Therapists in Chicago, IL

Is life becoming increasingly unmanageable, leaving you feeling empty, or as if you’re just going through the motions? Do you find yourself using substances to cope with difficult emotions or stressors? The ups and downs that come with the human experience can often be difficult to navigate, especially when we feel as though we have to face these challenges alone. I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone in what you are going through. I believe that there is always hope, even in life’s darkest moments.

There are a few golden threads tying us together, serving as reminders of our most universal experience; a desire to be truly seen and heard by others, and to understand ourselves. To pursue these ideals, often, means you may be feeling lost, as if you're constantly performing for others or on display, lonesome, a lack of authenticity, as if there's a disconnect between you and "them", an inability to form or maintain meaningful, stable relationships, frustration, shame, self-hatred, self-sabotaging patterns of behavior. The connection between these is the healing in-between. One requires the other and you don't have to go it alone.

I am passionate about helping empower my clients effect change in their lives, as well as working with individuals who have struggled to be successful with other therapists. Change is possible, and I aim to provide access quality to mental healthcare service to those looking for healing and personal growth. I believe we stay stuck in patterns, until we become aware of how histories impact our present day functioning, and opt to make changes.

Sometimes we all feel a little bit broken, we can get so caught up in what's going wrong or what's not working. Sometimes life get's hard, too much stress at home or work, relationship issues, grief and loss, addiction, depression, anxiety or feeling like we have just lost our way. No matter what is going on, you have taken that first step and you have come to the right place.

“Everybody needs somebody…” Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (IL) and a National Certified Counselor (2023). I have just moved to Chicago and am excited to build my caseload at Begin Within Therapy Inc. I earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Holy Cross New Orleans, LA, while simultaneously studying nondirective play therapy at Loyola University New Orleans, LA. I have a background in telehealth, individuals in-person, and group counseling. While serving the city of New Orleans, my clients were primarily middle-schoolers, first responders, and dual-diagnosis chemical dependents.

The basis of an ideal client in my lens does not have a select issue. Everyone has their own life challenges and emotional weight they carry with them. In the end, what I want for my clients is a common goal to be the best version of themselves they can be while being open-minded in facing tasks related to that goal. Whether it is an interpersonal relationship problem, anxiety, substance abuse, etc; the ultimate goal is to be better in comparison to yourself yesterday rather than someone else. That common ideal goal is what I aim for with every client I work with through the use of problem-solving strategies and coping mechanisms.

I have been a licensed psychologist and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Illinois since 2007. I am now licensed as a psychologist in Arizona. I have worked with numerous clients and issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, chronic illness, LGBT issues, and dual diagnosis disorders to name a few. I enjoy working with chronic issues as well as adults going through a major stressor or major life change. My goal is to have you feel understood and to understand yourself more fully and empathically. Therapy is all about healing.

I am a compassionate trauma-informed therapist that primarily works with individuals struggling with trauma/PTSD, ADHD, neurodivergent issues, relationship issues, chronic pain, physical disability, partner violence, substance abuse, anxiety, stress, depression, cultural identity, cultural/intergenerational conflicts, family conflicts, and other issues. As a daughter of South Asian immigrants, I have always been interested in working with traditionally overlooked communities. I have worked with individuals with dual diagnosis, domestic violence survivors, veterans, and LGBTQIA individuals.

Derek is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and respected expert in his field. He is also fully trained in EMDR Therapy. In addition to two bachelor degrees, one from Kalamazoo College and the other from University of Wisconsin-Madison, Derek also holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University. Derek has worked extensively with people suffering from all types of addictions as well as depression, anxiety and dual diagnosis. He believes in collaborating with his clients and "It all works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end"

As one of the first in-home addiction treatment providers in the country, we are an excellent fit for those struggling with substance abuse and/or mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress who want to remain engaged in positive forces in their lives (work, family) while they recover. Our clients also value the privacy and convenience that our treatment program offers. Of course, there should not be a one-size-fits-all approach to addiction treatment, as you have unique needs and goals. To that end, our clients have a dedicated team of addiction professionals to provide psychiatry, medication, and counseling services as appropriate, over the course of an entire year. Not only are we able to more precisely tailor your recovery program than other addiction treatment providers, but we also help you learn and practice coping skills in the environment in which your sobriety will be tested.

The past few years have been incredibly difficult for everyone, regardless of background or finances. In my practice I strive to create a warm and welcoming space where we can curiously and compassionately explore your concerns. I genuinely believe that you are the expert in your own life, and my goal is to assist you with discovering and deciding how to live your best life. Throughout the pandemic I was specializing in working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use, isolation, interpersonal conflict, and grief.

Alexander Bauman is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) based in Illinois. Holding an MSW from the University of Kentucky and a BSW from Northeastern Illinois University, Alexander has amassed experience working with dual diagnosis substance abuse mental health clients in inpatient settings. His diverse therapeutic expertise includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and more.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) whose areas of focus include, but are not limited to: substance abuse/dual diagnosis, major depression and anxiety, personality disorders, PTSD/complex trauma, relationships, coping skills, low self-esteem, and adjustment disorders. My clinical background includes work in individual, couples, family, and group settings. I believe in providing an unbiased, non-judgmental space for my client's to process and grow. I am passionate about working with clients with diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds and believe cultural competency to be an essential part of best practice.

I'm passionate about helping my clients navigate life's journey, be it depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief and loss, strained relationships or employment struggles. I specialize in substance abuse and grief. I work with dual-diagnosis clients and understand the genetic and environmental component of addiction and how individuals may self-medicate for unresolved issues in their lives. In addition, I'm trained as a Grief Counselor and work with clients experiencing grief and loss. I believe in allowing clients a space to grieve.

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and board certified registered art therapist. I specialize in working with people who want to examine their relationships with themselves, with others, and with substances. You may want to reach out to me if you are looking for a therapist who is both knowledgeable and nonjudgmental about substance use or other stigmatized behaviors. Additionally, I offer psychedelic integration and pre- and post-ritual counseling.

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These are unprecedented times that we are living in, and there continues to be so much of the unknown out there and we all need help from others, especially now. So many people have been in isolation, and I feel that connection is vital to healing. I believe the ideal healing environment is one where you feel safe, respected, supported and valued. I work very hard to create this kind of space, especially as we are first getting to know each other. We all need to be heard and feel like someone understands what we are going through. I strive to offer this kind of understanding.

Scott focuses on helping successful career and family-driven individuals achieve their goals to create a well-rounded and balanced life. Scott believes that many day-to-day troubles can be linked back to broader uncertainties and developmental traumas that contribute to insecurities and doubt. Scott specializes in working with clients to create specific treatment plans and goals to address these seemingly unanswerable questions and traumas using evidenced-based practices such as:

If you are seeking support in your journey towards a more empowered and fulfilling life, I am happy to non-judgmentally walk alongside you as a compassionate source of empathy, objectivity, and accountability throughout the process. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and trained addictions therapist who is passionate about holistic wellness. I am dedicated to helping clients develop the insight, coping skills, and self-compassion necessary to become a happy and whole version of themselves.