Compassion-Focused Therapy Therapists in Illinois

Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) helps individuals develop self-compassion and resilience, especially when facing self-criticism, shame, or emotional distress. By blending mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and compassionate mind training, CFT supports emotional healing and encourages positive, lasting change. With 21 CFT-trained therapists in Illinois, you can access specialized care designed to nurture inner strength, self-acceptance, and well-being. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is welcoming new clients, offering timely and compassionate support tailored to your journey toward emotional growth.

Gina Dunphy

(she/her)

Gina Dunphy, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$100/session
LCSW
34 years of experience
Virtual
I have been practicing Social Work/Counseling for 34 years. I am very passionate about what I do, and enjoy seeing clients set goals and take active steps to achieving those goals. I love getting to know my clients, and forming a safe place for them to explore ways they want to overcome barriers to growth and change. It is truly a privilege to meet in the therapeutic space and witness the growth that human beings can make when they are met where they are at and given the unconditional positive regard they deserve.

Amanda Straka

(she/her)

Amanda Straka, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$100/session
LCPC
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counsellor (LCPC) based in Illinois. I received my Masters in Science from Benedictine University and have been practicing for over 8 years. I help adults struggling with mental health, addiction, and other concerns to become the best versions of themselves. I am highly skilled and compassionate therapist with a proven track record of helping clients improve their mental health and well-being through evidence-based interventions.

Denise R.

Denise R., LMFT - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$175/session
LMFT
10 years of experience
Virtual
In-person
16595 W Easton ...
Hello there! Do you ever feel as though your life is a million-piece puzzle? Or feel as though your family or partner does not understand you. Life can be complicated; however, your mind does not constantly have to be. My diverse experience has allowed me to gain expertise in helping individuals (18 years+) in various settings, navigate through relational struggles, traumas, betrayals, anxieties, miscommunications, setbacks, self-discoveries, transitions, or misunderstandings. Together, we can identify what is not working and learn ways to communicate it in order to create change. I learned the importance of culture competency through my academic training at Adler University. It is important to understand how the dimensions of culture, race, gender, ethnicity, age, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, and language may affect the function of your relational systems. I come to you, gently, soft & warm. I have a strong sense of being mindful and allowing you to be in the moment. I can gently challenge you when need be or pep you up. Ultimately, I will meet you raw and unfiltered and embrace all parts of it. You deserve a safe space to explore all parts of the self. Let’s connect and start piecing together the puzzle. **With every darkness, there is a light** Background: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with 12 years of experience in the mental health field; 10 years as a therapist. BA in Psychology from Texas Tech University MA in Couples & Family Therapy from Adler University Experience: *Residential treatment caseworker *Psycho-social Interventionist *Support for young, migrant children separated from families, living in facilities *Parent group at Haymarket Chicago *School-based therapist in North Lawndale schools *Non-profit in North Lawndale, Chicago neighborhood *Non-profit in Lake County, IL -------------------------------------------------------------- *Prefers families & couples in-person* -Super Bill can be provided

Allyson Stephens

(she/her)

Allyson Stephens, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there, I'm Allyson! I am so proud that you have made this step. I’m glad you are here. There is a reason you are here, and I understand how vulnerable this can be. It is so brave that you have started this process and are ready to start your healing journey. My name is Allyson Stephens and I specialize in trauma-informed care. I have personally healed from generational trauma and done my work in order to better understand myself and how trauma impacts the body and mind.

Tiniya Dixon

(she/her)

Tiniya Dixon, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$100/session
LCSW
4 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there! My name is Tiniya, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois. I received my Masters from Aurora University and have been providing therapy for 5 years. I work with people who struggle with issues ranging from anxiety and depression to those struggling with relationships, self esteem or overall daily stress become the best versions of themselves.

Martha Tierney

(she/her)

Martha Tierney, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

$75/session
LCSW
14 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, Illinois. I earned my MSW in 2005 from the University of Minnesota. I have supported many clients experiencing life transitions such as career and relationship changes. Additionally, I have many years of experience supporting people around aging, Alzheimer's disease, caregiving and grief. I am drawn to this work because I believe everyone deserves to feel understood and supported as they face the ups and downs of life.

Stephanie Petrey

Stephanie Petrey, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LCPC
24 years of experience
Virtual
I work with individuals, children and families and offer both long and short-term counseling. My approach is calm & thoughtful, but interactive. I enjoy utilizing a variety of therapy techniques so that each of my clients has a plan that is individualized to their goals. The work you do to learn about & make changes for yourself through therapy can truly be a rewarding experience.

Eric L. Dungan

Eric L. Dungan, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$100/session
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, my name is Eric Dungan and I'm a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Worker. I attended University of Louisville. I specialize in PTSD, Grief, loss, Depression, Anxiety, Marriage and Family and Anger Management. I have years of experience in the field of mental health care. I strive to help people attain their maximize potential in all aspects of their lives, using several different treatments modalities. All sessions are focused, to provide a nonjudgmental and objective environment to help the patient view their struggles with a new objective fair perspective towards themselves and other significant people and events in their lives.

Elizabeth Dubiel

(she/her)

Elizabeth Dubiel, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

$90/session
LCPC
9 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! At the beginning, my focus will be on getting to know you. Everyone has a story to tell and as you tell yours, I will be looking for your personal character strengths (we all have them). Your character strengths will help you achieve the positive change(s) you are seeking. Once I get a grasp on your strengths, we will combine your natural strengths with new strategies and supports from a variety of research-based resources. It is my goal that each and every counseling session be preventative, proactive, and/or empowering. Often, you will be given homework so the therapy continues even when we are not meeting. My specialty areas include: depression, anxiety, grief, couple/marriage counseling, Christian counseling, identity issues , recovery after a separation or divorce, infidelity, new transitions, career/college counseling, general stress, work environment issues, impostor syndrome, teacher/administration/education work-related stress, the stress that comes with being a parent, infertility, and being overwhelmed with responsibilities. My career started in education. My career in education spanned 18 years and included being: an elementary teacher, a middle school guidance counselor, a high school guidance counselor, and a college adjunct psychology professor. In my current position as a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), I have been in practice since 2016. I absolutely love what I do and I take the job very seriously.

Debbie Levine

Debbie Levine, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received my MSW from University of Illinois Chicago/Jane Addams School of Social Work. I have been working with individuals aged 13+ as well as couples in identifying their areas of concerns, developing a meaningful treatment plan and goals, and helping facilitate their journey at their pace. I believe therapy is your personal journey and I see my role as a facilitator, here to help you along the way.

Amy Laverty

(she/her)

Amy Laverty, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$120/session
LCPC
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois. I received my Masters degree in 2000 and have been working in the mental health field for over 20 years. I am committed to helping adults, young adults, adolescents and older adults struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, mood disorders, and stress management issues. I am looking forward to working with individuals who need support and compassionate care!

Chandra Lyles

Chandra Lyles, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$100/session
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I obtained my Master's in Social Work from Chicago State University. I have nearly two decades of experience working with individuals across all age groups, from adolescents to older adults. My professional dedication revolves around assisting individuals in overcoming challenges and facilitating the discovery of their inner strength and resilience. I am committed to empowering individuals to actualize their optimal selves, and I derive great satisfaction from this meaningful endeavor.

Debra Disney

(she/her)

Debra Disney, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$100/session
LCPC
26 years of experience
Virtual
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.

Vicki Kamhi

(she/her)

Vicki Kamhi, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

$100/session
LCPC
16 years of experience
Virtual
In-person
975 South Durki...
Hi – I’m Vicki – do you ever find yourself feeling lost as you wander on a path that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere? Or maybe you’re standing at a fork in the road and you aren’t sure which way to go. No matter what you're going through right now, you can get through it and I can help. I am committed to walking beside you and helping you find your unique path to create a life full of wellness, personal growth, joy and meaning. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Alcohol/Other Drug Counselor (CADC) with over 16 years of counseling experience. I specialize in working with individuals 18 years and older who live in Illinois. MY AREAS OF EXPERTISE INCLUDE: SUBSTANCE USE, GRIEF AND LOSS, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION. If you are interested in working with a therapist who is committed to creating an authentic, positive collaborative relationship with you, feel free to call me at 309/232-8670 to set up a free 15-minute consultation. I encourage you to visit my website (findyourpaththerapy.com) for more details about how I can support you.

Kathleen Carter

Kathleen Carter, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$125/session
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience in working in the mental health field. Life is a journey with many unexpected disappointments, life challenges and experiences. I am here to help you manage your journey. Whether you feel stuck, you need support in figuring out what your next steps are or need to find new tools and strategies to move forward in your life, I am here to help you get back up and on you way again. I believe there is hope in every situation and desire to help you find it.

Chelsie Scoggin-Chang

(she/her)

Chelsie Scoggin-Chang, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$175/session
LCPC
19 years of experience
Virtual
In-person
1608 West Colon...
Finding a therapist can be an overwhelming task. Life can be full of complexities that can be difficult to navigate. Considering that you may be feeling sad or overwhelmed, I commend you for taking the brave first steps toward taking care of yourself. I believe in the value and worth of the person and that we all possess strengths to help us in the journey of life. If you have been feeling stuck, we can work together to uncover what is holding you back and help you to develop the tools that will move you forward. A key component to beginning this process is to find someone who can put you at ease. I have been told I am easy to talk to and make providing a safe, comfortable, non-judgmental, and empathetic environment a top priority. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CRADC) in the state of Illinois. I have been in the field for close to 20 years and have been in private practice for 10. I specialize in helping people recover from anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. I utilize a collaborative, whole-person approach that values the relationship between therapist and client and sees the client as the expert. This is your story! I’m just walking through it with you, and I’m honored you chose me!

Prem Nikoniuk

(she/her)

Prem Nikoniuk, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$120/session
LCPC
24 years of experience
Virtual
A psychotherapist with over 24 years of experience, I have discovered that my passion, purpose, and personality are the perfect recipe for positively impacting the lives of those whom I serve. My natural ability to connect with others, coupled with my unwavering dedication to meeting their needs, has proven to be a powerful combination. Through my work, I have helped countless individuals overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those I serve, and I am committed to providing the highest level of care possible. my primary goal is to provide effective and compassionate care to my clients. I am committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their thoughts and emotions to gain self-understanding. I believe in maintaining a collaborative and client-centered approach to therapy, tailoring my interventions and techniques to each client’s unique needs and goals. My ongoing professional development and commitment to evidence-based practices ensure that I provide the best possible care to my clients. My mission is to promote healing and personal growth for my clients, and I work tirelessly to achieve this goal in every session.

Katrina Kurtz, LCPC, ATR

Katrina Kurtz, LCPC, ATR, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LCPC
12 years of experience
Virtual
I hold a dual degree as a Registered Art Therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I work with clients not only to verbally express themselves but also creatively. I believe in meeting each client where they are at, and using the most effective treatment modality in order to help you achieve your personal goals for treatment. Art therapy is a great therapeutic tool to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself. No previous experience in art is necessary. I do not interpret art but ask you questions to reflect on the images. I also work with clients using response art in treatment in order to achieve self-reflection and awareness. With 12 years of experience, I also provide talk therapy if you are not interested in art therapy. I specialize in helping people with life adjustments/transitions, work-life balance, and self-esteem/self-awareness work. If you are interested in creating a happier and healthier life for yourself I am available and accepting new clients. I look forward to meeting you and working with you! Please note that on the calendar to schedule with me there may be limited time and day availability or times you feel may not work for you. Upon scheduling, I am open to flexible scheduling with clients and we can adjust to other days or time frames after the initial scheduling occurs for future sessions.

Lisa Cacciatori

(she/her)

Lisa Cacciatori, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$125/session
LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
In-person
2050 W Iles Ave...
It is not easy to trust someone else with your personal challenges or just your feelings. I am a compassionate clinical social worker who offers a safe and supportive environment for you to balance your life and empower yourself. Clients often tell me they appreciate my more laid-back, yet professional therapeutic style. My goal as a therapist is offer you a voice and collaborate with you on YOUR goals, I respect your cultural beliefs and your opinions, focus on your strengths, and give you the tools needed to move forward with YOUR goals.

Dr Phyllis Mogielski-Watson

(she/her)

Dr Phyllis Mogielski-Watson, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$185/session
LCPC
25 years of experience
Virtual
Hello & Welcome, I am Dr. Watson and I am happy to see you seeking services and reclaiming your joy. I commend you for taking the first step to improving your life. As a licensed psychotherapist in IL, AZ, CO, and OH. I have over 25 years of experience working with teens, adults, and seniors, I look forward to partnering with you through your transition and supporting you in getting back into your journey of life. I specialize in working with people in transition including integrating better balance, managing life stressors, addressing health challenges, rediscovering wellness, and mid-life changes. Other areas of specialty include grief and loss, women’s issues, post-partum adjustment, multiethnic identity development, and generalized life struggles. Together we will explore obstacles and hurdles while exploring and finding manageable strength-based changes that will improve your whole self - mind, body, and spirit. I partner with you on your journey and assist you in reclaiming your best self. Through mind-body connection and holistic approaches, I embrace creative therapeutic tools including talk, movement, music, art, and other creative avenues to ease expression of the challenges while finding your strengths and successes. My goal is to assist you in finding and retrieving your purpose while living with meaning. My clinical practice motto is “Love YOUR Journey ~ Live YOUR Life.”

Miyoung Seo

(she/her)

Miyoung Seo, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$120/session
LCSW
13 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! I'm Mimi (Miyoung) Take a moment to acknowledge you've taken the first step towards bettering your mental health because, let's be honest - starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, or scary, all at the same time. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment that allows clients to explore obstacles with concerns related to anxiety, depression, and/or self-care. I focus on helping clients develop assertive communication & boundaries with themselves and those around them that can help improve their quality of life. Counseling can foster personal development in whatever way you may be seeking and help build the life you so deeply deserve. If that's what you're looking for, I'm here when you're ready to share.

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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 the state. 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.

What are the "Clients say I'm" badges?

Grow Therapy asks patients about their experience with therapists after they have had a certain number of sessions. After enough responses, we add those characteristics to their profiles to help you find the best online therapists for you. We're still working on collecting this information from all our therapists.

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 to expect during your first 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.
Compassion Focused Therapists