Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL
Ali King, LCPC, earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She went on to work as a behavioral therapist for children with Autism at the Minnesota Autism Center before moving to Chicago and earning her master’s degree in Community Counseling from DePaul University. After graduate school, Ali worked as a therapist at Insight Behavioral Health Center’s residential facility for people struggling with eating disorders, as well as mood disorders. She led groups and supported people with everyday living tasks, as well as general skills coaching and meal management. Ali recently stepped down as the Director of the Young Adult PHP and IOP programs at Compass Health Center where she worked for 8 years in many different roles helping to build the Young Adult program and support the growth of the organization. While at Compass, Ali provided supervision and mentorship to newer clinicians and helped establish the group curriculum they currently use, as well as instituting effective policies and protocols. While at Compass, she received the award for Continuous Improvement, which highlights her drive and dedication to learning and growth. For over a decade, she has been providing person-centered, solution-focused, skills-based care. Her direct though nurturing, fun, and empathetic approach, is well received and has shown tangible results for her clients. With consistent encouragement and support, clients feel safe to explore their values and to learn successful coping strategies to improve their lives. While Ali has a passion for working with young adults through the tough transitions they face, she also appreciates working with adolescents and adults. She is well-versed in helping people manage struggles with self-esteem, relationships, low motivation, and simply feeling “stuck”. Ali is adept at working with clients with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, psychosis and substance use struggles. She has extensive experience working with DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and often incorporates these modalities into her eclectic therapeutic approach. Ali is currently accepting new clients virtually and at the downtown Chicago location.
I understand how overwhelming change can feel. As a relationship therapist, I believe you are not broken or damaged. I am here to help you make sense of who you are based off your life experiences and relationships. When you come to session, we’ll work together to help you see and celebrate your value as an individual, partner, and friend creating lasting, positive change for yourself and relationships. With years of experience in therapeutic classrooms, daycare centers, housing shelters for at-risk youth and families, and as a prevention specialist in middle and high school settings, I bring a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to my practice. I specialize in working with young adults and women, focusing on self-esteem, identity, societal expectations, and gender roles in relationships. I also address family of origin issues, including attachment wounds and intergenerational trauma, while integrating anxiety management, mindfulness, and emotion-focused therapy. I earned my B.A. in Family and Human Services, along with Spanish, from the University of Oregon and my M.A. in Couple and Family Therapy at Adler University. I also hold a certification in Trauma-Informed Care from St. Vincent DePaul and am a proud member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). My supervisor is Brittney Brooks, AMFT.
My therapeutic process is rooted in the values of openness, acceptance, and collaboration. I believe that accessing what genuinely exists inside ourselves helps us to know who we really are. I draw from various therapeutic approaches, focusing on the mind-body-spirit connection, to illuminate underlying issues, free up blocks, and heal old wounds. My goal is supporting clients in their efforts to discover and become more fully the person they were created to be. Being a recreational triathlete and endurance sports participant has drawn my focus towards the biopsychosocial approach to one’s overall health and wellbeing.
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I have a profound belief in the strength and resilience of the human condition. Each person carries a vast amount of internal resources that may, at times, feel distant or even inaccessible. My role as a therapist is to help clients utilize their strengths in a way that leads to tangible, impactful progress. Together, we will collaborate on how our sessions can be personalized in a way that meets your specific goals. I lead with an insight-oriented approach because understanding our thought processes and emotional responses enable us to live with both agency and intention. To capture the complexity of the human experience, we can draw from various methods (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and Internal Family Systems), each of which serves a unique purpose. At the center of my work is a warm, accepting, and intuitive presence. I encourage my clients to speak freely, as I greatly value their experience of themselves and the world around them.
I can work with a variety of clients who are looking for an empathic connection which allows them to understand themselves better and solve problems. Students I have seen are dealing with academic pressures, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, transitions, self esteem etc. Each situation is unique.
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For Real Therapy is a culturally, creatively and community inspired group practice. We value and emphasize clients coming from diverse / intersectional backgrounds including: QTBIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and first generation immigrants. For Real Therapy is rooted in the belief that therapy is a political act -- where resilience and rest are supported simultaneously. It is a practice for people who recognize the ripple effect of their impact on the world at large, and why it is integral to commit to the work of intentional self-healing to relate to yourself so you can best relate to others.
Susan offers online therapy for ADHD, depression, and anxiety for students within Illinois. She offers coaching, for which insurance will not pay, to provide accountability toward the student's goals. Using a strengths-based and solution-focused perspective, she helps students calm their minds so they can focus, stay organized, and coach themselves toward their social and academic goals. Susan works with college and graduate students with the following concerns: -social anxiety -perfectionism -self-criticism and self-compassion -talking out career or graduate program decisions -relationship concerns -family issues, including anger, grief, developing an identity that may conflict with parents' identities. Sessions can be held during the weekday or Saturday morning. Sessions are typically 50-minutes long.
There is no denying that we live in a world steeped in struggles with food and body image. Whether these issues are severely impacting your life or simply hard for you to manage right now, I’m here to help. I have been a registered dietitian specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and disordered eating for almost 10 years. I’d love to work with you on your journey to heal your relationship with food, no matter your diagnosis or lack thereof. I have experience treating a wide variety of eating disorders, including EDNOS, AN, BN, BED, ARFID etc. I work with all ages, all sizes, all ability levels, all genders, all races, all religious backgrounds, and all cultures because eating disorders do not discriminate and neither does treatment for them. We can do this together. I didn’t always know this was my passion. Having studied Psychology as an undergraduate at Central Michigan University and obtaining my first Bachelor’s degree in 2004, I was unsure what my calling was. I took some time to gain some real-world experience and it wasn’t until several years later that I realized my passion for food and nutrition. In 2010, I went back to school to study nutrition and dietetics at Michigan State University. It was there that I learned about Health at Every Size for the first time, and I knew exactly how I was going to perfectly blend my newfound passion for nutrition, my psychology background, and my years of experience working service jobs – I decided then that I would be part of a revolution to break the self-hatred cycle that diet culture feeds us all and that we unwittingly pass on to each other by helping people learn food freedom, and I have never looked back. After obtaining a Bachelors in Nutrition, I went on to participate in an eating disorder-specialized dietetic internship and graduate program at Northern Illinois University, where I received my Masters in Nutrition. I have since worked in all levels of eating disorder treatment and have become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist/ Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Supervisor through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals and I am a Supervisor for other professionals treating eating disorders. This is what I do and I’d love to do it with you.
You may feeling like you are not supported, seen or heard by others. You could be feeling alone, frustrated or hurt. Perhaps you’ve been putting others’ needs first and allowing no space for yourself. This could lead to burnout, frustration or even depression. You deserve to have someone listen to you, and someone to talk to who is not judging you, your feelings or your situation. You can have space and time for yourself. I have always been drawn to helping people since I was a very young age. I know what it is like to feel frustrated with your everyday reality and fumbling to figure out what is the next best step forward. Through my own experience and work environment, I can firsthand confirm how helpful it is to lean on someone. I provide a warm, understanding, and grounded presence. I strongly encourage people to have self-love and acceptance as we begin to talk through problems and concerns. I'm dedicated to helping people shift towards the changes they want to see. I understand how difficult it is not to feel like yourself or be understood by others. You are not alone and deserve to be heard. I am dedicated to creating a healing space where we can explore your unique experiences, perspectives, and obstacles. I am here to support you no matter what you are coping with. Let’s work through things together.
I am a Spanish Speaking Bilingual Couple and Family Therapist Intern passionate about assisting Families and Couples in building healthy connections to their community, families and partner(s). My goal is to facilitate effective communication, enhance understanding, and provide tools for resolving conflicts and improving overall relationship satisfaction.
KB & Associates is a multicultural practice with clinicians that look like you. We work with you in exploring your identity, growing your self esteem, and finding healing. We welcome you free of judgement, providing helpful tools for you to use to process your feelings and connect the dots. We are client focused and aim to provide you with what you need to move forward. Personal Introduction: The pain that currently exists in your life may feel like a weighted blanket, but it’s vital to remind yourself that the pain will not last forever. My name is Naseem and I’m a clinical mental health therapist based in Chicago, IL with about 2 years of therapy experience. I am a first generation Palestinian-American with parents born and raised in Palestine. Growing up, my parents never spoke about the importance of mental health, only physical health. Looking back on my childhood and the knowledge I gained over time, I learned that one can affect the other; both of them are equally important and are important for improving overall health. I identify as a queer Palestinian woman. In my culture, discussing mental health-related topics is foreign. One of the main reasons why I chose to pursue therapy as a career path is to be that first step in normalizing conversations on mental health in cultures that don’t discuss it enough like my own. It wasn’t until my adult years that I learned keeping my thoughts to myself 24/7 is doing more harm than good. My parents always told me to “get over it” and I found that wasn’t working for me anymore as I got older. My parents did not have the same opportunities as I do today when they were living in Palestine; they are another main reason why I chose this path. I received my bachelor’s from University of Illinois at Chicago (or UIC) in Psychology and my master’s from Adler University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I also hold a certificate in sex therapy from Adler University as well. In my past and most recent clinical experiences, I had the privilege and pleasure of working with individuals from the BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disability community dealing with difficult life transitions, relationship problems (including infidelity), gender identity exploration/issues, grief/loss, and trauma (including racial and generational trauma). As your therapist, I will help you tap into your inner resources and power so you are able to create and experience a much more fulfilling relationship with the people around you, your life, and, most importantly, yourself. Within my work, I mainly utilize a narrative and person-centered approach. In our therapy space, your safety and comfortability is a top priority. Our space is highly collaborative as well; I want to know how I can best support you as you learn how to support yourself. Lastly, one of my favorite poets, Yung Pueblo, once said “I cannot make you happy, but I can commit to support you in the creation of your own happiness.” Together, we will do exactly that. A little about me (because I am human after all): Outside of work, I enjoy playing with my pup, meeting up with friends and family, reading, painting, playing wordle, and watching 90 day fiancé every Sunday (can’t miss it!).
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Hi! We're Harris Clinical Group. A group of counselors who are dedicated to quality and ethical care. Whatever you're going through, our goal is to provide a safe and confidential place to heal and grow. We are available for in person or telehealth appointments at this time.
Many of the clients I work best with are thoughtful, curious individuals who are seeking a deeper understanding of themselves. They may be struggling with relationships, feeling stuck in patterns they don’t quite understand, or carrying emotions that feel overwhelming or confusing. Often, they’ve tried to “figure things out” on their own but are ready for something more meaningful and supportive. What they tend to have in common is a desire to be truly seen and heard—not just to fix a problem, but to grow through it. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that change happens in relationship—with a therapist who is present, attuned, and deeply respectful of your experience. I work well with people who are open to exploring the layers beneath their struggles, even if they don’t have all the words for it yet. If you're looking for a space where you can be yourself without judgment, and where your story will be met with care and curiosity, you might feel at home here.
As a biracial, first-generation American, I know what it’s like to sometimes feel torn in different directions and unsure how to navigate. I care deeply about helping people accept and embrace multicultural and/or queer identities. I firmly believe we all deserve to be represented, feel seen, and live truthfully without being weighed down by guilt. I use a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to support people in addressing challenges with curiosity as we explore questions of how and where we fit in.
The distressing problems that bring you to therapy will later be revealed as the unlikely pathways towards a well-lived life. Pervasive sadness, suicidal thoughts, the heaviness on your shoulders are your psyche’s misunderstood messengers to summon you on a healing journey. Your symptoms have meaning and we will work together to understand them. In therapy, we will first work together to establish a sense of stability: from the first session, we’ll build a trusting relationship that offers a much-needed space for your concerns. You may benefit at this initial stage by simply having a trustworthy ear to hear. As a psychotherapist, I hold the tension of psychotherapy as a mysticism and a science. But it is no snake oil: community, storytelling, and self-exploration are the elixirs which lead to healing. If you would like to learn more about my approach, see if we may be a good fit, or schedule a session, please contact me today by call, text message, or email.
Alexandra obtained her Masters of Art Therapy and Counseling from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Throughout her career, Alexandra has worked with clients in all stages of life from childhood to older adulthood. She has worked in continuing care communities as well as residential and private practice settings. During her time working in residential level-of-care, she led groups based in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (CBT). She is particularly passionate about working with grief & loss, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Alexandra’s therapeutic style is integrative through the use of a person-centered lens that can incorporate DBT, CBT, and ACT modalities. She approaches sessions with clients through collaboration to develop interventions that meet the needs and interests of each individual while highlighting each client’s strengths. Alexandra uses ACT through an existential perspective, supporting client’s actions and decisions in connection with each individual’s values to create meaningful experiences throughout life. In the therapeutic relationship, she utilizes a relational approach while also finding moments to incorporate humor. One of her favorite parts of being a mental health professional is to witness growth in clients and celebrating their successes. Throughout her career Alexandra has specialized in working with clients experiencing anxiety and depression through the use of interventions such as Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Behavioral Activations (BA), developing coping skills, and managing critical thoughts. She assists clients navigate perfectionism and build self-esteem while addressing concerns in relationships to build communication and boundary-setting. Alexandra’s path to becoming a therapist began with explorations in the benefits of artmaking in mental health through art therapy. She has developed extensive knowledge of art materials and methods such as painting, fiber arts, and ceramics. Alexandra can use art therapy with clients as a form of communication, self-expression, or assist in emotional regulation. She previously developed an art therapy curriculum when working in a residential setting to assist clients in continuing to build skills as well as creating further opportunities for creative expression.