Discover how starting dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
9 therapists available in Chicago
I believe all people want to be their best selves and can face any obstacle, heal, and grow with the right assistance....
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I believe all people want to be their best selves and can face any obstacle, heal, and grow with the right assistance.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with 40 years of experience helping individuals, couples, families, and groups work through life’s challenges. Over the course of my career, I have supported clients facing depression, grief and loss, anxiety, trauma, addiction, codependency, relationship concerns, identity exploration, and life transitions. My extensive background also includes career development, employee assistance program services, crisis intervention, and critical incident debriefing.
I earned my Master’s in Psychology from Southern Illinois University. My therapeutic approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, humanistic perspectives, and family systems work. I also draw on training in Internal Family Systems, addictions, spiritual psychology, and breathwork to guide the healing process.
I believe therapy should empower people to grow, heal, and live more fulfilling lives. My style is warm, collaborative, and respectful, with treatment tailored to your unique needs. Taking the first step toward change can feel overwhelming, but I will walk beside you on the path to creating a life filled with greater balance, resilience, and joy.
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I believe in creating a collaborative and empathetic space with a deep respect for your unique experiences and strengths, because ...
I believe in creating a collaborative and empathetic space with a deep respect for your unique experiences and strengths, because therapy is not only about addressing challenges but also about empowering you to reconnect with your resilience and move forward with purpose.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 9 years of experience. I have worked with people across all ages and diagnoses, including those in crises. My experience includes supporting adolescents, adults, geriatrics, first responders, and veterans. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and addiction.
I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. My therapeutic style is collaborative and compassionate, centering on each person’s unique needs. I draw on approaches such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, solution-focused brief therapy, and exposure therapy.
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to support, validate, and empower you while helping you feel understood. Wherever you are in your journey, I’ll walk alongside you with compassion and care as we work toward lasting healing and positive change.
I believe my role as a therapist is to provide a safe place for people to explore their true feelings without fear of judgment and...
I believe my role as a therapist is to provide a safe place for people to explore their true feelings without fear of judgment and find their best selves through the exploration of their values and the development of healthy living skills.
Lee Scott is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 11 years of field experience helping clients cope with feelings of stress, anxiety, grief and loss, low motivation, poor self-esteem, low confidence, depression, and emotional fatigue. He has worked with the homeless population, individuals struggling with mental health conditions, and elderly victims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Lee believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. He establishes a healthy and constructive therapist-client relationship by understanding how people’s experiences and beliefs shape how they think about themselves and the world.
Lee received his Master of Social Work from Aurora University. He tailors care to individual needs and uses cognitive behavioral therapy, compassion-focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques.
Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and Lee is here to support you. He believes that truly supporting a person's growth includes occasionally challenging their viewpoints. Lee is ready to start the journey with you and encourages you to schedule an appointment today!
It takes courage to reach out. I am here to support you every step of the way....
It takes courage to reach out. I am here to support you every step of the way.
Mara Silvestri is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 13 years of experience. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, teens, and adults aged 6 to 70. She supports individuals with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, behavior problems, parenting skills, grief, trauma, and attention deficit disorder. Mara has previous experience working in behavioral hospitals, intensive outpatient programs, and crisis intervention settings.
Mara received her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Marywood University. Mara draws from cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, play therapy, and mindfulness-based methods.
Mara believes in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where individuals explore thoughts and emotions, identify goals, build skills, and foster a deeper self-understanding. Mara will meet you where you are, providing a space to heal and grow.
Through my own experiences with trauma and loss, I bring a genuine understanding of the profound impact adverse life events can ha...
Through my own experiences with trauma and loss, I bring a genuine understanding of the profound impact adverse life events can have, as well as the potential for resilience and empowerment that can emerge through the development of new coping skills.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 7 years of experience and certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I specialize in supporting individuals navigating trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, addiction, grief, and life transitions. Many of my clients seek support in managing overwhelming emotions, building healthier coping skills, and finding balance in their daily lives. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you can work toward resilience, healing, and lasting change.
I earned my Master’s in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. My counseling style is collaborative and tailored to each client’s unique needs. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based practices to help clients build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and achieve meaningful progress.
I know how difficult it can be to take the first step toward seeking help, and I want you to know you don’t have to face challenges alone. Together, we can create a path forward that fosters healing, growth, and renewed hope. If you’re ready to begin this journey, I invite you to reach out and take the next step toward the support you deserve.
Everyone needs support at times, and I am here to meet each client where they are while working to capitalize on their strengths a...
Everyone needs support at times, and I am here to meet each client where they are while working to capitalize on their strengths and achieve their life goals.
Anna Richmond is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago with over 8 years of experience in the mental health field. She works with adults and youth experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, attachment issues, difficulty concentrating, procrastination, loss, and more. She was previously a school-based therapist, helping families strengthen their dynamics. Anna also worked as a caseworker helping families experiencing domestic violence, homelessness, and other crises, deepening her understanding of the structural and societal factors that impact mental health.
Anna earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Chicago. She's a compassionate, strength-based therapist who values active listening and understanding your perspective. She uses unconditional positive regard and dialectical behavior therapy, which builds skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and relationships.
Anna loves working with people in all stages of life, and whether you're ready to dig deep or just know you want change. Starting therapy takes courage, and she honors that bravery. She provides a nonjudgmental space where you’ll be met with compassion, not shame. Wherever you are on your journey, she is here when you’re ready.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience and a wealth of expertise in multiple settings....
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience and a wealth of expertise in multiple settings.
Gary Zurawski is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCSW, CADC) with over 21 years of professional experience treating teens, adults, and seniors who are struggling to manage the negative effects of anxiety, depression, poor coping skills, family conflict, racial identity issues, substance use, dysfunctional relationships, and more.
Gary earned his Master's degree in Social Work from Loyola University— Chicago. He utilizes evidence-based therapies in his practice and believes that psychotherapy is a relational and collaborative process. As you work together with Gary, you can expect to uncover patterns in your thoughts and behaviors and gain greater control of areas that may seem uncontrollable through the use of effective coping skills. He creates a safe and non-judgmental environment where you will feel comfortable to explore personal struggles and deep-rooted issues at your own pace.
If you choose to move forward with Gary, he promises that you will be treated with empathy, respect, and love. Therapy is not a one-way street and in your open discussions, you will be a team, working together on a journey that can be both exciting and helpful to your life. Gary is looking forward to starting a new journey with you.
My goal, irrespective of where you find yourself in your journey, is to collaborate with you to enhance your overall wellness....
My goal, irrespective of where you find yourself in your journey, is to collaborate with you to enhance your overall wellness.
Logan Spicer is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 6 years of experience in the mental health care industry. She is passionate about helping young adults, adults, and older adults address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Logan specializes in depression, anxiety, executive functioning, ADHD coaching, trauma, relationship issues, and career development/transitions.
Logan completed her Master's degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is a case manager for Cook County Mental Health Courts. This, coupled with her professional experience, enables her to provide the guidance and support her clients are seeking. Logan utilizes multiple treatment approaches, including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, person-centered therapy (PCT) and solution-focused therapy (SFT).
Each one of us holds the capacity to carve out the life we desire despite the obstacles or detrimental habits that may hinder us. Individuals often underestimate their strength, and Logan believes she can assist in revealing that innate resilience. She eagerly anticipates the opportunity to collaborate with you and reaffirm your inherent strengths together.
I believe that everyone’s journey is unique and I try to meet clients where they are emotionally....
I believe that everyone’s journey is unique and I try to meet clients where they are emotionally.
Rachel Herman is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 8 years of experience. She has worked with children, adults, and adolescents in various settings including residential, foster care, and private practice. Rachel has experience and interest in working with children, teens, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, PTSD, relationships, communication, anger management, and social skills.
Rachel received her Master’s in Counseling from The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Rachel is trained in psychodynamic theory and incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, internal family systems, and motivational interviewing.
Rachel regards therapy as a partnership between client and therapist and strives to empower clients toward accomplishing their goals. Her counseling style is warm and empathetic, and she tries to meet clients where they are. Rachel believes everyone can change and is ready to help you improve your life.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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My go-to approach for helping people in dialectical behavior therapy is rooted in a combination of validation and skill-building techniques. I find that this integrated approach offers a holistic framework for addressing emotional dysregulation and interpersonal challenges. I prefer this approach because it acknowledges the individual's experiences and emotions without judgment, fostering a sense of acceptance and understanding. By validating their emotions, clients feel heard and supported, which is essential for building trust in the therapeutic relationship.Simultaneously, I emphasize skill-building exercises drawn from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills provide practical tools for managing intense emotions, navigating interpersonal conflicts, and coping with distressing situations. By integrating validation with skill-building, clients not only learn new coping strategies but also develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotional experiences. This approach promotes long-term growth and resilience, empowering clients to navigate life's challenges more effectively.In addition to these core components, I tailor my approach to each individual's unique needs and preferences, ensuring that therapy is personalized and effective. This flexibility allows me to meet clients where they are in their journey and empower them to make meaningful changes in their lives.
In dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), I teach the following tools:
I know a client is making meaningful progress in dialectical behavior therapy when they demonstrate increased awareness and acceptance of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in daily life. Additionally, they exhibit improved distress tolerance, coping more effectively with challenging situations without resorting to harmful behaviors or impulsivity. They also show enhanced emotion regulation skills, such as accurately identifying and labeling emotions, implementing strategies to reduce emotional intensity, and experiencing fewer instances of emotional dysregulation. Furthermore, they demonstrate greater interpersonal effectiveness, navigating relationships more assertively and skillfully while maintaining boundaries and self-respect. Ultimately, they report a higher quality of life, with reduced symptoms of mental health conditions, improved relationships, and increased overall satisfaction and fulfillment. This progress is evidenced by their consistency in applying DBT skills outside of therapy sessions and their willingness to continue practicing and integrating these skills into their daily routine.
Clients can supplement their time in dialectical behavior therapy with various activities and practices to enhance their progress and well-being. Consistent practice of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills outside of therapy sessions reinforces learning and promotes skill mastery. Setting aside dedicated time each day to practice these skills can be highly beneficial. Additionally, writing down thoughts, feelings, and experiences through journaling can provide valuable insights and facilitate emotional processing. Engaging in self-care practices, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, hobbies, or spending time with supportive friends and family, can help clients recharge and manage stress more effectively. Reading books, articles, or watching videos related to DBT or mental health can deepen understanding and provide additional strategies for coping and personal growth. Participating in support groups or online communities with others who are also practicing DBT can offer validation, encouragement, and a sense of community. Integrating mindfulness exercises into daily routines, such as mindful breathing, body scans, or mindful eating, can cultivate present-moment awareness and enhance emotional regulation skills. Setting achievable goals related to therapy objectives and tracking progress can provide a sense of direction and accomplishment. Finally, seeking out additional therapy modalities or specialized support services, such as individual counseling, group therapy, or psychiatric care, can enhance the effectiveness of DBT. By actively engaging in these supplemental activities and practices, clients can reinforce their progress in dialectical behavior therapy and cultivate greater resilience and well-being in their daily lives.
To prepare for their first dialectical behavior therapy session, an individual can take several steps to ensure a smooth and productive start to their therapy journey. Firstly, they can familiarize themselves with the basic principles and concepts of DBT by reading introductory materials or watching educational videos online. This foundational understanding can help them feel more comfortable and informed as they begin their therapy. Additionally, it may be helpful for them to reflect on their reasons for seeking DBT and identify specific goals or areas of focus they would like to address in therapy. Writing down any questions or concerns they have about the process can also be beneficial, as it provides an opportunity to discuss them with their therapist during the initial session. Finally, taking time to mentally prepare for the emotional work involved in therapy and being open to exploring new ways of thinking and coping can contribute to a positive therapeutic experience. By proactively engaging in these preparatory steps, individuals can set themselves up for success as they embark on their DBT journey.
At Thriveworks, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) primarily concentrates on assisting individuals in emotion regulation, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and acquiring effective coping strategies for managing stress and emotional difficulties.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) targets your personal challenges. You may work with your DBT therapist to maintain diary cards to monitor progress, emphasizing validation and support in the therapeutic relationship. DBT follows a stage-based approach, prioritizing crisis reduction initially and life satisfaction.
DBT was initially developed to address the needs of individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, its versatile approach has enabled its application to a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, stress, and anger issues.
The 4 pillars of DBT are mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have distinct purposes and aren’t inherently superior or inferior to one another. DBT is most effective for managing emotional regulation, personality disorders, and interpersonal challenges, while EMDR is specifically tailored for individuals with trauma-related conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with therapists at Thriveworks in Chicago, IL is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The duration of a standard DBT program is typically around 24 weeks, which is roughly six months. The actual number of sessions will vary depending on the issues you wish to address.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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