Find a Therapist

Justin Sato is a compassionate Marriage & Family Therapist Associate with a strong commitment to supporting individuals on their mental health journey. He understands the universal longing for belonging and the profound impact that feelings of isolation can have on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Justin's approach to therapy is grounded in trauma-informed principles and harm reduction, with an emphasis on collaboration. He is particularly attuned to the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, immigrant and first-generation individuals, interracial couples, and those in non-monogamous relationships. His areas of expertise include dual diagnosis, relationship issues, suicidality, substance use, process addiction (such as gambling), finances, life transitions, and a variety of mood disorders. As a first-generation Japanese American, Justin brings a rich cultural perspective to his practice. He is also a certified ASL interpreter, providing therapy in American Sign Language for the deaf and hard of hearing community. With a warm and dedicated approach, Justin is committed to guiding his clients toward a better quality of life.

Elizabeth Schaefer is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Addictions Counselor who passionately supports her clients in their journey toward healing. Her clients are individuals who seek change in their lives and believe in the possibility of recovery for both body and mind. When they feel safe in her presence, Elizabeth encourages them to bravely share their past experiences and the coping mechanisms that no longer serve them. They demonstrate remarkable resilience, continuing to engage in the therapeutic process even when faced with challenges, as they trust in the transformative power of therapy and commit to progress one step at a time.<br /> <br /> With over 20 years of experience in recovery from major depression, Elizabeth primarily serves adults and teenagers who have survived trauma and wish to reclaim control of their lives. She understands that one doesn’t have to reach a breaking point to seek support; feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or struggling to connect with others can all signal the need for professional guidance. Elizabeth creates a nurturing environment where her clients' needs can be met, fully committing to helping them achieve their personal goals. Everyone deserves to feel better, and Elizabeth is there to facilitate this crucial work.

Gary Schochet is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and Therapist with over 30 years of experience dedicated to helping his clients improve the quality of their lives. He believes in the inherent capacity of each individual to grow and overcome challenges, including depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. Gary approaches therapy with the understanding that much of our pain is rooted not in others' behaviors, but in how we perceive and interpret those actions. He works collaboratively with adults and elders facing a range of difficulties such as family conflict, grief, and self-esteem issues. Utilizing modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and family or marital therapy, Gary helps his clients enhance their communication skills, nurture their capacity to love, and achieve their life goals. His warmth and expertise provide a safe space for individuals and families to navigate their emotional landscapes.

Elizabeth Selph is a compassionate therapist committed to providing professional support that empowers individuals to overcome challenges that hinder their emotional freedom and choice. She understands that cultural, familial, and social experiences can often lead to unprocessed pain, keeping people from living fully and freely. Elizabeth recognizes that established patterns and responses may interfere with one’s ability to gain clarity in their experiences. Her expertise encompasses recovery from depression, whether stemming from a chemical imbalance or as a response to life's difficulties. Specializing in anxiety, trauma, and the feelings of being 'other than,' she focuses on helping clients reclaim their sense of self, life, and community. Through trauma healing, adaptation to change, and inclusive dialogue, Elizabeth supports her clients' journeys, integrating innovative treatment modalities such as Ketamine and Psilocybin therapy when appropriate. Her individualized approach is key; she guides individuals as they navigate their emotions and learned behaviors that may lead to discomfort and conflict. By fostering emotional flexibility and resilience, Elizabeth believes in the transformative power of self-awareness, helping clients unveil their greatest gifts and achieve authentic freedom.

Tayeba Shaikh, PsyD, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist practicing in Chicago, IL, who prioritizes compassion and respect for each individual. Her therapeutic approach is centered around creating a collaborative relationship that empowers clients to explore their needs and goals. With particular expertise in women's issues, trauma, and navigating South Asian culture and Muslim identity, she guides clients through challenges such as mood disorders, domestic abuse, and life transitions. Tayeba practices several therapeutic modalities including Trauma-Focused therapy, Emotionally Focused therapy, Family Systems, Multicultural approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Psychodynamic therapy, providing tailored support for adults and elders. Outside of her professional life, Tayeba enjoys spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and baby boy, and she has a passion for travel, TV shows, and adventurous cooking—especially if it's spicy.

Marian Sharkey is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist with a wealth of experience spanning over 20 years. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma. Clients often discover through her guidance that their sense of self-worth and ability to create joy can be transformed. Marian has a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate their emotional landscapes and overcome self-sabotaging behaviors that may impede their happiness. She employs a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as Inner Humanism, Eclectic approaches, and Psychodynamic therapy, tailored to meet the unique needs of teenagers, adults, and elders. Marian views each therapeutic relationship as an opportunity to foster a more fulfilling life and is eager to accompany clients on their journeys toward personal growth and healing.

Jill Shiner, LCSW, understands that individuals experience a diverse range of emotions throughout their lives. Emotions such as anxiety, depression, resentment, guilt, and shame can be challenging to confront and process. When these feelings remain unprocessed, they can interfere with an individual’s sense of self-esteem and worth. Since becoming an LCSW in 2013, Jill has passionately dedicated herself to helping others regain their self-esteem and self-worth. In her therapeutic practice, she utilizes techniques including active and empathic listening, reflection, reality testing, and boundary setting. Through her compassionate approach, Jill empowers her clients to feel better about themselves and embark on a journey towards living fuller, more meaningful lives. She specializes in addressing issues like depression, trauma, PTSD, and anxiety through various modalities, including individuals, couples, and family therapy.

Tameer Siddiqui is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and holder of a PsyD, committed to helping individuals discover alignment with their true selves. He understands that feelings of discontent often signal a disconnect from one’s authentic identity, manifesting as stress, sadness, loneliness, anxiety, anger, grief, or exhaustion. Tameer believes that every individual deserves a safe space to explore these complex emotions, fostering a helping relationship built on mutual respect and recognition of strengths. With extensive experience working with diverse populations in various settings, his clinical focus addresses the needs of adults facing challenges such as post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, work burnout, grief and loss, adjustment concerns, and identity development intertwined with culture and sexuality. Tameer takes an integrated therapeutic approach tailored to each client’s unique circumstances, employing evidence-based practices through a trauma-informed and multicultural lens. For those seeking to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, Tameer is ready to support and guide them through their experiences.

Dr. Alexis Silas, a psychologist with a PsyD, specializes in guiding individuals through the recovery journey from anxiety. She is particularly dedicated to supporting women facing challenges such as depression, trauma, and complex relationship dynamics. Many people find themselves overwhelmed by worries and fears, which can overshadow their ability to lead fulfilling lives and make authentic choices in relationships. Dr. Silas creates a safe, empathetic, and nonjudgmental environment where clients can work collaboratively to alleviate fears and discover new, genuine ways of connecting with others. Her extensive experience includes assisting trauma survivors, adult children of alcoholics, partners and family members of transgender individuals, and addressing emotional concerns linked to chronic medical conditions like cancer and diabetes. These experiences often evoke feelings of isolation, yet Dr. Silas emphasizes that such challenges do not need to be faced alone. The journey to find a therapist who resonates personally is a significant step toward healing. By enrolling in therapy with Dr. Silas, individuals can expect to develop deeper relationships, break free from limiting patterns, and cultivate self-acceptance and appreciation.

Hannah Smith is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specializing in supporting individuals, couples, and families through a systemic perspective. Her mission is to create a safe, supportive, and reflective environment that empowers clients to build insight, achieve balance, and reach their goals. With a firm belief in the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship, Hannah facilitates restoration, growth, and transformation for her clients. She possesses a unique passion for working with couples, addressing unresolved family of origin issues, and exploring spirituality and faith. Hannah incorporates mindfulness and holistic principles in her practice and understands how culture and societal factors shape mental and physical wellness. A proud graduate of The Family Institute at Northwestern University with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, Hannah has previously worked at the Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4) and served as a staff therapist at The Family Institute before establishing her own practice. Her approach includes a diverse range of methodologies such as EMDR, Trauma-Focused, and Strength-Based therapies, making her an adept choice for those dealing with mood disorders, relationship issues, and life transitions.

Daily Soto is a pre-licensed professional who understands the complexities of life in a fast-paced city like Chicago. Despite the bustling crowds, people often feel isolated and alone during challenging times. Daily is passionate about supporting individuals who find themselves longing for connection—whether it’s missing someone who is no longer present or grappling with relationships that may not serve them well. She recognizes that many fill existing voids with choices they later regret. Daily's approach is centered on helping clients navigate their struggles, empowering them to explore their sense of self and purpose. As someone who has experienced the pressures of being the firstborn in a Latinx family, she deeply empathizes with the heavy responsibilities that come with that role. She knows firsthand how navigating family expectations can leave one feeling overshadowed and lost. Daily believes that balance is achievable and that every individual is a valuable human being with a powerful story. While sharing one's story can be daunting, the pain of that process is temporary, and the healing it fosters is profound. Daily is dedicated to guiding clients on their healing journeys, reinforcing that their past experiences shape them but do not have to define who they are. If someone is reading this, it’s a sign they are already halfway to transformation. Taking the next step is the start of an empowering journey.

Jewel Spencer, an LMFT with qualifications from IDFPR/State of Illinois, is dedicated to supporting her clients as they navigate various challenges in their lives. She embraces a person-centered, collaborative approach, ensuring that her clients feel met in their unique journey toward change. Jewel’s clinical interests include addressing communication issues within couples and families, dealing with infidelity, substance use, and assisting adults as they experience life transitions. She has a particular passion for working with women of color, especially Black women, fostering an environment that is sex-positive, LGBTQ+, and kink-affirming. Jewel firmly believes that individual growth directly contributes to the strength of relationships and families. Her commitment is to help clients enhance their self-esteem, improve their communication skills, and become cohesive teams.

Michelle Stahley, MA, LCPC, is a dedicated counselor who believes that finding the right therapist is essential for a successful therapeutic experience. Known for her authenticity and non-judgmental approach, Michelle brings a down-to-earth style to her practice that incorporates humor and gentle guidance. She views therapy as a collaborative partnership, actively engaging with her clients to empower them as they work towards finding solutions that leverage their strengths in a relaxed and safe environment. With extensive experience in supporting adults and emerging adults, Michelle specializes in various issues, including dating difficulties, relationship problems, family of origin challenges, and work/life balance concerns. Her passion for empowering introverts and Highly Sensitive People shines through in her practice. Additionally, Michelle has advanced training in perinatal mood disorders, offering invaluable support to women during and after pregnancy, and she is particularly attuned to the emotional, physical, and financial toll of infertility, aiming to provide understanding and care where traditional support systems may fall short.