Grief Therapists in Chicago, IL

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 am a licensed clinical psychologist at Bridgepoint Psychology Center and work with adults, children, and adolescents. I am honored to journey with you through challenging life transitions. My work is grounded in existential therapy, however I draw from narrative, trauma-informed, and grief focused therapies to meet the individual and unique needs of the clients in my care. Whether I am working with an adult or a child, I believe therapy should be transparent, genuine, and always collaborative. Pronouns (She/Her/Hers)

For forty years I have worked as a therapist addressing a broad array of concerns. Forming a solid working relationship is the foundation of all therapeutic change. No matter where someone is in the life cycle, the search for meaning and purpose always remains an essential endeavor. Learning how to take care of ourselves is the task of a lifetime. A shared exploration of the past opens the way to a deeper understanding of the present and inspires hope for shaping the future. My intent is to identify barriers to change, work towards their removal, and engender personal advancement.

Culturally Competent Therapy specializes in building trust and a therapeutic alliance with their clients, so they are prepared to do the work. Clients, often including licensed therapists, feel accepted to be themselves in a safe environment. Individualized tailored approaches include culturally sensitive cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic approaches to treatment that may challenge the client's belief system. I enjoy helping clients of all backgrounds discover the root of their problems and understanding the value of cultural factors such as family, race, socio-economic status, work/career demands, and integration of faith.

I believe intently in the power of your narrative, the beauty of your lived experience, and enjoy the privilege of working within the intersectionality of identity, human need, and complex emotions. My expertise includes working with adults and teens experiencing depression, anxiety, difficulties in their romantic partnerships, and grief along with navigating daily life.

Taking the first step to engage in counseling is a courageous one. I’m so glad you’re here! I am committed to guiding you toward self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. I bring a compassionate and client-centered approach to therapy, allowing you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and relationships in a safe, non-judgmental space.

Are you living with drop-you-to-your-knees heart pain? Does your body ache with little ease and relaxation? Do you find your life experiences difficult to accept? Will you be open and curious as we witness and support your inner healing intelligence? If this resonates with you, we know we can do healing work together!

My style of therapy is best suited towards clients who hope to develop a meaningful therapeutic relationship that can be used to better understand and address uncomfortable feelings and problematic relational patterns. By helping clients talk about disappointing and hurtful relationships throughout their lives, I have been amazed to see how well clients can make sense of what once seemed confusing and disorienting, ultimately moving forward with greater confidence. Additionally, I have a deep respect for the healing process that ensues when people can express their feelings and thoughts free of fear or inhibition.

I work with children, adolescents, and adults to navigate their experiences with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and life transitions through a multicultural and trauma-informed lens. I have experience working with women experiencing grief, domestic violence, and spiritual concerns. I believe therapeutic growth takes place when we begin to look within at our innermost thoughts, feelings, and desires. My psychodynamic approach will allow us to directly address your inner challenges and conflicts that have been causing suffering in your life in the context of a safe, supportive, and accepting therapeutic relationship.

In our lives, the journey we travel each day can be quite overwhelming, terrifying, feeling isolated, or too difficult to carry. You could be consumed persistently with worry and concern for self or others. Have you found that feelings of joy and happiness are not within reach due to significant changes or loss in your life? Have you reached a point where you have a feeling of optimism and ready to take the steps towards wellness in your life, I am the therapist for you.

Are you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed, as if you have lost control over your own life and are unsure how to get back on track? It happens to all of us sometimes. Our minds can be our biggest enemies, where our expectations get the best of us. Allow me to collaborate with you in order to unpack your thoughts and emotions to gradually make adjustments to help you become a stronger version of yourself.

The most important thing I want potential clients to know is that I truly love doing therapy and sincerely care about the people I with work with. The belief that clients can create greater self awareness, insight and transformation through a non-judgmental, safe and compassionate relationship is the foundation of my approach. By providing an open and collaborative space, clients can explore their thought patterns, emotional/somatic states and behavioral experience to promote meaningful changes. I bring a warm smile, a curious, gentle, down to earth manner, a sense of humor and an authentic self into the therapy room.

Growth and change are a natural part of living, yet they can be difficult to manage. Stillness and repetition are also natural and difficult at times. Maybe you seek to feel more alive, or respond differently to the unexpected. Maybe you seek to be more still. Or maybe you just have a sense that something is not right. Therapy is a relationship that allows exploration, curiosity, and relief. Together, we will find a creative way through the obstacles you face. I look forward to working with you as life unfolds in new and wonderful ways.

It is my focus to emphasize the development of a trusting relationship to create a safe space for the therapeutic process. With a servant’s heart, I takes pride in working with clients in a collaborative effort to explore feelings, identify needs and create goals. I utilizes a holistic approach to address the functional, emotional and psychosocial health of the client.

I enjoy working with young adults and professionals who feel stuck and are desiring change. I believe we all are capable of leading a happy and fulfilling life, and with the right support and tools we can! I am passionate about working with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, work/life stressors, self-esteem, and relationship issues.

I am licensed in Illinois, Utah, and Kansas and currently seeing clients online on telehealth. I have over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, aging, depression, grief, and loss. I currently teach full-time at the University of St. Mary in the Social Work department. I see clients in the evenings and on weekends because I am very passionate about clinical social work and about helping people and I love seeing my own clients when I can.

There are times when life's challenges keep us from being our better selves. It is during these times that meaningful support can help you achieve a balanced perspective and emotional well-being. Through patient centered, collaborative and gentle support, you will gain a better understanding of yourself and your relationships. In my office, I see you, NOT a diagnosis. I see your desire to heal, and grow, your strengths and opportunities to change. Our work together will lead to improved coping strategies, an improved outlook and the life you've longed for.

Derek values establishing the therapeutic relationship as a means to providing a safe, nonjudgmental, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients can contemplate new perspectives, and regain more balanced, satisfying, and fulfilling life. In his experience as a hospice grief counselor, he has helped and supported individuals and families struggling with grief, health challenges, isolation and loneliness, relationship concerns, major life transitions and crisis.

As a first generation immigrant, I recognize the unique experience individuals face in life. I am passionate about delivering quality care and service to my clients. I hopes to provide support to anyone who is going through a confusing phase or hardship. I specialize in working young adults, adults, older adults and families dealing with complex trauma, family dynamics, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, stress, phase-of-life changes, grief and loss, as well as children with ADHD and autism.