Therapists in Illinois

I offer collaborative, practical telecounseling services for men wrestling with anger and resentment and couples navigating conflict. My approach is straightforward. I help men and couples manage stress, repair trust, rebuild dreams, resolve conflict, communicate more effectively, and tackle the real-life problems that matter most. Together, we develop practical strategies and implement action plans designed to improve their lives, relationships, and emotional well-being. No jargon. No fluff. Just straight talk and practical strategies—delivered with humor, candor, and the hard-earned insight of a guy who calls himself a “Frequent Flyer to Hell and Back.”

Hi! I'm Dena (she/her). I have 15 years experience and truly love my vocation! I enjoy empowering individuals to achieve their goals and live their best lives. I believe everyone has the ability to heal, sometimes we all need a little help. I am passionate about the power of therapy to aid people in living their best, most authentic lives. I live on the tristate border and provide remote therapy for persons in Illinois and Iowa. An Iowa native, I spent about a decade living and working in SoCal and Phoenix before returning to the Midwest to be with my (now) husband and step kids. Yes, I left sunny San Diego, in December, for the snowy Midwest! The things we’ll do for love! I have personally benefitted greatly from therapy. I am Bi/queer, have ADHD, and several physical disabilities, all of which were diagnosed after college. Therapy helped me develop much needed coping skills so I could be successful in grad school and beyond. Therapy also helped me with the intense stressors related to being a young professional during the Great Recession. I continue to utilize therapy as part of my self care routine. If you are coping with symptoms of anxiety, depression, low self worth, or concerns related to ADHD or chronic health conditions, I would love the opportunity to work with you. I would love to help you to achieve a present no longer overshadowed by past traumas, negative self talk, or uncontrolled anxiety.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has spent over 20 years working in community mental health, crisis intervention, and private practice. That experience has given me a deep understanding of what people actually need to feel better — not just textbook answers, but real, practical support that meets you where you are. You'll work with someone who has seen a lot, judges nothing, and genuinely believes in your capacity to heal.

I view us as the ultimate team! You are the expert of your own life story. I am here to help you rewrite the parts that don't quite fit with the version of yourself you want to be. Using empathy and humor, we will work together to redefine the narrative you have of yourself into one you are proud to take ownership of.

I believe that everyone has inherent strength. While I can be direct and to the point, I understand that this conversation is about your life, not mine. I also believe in the power of laughter and that everyone is capable of leading their best life. I live in a multi dog/cat/parrot household and odds are good you will not just hear them but may occasionally see them. No worries they don’t judge and have been sworn to HIPAA secrecy.

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 & unfiltered and embrace every part 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 14 years of experience in the mental health field; 11 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 *Supported young migrant children separated at the border from their families *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 -------------------------------------------------------------- -Super Bill can be provided for out-of network

Hi, I’m Emily, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of EverFidelis Counseling & Consulting. I specialize in supporting individuals, parents, and caregivers who are navigating big transitions—whether that’s processing grief, adjusting to a new diagnosis, managing burnout, or untangling generational patterns that no longer serve them. With a trauma-informed lens and deep compassion for the full human experience, I offer a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe, supported, and truly heard. My practice is rooted in approaches like CBT, Narrative Therapy, mindfulness-based techniques, and strengths-based care. I believe therapy is a collaborative process—one where you get to reclaim your story, build on your existing strengths, and move toward the version of yourself you’re becoming. As someone who has worked across hospice, schools, behavioral health, and family systems, I know that healing looks different for everyone. My goal is to walk alongside you—faithfully and thoughtfully—as you find clarity, stability, and hope in your journey.

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC/LMHC) based in the states of Illinois and Indiana. I received my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana. II also have a PhD in Christian Counseling from Newberg Theological Seminary in Evansville, IN. I have experience and practice for approximately 7 years. I enjoy helping others discover they can learn to live on the other side of their hurt and pain. I respect clients' autonomy and have a compassionate ear as I work to help you become successful in your future endeavors and management of your own life.

I aim to meet every client where they are at, regardless of their circumstances. I work with people who struggle with substance use, depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationship issues, or any other topics that may be presenting issues in their life. My approach is to help you understand and identify what things may be causing you difficulties in your life, while simultaneously eliciting the motivation that already lies within you to make the necessary changes in your life. I have experience working in grief & loss counseling, and as a CADC, my primary area of expertise is in the field of substance use. I work with people who struggle with substance use from a harm reduction framework, and I believe that it is my job to help clients achieve whatever goals they have for themselves, whether that be total abstinence, moderation, or deciding to use some substances while abstaining from using others. The primary therapeutic modality that I utilize in my practice is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), although I also incorporate skills, practices, and theories from Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Narrative Therapy. I tailor my approach to each individual client, as I firmly believe that each individual that I work with has their own unique set of strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences.

Hello, my name is Matt Marder. Thank you for considering my services and for taking the time to learn more about how I can support your personal development. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I offer behavioral therapy with a focus on promoting emotional well-being. I am dedicated to creating a professional, trusting, and collaborative environment where you feel heard and understood. Together, we will assess your current situation and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. My approach emphasizes self-awareness, empathy, and practical strategies to effectively address life's challenges. Additionally, I am an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) and have completed Level 1 training of the Gottman Method. You may have gone through a loss or be experiencing trouble managing whatever life has thrown your way. I am available to listen and help you succeed in improving yourself, your relationships, or your family life. No matter who you are, or what circumstances you’ve endured, your emotional health and well-being are most important. I look forward to providing you with the support you need and deserve.

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, KY, ME, CT, DE, and OH. I have 30 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/integration, student-athlete balance, and generalized life struggles. First responders, partners and families of first responders are specialized populations I help by addressing needs, increasing understanding, and strengthening support. Together we will explore obstacles and hurdles while discovering 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, getting in nature, 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.”

My name is Dr. Olushola Bakare, and my work centers on helping people recognize the strengths they already carry. Just as a fish is built to swim and a bird to fly, I believe each of us has our own natural way of moving through life, and my role is to help you find and lean into yours. I work with adults and older adults who are ready to feel more grounded, confident, and understood, in a space that is safe, warm, and free of judgment. To help make sure we are the right fit from the start, I want to be upfront that my practice does not currently include couples counseling, medication management, or completing disability, FMLA, or legal paperwork. I work with adults 18 years and older. If any of these are part of what you are looking for, I am happy to help you find a provider whose practice is built around that support.

Are you wanting to make change in life, but are struggling to escape the same old patterns? Looking to empower yourself and create change in your life? I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has spent my career assisting men in achieving their goals, making lasting and fulfilling relationships, and facing life's challenges head-on. I have worked with adults across the lifespan to address concerns about relationships, behaviors, substance use, and more.

Hi everyone, welcome to my profile. I am glad that you are engaged in this journey of self-help and interested in learning more about therapy. I recognize that, for many, therapy, is a big step in trying to improve their lives, and people can be nervous or unfamiliar with therapy, at first. Regardless of any stigmas attached to therapy, I firmly believe in the importance of therapy and that this process has helped many people. I strive to make the therapeutic environment a comfortable and non-judgmental place where clients feel they can fully express themselves. I am originally from New York- born and raised. I moved to Chicago in June of 2025 and I am living and experiencing a new city. I have worked with a variety of clients, including those of different ages and backgrounds. My areas of focus, include, but not limited to, 1) Grief and Loss 2) Family and personal relationships, including divorce, marriage, and romantic relationships 3) Emotional Regulation and anger management, 4) Anxiety and stress 5) Life Transitions.

I have experience working with adults, adolescents and children struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, bereavement, low self-esteem and key life transitions. I provide a safe and accepting space where you can be open and honest with the difficulties you are experiencing in your life. Prior to returning to school for a counseling degree, I worked in the corporate and nonprofit sectors for many years as an editor and writer and I bring that unique perspective and experience to my work with clients. My multicultural background is also an asset in working with diverse populations. I utilize a strengths-based approach when working with clients while creating a safe and accepting space where you can be open and honest with the difficulties you are experiencing in your life. Because I view therapy as a collaborative process, I will be checking in with you throughout our time together to review your initial goals for therapy and to ensure that you continue to feel heard and understood in therapy. It takes courage to seek out counseling. If you are ready take that step, I am here to support, encourage and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

I’m a trauma-informed therapist whose work is shaped by both lived and professional experience. As an immigrant and former refugee, I understand that healing does not happen outside of context. My work is relational, culturally responsive, and grounded in helping clients make sense of what they have carried, understand repeating patterns, and move with more clarity and self-trust. I bring warmth, honesty, curiosity, and directness into the room while honoring the culture, identity, relationships, and systems that shape each client’s story.

Welcome—I'm glad you're here. Seeking support is a brave step and I aim to create a calm, nonjudgmental space where you can speak openly, explore what matters to you, and find practical ways to move forward. Whether you're facing a sudden crisis or a long-standing struggle, we'll work together at a pace that feels safe and productive, honoring your values and strengths as we clarify goals and build lasting skills. I provide practical, evidence-informed clinical care to adults seeking clearer thinking, steadier emotion, and healthier relationships. The desire to know yourself and to be truly known by others is central to a life worth living; I respect the courage it takes to face difficult patterns and make lasting change. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with more than 25 years’ experience helping people navigate life challenges.

I would best describe myself as someone who seeks to provide a compassionate and effective approach to people seeking change. It takes a lot to become a therapist. I often think of a therapist as a rock in a tumbler. We spend a lot of time smoothing out our own rough edges so that we can be helpful to others. Your life is your own. I work with people to discover what they want and what's standing in their way.

Hi, I’m Jennifer Murphy, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with children, adolescents, and adults. I believe therapy should feel supportive, collaborative, and genuinely human. I strive to offer a steady, nonjudgmental space where clients will feel heard and understood as they navigate life’s challenges, make sense of their experiences, and move toward meaningful growth at their own pace.

John Swails is an ordained minister, a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Certified DBT Therapist, and Marine Corp Veteran, with military mental-health practice experience addressing traumatic stress, separation, family grief, and relationship issues, and civilian experience addressing physical and sexual abuse, single-mothers with dual diagnosed children, and group therapy for middle-school and teens to develop resiliency. As a therapist, John utilizes proven DBT, Strategic, CBT-Family, Solution-Focused, and other systemic techniques to address individual, couple, and family issues. As a minister John is sensitive to the beliefs of the client and is ready to explore spiritual solutions to any issue.