Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

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So you’re becoming more independent and feel like conversations with family and friends are strained. Maybe you want to set boundaries and air frustrations with those you’re close to, but struggle with how to do this as your relationships shift? Questioning beliefs and values you’ve long held onto isn’t easy, and can be even harder when voicing them to others. Whether watching parents divorce as an adult, coming out to family, or struggling with transitions in life, my goal is to increase your understanding of yourself both in the past and present so advocating for your needs feels less like a burden. As someone that is queer-identified, I have a passion for working with clients holding marginalized identities and supporting your journey, acknowledging the impacts society, family, and culture have in shaping the world around you. Our time together will focus on developing healthy boundaries and goals collaboratively to improve interpersonal relationships.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

We look at individuals as part of a bigger family system, offering support to folks experiencing low motivation and school refusal, social anxiety, performance anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, depression, and cultural identity.

Are you looking to make changes in your life? Are you looking for a partner to help navigate relationship drama, manage symptoms, or just to listen to the challenges you’re going through? It would be an honor to partner with you on this journey, whatever the reason that brings you in. I can support you in managing stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, dual diagnoses, and many other concerns. Each person is worthy of a space to feel seen and engage in a meaningful therapy experience. I strive to create a therapeutic space that is centered on the goals and needs of each person while building a collaborative relationship all in the understanding that you drive the direction and focus of our work together. I’m here as a guide to offer strategies, expertise and hope as we navigate through your unique experience in partnership. My therapeutic approach is grounded in strengths-based, trauma-informed and harm-reduction philosophies. Other evidenced-based practices utilized in my work include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and others that are best suited for the person and their particular needs.

Do you feel overwhelmed by the roles you are juggling? Do you feel drained or that you're simply getting by, that life is slipping through your fingers? This time is your life is one where you are existing in multiple roles - student, worker, sibling, friend, roommate, caretaker, and/or more; this can bring up so many different emotions, reactions, and struggles. This may even be a time in your life when you are discovering new parts of yourself. I work to provide a safe, secure environment for you to process, hold, and learn this new version of you, in all our messy imperfections. Hey, my name is Nithya (nith-ya) and I am a cat (and dog) lover, a ttrpg enthusiast, and a licensed therapist who is trauma-informed and queer-affirming. As someone who spent half their life in another country, I've learned a lot about myself over the years and I know the difficulties and stresses that come with it. I bring my authentic self into sessions and work with you on discovering beliefs and habits that no longer work for you and understanding and processing past experiences to foster change and bring clarity to your life. I studied at UIC and NEIU for my Bachelor's and Master's, and worked at NPU as a clinical intern. I have experience working with trauma and complex trauma, identity exploration, anxiety/depression, relationship and friendship concerns, complex family dynamics, assimilating to a new culture, ADHD, and career counseling. Most importantly, I believe in your ability to change your life and move through difficult circumstances and I would be delighted to support you in your growth. Email me at nithya@chicagocounselingservices.com to set up an appointment.

I love working with clients to both identify their strengths and to help them understand what constrains them from reaching their goals. After exploring these areas, we collaborate to create a plan for change. I am an expert on tools and possibilities but you're the expert on you and what will resonate in your life. I'll be asking for your input every step of the way! I know campus culture. I've been a therapist in a busy University Counseling Center and loved my work students and faculty. I've also been a been a professor at the graduate level. I understand that with the all the stressors daily student life being successful means having a support network in place. I'd love to see if I'd be a good fit for your support network.

I want to help people feel a sense of belonging even if they don't feel like they belong anywhere else. This includes people who are part of the LGBTQ+/queer community, people who are autistic, AuDHD, or have ADHD, and people who have experienced relational trauma and/or religious trauma. If any of this reflects your experience, you may carry deep shame and feel disconnected from those around you. You might be putting on a happy face on the outside while things feel like they are falling apart inside. I want to come alongside you and help you clean out some of the rubble inside. You might be surprised by the "you" that you uncover. My approach is relational, experiential, and collaborative. I make space for what clients bring into session while guiding them to a point of focus and greater clarity. I primarily use internal family systems (IFS) therapy and also incorporate sandtray therapy. When meeting with clients virtually, I use Minecraft or Simply Sand Play for sandtray therapy. Using these types of therapy, I will help you access emotions and experiences that you can't access with words alone. This will help you unload some of that weight you've been carrying and live a more free and authentic life. If you are interested in working with me, contact me to book a free 15-minute consultation. I look forward to getting to know you!

Not every storm is visible, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Whether it's the whirlwind of ADHD, the quiet complexities of autism, or the relentless loop of anxious thoughts, I help individuals navigate what others often don’t see. I specialize in supporting neurodivergent clients and those managing anxiety, with a deep commitment to honoring each person’s unique wiring. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based and scientifically proven practices tailored to your lived experience. We work together to customize therapy to meet you where you are—authentically, collaboratively, and with curiosity. In our work together, you’ll find a space that’s safe, curious, and empowering. I aim to guide my clients through the messiness of growth with compassion and clarity—helping them build self-understanding, reduce overwhelm, and rediscover their inner calm. To me, therapy is not about “fixing” but empowering—offering tools, insight, and support I’ve had the honor of walking alongside clients of all backgrounds as they reclaim confidence, build coping skills, and find language for what once felt unspeakable. Healing isn’t linear, but it is possible—and you're not alone in the journey. Together, we’ll make space for growth, resilience, and meaningful change.

As a queer therapist I have since worked with folx navigating areas including anxiety, depression, life transitions, neurodiversity, relationships, stress, trauma, substance use, OCD, and more.

Everyone deserves to feel heard, empowered, and respected, especially during life’s most challenging moments. Therapy provides a safe space for healing, and I would be honored to support you in your journey toward self-empowerment. As a collaborative and non-judgmental therapist in Chicago, my goal is to work with you to find the best path to healing that aligns with your unique needs. With personal experience navigating anxiety, depression, and life transitions, I understand the emotional and relational challenges that many face. I have had the privilege of working with clients from all walks of life, helping them process difficult emotions and navigate major transitions—whether in relationships, work, or health. I specialize in supporting folks as they manage the pressures of life, relationships, and mental health. Together, we will address anxiety, depression, and other emotional struggles, develop strategies for managing overwhelming feelings, and create practical plans to face challenges with confidence. I approach therapy with humor, thoughtfulness, and a focus on affirmations, believing that trust and respect are the foundation of any therapeutic relationship. During our sessions, I will bring my genuine and authentic self to create a warm and empowering environment. A phone consultation is available to explore your treatment intentions and schedule an initial session, where we will discuss your goals and begin to shape your healing journey. My modalities include: Trauma-Informed Therapy Play Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Strength-Based Therapy Mindfulness-Based Therapy My specialities: Anxiety Depression ADHD LGBTQ+ Issues Academic Stress Parenting Support Trauma

If you’ve been feeling stuck, anxious, or just not like yourself lately, I can help you find your way forward. As a compassionate & experienced therapist, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate these challenges in a safe space. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, eating disturbances, work-stress, relationship struggles, trauma, or self-esteem issues, I work collaboratively with clients to create treatment plans that promote healing. I specialize in helping individuals with relationship challenges, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, LGBTQ+ issues, & grief. I provide a non-judgmental space for healing & growth.

Using an integrated model of solution-focused, strength-based and emotion-focused approaches allows me to tailor our sessions to your needs. Together we will work collaboratively to gain self-awareness and achieve the growth that you wish to see. I am interested in working with individuals, couples, and families dealing with anxiety, depression, navigating life transitions, and looking to develop healthier communication skills.

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I work with adolescents and adults. I specialize in working with ADHD, with a focus on executive functioning skills such as organization, time management, motivation, emotional regulation, and follow-through. I also specialize in treating social anxiety, using exposure-based approaches to help clients gradually face feared situations, reduce avoidance, and build confidence in social and performance settings. We will work at your pace, creating structured and manageable exposures while also addressing the thoughts and physical sensations that keep anxiety going. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in evidence based practices including CBT, ACT and ERP.

Relationships play a significant role in our emotional well-being, yet they can also be one of life's greatest sources of stress. At Semillas Counseling, we help individuals and couples navigate the challenges that arise in friendships, dating relationships, family dynamics, roommates, and romantic partnerships. Whether you're struggling with communication, conflict, trust, boundaries, loneliness, life transitions, or simply wanting healthier and more fulfilling connections, our therapists provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore what's happening and develop meaningful, lasting change. We believe stronger relationships begin with greater self-awareness, intentional communication, and the confidence to show up authentically with the people who matter most.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I approach my work grounded in the belief that understanding the deeper layers of your experience can create meaningful and lasting change. I work collaboratively to explore how past relationships, unconscious patterns, and emotional experiences shape your present life. I often work with individuals who are navigating challenges related to self-esteem, anxiety, life transitions, relationship stressors, grief, and trauma. Through a consistent, attuned, and compassionate therapeutic relationship, I aim to create a space where you can feel understood, reflect more deeply, and develop new ways of relating to yourself and others.

Just because you are pursuing therapy doesn’t mean there is something wrong with you. It doesn’t mean that you are not strong. And it definitely doesn’t matter if you think other people have it worse than you. This is about your life and how we can help to make it better.

Flourishing Affinity Counseling is a woman founded, small private practice located in the heart of Lakeview. Flourishing Affinity Counseling was created in order to give people a space to feel safe, heard, understood, and affirmed while navigating their concerns surrounding sex, relationships and identities. FAC is a therapeutic space for those to explore individual, couples, relationship and/or sex therapy in order to truly flourish in life and relationships. ​ ​ At FAC we value inclusivity, pleasure, exploration, and embracing your unique sexuality. We also value your autonomy and your therapeutic process. We recognize this work is complicated and challenging. Together we will navigate your concerns at a pace that feels right for you and work towards your own desired growth and outcome. ​​​ Flourishing Affinity Counseling is a sex positive space that is affirming to members of the LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, kink, poly, CNM, and sex worker communities.