How Therapy is Different from Listening and Giving Advice

Woman sitting on the couch holding a mug talking to someone out of camera frame.

One of the most common misconceptions about therapy is that it’s simply paying someone to listen and then tell you what to do. If that were true, therapy wouldn’t require years of graduate education, supervised clinical training, licensing exams, and ongoing continuing education. It would just be a thoughtful conversation with occasional suggestions. Real therapy […]

Stress, Burnout, and the Pressure to Perform

Woman sitting at work desk with computer and head in her hands feeling stress and burnout.

Chicago is a city of driven people. We take pride in this. Many of us juggle demanding careers, commutes, family responsibilities, social obligations, and the constant pressure to “keep it together.” On the outside, things may look successful and stable. On the inside, however, you may feel overwhelmed, depleted, or quietly struggling. Stress is often […]

Dr. Morgan Van Leer

Dr. Van Leer is a post-doctoral therapist providing therapy to adults in person and virtually. She has experience with a variety of presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationship dynamics, self-esteem, life transitions, ADHD, OCD, and trauma. She has expertise working with clients from rural backgrounds and those in unhealthy relationships.  Dr. Van Leer believes […]

Dr. Lianna McDaniel

Dr. McDaniel is a post-doctoral therapist providing therapy to adults in person and virtually. She has experience with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and depression, relationship and identity concerns, stress and trauma, life transitions, and chronic health issues. She specializes in working with clients who struggle with shame and self-doubt due to their […]

Alyson Bell

Alyson is a Licensed Professional Counselor who provides therapy to adults in-person and virtually. Alyson has experience helping those with depression, anxiety, self esteem, interpersonal issues, LGBTQ+ issues, and other life transitions. She utilizes both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques, as well as distress tolerance, emotional regulation strategies, and […]

Rachel Kovacic

Rachel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing therapy to adolescents and adults in-person and virtually. She has expertise in assisting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma or loss, self-esteem and self-worth, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. Rachel’s goal when spending valuable time with clients is to assist them in becoming more self-aware and fulfilled. For […]

Carolyn Simon

Carolyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing therapy to adults in-person and virtually with a focus on anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, self-esteem struggles, disordered eating, life transitions, work-life balance, and relationship difficulties. With an empathetic and compassionate stance, Carolyn utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, to foster […]

Alicia Fitzsimons

Alicia Fitzsimons is a licensed professional counselor providing therapy services to adults of all ages. Alicia uses a strengths-based approach with her clients, helping them notice and access their strengths in addition to modifying unhelpful thought and behavioral patterns. Alicia utilizes a CBT framework and works in a collaborative manner with clients, tailoring treatment to […]

Dr. Gillian Tibbetts

Dr. Tibbetts is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in psychotherapy for adults. She has expertise in helping people who are experiencing life transitions, stress, relationship and parenting challenges, have experienced trauma or loss, and who are experiencing general dissatisfaction with one or more aspects of their lives. Dr. Tibbetts uses a relational approach to cultivate […]

Dr. Beverly Ransford

Dr. Ransford is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with experience providing therapy to adults and couples. She has worked with a diversity of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship conflict, identity-related concerns, and life transitions. She has specialized training and expertise in the areas of intimate partner violence, multicultural counseling, gender identity, self-worth, and perfectionism. Dr. […]