Therapists for college students near University of Chicago
I am a clinician dedicated to providing a space for every client to better understand themselves, others, and how they fit into the world. My role as a therapist is to show clients that they are understood and accepted so that they may develop the courage and confidence to make their own decisions. I work with adults, adolescents and couples of all backgrounds. I collaborate with the client in analysis of thought, feeling, and action to gain insight into and mastery over the self. With couples, sessions are emotion-focused and informed by the Gottman method, with the goal of improving communication. If you experience problems related to divorce, trauma, sexuality, grief, loneliness, anxiety, life transition, or a general sense of purposelessness, I have confidence that I can help.
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We primarily work with underserved and marginalized populations. We specialize in treating complex trauma and the many ways in which it can show up clinically.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
College can feel overwhelming — between classes, internships, friendships, and trying to figure out who you are and where you’re headed. Many students I work with describe feeling anxious, burnt out, or stuck in old patterns that don’t change no matter how hard they try. Others notice that underneath the stress is a sense of loneliness or pressure to have it all together. I work best with students who are curious about going deeper — not just learning coping strategies, but really understanding themselves and healing the patterns that get in the way of feeling connected and confident. If you’ve tried surface-level tools and still feel like something’s missing, this may be a good fit. Together, we’ll create a space that feels supportive, creative, and real — so you can grow in ways that last well beyond college.
Our practice is guided by the most current research available. The treatments we utilize have been shown to be most effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life among patients with anxiety, mood and related disorders. We focus on what works. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an umbrella term for methods that share a focus on thoughts and behaviors that maintain symptoms, willingness to try new behaviors, and patterns of relating to our experiences. Between-session practice of these strategies serves to consolidate gains achieved in treatment sessions.
I support people experiencing life transitions, stress, and relationship issues. I personalize treatment to each client using our relationship, scientific approaches, and collaboration to meet your goals. I also provide trauma centered therapy and EMDR.
I believe therapy should be a space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. I hold a BA in Psychology from Marquette University and an MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University, with several years of experience working with children (ages 3+), adolescents, and adults in various therapeutic settings. I have a passion for supporting neurodivergent and queer clients. My style is warm, direct, and collaborative. I draw from CBT, DBT, feminist theory, and narrative therapy, and I also enjoy using creative and nontraditional methods such as play therapy, art therapy, and even walk-and-talk sessions. No matter the approach, my goal is to create an affirming space where clients can explore their story and take meaningful steps forward.
Welcome! My approach to therapy is warm, affirming, nonjudgmental, and inquisitive. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion and evidence-based care. I have experience working with people across various stages of life who are managing stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, disordered eating, body image issues, and self-esteem concerns. My work is rooted in empowering clients to foster personal growth and resilience. By blending empathy, advocacy, and practical skills, I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of every client. Collaboration is at the heart of my practice. Whether it’s helping you build healthier relationships, overcome internal struggles, or set meaningful goals, I am committed to supporting you every step of the way. If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing and transformation, I am here to guide and support you. You deserve a safe, comfortable space to process and feel, and to find the joy you’re looking for. Let’s work together to create meaningful change!
Dr. Jay works with individuals- especially women of color and those with immigrant backgrounds- who: - Struggle to manage the stresses of daily life and experience emotional distress like depression, grief and/or anxiety - Are survivors of complex trauma, inter-personal, generational and/or collective trauma - Experience existential, spiritual, identity-based questions and are yearning to clarify their purpose in life - Seek a space to dream beyond the moment they are in to create new futures for themselves and those they love - Value holistic, compassionate, relational care
Perhaps you’re tired of not feeling good. Your relationships or career may be draining you and there could be a felt sense that there is more to life or something better for you out there. You might even be carrying a deep, nagging pain that needs release and yet, when the tears come, you hold them back in. Your struggles could leave you feeling unable to think clearly, experiencing tightness in your chest or your body, or even feeling like you weigh a million pounds. Over time, you could find yourself completely numb and not wanting to get out of bed in the morning. Whether these feelings are coming from the distant past or from something happening currently, this does not need to be your “normal”. With support, you can find relief and have greater peace in your life. I know what it’s like to feel empty or to question “how did my life get here?”. My experience with various mind body therapies, blended with traditional counseling, taught me that with compassion and determination, we can find our way out. I believe when we can openly share about ourselves without pressure and with knowing that everything is welcome, we are able to take small steps towards lasting change. From a young age, I had been fascinated with human behavior, introspection, and understanding our inner world. I became a therapist to help people explore all of the crevices where we hold our pain, not only to help connect the dots, but to expand awareness in both the mind and body. I believe this helps us to allow our tears to flow and hold our messiness with tenderness and grace. Working at the Family Institute at Northwestern University, showed me firsthand that change begins when we let go of labeling our thoughts, feelings, or sensations as “good/bad”, “right/wrong”, or “should/shouldn’t”. I am dedicated to helping people step away from these rigid beliefs and approach themselves with a gentle curiosity. I believe when we let go of the labels, we can learn to accept and integrate all parts of ourselves and our experiences with greater compassion. I also learned how important it is to blend a sense of lightheartedness and tough love during my role at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center. I know change is not easy, and although we may never feel ready, it’s in doing it anyway and taking the first small steps that we begin to uncover our true nature. I understand how difficult it is to hold the uncertainty or pain in your life. You have the innate ability to regain a sense of balance and create internal space for any emotional experience. You deserve more and there is more for you out there. I am here to help you uncover and discover how big and free your life can be. Let’s connect now.
Thousand Branches Wellness – Chicago Loop offers compassionate, structured mental health care for teens and adults in the heart of downtown Chicago. We provide inclusive, evidence‑informed treatment for individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, and major life transitions. Our mission is to create a safe, supportive environment where clients can heal, grow, and build lasting resilience. Our highly trained clinicians deliver care through adult and adolescent Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and weekly specialty groups. Using evidence‑based approaches such as CBT, ACT, mindfulness, somatic therapy, and schema‑informed process work, we support both high‑functioning individuals who feel “stuck” and those needing more structure than traditional outpatient therapy. Thousand Branches Wellness is known for a responsive intake process, collaborative communication with referring providers, and culturally aware care. We focus on building stability, insight, and sustainable coping skills—helping clients move forward with confidence and connection.
Group therapy practice located in downtown Chicago specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adults, Adolescents and Families.
Are you a person of faith who also identifies as gay (LGBTQ+) or same-sex attracted? Are you looking for a trauma therapist who's passionate about working with teens and young adults who have experienced trauma? My life's work is focused on teens and young adults who are exploring their faith and sexual identity and who are recovering from past trauma. Common symptoms are anxiety, depression, and PTSD. My goal is always to walk with my clients to find freedom, fulfillment, and an integrated identity. I love getting to know my clients - being entrusted with your story is an honor to me. Treatment Areas and Competencies: Teen therapy, Trauma Processing, Faith and Spirituality, Sexuality and Gender, Relationship Challenges, Emotion Regulation, Sexual Trauma, and Exposure to Violence. Reaching out to a therapist is a big step and I am on your team.
Sage Therapy Chicago specializes in working with college-aged students who might be experiencing stress, worry, anxiety, depression, stressors surrounding life transitions, trauma & PTSD. We offer in-person and virtual sessions and together we can help you increase your self awareness, support you in finding the best answers to life- changing questions, and guide you to a more enjoyable life. If you're looking to see things in a different way, feel free to get in touch!
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
I understand how overwhelming change can feel. As a relationship therapist, I believe you are not broken or damaged. I am here to help you make sense of who you are based off your life experiences and relationships. When you come to session, we’ll work together to help you see and celebrate your value as an individual, partner, and friend creating lasting, positive change for yourself and relationships. With years of experience in therapeutic classrooms, daycare centers, housing shelters for at-risk youth and families, and as a prevention specialist in middle and high school settings, I bring a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to my practice. I specialize in working with young adults and women, focusing on self-esteem, identity, societal expectations, and gender roles in relationships. I also address family of origin issues, including attachment wounds and intergenerational trauma, while integrating anxiety management, mindfulness, and emotion-focused therapy. I earned my B.A. in Family and Human Services, along with Spanish, from the University of Oregon and my M.A. in Couple and Family Therapy at Adler University. I also hold a certification in Trauma-Informed Care from St. Vincent DePaul and am a proud member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). My supervisor is Brittney Brooks, AMFT.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Our practice specializes in helping you find fulfillment within your relationships and sex life. Our team of highly trained, expert sex and relationship therapists are sex positive, pleasure centered and non-judgmental. While our main areas of focus are helping clients with their sex lives and relationships, we also work with clients who are navigating modern dating, those with anxiety and depression, and life transitions and stressors. We believe the quality of your life is determined by the quality of your relationships, and we're ready to support you in cultivating the highest quality of life possible.