Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

College and early adulthood can be exciting while also overwhelming, confusing, and exhausting. If you’re feeling like life is harder than it should be, you’re not broken, and you’re definitely not alone. I have clinical experience in supporting individual clients with anxiety, depression, suicidality, codependency, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions, with particular interest in working with clients who are seeking support around complex trauma, narcissistic abuse, religious trauma/spiritual abuse, family of origin issues, and other relationship concerns. My hope is to support clients toward experiencing emotion regulation, attunement with their bodies, self-compassion, self-understanding, authentic and healthy relationships, and a meaningful life. Using an attachment-based and trauma-informed lens, I primarily draw from ACT, DBT, IFS, and somatic approaches to support clients with practical coping tools as well as facilitate a space in which clients can make sense and meaning of their experiences. I also work with couples to support communication difficulties, emotional distance, trust concerns, cultural/familial differences, and partnerships with different neurotypes. I use a neurodivergent-affirming framework, incorporate EFT principles, and have completed Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. I would love to connect and talk more about what you're looking for from therapy!

You thought by now you'd feel more certain. Maybe you're doing all the things you're supposed to be doing, going to class, working toward a degree, and making plans for the future, but still find yourself feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure of where you're headed. You might be questioning relationships, struggling with confidence, feeling disconnected from yourself, or wondering why this stage of life feels harder than everyone else makes it look. I work with college students, graduate students, and emerging adults who are navigating life's in-between seasons. Many of my clients are figuring out who they are outside of other people's expectations while managing academic stress, relationship challenges, family dynamics, anxiety, and major life transitions. My goal is to create a space where you can be honest about what's working, what's not, and what's been difficult to put into words. Together, we'll slow things down, make sense of the patterns and experiences shaping your life, and help you move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and self-compassion. You don't have to have everything figured out to start therapy. You just have to show up as you are.

Your experiences matter, and you don’t have to carry them in silence. I believe therapy should be as unique as the person seeking it. I will meet you exactly where you are, tailoring my approach to your needs, goals, and preferences. Whether that means drawing from evidence-based strategies, incorporating somatic or trauma-informed practices, or exploring new approaches together, my focus is always on creating a space where you feel validated and heard. My goal is to make therapy a place where your experiences are taken seriously and your voice matters. Women’s Health: I am deeply passionate about women’s health and the unique challenges that are often minimized or dismissed in many settings. Having seen how women’s health is often minimized, I am deeply committed to creating a space that is the opposite: informed, supportive, and advocating. My specialties include perinatal and postpartum care, women’s health concerns (including endometriosis, PCOS, menstrual cycles, birth control, abortion and pregnancy decision making, autoimmune conditions, and fertility), body image and disordered eating, chronic illness and pain, and young-adult life transitions. I also work with healthcare providers, like nurses and residents, who may be experiencing burnout. I am also a certified Empowered Relief Instructor, a pain management program developed at Stanford University that provides evidence-based tools to help you reduce pain and improve quality of life. Whether you experience chronic pain, menstrual related pain, chronic illness, or other forms of pain, we can use these tools to help you feel like yourself again. Athletes: As an athlete, your mind and body are deeply connected, and navigating that balance can be both challenging and rewarding. Whether you experience stressors like performance pressure, injury, identity shifts, or body-image concerns, I will work with you to explore the mind-body connection and process the pressures that accompany these competitive environments. Together we can build resilience and confidence while also solidifying who you are both within and beyond your sport. Approach: My therapeutic style is eclectic and flexible, drawing from ACT, DBT, person-centered, trauma-informed care, somatic therapy, and solution-focused approaches. I meet clients where they are, and am dedicated to researching and implementing interventions that are both evidence based and tailored to you and your experiences.

Do you find yourself caught in a cycle of self-criticism, leading to persistent feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness? Do your emotions sometimes overwhelm you, resulting in reactions that feel disproportionate to the situation? Navigating relationships can become even more challenging when affected by family dynamics. Maybe you have been having concerns with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/ loss, life transitions, career/school stress, self-harm, and relationship challenges. Perhaps you’ve become discouraged by your attempts to help yourself. That’s what I’m here for. Imagine acquiring skills to navigate your inner critic and reduce feelings of hopelessness when triggered. Imagine understanding the reasons behind your actions which can provide motivation to overcome self-sabotaging behaviors. Let's build the courage to confront and overcome fears and self-perceptions that may be holding you back. I prioritize cultural sensitivity, emphasizing resilience, perseverance, and compassion. My trauma-informed approach fosters a nurturing space for exploring emotions, confronting challenges, and pursuing aspirations. Additionally, I speak conversational Cantonese, basic Korean, and basic Japanese. Schedule a free consultation today.

Hello! I am a trauma therapist who works with people who want to feel safer and more connected to themselves, in their relationships and their world. In response to painful, overwhelming experience, our systems learn show to brilliantly manage, perform, and hold it together. The patterns that helped you survive may now be happening automatically. We will explore how your system has adapted and apply that awareness in practical ways. Meaningful shifts can happen in connection. Active, intentional living offers a full life you honor the past and stay in the present. Life is sometimes absurd. Humor helps too! As a therapist of nearly 20 years, I work with those who want to feel safer and more connected. Certified in EMDR and IFS-Informed EMDR. AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. Polyvagal Certificate. EMDR Intensives available for deeper work. Level 3 Gottman. Internal Tracks Offering-Hip Hop Therapy + Parts Work + Polyvagal. I'm licensed in IL, NY and PSYPACT states.

Kinesphere Counseling provides psychotherapy and movement therapy services to individuals experiencing life transitions, mood concerns, and other mental health needs. Our goal is to create a space for people to grow and be well in mind, body and spirit.

Students who come to work with me often share some things in common: -They're high-achievers. Driven, capable, and holding it together on the outside, but quietly exhausted, burned out, or feeling like something's missing on the inside. -They might be navigating anxiety or OCD, going through a major life transition, or questioning their purpose and what comes next. They may be working through shifts in their relationships, with a partner, with their parents, or with themselves. -Many have never asked for help before. They're used to being the one who has it together, and reaching out takes real courage for them. If any of that sounds familiar, reach out for a free 20-minute consultation and let's get started together :)

Hey there!! My name is Kim Koehler and I am the founder and lead therapist at Afterglow Counseling. I am accepting new clients in Indiana and Illinois! I have several years of experience in counseling and therapy with individuals of diverse backgrounds. I specialize in treating individuals who are survivors of various forms of trauma, and those struggling with body image issues/changes, low self-esteem, life transitions, women’s issues, depression, OCD, and anxiety disorders. My approach is to meet you with patience, understanding, and empathy as you share your vulnerable moments with me. I believe that everyone has the power to make changes to parts of their lives that no longer feel aligned with themselves, and am here to offer you encouragement to do so. I have extensive training in trauma and crisis intervention, as well as several years in the private practice setting working with clients of various backgrounds and presentations. I value collaborative relationships, and believe that creation of your own goals for your journey in therapy is the first positive step towards regaining control and autonomy. I believe in empowering individuals to reflect on barriers in their lives, and the strengths they currently possess and skills they can add to overcome these barriers. I believe in practicing self-compassion during difficult periods of our lives, and am committed to working with you to improve your sense of self in the hopes of leading a life you love.

Growing up, my mom would always say, “Everyone has a story.” Today, that phrase has become the foundation of how I work as a therapist. I strive to understand each of my clients’ stories through a holistic, trauma-informed lens, and offer a safe, compassionate space to process the meaning of your story – and to begin writing your next chapter. I'm passionate about working with teens and emerging adults navigating identity exploration, life transitions, relationship concerns, body image issues, anxiety, depression, and perfectionism. I also support clients who are facing religious/spiritual struggles and religious trauma.

At Sacred Stories Counseling our focus is on supporting BIPOC, queer individuals and those who hold both identities! Your story matters and we want to support you as you navigate the current reality we're living in globally and nationally, while also holding space for your personal difficulties too! We've got your back if you're working through anxiety, perfectionism / strong black woman struggles. If you're neurodivergent - we got you! The trauma you carry, you don't have to carry it alone - we'll be with you in it and use EMDR and IFS to help you move through it. It won't disappear forever but it will no longer be all consuming, hold you back, or keep you stuck! We're in your corner! Schedule a free 15 min call with us to ask any questions and see if we're a good fit!

Life post-high school can feel both exciting and uncertain. With that comes potential for opportunity and new experiences, coupled with pressure to achieve a level of independence you may not feel ready for or feel confident navigating. It might seem like everyone around you has a plan or perhaps you're struggling to build connection and find your place. Or perhaps you have past experiences that have followed you and are impeding your journey. Whatever is it, I'm here to help you gain clarity, and know that you're not alone. AREAS OF SPECIALTY SPECIFIC TO STUDENTS: Trauma, Anxiety/Depression, ADHD & Executive Functioning strategies, Relationships/Social Pressure, and Self-Identity & the Transition to Adulthood.

The process of starting therapy can be awkward and scary but life-changing. It is a relief to speak with someone who doesn’t know you to form judgments. This environment is understood as a safe space that you will be provided with. A place where you can feel heard, express your emotions, and receive psycho-education. We all have the ability to change with the right tools. My goal is to meet you where you’re at and grow from there. At Hope and Prosper, I tend to utilize an integrative approach with cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy for an effective, personalized treatment. Clients often describe me as insightful, humorous, enthusiastic, and caring. These natural characteristics that I exhibit embrace my personality as a clinician. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with experience therapizing children, adolescents, teens, and adults. I obtained my B.A. in Psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I graduated with my M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a concentration in trauma. Currently, I am pursuing my doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD) to further my career.

We are a community of diversely identified humans working together to transform the emotional, psychological and spiritual well being of individuals, families and communities, beginning with ourselves. Our primary areas of clinical expertise include: LGBTQIA++ Affirmative Practice, Trauma-Informed Practice

Struggling is a natural part of being human—something everyone faces at different points in life. You might be navigating relationship challenges, managing stress, or dealing with the effects of past traumas. Perhaps you feel lost, want to understand yourself better, or are searching for a way to heal and move forward. You deserve to feel more grounded, build stronger connections, and regain clarity and control. When life feels overwhelming, having a space where you feel safe, supported, and understood can make all the difference. If this resonates, you’re not alone, and I’m here to help.

At Resilient Creatures Counseling, we encourage people from all walks of life to honor their resilience. We specialize in treating Trauma and PTSD and serving marginalized communities including queer and gender diverse clients as well as BIPOC and immigrants.

The past few years have been incredibly difficult for everyone, regardless of background or finances. In my practice I strive to create a warm and welcoming space where we can curiously and compassionately explore your concerns. I genuinely believe that you are the expert in your own life, and my goal is to assist you with discovering and deciding how to live your best life. Throughout the pandemic I was specializing in working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use, isolation, interpersonal conflict, and grief. I have extensive history working with the college-aged population from my doctoral internship at Illinois State University and Spalding University’s counseling centers. I also have experience working in higher levels of care with non-college aged adults at outpatient, residential, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and inpatient levels of care. While working together we’ll collaboratively explore areas where you may feel stuck and discuss the use of new, more adaptive coping skills to help you move in the direction of your goals. I have many years of experience teaching classes focusing on evidence-based treatments, such as: DBT, ACT, and CBT. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

College and grad school is a time for self-discovery, building connections with peers, and finding your place in the world. But let's be real, it's not always easy. College and grad school bring up a lot of unique challenges. Whether you’re struggling with relationships, questioning your identity, or feeling overwhelmed by academic pressure and expectations, it’s okay to feel like things are tough. I’m here to support you, and together we’ll find what’s not working and tap into your strengths to help you create a more fulfilling and balanced experience. I'm dedicated to helping you find hope, healing, and understanding during challenging times. My true passion lies in cultivating long-term, meaningful connections with students, creating a space where you can freely explore your deepest concerns. If you're interested in learning more about how I can support you, please reach out to me or visit my website to schedule a free initial consultation. I'm thrilled you're taking this step and would be honored to work with you!

You don’t have to carry this alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, trauma, or stuck in patterns that feel impossible to break—please know that you’re not alone. It takes incredible courage to reach out for help, and that first step can be the beginning of real, lasting change. I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing. I work with individuals navigating a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, low self-esteem, and parent-child relationship difficulties. I understand how complex and deeply personal these struggles can be. That’s why I offer a flexible, compassionate approach tailored to your unique needs—not a one-size-fits-all solution. Together, we’ll create a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported. We’ll focus on building practical coping strategies, strengthening your emotional resilience, and helping you reconnect with a sense of stability and purpose. Healing is possible—and it starts with a conversation. If you’re ready to take that next step, or even if you’re just thinking about it, I invite you to reach out. Schedule an appointment or send a message today. Let’s work together to help you move toward a healthier, more balanced, and empowered life.

Therapy has been an essential part of my personal healing journey, and it is my honor to be able to join clients on their own paths towards expansive and resilient wellness. Simply exploring the prospect of therapy is no small feat, so I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to take those first steps. I deeply believe in the healing power of experiencing safety in a therapy relationship. I aim to recognize the bravery it takes to be vulnerable by inviting open discussion about dynamics felt in the therapy room and honoring the time needed for me to earn your trust. The pace you need to feel secure and confident in our therapeutic alliance will be the guiding force of the pace of our time together. As a therapist inspired by Narrative therapy, Queer feminist theory, Gestalt therapy, and IFS, I strive to honor all parts of you and welcome the integration of your personal interests and cultural traditions into our work. While therapy may include examining past pain and grief, I hope to create a collaborative environment that also makes room for joy and play. I’ve witnessed the power of the arts, music, movement, and play in the work towards healing and am eager to support your use of the therapy space creatively. I am passionate about understanding intergenerational, historical, and racial trauma. Using a systems-critical and strengths-based lens, I hope to support clients in their journey towards self-empowerment and resistance to oppressive systems. Feeling “othered” can limit the space we have to truly explore our genuine identity, so I am honored to work with folks exploring facets of their identity including racial, sexual, gender, disability, neurodivergent, cultural, and beyond. You are the expert of your own experience, and I would be honored to join alongside you on your path. Our work together could, of course, include talk therapy, but can also include experimenting with identity through games, using arts and crafts to express nonverbally, and mindful listening to music to access important feelings. I trust in the brilliance of the mind to find a way towards recovery and would be honored to support variations in how you access your healing. Experience I have worked as a clinical therapist with both adolescents and adults whose struggles included living with symptoms of PMDD, Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, GAD, disordered eating, substance use, childhood trauma, and dissociative disorders. I’ve had the honor to support clients exploring their sexual, gender, racial, disability, neurodivergent and autism identities. My work with clients has also included exploring relational issues, family of origin dynamics, life transitions, social justice/activism, and acculturation stress. During my NBCC Minority Fellowship, I experienced trainings focused on the use of Motivational Interviewing with marginalized groups and developed skills to continuously pursue working from an anti-racist, neurodiversity-affirming, anti-oppressive, body-neutral, sex/poly/kink-positive and anti-ableist lens. In my role as the coordinator of BrainstormLIVE, a neurocounseling webinar, I learned about deep interconnectedness of the mind and body informing my holistic approach to this work. My research interests include de-pathologizing the community-born, social justice-motivated tools for healing in the Chicago Latine-led queercore DIY punk scene. In my previous lines of work, I taught neurodivergent high school and college students and helped them navigate traditional school systems. I also worked as a caregiver for folks with cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injuries. I have experience in the non-profit sector supporting the development of community events exploring intergenerational and historical trauma through arts and somatic work for the Asian-American and Japanese American Chicagoland communities.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.