Mental Health Therapist in Chicago, IL
I help adults struggling with relationship transitions, anxiety, and cultural family pressures heal from grief and intergenerational trauma while setting healthy boundaries.
Specializing in anxiety, depression, intergenerational trauma, and couples therapy. Book your appointment today with availability for online sessions within 7 days.
You’re overwhelmed with self-doubt and tired of being a people pleaser.
You don’t recognize your own voice anymore because the life you’re living doesn’t feel like it isn’t your own. Most of the time, your needs and wants were put on the back burner because you were considered the “responsible one” in your family. You’ve been so busy helping others with their problems that you forget about your own. “You’re so mature”, people tell you, and you believe it. So you’ve worn that identity with pride for years. Now all of those years of ignoring your own needs have started to take it’s toll in more than in one area of your life…
Others are noticing that you’re often argumentative, irritable, or distracted.
You often feel panicked, overwhelmed with racing thoughts, irritated at every minor thing that didn’t use to bug you, and not like who you were or who you would want to be. You’re often distracting or numbing yourself out because you’re burnt out. You’re exhausted. If you have a partner or significant other, the seemingly small, passive aggressive comments from either of you start to feel like an un-ending war. You don’t know if you want to stay in this toxic and unhealthy relationship dynamic anymore. But does anyone seem to notice that you’re not okay?
You want to improve your situation and move towards a better outcome for yourself.
Someone close to you suggested to you to see a mental health therapist. It feels scary and brings up a sense of fear to let a stranger know the real you. Will they like you? Will YOU like YOU? You’ve learned over the years from your parents and other adults in your life how to avoid conflict and suppress overwhelming emotions. As you are becoming a new parent yourself, you wonder if there’s a different way so you don’t pass on the intergenerational trauma to them? “Is it even possible or worth it”, you wonder?
Let me tell you….it is!
Hi, my name is Shirley, and I provide mental health therapy in Chicago, IL!
I provide online mental health therapy for individuals and couples in Chicago and those living in Illinois. I help kindhearted people who are constantly taking care of others break unhealthy patterns that create stress and anxiety. Those who are tired from feeling out of control, shrinking yourself, or that you don’t have a voice worth listening to.
Book a free 15-minute consult with me via Zoom to see if therapy is right for you and how I can best support you. Let's create a personalized plan to help you move beyond anxiety and depression, starting your journey to relief sooner.
Specialties:
Anxiety:
In my experience as a therapist, I've come to realize that you can't teach others lessons unless you've lived them yourself. This belief shapes my approach to therapy, as I draw from my own journey to empathize with clients. By sharing my insights, I create a space where clients feel understood and supported in their struggles. Together, we explore their emotions and experiences, fostering genuine growth and healing. I believe that true transformation comes from both personal experience and compassionate guidance.
Intergenerational Trauma:
Growing up in an immigrant household, I witnessed how harmful communication patterns, beliefs, and behaviors can be passed down through generations. Many of us strive to differentiate ourselves from these patterns to prevent them from affecting our own children. Taking time for self-reflection and awareness isn't selfish; it's an act of self-compassion. By doing so, we can choose to pass on family heirlooms of love and resilience rather than the burdens of family trauma.
Relationship Issues:
Throughout my career as a therapist, I've worked with couples from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and sexual orientations. Each couple's challenges are unique, so there's no one-size-fits-all approach. My role is to help partners slow down, become aware of how they feel, and notice both spoken and unspoken communication. By developing this awareness, couples can then commit to making changes that enhance communication and rebuild trust in their relationship.
How a Mental Health Therapist in Chicago Can Help
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Individual Counseling
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Couples Counseling
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Frequently Asked Questions in Chicago, IL
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Absolutely, seeing a therapist for anxiety can be very beneficial. It's important to find a therapist who is a good fit for you and your specific needs. As a therapist, I specialize in helping clients improve their anxiety and enhance their relationships with themselves and others. Therapy offers a supportive space to explore your feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards a healthier, more balanced life.
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Instead of thinking about 'fixing' anxiety, let's focus on how we can better manage it. The first step is to become aware of the words and beliefs we use when we feel anxious, as they can significantly impact our experience. Next, it's important to have a safe and supportive space to process these feelings, helping them feel less overwhelming and out of control. Together, we can explore effective strategies tailored to your needs, helping you to manage and reduce your anxiety.
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There is no one-size fits all approach for anxiety. Each person's experience with anxiety is unique, and the most effective therapy can vary. However, by exploring different therapeutic options and becoming more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and experiences, we can find healthier ways to cope with anxiety. Let's work together to discover the best approach for you, tailored to your individual needs and preferences.
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For 50-minute individual sessions, it will cost $210 out of pocket, while for a 50-minute couples’ session, it will cost $220. I understand that therapy is an investment in your well-being, and I am committed to providing high-quality care. If you have insurance, I can help you navigate your benefits to see if any coverage is available. Additionally, please feel free to discuss any financial concerns with me, as I want to ensure that therapy is accessible for those who need it.
15 Minute Free Consultation with a Mental Health Therapist in Chicago
Ready to start your journey to healing? Click the button below to book a free 15-minute Zoom consultation to speak with a Mental Health therapist in Chicago.