IFS Therapy Therapists in Chicago, IL

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy is a transformative approach that helps individuals connect with and harmonize the different “parts” of their inner world. By cultivating self-compassion and understanding, IFS empowers clients to heal past wounds and navigate emotional conflicts with greater clarity. With 17 IFS-trained therapists in Chicago, IL, you can access expert support tailored to fostering self-awareness, balance, and personal growth. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is currently accepting new clients, offering timely availability for this unique and empowering therapeutic journey.

Availability updated: 5/2/2026

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New to Grow

Intelligent
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Life Transitions
Trauma and PTSD
+7
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults and young adults navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Many of the people I work with are thoughtful and self-aware, but still feel stuck in patterns they don’t fully understand or know how to change. My approach is relational, collaborative, and tailored to you. I integrate EMDR and parts-based work to help clients better understand themselves, process meaningful experiences, and feel more grounded in how they move through their lives. Together, we’ll focus on making sense of what’s coming up for you - both in the present and beneath the surface - so that change feels more natural, sustainable, and aligned with who you are.
Available
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Authentic
Empowering
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Parenting
Trauma and PTSD
+7
As a trauma-informed therapist and practice owner, I specialize in helping individuals navigate the impact of their trauma, especially family and childhood trauma/abuse, anxiety, and major life adjustments. Therapy is a collaborative partnership and I aim to provide a trusting and safe environment where you feel supported by your clinician. I look forward to meeting you and seeing if we are a good fit for on another.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+6
Hello! I aim to help you grow through what you go through. I’m someone who truly values depth, authenticity, and connection, and I show up to this work with a lot of curiosity and care. I genuinely want to understand you, not just what you are going through, but how you experience the world. I’m driven by compassion and empathy, and I focus on building a strong, trusting relationship where you feel safe enough to be real, whether that looks messy, uncertain, or still unfolding. I’m not here to judge or “fix” you, but to walk alongside you as you make sense of your experiences, connect more deeply with yourself, and move toward a life that feels more aligned and fulfilling. My approach is strengths-based, holistic, and tailored to you as an individual. I draw from modalities like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, somatic techniques, and parts work, depending on what best fits your needs and goals. I believe in meeting you where you are, validating your experiences, and helping you uncover your own insight, strengths, and direction. My goal is to create a space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow into the version of yourself that feels most authentic to you.
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Warm
Empowering
Holistic

Specialties

Family Conflict
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
+10
Have you ever felt like you were busy doing all the things you thought would bring you a happy life, yet felt alone and disconnected from yourself and others? These feelings are often when people turn to alcohol, drugs, food, shopping or relationships to try to create those feelings of happiness, contentment and joy. It can work for a short time however the key to moving forward is to understand the reasons we seek out these distractions. When we strengthen the relationship with ourselves, the outer world becomes much more balanced and fulfilling. Through slowing down and reconnecting with our mind, body and spirit we can feel more confident to face life events with a more stable and hopeful core sense of self. I specialize in treating relationship issues, addiction/substance abuse, depression, anxiety, job related issues, couples treatment and divorce recovery
VirtualAvailable
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Empowering
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hello and welcome. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling to manage stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to go through it on your own. I provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel comfortable opening up at your own pace. Whether you’re navigating trauma, substance use, depression, anxiety, or self-esteem challenges, my goal is to help you feel heard, understood, and supported. With nearly 20 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and certification as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, I work with individuals to build practical skills for healing and growth. Together, we’ll focus on self-awareness, emotional regulation, healthy boundaries, communication, and lasting change. Reaching out can feel difficult, but it’s an important first step. I’m here to walk alongside you and support you as you move toward greater clarity, healing, and emotional well-being I invite you to schedule your first session so we can begin this journey together!
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Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

LGBTQ
Men's Issues
School Issues
+10
Matthew English LCSW, RYT (Registered yoga teacher) is dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey towards emotional well-being and personal growth. Matthew brings an expertise to his practice, with a strong background in cognitive behavioral therapy, emotion focused therapy, and mindfulness practices. He specializes in areas such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, school challenges, and trauma. Primarily working with people of color, the lgbtqia+ community, and men.
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Open-minded
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Addiction
Coping Skills
Trauma and PTSD
Welcome. I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counsellor (LCPC) in Illinois with a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology, post graduate certifications in : marriage and family therapy, IFS, addictions/ codepencedncy, family therapy, breathwork, DBT, group, and and trauma therapy, practicing for 40 years. I assist clients in their healing, recovery, and increased agency. I will work with individuals and the systems within which they operate.
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Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
+5
I am a licensed clinical social worker with a diverse background in mental health care across various settings and states. Outpatient therapy and telehealth therapy services are my primary focus. My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, understanding, and respect for each client's unique experiences and emotions. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where individuals can explore their challenges, build resilience, and work toward meaningful change.
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Challenging
Humorous

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Men's Issues
+3
Welcome! There is no beauty in "settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living." It is time to be courageous and see what might be causing you to settle. In the midst, I will use cognitive behavioral because I know it therapy works in actual clinical practice. While it may require hope, perseverance, and patience, you'll be glad you did! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Illinois, Colorado, and Florida. I received a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University (NU). I am trained with a systemic view of change, using empirically-based information that the profession and I know works. Additionally, I have a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling, focusing on Marriage and Family from Liberty University, obtaining clinical training in faith-based solutions. The convergence of ideologies from these two schools helps my aspirational core values of acceptance, appreciation, diversity and inclusion.
VirtualAvailable
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Empowering
Warm
Open-minded

Specialties

Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety
Dissociative Disorders
Hi! I am Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and have been in the field since 2016. I have a passion for helping people release stress and trauma being stored in the body. I enjoy working with couples and individuals from a trauma and dissociation-informed lens. I have experience working with PTSD, CPTSD, OSDD, and DID. I integrate evidence-based practices, including somatic work, EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, and Ego State Therapy. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I also have experience integrating faith in sessions for those who are interested.
VirtualAvailable
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Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Life Transitions
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hi, I’m Nancy Paz Welsh, a bilingual (English & Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving clients in Maryland, Virginia, and Illinois. As a proud second-generation American of Salvadoran descent, I’m passionate about advocating for mental health awareness and normalizing therapy as an essential part of overall well-being. I specialize in helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion, curiosity, and evidence-based support. My goal is to create a safe, affirming space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. Together, we’ll build on your strengths, develop effective coping strategies, and foster greater self-awareness to support lasting, meaningful growth. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. My therapeutic style is warm and collaborative, combining empathy with gentle accountability to help you make progress at your own pace. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and I’m here to meet you exactly where you are—without judgment. Whether you’re overwhelmed by emotions or simply seeking more balance, I’ll walk alongside you with compassion and curiosity as you move toward the life you want. Outside of therapy, I’m a wife, mom to two toddlers, and dog mom of three—so life is rarely quiet! I enjoy reading, video games, trying new foods, and teaching my kids about their Salvadoran roots (yes, they’re already pupusa fans). My self-care must-haves? Coffee strong enough to launch a spaceship, food that makes me dance, podcasts that keep me grounded, and laughs that double as ab workouts! If you’re ready to explore new perspectives and make meaningful change, I’d be honored to support you on that journey!
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Addiction
Mood Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I am a licensed mental health and addiction counselor with a background in the psychobiology of addiction and a strong focus on helping individuals create meaningful, lasting change. My work blends evidence-based therapy with a trauma-informed, nervous-system-aware approach, recognizing that healing often involves more than insight alone. I am Level 1 Trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and use parts-based work to help clients understand internal patterns with curiosity and compassion rather than self-judgment. I am also a Certified Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and Rest & Restore Protocol provider through Unyte Listening Therapies, offering listening-based interventions that support nervous system regulation, emotional resilience, and a greater sense of safety and connection—particularly for individuals impacted by trauma, anxiety, or chronic stress. My therapeutic style is collaborative, supportive, and individualized. I work primarily with adults navigating addiction, emotional regulation challenges, relational difficulties, and life transitions. Together, we focus on increasing self-awareness, strengthening internal resources, and building skills that support sustainable change both inside and outside of therapy.
VirtualOffers in-person in Kankakee, IL - Accepting clients in ILAvailable
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Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+3
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), my mission is to guide individuals on a journey back to their innate wisdom, compassion, peace, and confidence. I often think of the story of Michelangelo, who described sculpting as the act of chipping away marble to reveal the beauty already within. This metaphor beautifully captures the counseling process: together, we identify and remove the barriers obscuring your true SELF, allowing your inner brilliance to shine through. My approach is rooted in deep compassion for the human experience. I bring to our work a blend of trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices, enriched by certifications in Mind-Body Bridging, Cognitively-Based Compassion Training, and Cultivating Emotional Balance. I draw from powerful therapeutic frameworks, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Mindful Self-Compassion, and Compassionate Inquiry, tailoring each session to meet your unique needs.
VirtualAvailable
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Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
+10
I’m Heather Freed, LCSW, founder of Freed Minds. As a therapist, former executive, wife, and mom, I understand how easy it is for capable women to lose themselves in responsibility, relationships, and the pressure to keep it all together. I specialize in helping high-responsibility women move beyond burnout, overfunctioning, and self-neglect through holistic, trauma-informed therapy that supports healing of mind, body, and spirit. My goal is to help you build a life that feels more peaceful, grounded, and true to who you are.
VirtualAvailable
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Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
LGBTQ
+10
My name is Liliana Gómez, and I am a bilingual (Spanish & English) and bicultural clinical social worker. At the heart of my profession lies a commitment to holistic health, where integrating mind, body, and spirit is paramount. If you are struggling to manage mental illness and/or physical chronic illnesses, I can help you navigate the feelings that arise and teach you practical skills. I believe healing is relational and that the relationship to ourselves is the most important relationship there is so if you are interested in enhancing your relationships feel free to reach out. My hope is that together we can develop a plan to make life a little less overwhelming and more enjoyable. I provide individual therapy emphasizing strengths-based, client-centered, and trauma informed approaches for diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. I generally practice from a relational lens and integrate evidenced based practices such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), solution-focused brief therapy, and internal family systems (IFS). I also like to incorporate community resources and collaborate with natural supports.
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Authentic
Empowering
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
+8
Hi there, I'm Tom. Are you feeling stuck in your journey of development and improvement? I walk alongside men and women and provide thoughtful insights and an empathetic, non-judgemental ear to help identify and work through roadblocks to growth. I believe in treating, in addition to the symptom, the cause of our pain to help promote healing. Additionally, I have experience working with Internal Family Systems, OCD, couples therapy and faith-based issues, alongside other therapeutic methods. I look forward to hearing your story.
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Warm
Empowering
Holistic

Specialties

Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
+12
"Hello! I'm a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, an expert on trauma & complex trauma (CPTSD) resolution, developmental trauma, attachment & attachment repair, parts work, and nervous system regulation. I believe in a holistic approach to therapy, and I integrate traditional talk therapy with experiential therapies that aid in better nervous system regulation, healing, and overall relief of symptoms. Experiential, brain-based healing & somatic therapies can help accelerate change and often reduce time in counseling. I specialize in biologically based healing, which assists in resolving trauma symptoms that are frozen or stuck in the body. I have training in EMDR (eye movement desensitization & reprocessing) and am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). I interweave these therapies and attachment-based support and repair into all my work with clients, which allows for a rich, gentle, connection-based healing approach. I have been in private practice for 30 years, and have worked in a variety of mental health settings. I am licensed in Illinois (LCPC), and live on the big island of Hawaii 🌺 I see all clients via telehealth (self pay & insurance). Education & Certifications: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) Master of Psychology, The Adler School of Professional Psychology Bachelor of Psychology, Illinois State University Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) Transforming the Experience-Based Brain (TEB) Touch Practitioner SSP (Safe & Sound Protocol) provider
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Frequently asked questions

Why filter by Illinois rather than a city like Chicago?

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in Illinois. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across Illinois from Rockford to Springfield! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in Illinois.

Will my therapist take insurance?

When booking you’ll be asked to verify with your Member ID. However, if you don’t have any of the insurances available you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

How does the Specialty Filter work? Can I find a therapist that focuses on a specific issue?

The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need.

Why use Gender, Age, and Identities filters?

Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.

What happens during the first therapy session?

Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs. Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center.Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.