Gestalt Therapists in Lincolnwood, IL
Maggie R Vrana
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
Seeking therapy can feel so confusing and daunting. I strive to create a safe and warm atmosphere where we take growth at an individual pace. I am challenging yet supportive, direct yet affirming. This is a place where we will do real work. I am passionate about approaching the therapeutic experience from a holistic, strengths-based, and growth-oriented perspective. While remaining client-centered, I provide a structure and framework through which to heal, collaboratively creating strategies along the way. I conceptualize clients in the context of their social environments.
Seeking therapy can feel so confusing and daunting. I strive to create a safe and warm atmosphere where we take growth at an individual pace. I am challenging yet supportive, direct yet affirming. This is a place where we will do real work. I am passionate about approaching the therapeutic experience from a holistic, strengths-based, and growth-oriented perspective. While remaining client-centered, I provide a structure and framework through which to heal, collaboratively creating strategies along the way. I conceptualize clients in the context of their social environments.
My special expertise is working with people who want to feel better. People who want to explore themselves, who want help in figuring out why they feel bad, and what they can do in order to feel better. I create space where you can feel comfortable to talk about uncomfortable things. I help people dealing with depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, substance abuse; those having relationship issues, that would include couples/marital, parent-child, brothers-sisters, coworkers, or friends. You'll find out that you're not so different from everyone else; we all struggle.
My special expertise is working with people who want to feel better. People who want to explore themselves, who want help in figuring out why they feel bad, and what they can do in order to feel better. I create space where you can feel comfortable to talk about uncomfortable things. I help people dealing with depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, substance abuse; those having relationship issues, that would include couples/marital, parent-child, brothers-sisters, coworkers, or friends. You'll find out that you're not so different from everyone else; we all struggle.
Holly Pearlman-Online Therapy
Counselor, LCPC, LPCC
Verified Verified
Lincolnwood, IL 60645 (Online Only)
I specialize in helping people heal from traumatic and experiences, to include: family conflicts, adults abused as children, narcissistic abuse, parental alienation and parents financially caring for adult children. You may not know what to expect from therapy, but you know you need to make some changes so you can move forward in life. Stress, anxiety, and depression are highly prevalent in our lives, and sometimes people need help and support in dealing with difficult/stressful experiences. I am a trauma therapist specializing in somatic psychology that has found success in using a mind/body approach to psychotherapy.
I specialize in helping people heal from traumatic and experiences, to include: family conflicts, adults abused as children, narcissistic abuse, parental alienation and parents financially caring for adult children. You may not know what to expect from therapy, but you know you need to make some changes so you can move forward in life. Stress, anxiety, and depression are highly prevalent in our lives, and sometimes people need help and support in dealing with difficult/stressful experiences. I am a trauma therapist specializing in somatic psychology that has found success in using a mind/body approach to psychotherapy.
Sharon Rukin
Counselor, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
Not accepting new clients
Welcome. You have arrived here because something isn't right- relationship problems, difficulty achieving goals, grief, bouts of paralyzing sadness, anger or fear, not feeling meaning in your life. I offer 30 years of professional and personal development and experience to my work with individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents. I hold a safe, nonjudgmental space where problems and conflicts are freely explored and clients reengage their life with a sense of renewal and possibility. I mediate this process with compassion, intelligence, sensitivity, and a genuine desire to join with you through whatever troubles you.
Welcome. You have arrived here because something isn't right- relationship problems, difficulty achieving goals, grief, bouts of paralyzing sadness, anger or fear, not feeling meaning in your life. I offer 30 years of professional and personal development and experience to my work with individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents. I hold a safe, nonjudgmental space where problems and conflicts are freely explored and clients reengage their life with a sense of renewal and possibility. I mediate this process with compassion, intelligence, sensitivity, and a genuine desire to join with you through whatever troubles you.
More Therapists Nearby
Playful Healing Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60625
As treatment modalities, Playful Healing Center offers neurobiologically informed therapy services such as Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Gestalt play therapy, and Theraplay.
Playful Healing Center holds the healing mission of strengthening and empowering individuals with effective therapeutic approaches. We have developed an array of high-quality mental health services for children, adolescents, adults, and families. Although we are specialized in pediatric psychotherapy in issues of attachment, trauma, behavioral and emotional issues, we also offer services to individuals and families with issues of trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders.
As treatment modalities, Playful Healing Center offers neurobiologically informed therapy services such as Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Gestalt play therapy, and Theraplay.
Playful Healing Center holds the healing mission of strengthening and empowering individuals with effective therapeutic approaches. We have developed an array of high-quality mental health services for children, adolescents, adults, and families. Although we are specialized in pediatric psychotherapy in issues of attachment, trauma, behavioral and emotional issues, we also offer services to individuals and families with issues of trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders.
David is a member of the National Association of Social Workers,the National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine, and the Association for the Advancement of Gestalt Therapists.
David H. Johnson, L.C.S.W. Are you in pain either emotionally or relationally or both? Psychotherapy is a way to stop the suffering and live life more fully both personally and relationally. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and am certified and have training in the following disciplines: Addictions, Hypnotherapy, and Gestalt Therapy. I hold a M.A. degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago. For over 20 years, I have been counseling with individuals, couples, and has a specialty in mixed gender groups. I utilize a holistic approach, emphasizing healing of mind, body, spirit.
David is a member of the National Association of Social Workers,the National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine, and the Association for the Advancement of Gestalt Therapists.
David H. Johnson, L.C.S.W. Are you in pain either emotionally or relationally or both? Psychotherapy is a way to stop the suffering and live life more fully both personally and relationally. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and am certified and have training in the following disciplines: Addictions, Hypnotherapy, and Gestalt Therapy. I hold a M.A. degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago. For over 20 years, I have been counseling with individuals, couples, and has a specialty in mixed gender groups. I utilize a holistic approach, emphasizing healing of mind, body, spirit.
Allison Schentrup
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60625 (Online Only)
I draw on my training in Gestalt, Gottman Method, EFT, and NARM to create a therapy space that centers you.
I want to help you live purpose led, pleasure-full life. I work with individuals and couples on all manner of relationships. In my couples work, I help partners rediscover intimate connection, learn more effective and compassionate ways of communicating, and rebuild trust. Often, I work with couples on co-parenting, life transitions, and mismatched desire. With individuals I support all of your relationships, whether you’re wanting to find love, deepen friendships, or understand your family. I also help individuals with managing anxiety, spiritual/religious trauma, and healing body image.
I draw on my training in Gestalt, Gottman Method, EFT, and NARM to create a therapy space that centers you.
I want to help you live purpose led, pleasure-full life. I work with individuals and couples on all manner of relationships. In my couples work, I help partners rediscover intimate connection, learn more effective and compassionate ways of communicating, and rebuild trust. Often, I work with couples on co-parenting, life transitions, and mismatched desire. With individuals I support all of your relationships, whether you’re wanting to find love, deepen friendships, or understand your family. I also help individuals with managing anxiety, spiritual/religious trauma, and healing body image.
Yangla Bhote
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60626 (Online Only)
“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space, we have the power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom” by Victor E. Frankl. If you find yourself in between and need that space - making sense of different experiences you have had, the story you hold, and navigating life transitions, then I am here to provide that space for you. It may sound daunting for some and inviting for others, and everything in between for a few. Wherever you find yourself on the spectrum, I applaud you for taking the first step in seeking therapy - I see a great advocate for yourself in YOU.
“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space, we have the power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom” by Victor E. Frankl. If you find yourself in between and need that space - making sense of different experiences you have had, the story you hold, and navigating life transitions, then I am here to provide that space for you. It may sound daunting for some and inviting for others, and everything in between for a few. Wherever you find yourself on the spectrum, I applaud you for taking the first step in seeking therapy - I see a great advocate for yourself in YOU.
Lara L. Wolff
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60625 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
When we feel stressed and overwhelmed, numb, or stuck, calmness and connection is harder to come by. Our own bodies may feel beyond our control, or we may feel disconnected to them. We may desire change but don't know how to create it. If we feel shame or self-doubt, we may have difficulty finding our voice, our community, or our life’s work. Managing and making sense out of what we’re feeling or thinking sometimes is too much to carry alone. When we know it's time for the way we're feeling or thinking to shift, and we want more health, creativity, and joy in our lives, it's time to invest in ourselves and our wellbeing.
When we feel stressed and overwhelmed, numb, or stuck, calmness and connection is harder to come by. Our own bodies may feel beyond our control, or we may feel disconnected to them. We may desire change but don't know how to create it. If we feel shame or self-doubt, we may have difficulty finding our voice, our community, or our life’s work. Managing and making sense out of what we’re feeling or thinking sometimes is too much to carry alone. When we know it's time for the way we're feeling or thinking to shift, and we want more health, creativity, and joy in our lives, it's time to invest in ourselves and our wellbeing.
Alex Spooner
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60625
I am accepting new clients! I work with individuals and couples who are experiencing symptoms related to sex and intimacy, trauma, anxiety, and life transitions, particularly as they impact their interpersonal relationships. I engage in a therapeutic approach that is person-centered and relational, with an application of anti-oppressive, attachment, and trauma-informed lenses. I am particularly interested in the therapeutic relationship and creating a collaborative space that gives a voice to the unique story each client carries.
I am accepting new clients! I work with individuals and couples who are experiencing symptoms related to sex and intimacy, trauma, anxiety, and life transitions, particularly as they impact their interpersonal relationships. I engage in a therapeutic approach that is person-centered and relational, with an application of anti-oppressive, attachment, and trauma-informed lenses. I am particularly interested in the therapeutic relationship and creating a collaborative space that gives a voice to the unique story each client carries.
Our you struggling with addiction, porn, sexual addiction, personality disorders? I believe in providing therapy that works. I believe in reducing/eliminating the problem. So many times, I hear of clients that's been in therapy for years. I believe that in 8 -12 sessions there should be at the minimum a reduction in symptoms or complete elimination, or a referral out should be recommended. I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Value Based Therapy, and Interpersonal therapy to conceptualize a client's issues to reduce and eliminate the problem.
Our you struggling with addiction, porn, sexual addiction, personality disorders? I believe in providing therapy that works. I believe in reducing/eliminating the problem. So many times, I hear of clients that's been in therapy for years. I believe that in 8 -12 sessions there should be at the minimum a reduction in symptoms or complete elimination, or a referral out should be recommended. I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Value Based Therapy, and Interpersonal therapy to conceptualize a client's issues to reduce and eliminate the problem.
Hi! My name is Kaitlin DiSanti and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselor (CADC) working with clients via telehealth. As a full-time School Social Worker, I love working with children, teens, and young adults who are struggling to find their individual way and learn the importance of asking for help - whether it's experiencing challenges with school, internal/external factors that are impacting your everyday life, or you just need support navigating life and your future, we all need to ask for help and I'd love to help you on your individual journey!
Hi! My name is Kaitlin DiSanti and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselor (CADC) working with clients via telehealth. As a full-time School Social Worker, I love working with children, teens, and young adults who are struggling to find their individual way and learn the importance of asking for help - whether it's experiencing challenges with school, internal/external factors that are impacting your everyday life, or you just need support navigating life and your future, we all need to ask for help and I'd love to help you on your individual journey!
Challenges are an undeniable aspect of life's journey. I am confident that you have already discovered ways to make your challenges easier to deal with, and I am here to provide a harm-reductive approach to refine these solutions to your benefit. I firmly believe that, regardless of the time we spend together, you will always be the foremost expert on yourself. Our work will rely on this expertise, serving as a guiding tool to carve your path toward living a more empowered and meaningful life—whatever that may mean to you.
Challenges are an undeniable aspect of life's journey. I am confident that you have already discovered ways to make your challenges easier to deal with, and I am here to provide a harm-reductive approach to refine these solutions to your benefit. I firmly believe that, regardless of the time we spend together, you will always be the foremost expert on yourself. Our work will rely on this expertise, serving as a guiding tool to carve your path toward living a more empowered and meaningful life—whatever that may mean to you.
John Michael Walsh
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60626
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and have twenty years of experience working with adults, children, and families. I hold a master-of-arts degree in clinical psychology from Loras College of Dubuque Iowa. Upon completion of graduate school, I was successful in establishing a private practice in the community where I was raised.
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and have twenty years of experience working with adults, children, and families. I hold a master-of-arts degree in clinical psychology from Loras College of Dubuque Iowa. Upon completion of graduate school, I was successful in establishing a private practice in the community where I was raised.
I am a Licensed Counselor with 13 years of diverse clinical experience. I work primarily with women experiencing relationship difficulties, life transitions, depression, and anxiety. You may be struggling to communicate with a significant other or looking for a fulfilling relationship. You may be seeking guidance while in a polyamorous / non-monogamous relationship. You may be in the midst of a life transition, feeling lost and overwhelmed, needing compassionate support and direction. Sadness and worry are normal reactions to these struggles, but they don't have to define your reality.
I am a Licensed Counselor with 13 years of diverse clinical experience. I work primarily with women experiencing relationship difficulties, life transitions, depression, and anxiety. You may be struggling to communicate with a significant other or looking for a fulfilling relationship. You may be seeking guidance while in a polyamorous / non-monogamous relationship. You may be in the midst of a life transition, feeling lost and overwhelmed, needing compassionate support and direction. Sadness and worry are normal reactions to these struggles, but they don't have to define your reality.
Christian Younginer
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60646
It is ok to not be ok. As we go through life, stressors increase, anxieties grow, and we can forget what it means to just be. We bring to relationships a lifetime of experiences which can hinder us or help us. Through all of this haze, we can lose sight of taking care of ourselves, understanding our needs, and making choices with those needs in mind. Being a human is a work-in-progress. I see it as an honor to stand with someone as they confront, explore, renovate, and soothe the self. With work, I believe a person can find their shine.
It is ok to not be ok. As we go through life, stressors increase, anxieties grow, and we can forget what it means to just be. We bring to relationships a lifetime of experiences which can hinder us or help us. Through all of this haze, we can lose sight of taking care of ourselves, understanding our needs, and making choices with those needs in mind. Being a human is a work-in-progress. I see it as an honor to stand with someone as they confront, explore, renovate, and soothe the self. With work, I believe a person can find their shine.
Ariana Miserak
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Skokie, IL 60076
I believe therapy is a gift to oneself of a safe space to explore, reflect, understand, and identify what is important. It is necessary to challenge my clients to confront unfinished business within themselves in order to live freely in the present moment. Recognizably, I am not the expert in the therapeutic space—you are. I value collaboratively and energetically working towards a sense of healing and understanding.
I believe therapy is a gift to oneself of a safe space to explore, reflect, understand, and identify what is important. It is necessary to challenge my clients to confront unfinished business within themselves in order to live freely in the present moment. Recognizably, I am not the expert in the therapeutic space—you are. I value collaboratively and energetically working towards a sense of healing and understanding.
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist. In my 25+ years as a psychotherapist I've come to appreciate the wisdom found in various therapeutic models. So I've developed an integrative approach. I believe it's important to tailor the therapy to the individual. Our past, present, and future all influence our choices and behaviors. So I find it helpful to put on trifocals to see where we're at, how we got here, and where we want to go. As social beings our interpersonal relationships are vital to our well-being and happiness. Sometimes our interpersonal style helps us connect with others; sometimes it gets in the way of our relationships. Checking out our personality style is often beneficial. As individuals we are unfolding in our own unique way and I believe there is an inner wisdom that leads us to who we are and what we really desire. Sometimes we get disconnected from ourselves and need to get back in touch by looking inward.
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist. In my 25+ years as a psychotherapist I've come to appreciate the wisdom found in various therapeutic models. So I've developed an integrative approach. I believe it's important to tailor the therapy to the individual. Our past, present, and future all influence our choices and behaviors. So I find it helpful to put on trifocals to see where we're at, how we got here, and where we want to go. As social beings our interpersonal relationships are vital to our well-being and happiness. Sometimes our interpersonal style helps us connect with others; sometimes it gets in the way of our relationships. Checking out our personality style is often beneficial. As individuals we are unfolding in our own unique way and I believe there is an inner wisdom that leads us to who we are and what we really desire. Sometimes we get disconnected from ourselves and need to get back in touch by looking inward.
Life is constantly changing and sometimes challenges arise as a result of this change. This often leads to experiencing feelings and thoughts that add further distress to us. As a therapist I aim to collaborate with you to create a trusting relationship to understand, explore, and better deal with these challenges. I invest in getting to know you and your experiences, understating you within your cultural context, and supporting you in reaching your potentials.
Life is constantly changing and sometimes challenges arise as a result of this change. This often leads to experiencing feelings and thoughts that add further distress to us. As a therapist I aim to collaborate with you to create a trusting relationship to understand, explore, and better deal with these challenges. I invest in getting to know you and your experiences, understating you within your cultural context, and supporting you in reaching your potentials.
Erin Shea Brady
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60640
Waitlist for new clients
The majority of my work centers on trauma and recovery, which can look like a lot of things. I work primarily (but not exclusively!) with LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodivergent folks, and those who have experienced addiction. My practice is strongly aligned with fat liberation and HAES (Health at Every Size). I love working with creative folks or those aiming to pursue something hard/worthwhile. I'm also available to work with other white folks who are looking to engage in anti-racist work.
The majority of my work centers on trauma and recovery, which can look like a lot of things. I work primarily (but not exclusively!) with LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodivergent folks, and those who have experienced addiction. My practice is strongly aligned with fat liberation and HAES (Health at Every Size). I love working with creative folks or those aiming to pursue something hard/worthwhile. I'm also available to work with other white folks who are looking to engage in anti-racist work.
See more therapy options for Lincolnwood
Nearby Gestalt Therapists Searches for Lincolnwood
- Chicago
- Des Plaines
- Evanston
- Glenview
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Northfield
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Skokie
- Wilmette
- Winnetka
Gestalt Therapists
What is gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.
How does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.
How long does gestalt therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.
Does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.