Therapists for college students near 60657

Hold Your Own is an invitation. An offer of solidarity, connection, and hope to anyone who has experienced the profound impact of shame, loss, depression, anxiety, conflict- and the many other ways we as humans hurt or feel lost – and an opportunity to work through it together.

Hello my name is Velma Bell, Founder and President of BIW Counseling since 2017. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the State of Missouri and Illinois. I am a social worker, a therapist and trauma survivor. I am Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 trained, Acceptance, Commitment Therapy (ACT) Intermediate trained and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I am an alumni of the Brown School of Social Work and currently an Adjunct Instructor in the mental health concentration at the Brown School. I specialize in complex traumas, grief and loss, anxiety and depression and a host of other mental health conditions. My practice offers both in person and virtual options for therapy and I am in network with several major insurance plans including UHCSR.

How you feel about yourself, relate with others, and make your way in the world is significantly influenced by your earliest relationships. If your caregivers struggled with their own psychological health, their ability to connect with and be emotionally available to you may have been impaired. You may have felt invalidated, rejected, smothered or unwanted. Since you had no choice but to adapt and attach to the adults available to you, you may now find yourself in relationships that feel empty, end abruptly, or are riddled with conflict. Such disharmony only exacerbates feeling depressed and anxious. As a psychodynamic therapist, I am trained to recognize the underlying thoughts, feelings, and patterns that keep you from sustaining meaningful relationships and stuck in emotional pain. Rather than viewing you as a diagnosis or problem to be solved, I'm most interested in understanding and helping you work through what is troubling you. I completed training at The Object Relations Institute of New York City, The Center for Religion and Psychotherapy of Chicago, and I am an Assistant Professor at Indiana University South Bend . I am also a classically trained musician and former high school choral director. Please visit my website at www.kurtmhanus.com

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am committed to fostering a compassionate, empathetic, collaborative therapeutic environment. I’m particularly interested in understanding your unique experience of yourself, others, and the world. People often seek help to expand their self-development and personal growth in addition to feeling better. I strive to help people by widening self-awareness through a balance of emotional experience and insight. I believe people should feel heard and understood, and I do my best to understand what it’s like for you in your unique subjective experience. Having a secure, stable place will allow you to freely explore your internal world and take risks in the outside world. Part of the process includes finding integration between emotions and thoughts, memory, consciousness, narrative, attachment relationships, and identity. I aim to help you deal with difficult thoughts and feelings so you can move towards what you care about in life, live more fully with greater passion and vitality, increase your curiosity, and be more present.

I am an Indian and Pakistani cis-gender woman from an immigrant family and am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I have a Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling (MAATC) and am a Provisionally Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P). I love working with people from different backgrounds and various identities attempting to preserve a sense of authentic self in the Western world. I have a strong background working with immigrant children, their families, as well as individuals of any age desiring self-acceptance, self-esteem, and support surrounding anxiety and depression. Due to my experience navigating the various parts of myself, I am passionate about serving those with opposing or oppressed identities such as those within the BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ community. I am trilingual in Hindi/Urd’u, Spanish, and English and offer sessions in all three languages. Our various identities as individuals can sometimes pull us in opposite directions (opposing forces), occasionally forcing us to put forth different versions of ourselves and keeping our authentic selves hidden. This can cause much anxiety and panic, especially in a society where defining and boxing in individuals is the norm. As a child of an immigrant family, I am keenly aware of immigration-related anxiety and maintaining a balance between your culture and the Western world. Sometimes life can throw our internal compass/intuition off balance; for this reason, I integrate ancestral, intuitive, somatic, and spiritual practices and wisdoms into the healing process. I am passionate about increasing your sense of self-empowerment and using your authentic voice to advocate for yourself and your identities to inspire the changes you deem necessary within your community. Values and Approach It is incredibly important to me to operate from a culturally critical perspective, always questioning and expanding my understanding of one’s identities and cultures.

I am licensed counselor in the state of Illinois. I unfortunately only speak English. I have worked with a wide variety of clients from teens to seniors, individuals, couples and have lead and co-lead counseling groups. I have 18 years of experience and have worked in a variety of different organizations and settings including doing community based counseling helping people to manage their mental and medical health issues in a variety of different settings. As a counselor, my goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel comfortable being yourself. I understand that starting therapy can feel intimidating, and I work at a pace that feels right for you. When we begin working together, I take time to get to know you and your experiences, your strengths, and what you hope to gain from therapy. I use a person-centered approach, which means you are the expert on your own life, and we will work collaboratively to identify your goals. I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques to help you build practical skills for managing challenges like anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship concerns. My approach is flexible and tailored to your unique needs. With 18 years of experience working with a wide range of individuals, I aim to meet you where you are and support you in making meaningful, lasting changes. Whether you're navigating a difficult time or working toward personal growth, I’m here to help you along the way.

My approach as a counselor is highly relational, I believe that acceptance, safety, and trust are important aspects of engendering connection with people, particularly in clinical work. I prioritize understanding individuals’ subjective experiences that create their realities and facilitating the exploration of perspective through a variety of expressions. We all have a unique lens through which we view and understand the world, I am passionate about assisting clients to increase their awareness through a biopsychosocial and physiological framework. I am trained in trauma-informed approaches but use an eclectic style of treatment and intervention including person-centered, humanist, and systems theories. I believe we can all find more compassion toward ourselves and others by tapping into our innate healing intelligence to achieve greater coping and balance. I completed my bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse and recently finished my master’s in clinical mental health counseling at Adler University-Chicago. I enjoy working with a diverse range of individuals and I identify as affirming each of our complex cultural experiences including race, sexual orientation, gender identity socioeconomic status, etc.. My interests are in trauma and complex trauma, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and integration of art and somatic interventions from a wellness model. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, exploring nature, and expressing myself through baking, writing, and drawing. I am a proud cat and plant mom!

Stephanie Kilper is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (BC-DMT). With several years of experience in a variety of mental health settings and a large spectrum of care, Stephanie has worked with children, teens and adults on issues related to disordered eating, body image, emotional regulation, and mood disorders. Stephanie’s approach to treatment includes supporting individuals with increasing their mind-body connection and reconnecting to their bodies in a safe, gentle manner through integrated movement and mindfulness experiences. Stephanie utilizes present-moment connection and curiosity to inform her work with individuals, navigating the inner self with a practice of kindness and openness. As a member of the LGBTQ community, Stephanie also supports individuals in identity exploration and self-discovery as clients deepen their understanding of all aspects of who they are.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I’m a licensed clinical therapist with over seven years of experience specializing in depression, anxiety, adjustments and PTSD. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can begin to explore your experiences and take meaningful steps toward healing. Therapy with me is collaborative, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs.

I want to help those facing day to day challenges and in need of extra support. I am committed to being apart of that journey by offering faith-based counseling that combines the pillars of Christian faith with the knowledge of mental health and psychosocial functioning. This will assist with your overall wellness and freedom to change. I understand that reaching out for help can feel intimidating, and it takes a lot of courage to take that first step. If you're struggling with stress, anxiety, or any challenges that feel overwhelming, know that you're not alone. I’m here to listen without judgment and to help guide you through the process of Healing and growth.

D. Joel Marquart has several years of clinical work specializing in ADHD, relationships, major life transitions, and inner-child work. He especially enjoys helping clients integrate childhood wounds, build self-compassion, and foster a stronger sense of self and purpose. He firmly believes healing only occurs when safety and trust are established enough to risk vulnerability. SPECIALTIES: Life transitions Perfectionism/Procrastination Personal growth and self-esteem Marriage and partnerships ADD/ADHD LGBTQIA+

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Illinois, holding an MSW from the University at Buffalo, SUNY. With a commitment to cultural sensitivity and supporting LGBTQ+ populations, my practice is grounded in an identity-affirming, anti-oppressive framework that respects and validates lived experience. I believe that therapy should be accessible, so please ask me about sliding scale sessions if you feel finances are a barrier to access. I specialize in working with Autistic adults and individuals who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Drawing from a rich tapestry of therapeutic modalities including psychodynamic/psychoanalytic, humanistic, existential, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapies, I tailor my approach to each individual’s unique needs and circumstances. Embracing a person-centered philosophy, I meet clients where they are, valuing their strengths, and collaboratively working towards their goals. I specialize in creating a safe and inclusive space for those who have felt marginalized or misunderstood. I believe deeply in the transformative power of feeling understood and endeavor to foster healing through empathetic connection and genuine support.

Welcome to The Black Sheep Sanctuary, where therapy isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about helping you make sense of your beautifully messy, wonderfully weird, and sometimes chaotic life. We’re here for the overthinkers, the socially anxious, the “why am I like this?” crowd, and anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit in. We believe that being different isn’t a flaw—it’s just you, being you. But let’s be real, sometimes figuring out “you” can feel overwhelming without a little guidance. That’s where we come in. Therapy with us isn’t stiff or clinical—it’s a conversation. Sometimes deep, sometimes hilarious, but always real. We show up as ourselves so you can too. Whether you're navigating anxiety, ADHD, relationships, or just trying to function without wanting to scream into the void, we’ve got you. No judgment. No weird therapy head tilts. Just real talk, practical tools, a couple of “f-bombs”, and a safe space where you don’t have to filter yourself. Welcome to the flock. You belong here.

Hi there! My name is Reese Minshew, and I work almost entirely with transgender (broadly defined) adults who have had traumatic (broadly defined) experiences. I’m licensed in California, Illinois, and New York, and work via telehealth with people located in any of those states. Clinically, I believe that the reactions we have after experiencing trauma and stress are fundamentally adaptive to the trauma, but can disrupt everyday life. In other words, if you had a difficult experience (including chronic exposure to structural stressors such as anti-trans bias, white supremacy, ableism, etc), you might not be able to eat, sleep, focus, calm down, feel excited, or be in relationships in the way you want. Whatever reaction you’re having was very helpful to you at one time, but if it’s no longer serving you then we can work on that. Most of the time we would do this by talking about what’s going on in your life right now, and working to understand it in the context of your past experiences.

Reaching out for help can be difficult and the thought of seeing a therapist can seem intimidating. I believe that with the right therapist, you can express yourself freely without fear of judgement and receive the support you need and desire. No two people's journey and life experiences are the same, so I take an individualized approach with my clients. I love helping clients feel their feelings, address their anxiety and fear of failure, and feel empowered to grow and change habits. I specialize in aiding clients with managing relationship challenges, developing better routines, managing their emotions, and implementing boundaries. I utilize values, humor, and compassion so we can build an authentic, therapeutic relationship to make changes. In sessions, I will often bring us back to the present moment to build awareness and identify old patterns of behaviors so we can create new habits. I strive to provide a welcoming environment that will support your unique development of self-awareness, vulnerability, and growth. Together, we will identify your goals for treatment and work towards those in a collaborative process. I value feedback so I can ensure your goals and voice are at the heart of our work. I look forward to our journey together!

I’m Lauren Dircks, a licensed therapist in Illinois and Minnesota, offering immediate openings for Telehealth counseling. I provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore challenges, build resilience, and find healing. I welcome individuals from all backgrounds and provide a judgment-free, inclusive environment where you can be your authentic self. I know that seeking support takes courage, and I'm here to help you. Your well-being is my priority, and I'm committed to helping you grow, heal, and become the best version of yourself. You don’t have to do this alone.

I am passionate about walking alongside clients in therapy. We each have our own challenges and hardships, but we also have unique and amazing strengths! My goal in therapy is to help you understand what is and what is not working for you and find ways to connect, grow, and thrive. I have a particular interest in clients working through life transitions, spiritual struggles, and burnout.

Kathleen Harvey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri and Illinois and earned a Bachelor's of Arts and Masters in Social Work degrees from St. Louis University.Kathleen believes that it is not what happens to you, it is our attitude and what we choose to do about what happens, that makes a difference. Kathy has experience working with individuals and couples using a multi-disciplinary approach to therapy to help clients resolve life challenges which alter our ability to function in our daily lives. Kathy is accepting new patients at this time and is asking you to take a risk and seek help with what is holding you back from achieving your dreams in life and moving forward in life with joy and hope.