Discover how starting cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
8 therapists available in Chicago
I believe in creating a collaborative and empathetic space with a deep respect for your unique experiences and strengths, because ...
About
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.
Education and training
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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.
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.
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.
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.
*Children under the age of 8 must be seen for in-person sessions.*
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My go-to approach for helping people in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a collaborative and structured approach that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. I prefer this approach because it empowers individuals to take an active role in their therapy and equips them with practical skills for managing their emotions and improving their overall well-being. By working together with clients to set specific goals and develop personalized treatment plans, I can tailor interventions to their unique needs and preferences, maximizing the effectiveness of therapy. Additionally, I find that the structured nature of CBT provides a clear framework for addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, from anxiety and depression to trauma and OCD. By teaching clients strategies for recognizing and challenging negative thoughts, modifying maladaptive behaviors, and implementing healthier coping skills, CBT helps them build resilience and regain control over their lives.
In cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), I teach the following tools:
I know a client is making meaningful progress in cognitive behavioral therapy when several key indicators are observed. First, there is a noticeable reduction in the frequency and intensity of the symptoms or problems they sought therapy for, such as decreased levels of anxiety, depression, or other distressing emotions. The client may also demonstrate an increased awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, as well as a greater ability to identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors that contribute to their difficulties. Another sign of progress is improved coping skills and problem-solving abilities, as evidenced by the client's ability to effectively manage stressors and navigate challenges in their daily life. Furthermore, there is evidence of increased engagement and participation in therapy sessions, with the client actively applying the skills and strategies learned in therapy to real-life situations. Importantly, progress is also reflected in the client's overall sense of well-being and quality of life, as they report feeling more empowered, resilient, and hopeful about their future. Ultimately, meaningful progress in cognitive behavioral therapy is characterized by positive changes in thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and overall functioning, leading to improved mental health and a greater sense of control and satisfaction in life.
Clients can supplement their time in cognitive behavioral therapy with various activities and practices to enhance their progress and reinforce therapeutic gains. Engaging in a regular practice of cognitive restructuring techniques, such as thought records or cognitive distortions worksheets, can help individuals become more adept at identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns on their own. Additionally, integrating relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or guided imagery, into their daily routine can help clients manage stress and anxiety more effectively outside of therapy sessions. Journaling can provide a valuable outlet for processing thoughts and emotions, allowing clients to gain insight into their experiences and track their progress over time. Practicing behavioral activation by scheduling and participating in pleasurable or meaningful activities can help individuals counteract low mood and depression and maintain a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment in their lives. Seeking out peer support groups or online communities for individuals undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy can provide additional encouragement, validation, and practical tips for coping with challenges. Finally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and limiting substance use, can support overall well-being and complement the therapeutic process. By actively engaging in these supplemental activities and practices, clients can enhance the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy and promote long-term positive outcomes.
To prepare for their first cognitive behavioral therapy session, an individual can take several steps to ensure a smooth and productive start to their therapeutic journey. First, they can reflect on their reasons for seeking therapy and identify specific goals or areas of concern they would like to address during the sessions. Writing down any thoughts, emotions, or behaviors they have been experiencing can help them articulate their needs and provide a starting point for discussion with the therapist. Additionally, they may want to gather relevant information about their personal history, including past experiences, relationships, and significant life events to provide context for their current difficulties. It can also be helpful to familiarize themselves with the basics of cognitive behavioral therapy by reading introductory materials or watching educational videos online. Finally, taking care of themselves by getting enough rest, practicing relaxation techniques, and engaging in self-care activities can help them feel more grounded and prepared for their first session. By proactively engaging in these preparatory steps, individuals can set a strong foundation for their cognitive behavioral therapy journey and maximize the potential for positive outcomes.
At Thriveworks, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and evidence-based form of psychotherapy or talk therapy. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors that can contribute to various mental health issues or challenges that people are struggling with.
Cognitive behavioral therapists specialize in Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and can help you to identify and comprehend your thought patterns, which often encompass automatic negative thoughts, cognitive distortions, and self-defeating beliefs. Once these negative thought patterns are pinpointed, cognitive behavioral therapists aim to challenge and replace them with the objective of fostering more constructive and logical thinking. In addition, these therapists place significant emphasis on implementing positive behavioral changes based on the newly established, healthier thought patterns.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for addressing conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. It focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors, making it well-suited for issues related to distorted thinking and emotional regulation.
At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.
The success rate of CBT varies depending on the intentions of the client and their condition(s).
The selection between cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is based on an individual’s unique needs and challenges. CBT is commonly chosen for addressing conditions such as anxiety and depression, whereas DBT is especially beneficial for individuals dealing with borderline personality disorder, emotional regulation issues, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with our Thriveworks therapists in Chicago, IL is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
Generally, CBT is considered a short-term therapy, typically lasting for about 12 to 20 weekly sessions. In some cases, it might extend to around 16 to 20 sessions for more complex issues.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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