Licensed to practice in Illinois and accepts 43 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD and 4 more.
Rachel Sharp
(she/her)
I specialize in helping individuals navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, perfectionism, and low self-esteem, among others. My approach is compassionate, client-centered, and grounded in evidence-based techniques. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions. Whether you're facing a major life transition or simply want to better understand yourself, I'm here to support you every step of the way. My work is grounded in the belief that healing happens in safe, attuned relationships. I integrate attachment theory, EMDR, psychodynamic insight, and emotion-focused techniques to help clients explore the roots of their struggles, process unresolved trauma, and build more fulfilling relationships—with themselves and others. Whether you're working through anxiety, relationship issues, childhood wounds, or overwhelming emotions, I offer a warm and collaborative space where all parts of you are welcome. I use an attachment lens to understand how early experiences shape current patterns, EMDR to target and reprocess painful memories, psychodynamic exploration to uncover unconscious dynamics, and emotion-focused work to deepen emotional awareness and resilience.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
First session or two will be information gathering and assessment as well as rapport/relationship building. I want to leave those two sessions with a deep understanding of what you would like to accomplish in therapy and what past life experiences and relationships have molded you into the person you are today. I will also work to identify strengths and potential obstacles to progress.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Clients have described me as warm, comfortable to talk to, inquisitive. I ask the best questions! Clients who have worked with me previously have stayed in my care for years. If you are new to therapy and are looking for a therapist to guide you and fill the space, I am the person for you!
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am best positioned to serve clients who would like to better regulate their emotions and be in control of/reduce unhelpful inner dialogue. I have extensive experience working with chronic traumatization and am able to help clients eliminate the impact negative past experiences have on their day-to-day life and perceptions. I have worked with emerging adulthood issues and life transitions extensively as well. I have worked also with working professionals who are navigating workplace burnout and navigating setting a health work/life balance in a late capitalism.
Specialties
Top specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Other specialties
Family Conflict
Grief
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
I identify as
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Licensed in
Illinois
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
Cash - $80 per session
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
GTEB
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
UMR - Advocate Aurora Health
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Attachment-based
I explore client's early relationships with primary caregivers and help develop insight into how these early childhood experiences impact adult capacity for intimate connection.
EMDR
I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or commonly abbreviated 'EMDR,' to assist clients with reprocessing traumatic experiences and installing healthier narratives in response to the traumatic event. This treatment approach is especially helpful for clients who have experienced trauma.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I utilize Internal Family Systems, or widely known as 'IFS,' to help clients deepen their understanding of how various life past experiences form 'parts' of self and these parts contribute to unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
I utilize Emotion Focused Therapy to help clients deepen their connection to their emotional responses, viewing our feelings as a crucial compass that helps us navigate our needs in relationships.
2 ratings with written reviews
August 19, 2025
Love working with Dr. Sharp - she is very good at actively listening, providing helpful perspectives and asking thoughtful questions.
Verified client, age 25-34
July 2, 2025
I am so very happy that I came across Rachel. She is very good, sharp, knowledgable, solution-oriented, great ACTIVE listener.