Music Therapy in Evanston, IL

I work holistically with clients to explore how their past, present, and future all impact their identity, self-expression, and quality of life. I work with youth, adolescents, emerging adults, and adults on mood (depression, anxiety, anger), identity development, LGBTQIA2S+ concerns, creativity difficulties (professional and expression), ADHD, and family of origin difficulties.

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 believe trusting relationships, creativity, and community are at the heart of inner peace. I offer you a compassionate, empathetic, playful, and non-judgmental space. Trauma influences the body, and brain in complex ways and therefore sometimes in therapy we need to talk, and sometimes we need to pause, move, or create. I am informed by attachment theory, psychodynamic approach, and embrace the relational elements of healing. 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 and songwriting focused sessions.

Dr. Nakshabandi draws from 10 years of psychiatric training experience across a wide range of settings including Harvard Medical School, The University of Chicago, The Department of Veterans Affairs and over 40 different sites across two continents. Dr. Nakshabandi has extensive knowledge on a wide array of therapeutic techniques, medication management algorithms, and complementary approaches to treatment. His treatment approach is rooted in empathy and strives to heal by evoking it.

I hold a Doctorate Degree in Counselor Education and Supervision and I am a licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I am a certified Integrative Mental Health Professional and a certified Mental Health and Nutrional Clinical Specialist. In addition, I am certified in neuropsychotherapy, and Trauma Therapy. I have extensive professional experience using DBT with children & adults with relationships issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, autism, intellectual disabilities, ADHD, & parent coaching. I worked in residential, hospitals, private practice, supervision, parenting education, couples, family and substance use therapy.

Do you struggle to balance life roles, find it difficult to be kind to yourself, or feel depleted by stress and anxiety? Are looking for a way to safely explore difficult thoughts and emotions. Perhaps you are curious about your relationship to yourself and others, and long to make meaning in life? Imagine feeling less overwhelmed, having confidence in life’s direction, and increasing your connection with others. Change is possible! I invite you to put on your detective hat as you get to know yourself, explore your experiences, and forge your journey.

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.

Therapy is a space where judgment is left at the door, and exploration is embraced with curiosity rather than shame. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can feel free to delve into your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Together, we will work to uncover insights, build resilience, and foster personal growth. Whether you are navigating life transitions, managing stress, or seeking deeper self-understanding, my approach is to support and empower your journey towards balance and authenticity.

I have extensive experience working with young adults and adults struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, ADHD, life-transitions, relationships, low self-esteem, college/grad school adjustment, communication issues, boundary issues and athletic and performance psychology. My goal as a therapist is to assist clients to develop positive and healthy coping skills that empower them to navigate current and future issues while improving self-regulation and creating a stronger and healthier mindset. I strive to create a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship where transformation can occur.

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!

Safety, trust and encouragement are imperative ingredients to a successful therapeutic relationship. As a seasoned therapist my ideal client seeks a collaborative relationship and is eager to invest in greater self-understanding and willingness to take action. Clients battling stress-related issues that compromise performance in work, school, or intimate relationships are a good match. Transforming anxiety, despair, and self-doubt into courage, inspiration, and confidence is my strength. I'm comfortable addressing thoughts that disempower or emotions that are frightening.

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.

As a biracial human, I understand the juggling process between developing identity while also finding a sense of belonging within communities. Doing this on top of just simply learning how to be an adult and manage emotions can be a difficult juggling process! I prioritize the awareness of various factors like multiculturalism, oppression, trauma, and neurodiversity when working on deepening your understanding of yourself and reintegrating the connection between your mind, body, and spirit. Due to these factors, I bring my genuine personality to help build trust in the therapeutic relationship.

Relationships in love, family and work (and with myself) shape so much of how we feel. I help people know themselves and what they bring (good and bad) to their relationships, and help build cognitive and other skills needed to form rewarding connections and sort out relationship breakdowns and chronic personal problems. In addition, I help those who have had tried therapy or medication in the past but have not been helped. I work with individuals and couples by listening carefully and responding thoughtfully, genuinely and respectfully to create positive outcomes and to meet important needs.

Hello! I’m Julia Gekhter, an LCSW based in Illinois. My office is accessible and private, ensuring comfort and confidentiality for all clients. I take a goal-oriented approach, tailoring therapy to individual needs. Whether it is family counseling or individual sessions, we work collaboratively to achieve desired outcomes. I offer weekend and late evening appointments to accommodate busy schedules. Initial Visit: Expect a warm, non-judgmental space during your first visit. We will discuss your goals and create a path toward growth and healing.

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.