Therapists in Illinois

Sometimes life can feel heavy, even when everything looks fine from the outside. You may be keeping up with school, work, family, or relationships while privately feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained. You may also be trying to cope with past trauma, substance use, or patterns that no longer feel helpful. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults who are ready for support but may not know exactly where to begin. My goal is to offer a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you can talk openly, feel understood, and begin making sense of what you are going through.

I work with clients who are struggling with grief, anxiety, depression or trauma. I also work with clients who may need assistance in processing everyday life stressors and want a supportive therapist whom they can confide in who will also challenge them and assist with problem-solving. I also work with those facing reproductive challenges. As a compassionate and empathetic therapist, I understand the complex emotional and psychological impact that infertility and miscarriage can have. I can: • Support you in maintaining hope, peace and positivity while navigating uncertainty and help you build resiliency as you work through obstacles. • Help you to recognize and access your deeper intuition, so you are better equipped to honor your body, spirit and mind with the highest intention throughout your journey. • Work with you on increasing clarity and purpose around your fertility journey. • Utilize a holistic approach to address integrative lifestyle strategies that may be beneficial to your fertility path. • Assist you in addressing relationship difficulties that can arise out of the stress of fertility challenges, help you develop strategies to increase intimacy with your partner and foster healthy communication. For women and men who have experienced reproductive loss: • The devastating and seemingly invisible pain of losing a pregnancy is unique in that it involves not only the loss of your baby, but also involves the loss of the future - and there is no accepted way to mark that loss. Sometimes it seems that friends and family members expect the person to move on quickly. Partners often grieve differently - and for men, the trauma of miscarriage is often overlooked. Also, some women may suffer guilt or shame associated with the loss that doesn't tend to occur with other types of grieving. • There is no universal template for grief. Together, we will address your unique needs as you work through your grieving process.

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor offering telehealth services in Illinois. I have several years experience working with busy professionals seeking balance in their lives. I also have a unique niche working with people in aviation. As a military wife and mother, I have been helping Service Members, Veterans, and their families for 15+ years. I take a holistic approach to your mental health to create a mind, body, and spirit balance.

Hi there, I'm Agathe Do you feel overwhelmed by thoughts of the past or worries of the future? Are you struggling to manage relationships with family, friends and coworkers? Is it hard to take care of your needs? I practice a merriment of evidence-based therapy approaches tailored to meet your needs, including exposure therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, women’s issues and body positivity. Together, we will process difficult feelings and identify tools that work for you so you can live your best life. We'll use a holistic approach tailored to empower you to live the life you dream of. I'm here to support you in your therapeutic journey. I look forward to working with you!

Welcome! I'm Douglas and I would appreciate the opportunity to help you get on track and stay on track. You want to be heard. You want to be understood. You want to be respected. You want someone on your side to help you in your life journey. You are always my priority. Research tells us that the top predictor of excellent clinical outcomes is therapeutic rapport. That means that a great clinical relationship with your therapist is more important than any particular treatment theory. I have experience with adult clients across a wide range of racial, ethnic, gender and socioeconomic spectrums, and have demonstrated the ability to make every client feel heard and understood on their terms. Mixing evidence-based methods and humor, we will address your priorities in a manner to help you make progress and help you to enjoy the journey. In my practice, we fight. I want to help you become a mental health warrior.

Hello. Thanks for stopping by. Do you ever feel like life is one hurdle after another? I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as an Addictions therapist. Let's work together to break down barriers. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, alcohol abuse or other life struggles, I provide a person-centered approach that emphasizes strengths and understanding how symptoms developed so that they can be reduced or eliminated. At times I introduce art therapy exercises to help clients express themselves.

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, an open and safe space to explore issues, and compassionate care! I hope you take this brave step for yourself because you deserve it!

My name is Brittany Wright and I am a licensed LCPC, LMHCA, and CADC. I have worked with individuals with mental health and substance use disorders since 2018. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology at Georgia State University, and my Master's degree in Forensic Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I service the adult population (18+) with several concerns including, but not limited to, substance use, parent education, domestic violence victims, domestic violence offenders, anxiety, and depression.

I have worked in the mental health field for over 8 years learning skills to pass on to clients. My goal is to help clients create plans to succeed on their journey. Together we can find the obstacles that stand in front of you and work to overcome them. I strive to help clients find the “why” behind their actions and help them see what is helping and what needs to change to succeed.

I’m a licensed clinical social worker dedicated to helping clients navigate life’s challenges with compassion and practical support. I specialize in working with individuals managing anxiety, stress, and life transitions, and I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to promote growth and resilience. My goal is to create a safe, collaborative space where you feel understood and empowered to make meaningful change.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with 20 years of experience working with adults, teens, and children. I use a holistic, trauma-informed approach that sees emotional challenges as signals of unmet needs or unprocessed experiences—not personal flaws. I strive to create a warm, validating space where you can understand yourself more clearly and move toward the life you want.

Compassionate care paired with non- judgemental expertise is my specialty. I work with parents,children,couples,teens on a variety of issuesYou can expect honesty ,skill and authenticity in every session.Using EMDR ( eye- movement desensitization retraining) we can separate the emotion from the trauma.Using CBT ( cognitive behavioral therapy)we can tap into thinking that is limiting you and correct it. I often tell people that " long after you have forgotten my name you will have tools that,you,your family and friends can use".You can pass on a legacy of emotional health to your offspring.I look forward to working with you to make the world a better place!

I want to hear about preferences for therapy so that I can offer the support you're looking for. I will just listen if that is what would be most helpful. I can also offer solutions and feedback. Each person's needs will be different so we will determine all of your needs together one session at a time. It is about communicating what is working or what is not working and adjusting accordingly.

Hello and welcome. I'm a board certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Licensed Independent Social Worker. I earned my Master of Social Work from University of Illinois and practiced in the clinical, workplace-embedded, and deployed settings while on active duty for 16 years during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Much of my experience is in treating first responder and veteran traumatic stress, general life stressors/major life transitions, depression, anxiety and insomnia. I have worked in addictions and family maltreatment outpatient programs as well as in community education and outreach. For a couple of years, I got to help Airmen and Soldiers as part of a partial hospitalization and inpatient mental health care team. I have experience prior to licensure as a domestic violence victim advocate and sexual assault survivor advocate in the the state of IL, as well as having worked with adults with developmental delays in a residential setting.

I have been a clinician for approximately 20 years, I love what I do and have a passion for assisting people with addressing issues and bettering lives. I have 2 specialties in Forensices and Addictions, I am certified in clincial hypnotherapy and finishing my certification in EMDR, all of which I am able to do as through telehealth. I previous experience in family therapy and couples counseling. I look forward to building our theraputic relationship.

Lisa Amodeo 30 years of experience and is dual Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. She holds her Master’s Certified Addictions Professional (MCAP) through Florida Certification Board and is Certified Reciprocal Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CRADC) from Illinois Certification Board, Inc. She is trained in EMDR through Emdria. Lisa received her Master’s degree in Educational Psychology in Mental Health Counseling from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1992. She grew up and was raised in South Florida. She has worked in a variety of therapeutic settings, such as detox, residential, PHP, IOP, and aftercare levels of care in substance abuse treatment; as well as community mental health, NorthWestern Medicine medical Floors, Veteran Health Administration with children, young adults, adults, and families.

Welcome! I'm glad that you're here! You are taking an important and courageous first-step towards a better you. I am passionate about helping people navigate life’s ups and downs and discover meaningful, lasting change. I believe therapy should be a collaborative and empowering process, where you feel supported, understood, and truly heard. My approach is client-centered and rooted in empathy, which means I meet you where you are and tailor our work to fit your unique needs and goals. Because no two people are the same, I use an eclectic blend of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you recognize and reshape unhelpful thought patterns, Client-Centered Therapy to provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space for growth, and Brief Solution-Focused Counseling to help you identify strengths and take practical steps forward. This flexibility allows me to adapt our sessions to what works best for you, whether you’re seeking tools to manage stress, improve relationships, or create positive changes in your daily life. Above all, my goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel comfortable being yourself and confident that you don’t have to go through life’s challenges alone.

Hello! I started working in mental health outreach attending school full-time while attaining my graduate level courses. I've worked with those with Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, (C)PTSD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, ADHD, Adjustment Disorders, Family conflict, and also worked with the LGBTQ & Latinx communities. I've met so many wonderful people and knew I wanted to learn and meet more people to try and help guide people as much as I could, so I attained my LCPC to supervise other clinicians and help more in need.

I work with individuals desiring positive life changes through a collaborative process. Specializing in assisting health care professionals manage their own mental health under the unrelenting demands of their career. Also, Individuals who find themselves unexpectedly thrust into caretaker responsibilities that require them to learn how to re-balance their lives. Three decades of experience as a professional working in mental health services makes me uniquely qualified to assist, not only health care professionals, but a wide variety of individuals in need.

Hello, I'm Leteria and I am here for you. Looking for someone who will listen and try to understand? Need help in figuring out what you want or need? Do you want to better understand yourself and some of the decisions you've made or continue to make? Do you want help in communicating better with others? I want to help you understand yourself, your partner and the issues facing you. Let's figure it out together, where it's okay to be vulnerable, to not have to be strong all the time. Let's work on what you need and how you can get as close as possible. I have experience working with teens, adults and couples. I have worked with survivors of abuse and trauma for over 20 years through child welfare; as a result, I extensive knowledge and understanding of the challenges parenting brings and what trauma can do to the individual and the family unit. My 20 specific years of counseling experience has afforded me the opportunity to work with individuals struggling with anxiety, panic episodes, self-esteem, PTSD, pre-marital counseling, infidelity issues and couples seeking to improve their communication..

My name is Rene Stockton (pronounced Reni). I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of Illinois. I serve my community as a counselor, therapist and change agent. I have had the privilege to work with individuals and families from primarily underserved populations and communities over the course of a 30 year social work practice in two great American cities. I have encountered child, adolescent and adult challenges ranging from trauma to writer’s block and wellness. I will partner with you to create the soft and more concrete changes you are looking to achieve in your life. My style is open, supportive and person centered, we will choose the approach for your situation using a variety of theories and concepts including art, movement, and EMDR.

Hi this is Carol. I am a licensed independent clinical social worker in eight states. My career started in Pennsylvania where I attended Chestnut Hill College and received my Master's in Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy Option. It continued in upstate Pennsylvania where I attended Elmira College (M.S.Ed) and attended SUNY University of Buffalo (MSW). I capped those off with a Psy.D. from Cal Southern University, Magnum Cum Laude 2012. I hold an LCSW in PA, VA, NC, TX, IL and FL. I hold an LISW-CP in South Carolina, and LICSW in RI and MA. I facilitate stress reduction meditations several times weekly on an internet platform for Mindful Leaders. I am a certified AADC in South Carolina. I am trained in EMDR methods including their substance, pain control, and grief and loss protocols. All licensures and certifications are current. I am trained in MBSR, am a certified workplace mindfulness facilitator and have almost completed my MBCT certification. I am a trainer for www.loveandlogic.com in these areas: Parenting the Love and Logic Way and 9 Essential Skills for the Love and Logic Classroom

My first career includes 17 years of retail management. I worked in multiple divisions, environments, and roles within the retail management industry. Most of my experience was in big-box retail environments or corporate offices, so I understand the expectations and stressors of P&L management, marketing, staff performance/recruitment/training & development, shrinkage, O.S.H.A. compliance, and merchandising. I transitioned from the retail management industry to the human services industry in March 2010 after earning my Master’s degree in Human Services, with a specialty in Mental Health Counseling. I recently obtained a doctoral degree in Human and Social Services. This information is pertinent for adults who need assistance to cope with work-life balance, corporate industry standards, stressful work environments, conflict management with co-workers, and work performance due to compassion fatigue or inappropriate time management.

Welcome! My name is April Lacey, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and work with clients statewide via telehealth. I see clients coping with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and self-esteem concerns. My approach focuses on fostering a strong collaborative relationship with clients to reach their goals. I value genuineness and believe in meeting clients where they are while treating everyone with respect and compassion.

Do you feel stuck in a pattern that is negatively impacting your overall wellness? Just as important as the "why" is the "what" aspect of the mind. What we think, what we feel and what we believe are all intertwined with our behavior. Exploring the thoughts and beliefs that underpin certain actions can lead to profound self-awareness and personal growth. In my interactions with clients, I have witnessed the transformative power of uncovering and challenging deep-seated beliefs that no longer serve them. While patterns and commonalities may emerge among individuals, it is crucial to remember that each person's mind is a unique landscape. What works for one may not work for another, and it is my duty as a clinician to adapt the plan of care accordingly. As a therapist and health coach, I incorporate a holistic (mind/body) approach.

*Currently accepting female clients only* Therapy has changed, and thankfully so. The old idea of spilling your heart out to someone who feels distant, judgmental, or out of touch does not work anymore. So let’s not do that. I’m Jessica Milgrome, a licensed mental health clinician with 15 years of experience, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and a National Certified Counselor. I work with women navigating anxiety, overthinking, emotional overwhelm, relationship stress, burnout, and major life transitions. My approach is modern, direct, and judgment-free. Therapy with me is a real conversation. No awkward silence. No walking on eggshells. No wondering if you said the wrong thing. We talk openly, focus on what actually helps, and skip techniques that do not fit your real life. Sessions can be video or phone. If video feels too intense some days, that is okay. Therapy should feel supportive, practical, and human. To share a bit about myself, I’m a big fan of stand-up comedy because laughing really is life. I look forward to Mondays for Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlists and live by the mantra, “When words fail, let the music speak.” I also share my life with six dogs. I’m here to help you organize your thoughts, build confidence, set boundaries you can keep, and move forward feeling clearer and more grounded.

Struggling with personal issues with intimacy, connection, romance, or sexuality can be scary and confusing. Having the right someone to work with you to help you get through those times and situations can be rewarding. Whether it’s to develop a way out of a difficult situation, learn how to cope, or explore aspects of yourself I am here to work with you. My primary focus is on issues that manifest themselves in a sexual nature or have a sexual aspect to them. I assist clients in identifying, understanding and overcoming issues of an intimate nature with grace and dignity.

Healing and restoring individuals and couples as a Therapist and Consultant specializing in Mental Health , conflict resolution and Substance Abuse for 20+ years. I have worked with Adults, Adolescents, Teens and Young Adults extensively. I specialize in CBT Therapy, CBT Trauma Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Domestic Violence and Strengths Based Therapy. For individuals or couple experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, fears or any other Mental Health issues I can assist you with combating these issues that are affecting your daily life using a strengths base approach.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or constantly on edge? Exhausted from trying to hold everything together? You may be struggling from the effects of anxiety, depression, or trauma. Maybe you're feeling emotionally drained, unmotivated, or simply not feeling like yourself anymore. You may find yourself having difficulty relaxing, withdrawing from the people or things you once enjoyed, constantly overthinking, or worrying about what might go wrong. Anxiety and depression can make even everyday life feel exhausting, and you don't have to figure it all out on your own. Together, we can work to understand what's contributing to how you're feeling, develop healthier ways of coping, and help you feel more grounded, confident, and in control. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, divorce, coparenting, or work issues, therapy can be a safe place to slow things down, make sense of what you're experiencing, and begin reconnecting with yourself. I also specialize in helping people who have experienced unhealthy relationships, domestic violence, emotional abuse, narcissistic abuse, and trauma. Sometimes these experiences show up as anxiety, depression, self-doubt, people-pleasing, difficulty trusting yourself or others, or feeling as though you've lost your identity. You do not have to know exactly what to call what you've been through in order to seek support. My goal is not just to help you get through each day, but to help you reconnect with yourself and create a life where you feel empowered, safe, confident, and like yourself again. You're not stuck. Healing is possible, and you do not have to go through it alone. I provide a warm, down-to-earth, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel understood, supported, and comfortable being your authentic self. If you're ready to take the next step, I'd be honored to support you on your journey.

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.

Hello, my name is Chelsea, and I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I graduated in 2019 from Clarke University with my Master's of Social Work. I spent my undergraduate years shadowing and volunteering at a sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy center. I completed research in the areas of trauma, decision making, and intimate relationships. I completed a job shadow with a Victim Witness Coordinator, where I also conducted a year long research project on domestic violence in rural communities. During that time I completed an internship at a combined homeless shelter and food pantry. I then completed a secondary internship at a local community mental health center. I spent four years working at that same local community mental health center where I provided crisis services, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. I was able to earn my license during that time. I transitioned into school based social work and provided case management and therapy services in the local school setting. I now have opened a private practice called Resiliency Counseling, which is an individualized practice focused on providing individual, couples, and family therapy services to help people who are wanting to improve their mental health in a safe, accepting, and trusting environment. I always strive to meet my patients where they are at in their mental health journey and tailor my approach to what they need. I approach therapy as a mix of processing, guidance, and challenging, in order to help a client identify, process, and reach their mental health goals.

I bring extensive experience from various settings, including treatment centers, community programs, group therapy, and correctional facilities, where I've had the privilege of working with adolescents, young adults, and adults. My approach is rooted in evidence-based therapies, tailored to support meaningful behavioral changes. I deeply understand the mental health challenges that can emerge from incarceration and the unique stressors that accompany the journey of rebuilding life afterward. I’m also dedicated to supporting the family members and loved ones of those struggling with addiction or incarceration, helping them navigate their own emotional journeys with compassion and care. Additionally, I work closely with parents and families of children with complex behavioral issues, providing guidance and support to help them create a nurturing environment for their child’s growth and well-being. In addition to this, I have experience helping clients through significant life transitions, such as starting a family, navigating college, or going through a divorce. I understand how overwhelming these changes can be and am here to provide empathetic support and practical tools to help my clients find stability and confidence during these times. I’m committed to walking alongside my clients and their families as they navigate these difficult transitions, offering understanding and support every step of the way.

I am a Bilingual (Spanish) Clinical Social Worker. I am experienced in working with a variety of issues including immigrant and minority issues, trauma, obesity, brain injury, PTSD, abuse, infertility, chronic medical illness, attachment, grief and loss, pet loss, adoption, ADHD, anxiety, depression and coping with divorce and co-parenting. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and my Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Chicago. I am EMDR trained and have worked extensively with those who have lived with chronic trauma experiences. I have lived in Bolivia, Guatemala and Spain. I use a variety of interventions, including art and drawing, to spur the introspection process on the path to healing. I strongly recommend combining a mind and body approach to help you connect with and reveal your true inner self.

Hi I am Pat Windsor a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been providing therapy for over 20 years to countless individuals and couples. I pride myself in providing a calming and serene environment. Clients and friends tell me I have "a therapist voice". I love to see my clients grow and become the person/people they want to be. My goal is to contribute a more personal touch of care to you. I love working with essential oils and working with clients with anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, trauma, parenting and relationship concerns. Let go of stress, impatience and anxiety and bring peace and success to your life.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP) based in Illinois. I received my doctorate from the Adler University of Illinois and have been practicing for 27 years. I help clients struggling with anxiety, depression, anger or substance use/abuse issues. I provide insight into their problems and strategic techniques to overcome them and move forward to a more useful and fulfilling life

With over 10 years of experience, I help adults, young adults, and college students navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, overthinking, and relationship challenges. Many of my clients appear to have it all together on the outside, but internally feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or stuck in patterns they can’t seem to break. Many of my clients are high-functioning but internally overwhelmed, overthinking and emotionally exhausted. My approach is warm, supportive, and insight-driven, while also being direct and goal-oriented. I use evidence-based techniques to help clients build practical coping skills, increase self-awareness, and create meaningful, lasting change. I work especially well with individuals who are ready to better understand themselves, improve their relationships, and move forward with more clarity and confidence. I am licensed in Illinois, Nevada and Florida and provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their growth and healing process.

I tend to thrive in crisis. Ideal with the toughest cases of trauma, shootings, cults abductions, and domestic violence. I have been able to help so many veterans as well over the past 12+ years in my positions with US Service Animals, Simple, Practice, Grow Therapy and other telehealth platforms. I was an early adopter of telehealth and I have seen it. Make such a difference for so many people because of the comfort that is brought by being able to open up in an environment you know is safe, your own home/space. I take a solutions focused and a client centered approach. I am also insight oriented. I have a lot of insight when it comes to dealing with physical pain and disabilities as I have a visual disability since very young and suffered a TBI at age 24. I like to focus on what issues you are having and come up with coping mechanisms that will work for you. Dealing with the struggles I have had throughout my life has helped me work with people and develop creative and effective coping mechanisms for their specific issues. I have now lived and worked in several states with varying cultures and have benefited from all of these experiences. I have spent a lot of time in a hospital and work well with nurses and medical professionals as well. Please reach out if you think I can help and I will meet you where you are and see where we can go from here.

Navigating grief and life transitions are integral parts of the therapeutic journey. Coping with loss, whether it's the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or other significant changes, can be incredibly challenging. Similarly, life transitions such as career changes, moving to a new city, or adjusting to parenthood can evoke a range of emotions and uncertainties. As your therapist, I provide support and guidance through these experiences for children, adults, and even fellow therapists. I help you process your emotions, find meaning in your grief, and adapt to life's transitions. Together, we can explore strategies for coping with loss, managing change, and fostering resilience. ​ By acknowledging and addressing grief and life transitions in therapy, we can create a safe space for healing and growth. Whether you're grappling with loss, facing a major life change, or simply seeking support during a challenging time, know that you don't have to navigate these experiences alone. I'm here to walk alongside you on your journey towards healing and personal transformation.

In my experience as a counselor, I have had the privilege of working with a wide range of individuals in various settings. I have worked with children and adults in the community, residential, hospital, and educational settings. In each environment I have witnessed the marvel of human potential firsthand. As a clinician I approach people and the work that I do from the belief that people have the innate ability to grow and heal on their own. My personal life experience and my practice have fostered this belief, recognizing that the process may require or be made more manageable with some assistance or a guide, in the form of counseling. Through my experiences I have witnessed the benefits of the human components that aid in the healing process of psychological symptoms that create difficulty in moving toward fulfillment and full integration of the human experience in the lives of many. The therapeutic relationship, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard are components that for me represent the core of therapy. These components create an experience in which someone can safely explore themselves, their experiences, the world around them, and identify solutions to ailments and the "true self" that is often altered by the world around us.