieve self-fulfillment.

Whether you are coping with a transition, anxiety, depression, or other challenges, I can work with you to increase positive healthy behaviors, reduce stress, improve your mood, and enhance communication skills. I am passionate about helping you find opportunities to learn and grow from every experience, even a negative one. Operating from a strength-based perspective, I help you understand and process your experiences, as well as cope with life events outside of therapy.

We all experience moments where our emotions may feel overwhelming, managing stress becomes more challenging, and we may even find ourselves feeling stuck as to what comes next. Throughout my work with adults, teens, and children, I have seen how psychotherapy has improved their moods, relationships, and self-confidence, leaving them feeling more connected and satisfied in their daily lives. Therapy is a space where you can begin to explore yourself, while doing so within a relationship that is validating, supportive, and centers your goals and needs.

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." Ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao-Tzu. Let's face it: asking for help isn't always easy, but you've taken the courage to do so. Therapy is an exciting experience of self-discovery! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I work with adults, individually or as couples. I use a bilateral approach, incorporating a Strength-based practice with a focus on the mind/body connection, in particular Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). I assist clients in noticing, when automatic processes are occurring & to alter their reaction to be more of a reflection.

I am a licensed social worker with over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families. In addition to office-based settings, I have worked in intensive in-home treatment and as a school counselor. Many years of my career were spent as a clinical consultant for a research-based, family-focused treatment model, Multisystemic Therapy (MST). Through my work, I have gained advanced knowledge in family and couples therapy, behavioral modification, and cognitive behavioral therapy. My approach is strength-based and solution-focused. I believe that all individuals have assets that can be leveraged to foster change, and that my role is to support clients in living a full and rewarding life. In my approach with children and adolescents, I view parents/caregivers as the experts on their children, and essential partners in ensuring successful treatment. Understanding family dynamics and promoting healthier patterns are special areas of interest, and utilized in my therapeutic approach. I commend you for taking the first step in researching a therapist for yourself or loved one!

I believe therapy should be a supportive experience. Using a strength-based approach, I work hard to help my clients navigate emotions, develop coping skills and strengthen relationships. While working towards their goals, I value understanding individual experiences and underlying emotions. My work is centered around lifting constraints which prevent change and exploring new behaviors and thought patterns.

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.

My expertise is working with adults who need support in overcoming challenges that have become overwhelming to deal with on their own. I have been working in the field for over 13 years and during that time have worked in a variety of settings including residential, homeless shelters, jail, intensive outreach, therapy, and internationally. I've been blessed to work with people as they go through suffering to become at peace and able to accept themselves within the changes that can be made in their circumstances. I work from a strength-based approach that focuses on instilling hope and belief that change is possible.

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.

I revere the uniqueness of each individual and couple on their journey. I believe that the unfolding of one's narrative requires witness and validation, fostering insights into oneself and others. It involves nurturing a secure, cooperative, and culturally attuned therapeutic environment that honors identity and choice. I integrate various therapeutic modalities, informed by cognitive-behavioral, strength-based, solution-focused, and Gottman methods couples therapy. Additionally, I have undergone comprehensive training in EMDR and continually pursue ongoing education to expand its use to treat a range of distressing events.

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.

My approach with clients is collaborative, strength-based, and non-judgmental. We will work together to tailor sessions to your unique needs. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free environment. Together, we will develop new skills and strategies to navigate life's challenges while celebrating your strengths. I believe that none of us can heal on an individual level while battling against oppressive and broken systems. I am an abolitionist, committed anti-racist practitioner, and lifelong learner.

Stephanie is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Sport Psychology Consultant, and Yoga Therapist based in Chicago, IL, Denver, CO, and Frisco CO. She utilizes a strength-based model to teach therapeutic skills and assists clients in gaining emotional control. Stephanie is successful in helping individuals who are struggling with life transitions and overcoming setbacks. In addition, she assists those who are looking to improve performance, set and achieve goals, and gain a positive sense of self.

We believe you already have all you need to be successful within you. Our strength-based approach will help identify and utilize your strengths to create a strong foundation for success. Our team celebrates diversity and views it as a strength. We are an open and accepting community that is welcoming to all. Our clinicians’ unique backgrounds and specialties allow us to address a comprehensive range of difficulties.

Are you looking for treatment for trauma and substance use? Are you exploring gender or sexual identity? Are you managing chronic mental health concerns, family or origin issues or co-occurring mental health and physical health concerns? I have been practicing in the field of social work for 25 years. My approach is holistic and strength-based. I aim to create a safe space for you to explore personal struggles and experiences. I seek to help you gain increased awareness of your emotions and to cope safely and effectively. I believe in the power of individuals to create change through exploration and relationship.

If you identify as LGBTQIA+, femme, and/ or a person of color you may be facing obstacles or concerns in your life that are heavy on your mind. The weight of your worries may be leaving you feeling sad, frustrated, afraid or even angry. It may feel bigger than what you have time for right now, causing you to hold back when you want to say something. It may be more and more difficult to disclose any of these feelings to anyone without falling apart. It’s okay to feel sadness, frustration or anger and it is okay to take time to talk about it. You can learn to allow room for all of your feelings.

I want to give you the tools and support to create a life that meets your needs. As an art therapist and counselor, I believe in the power of creativity to foster connection, expression, and healing, particularly when words fall short. My goal is to meet you where you are and to create a non-judgmental space to foster change.