Therapists in Chicago, IL

Perhaps you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or hopeless. But you're also feeling ready for change, which is why you're here. It's common to feel like our thoughts and emotions are in a confusing and tangled knot, whether we have experienced trauma, challenging family dynamics, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, and/or other mental health challenges. What I can do is help you untangle the knot one thread at a time, make sense of these parts, and understand their origins and connections. Most importantly, together we can start to weave a new pattern that suits you, so you feel empowered to live an authentic and fulfilling life.

As we grow and develop as humans, we often find ourselves confronted by issues from the past – issues we may have thought long-resolved. These issues can manifest in our relationship dynamics, our perceptions about ourselves, and our means of coping with our environment. My role is to join you in confronting these things so that you can integrate and learn the lessons these past experiences are meant to teach you. In our work together, you are the expert. You decide what your experiences mean and how they impact the person you are.

I’m Rita and I’m glad you’re here! I specialize in working with young adults (18-35 years old), that identify as artists, creatives, healers and therapists to uncover their motivations, passions, and internal voices. I have advanced training in and specialize in PTSD, Developmental Trauma, and Attachment. Trauma can create global effects on the mind and body, and I work hard, alongside my clients, to remove trauma blocks from their path, in order to clear the way towards the bold lives that they have dreamed for themselves. I utilize EMDR and Somatic Experiencing to help my clients work somatically to heal trauma stored in the body.

In my work, I value authenticity and self-actualization and believe individuals have the inherent knowledge and tools necessary to become better versions of themselves. With this, I aim to serve as a “fellow traveler” - there to assist clients as they navigate their unique journeys. I believe the therapeutic relationship can serve as a springboard to emotional healing, growth and self-discovery and thereby work to build trust and foster empathy with clients. I embrace the ‘here and now and collaborate with clients to identify obstacles that inhibit progress while incorporating tools that allow it.

It can sometimes feel as if our thoughts are overtaking us, sending us down a negative or anxious spiral. In these moments, it can be difficult to think clearly, feel connected to our bodies, or even to take a deep breath. We start to panic, realizing that we are spiraling downwards, which often leads to even more panic. This negative or anxious spiral does not just live in our minds, but also impacts our everyday lives--we can experience difficulty sleeping, flashbacks, changed eating habits, or withdrawal from social activities, among other things.

Are you in a place where you feel the need to make changes in your life to improve your happiness and overall well-being? Maybe it's addressing your social drug/alcohol use, or wondering why you feel stuck, and feel the need to explore your intrinsic wants/needs. I believe there's an importance in empowering one's spirit, identifying blocks, and in learning new skills to strengthen one's ability to make wanted changes. I focus on enhancing existing strengths, encouraging mindfulness, and building coping skills to support these changes.

I work with depression; stress; trauma; life transitions; social & generalized anxiety; neurodivergence (e.g., ADHD & Autism); family stressors; grief; relationship & intimacy issues; LGBTQIA+ individuals; and navigating life as an immigrant and/or person of color. I meet you where you are at. If you would like to know more about what this could mean for you, I encourage you to reach out to me for a free 15-minute consultation.

I'm a warm, compassionate, feminist, LGBT+ and non-judgmental therapist who views treatment as a collaborative approach in which we will work together to transform your relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings. My goal is to support you in the connection with yourself, others, and the world, and also to empower you through compassion. I am bilingual and offer culturally competent services in Spanish and English.

I've seen, heard and personally experienced the difficulty of finding a therapist when you hold marginalized identities. It's an honor for me to be able to provide a unique space for folks like us! I believe that understanding how our culture, gender, society, family, etc. inform our identities allows people to ditch the concepts or social expectations that don’t fit and pursue the ones that feel truly authentic. Let's show up as we are and get some solid work done!

Relationships are challenging and trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, worry, shame and guilt are just some of the things that can hinder you from not only achieving a healthy relationship but also being the best version of yourself. As a Couples and Family therapist I help individuals, couples and families achieve relationship satisfaction, gain a deeper understanding of self and each other and heal from wounds that are negatively impacting the ability to heal. I believe that each individual in a relationship has their own individual thoughts and beliefs that are impacted by childhood and the families we are born into.

I work with individual adults coping with anxiety & mood disorders, life transitions, relationship struggles, stress, family of origin issues, parenting challenges, self-esteem, and more. My approach to counseling is largely direct, and I take an active role in helping you identify the things that are preventing you from living the life you want. It’s important to me that I’m transparent, open and honest with my clients, and I believe this is an essential component of a strong therapeutic relationship. Being authentic is the only way I know how to truly connect with others. This is something I value in myself, as well as my clients.

We all deserve to be happy and fulfilled in our relationships. However, healthy and meaningful relationships do not come without work. Whether it is with your intimate partner, friends, family or coworkers, the quality of our relationships has a direct impact on our mental health. I help individuals understand how their past experiences, sometimes traumatic, impact their present struggles related to anxiety, stress or depression, and often interfere with their ability to cultivate and maintain relationship satisfaction.

I have significant experience with adolescents and families who feel “stuck” in anxiety or panic even to the point of avoiding school, work, or other major life hurdles. I have developed programs and training opportunities for organizations to learn how to use willingness and sitting with discomfort to take actions toward the value path. I have led dozens of groups, trainings, and has supervised numerous psychologists in training.

As a Pakistani-American Muslim woman, I recognize that there is a significant need for counseling services within diverse communities. I'm especially passionate about working with individuals as they navigate major life transitions, such as going college, entering workforce, moving, marriage, parenthood, and so on. I also enjoy working with clients who experience grief and loss. I've worked with clients from various backgrounds and clinical presentations, focusing on addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, family issues, stressors, identity, etc.

I am honored to accompany people on the very personal journey of growth & healing. Life is not easy; it takes courage to share your vulnerabilities in order to unpack hurt, identify inner strengths, and create solutions towards change. My first step is to truly understand your experiences, your perspective on the world, and the unique intersecting identities you bring into the therapeutic space so that I may offer insights or strategies specific to your situation & personality. I frequently treat self-esteem, shame, identity or relationship concerns, women's issues, codependency, and those with a history of abuse or family violence.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who takes a supportive, empathic, and non-judgmental approach with clients to ensure they feel seen and heard above all. Specializing in chronic illness, grief, and loss, I provide a soothing and empowering presence for those experiencing a variety of unique challenges and life transitions. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families on life adjustments, issues of sexual identity, grief and loss, and personal relationships. In addition, I have over 5 years working directly with persons and their care partners impacted by Alzheimer's and other related dementia.

I have provided individual, couples, and family therapy to adults and adolescents for over 18 years. I have experience working with individuals and families from varied ethnic/cultural/sexual orientation backgrounds. My therapeutic orientation includes cognitive behavioral, strengths-based and person-centered approaches. I am a strong believer in "one size does not fit all" and adapt my approach based on client's needs and belief systems. I am supportive but can be directive when the clinical need arises. Currently, I only see clients on Wednesdays. I conduct therapy in Spanish as well.

There are times when we feel stuck and needing some sort of change. We do not always know what that change is. Fears, anxieties, or other obstacles get in the way. We grow frustrated with our inability to create change. Perhaps you are uncertain as to whether you want to continue in your career path. Maybe you are frustrated with your relationship and need to change it, or are considering moving on. Maybe you are continually having difficulties expressing yourself, or in dealing with stress, grief, anxieties, depression, or family/relationship matters.

I have worked with clients from a variety of backgrounds on a wide range of struggles including feelings of depression, academic difficulties, identity exploration, anxiety, family conflict, relationship questions, experiences of discrimination, trauma, and grief and loss. I have also volunteered in the Emergency Room to counsel and advocate for people following sexual assault. As a man of trans experience, I am especially interested in supporting queer and TGNC communities and have a wealth of experience with emerging adults.