We’re passionate about helping you grow, heal and make lasting change.
Get to Know Us
Welcome to Hold the Vision!
We’re so glad you’re looking into therapy. It’s not easy taking that first step in getting the support you need. Then scrolling through all the names and profiles of therapists on the internet can be completely overwhelming! Let’s see if we can make this process a little easier for you.
Therapy is most effective when there is a good fit between therapist and client. While expertise in what you’re dealing with is one area that predicts a good fit, personality, approach, shared experiences, values, and world view can also be important. Scroll down, get to know our therapists, their furry co-therapists, and learn about the values of the practice to help you figure out if we’re a fit for you.
Questions about fees and using insurance can be found under the FAQ section of our services page.
Meet Samantha
Samantha Jones, ALMFT
Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Billing Specialist and Intake Coordinator
Coming to therapy can be nerve-wracking. You don’t know what to expect or who is sitting before you. As your therapist, I will create a safe, warm space to process those challenging thoughts and feelings. Whether we are discussing building trust and communication in your relationship, establishing boundaries, or processing life stages, I will be there with you to challenge your thoughts and create new meaning.
As a couple and family therapist I am specifically trained to work relationally, it’s where I am most passionate! I have experience and enjoy working with relationships of all kinds, particularly intimate relationships and families with teens. Are you an individual looking for a therapist? I can support you in navigating the variety of relationships in your life and help you work on your relationship with yourself.
As a queer woman, I understand the importance of providing a poly and LGBTQIA+ affirming space for my clients to feel safe as they can explore their identity and relationships. As a white woman, I am committed to the internal and external work of anti-racism and dismantling oppressive systems in the therapy space and in my community.
I specialize in working with:
- Intimate relationship and family issues such as:
Building healthy communication
Establishing boundaries
Building trust
Infidelity recovery
Conflict resolution
Intimacy concerns
- Individual issues such as:
Life stage transitions, including grief and loss
Exploring identity and sense of self
Trauma
Managing stress, anxiety, and/or depression
Men’s issues, including intimacy and processing life stages
Prior to my training at Adler, I received a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Roosevelt University and spent over five years working in the hotel industry. I have worked in various roles, from human resources to event operations to front office operations. Throughout those experiences, I was always focused on my client’s needs and responded from a caring and professional stance. As your therapist, I will continue doing just that. I love spending time with my family and friends in my free time, including my cats Luna and Boo (see below) and my many nieces and nephews (I have nine so far). I enjoy trying new restaurants, taking long walks, listening to podcasts, and traveling.
I hope I get the chance to meet you and help you begin your therapeutic journey!
Meet Nicole
Nicole Lopez, ALMFT (she/her)
Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
What are you looking for in a therapist? Is it a warm and direct approach? A sense of humor? Someone to walk alongside you as you build more authentic and fulfilling relationships to yourself and others? Then you have come to the right place! As a couple and family therapist, I strive to provide a safe and encouraging space for intimate relationships, families, and individuals to process, heal, challenge patterns, explore different ways of thinking… and even enjoy some fun and laughs along the way!
As a queer woman of color, I have a passion for working with relationships that lie outside of what society would deem “traditional”. I am LGBTQIA+/poly affirming, kink-aware, and practice therapy from a feminist, anti-racist, and Health at Every Size perspective.
I specialize in and enjoy working with relationships and families navigating::
conflict
intimacy/sexual concerns
communication issues
genuine trust and connection building
life transitions
parenting
In case you’re curious about the human behind the therapist, I’m always happy to share a bit about myself with clients. When I’m not in therapy world, you can find me in my kitchen cooking and singing, spending time with family and friends, or coloring, reading, and enjoying the sunlight by the Lakefront. I love traveling, both to explore new places and to visit my people on the East Coast where I grew up! And yes, this therapist loves binge-watching TV shows on her couch just as much as you do.
I know from experience how much courage it takes to share your story with a therapist. I also know from experience how incredibly life-changing working with the right therapist can be. I’d be honored to be a part of your journey toward creating the life you truly desire and deserve. If you think we might be a good fit, let's chat!
Meet Michela
Michela Stevenson, ALMFT (she/her) *
Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Hi there, I'm Michela! Are you and your partner struggling with the same arguments over and over again? Does it feel like no matter what you have tried, you always end up in the same spot - feeling overwhelmed, defeated, and hopeless? Perhaps you have tried couples therapy before, only to feel as if you didn’t get anywhere, leaving you to wonder if this feeling of disconnection may be a permanent state.
If any of the above sounds familiar, I am here to assure you that you are not alone; there is hope for your relationship if you are willing to try something new, and I am here to help guide you.
I specialize in working with couples, many of whom are dealing with multiple external stressors and feel stuck when it comes to their communication. My style is direct but always empathetic. The comfort of both clients is essential to the success of this work, so I tailor my approach depending on what each couple needs. I use a combination of some of the most popular evidence-based couples therapy models, including The Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
My areas of expertise are:
Communication and conflict management both within the couple unit and with other members of a family system.
Navigating major life transitions (marriage, grief & loss, new baby)
Parenting and division of labor
Perinatal and postpartum, including infertility and family planning
Infidelity
Divorce, co-parenting, and healthy relationship dissolution
Discernment (deciding whether or not to continue a relationship)
Outside the therapy room, my focus shifts to family. Together we enjoy checking out Chicago walking trails and the city's amazing restaurant scene - I love a great brunch! While I have limited downtime as a parent, I love listening to therapy podcasts and checking out the best new relationship books to add to my office collection.
If you and your partner are interested in working with me, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I offer complimentary video or phone consultations to see if we are the right fit for each other, and I also welcome questions via email.
*Please note that this practitioner only sees couples therapy clients during evening hours.
Meet Faye
Faye Williams, ALMFT (she/her)
Associate Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Hello!
Taking a step towards prioritizing your mental health is profoundly courageous of you. I'm here to offer support, whether you're navigating challenges or seeking personal growth. My approach combines Somatic Parts Work and psychoeducation, particularly Attachment Theory, to foster a more fulfilling relationship with yourself and with others. Within the therapeutic relationship, we’ll cultivate a safe space for exploration that is focused on your well-being.
I meet with clients of all ages to address emotional, relational, and somatic symptoms of:
Complex and Religious Trauma
Sexual, narcissistic, and/or spiritual abuse
Depression
Anxiety
OCD/Religious Scrupulosity
Grief
Disordered Eating
Marriage and Parenting Challenges
I have worked with children and families for over 3 decades and studied Early Childhood Education and Psychology at DePaul. 20 years later, I completed grad school and now hold an Associate License for Marriage and Family Therapy. Along with this team, I am dedicated to continuously reflecting and learning in order to offer the most anti-racist and decolonized practice.
Now that I’m back in Chicago, I take the train wherever I can, checking out different bookstores around the city, or finding where kombucha is on draught, get to and in the lake as often as possible, and marvel at the quick and extreme weather changes (I’m from the Midwest but spent over 11 years in Los Angeles where the season changes are more subtle). At home, I’m cooking (I love to recreate Lebanese dishes from family holidays), reading fiction or trying to, tending to my plants, or playing fetch with my sweet and silly grown-up kitten, Peach.
Thanks for being here! I'm looking forward to engaging in this process with you!
Meet Dr. Rachel Miller
Rachel D. Miller, PhD, LMFT (she/her)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and Founder of Hold the Vision Therapy, PLLC.
If you’re searching for a therapist who is quiet, reserved, does a lot of nodding, and asks “How does that make you feel?” I’m probably not the therapist for you. On the other hand if you’re wanting someone with a more direct approach who is focused on digging in with you to help identify and change unhelpful patterns, beliefs, and behaviors in your life and relationships, then I’m your person.
Relationships are my area of expertise. Whether you’re wanting to improve your relationship with yourself, your partner(s), your kids, extended family, or friends, I can help.
I have extensive experience with:
communication issues
intimacy concerns
infidelity
life transitions
Trauma and PTSD
conflict resolution and high conflict scenarios such as:
domestic violence
separation/divorce
co-parenting/blending families
anger management and emotional regulation
Prior to becoming a therapist I was an adult sex educator so I’m passionate about helping you navigate issues that get in the way of the sexual relationships you desire. If you’re wanting to improve your sex life know I'm poly and LGBTQIA+ affirmative, kink knowledgeable, a member of Kink & Poly Aware Chicago Therapists (KPACT) and a professional affiliate of Kink Aware Professionals through NCFS.
Therapy can support your personal growth journey too! If you’re wanting to:
increase self-awareness
develop greater emotional intelligence
improve your self-esteem
create a plan for your future
or just figure out how you might be the one standing in between you and the dream life you imagined
We should definitely chat!
In addition to my clinical self, I find most clients are curious about me personally as well. When I’m not seeing clients I can be found teaching graduate students at Adler University and Iona University, supervising student and associate licensed clinicians but most often you’ll find me hanging with my two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Porter & Stout (scroll down for a pic).
I’m that obnoxious dog mom whose pups have their own Instagram (feel free to follow them; they’re pretty cute). I’m an avid reader, which means I have lots of great book suggestions for both therapy (check out our resources page) and fun. I love to travel, especially to places with great beaches, fabulous food, and beautiful architecture. Lastly, I’m obsessed with tea and plants (my pandemic hobby).
The best part about therapy with me now days is that it happens from the comfort of your own home. Teletherapy is both convenient and effective. Some of the most impactful work I’ve done has been with clients I’ve never met IRL.
Ready to get started? Have more questions?
Meet our Co-therapists
Rachel’s Pups Porter & Stout
Sam’s Cats Luna & Boo
Michela’s Dog Oshie
Faye’s Cat Peach
We can help
Improve your relationships
Relationships aren’t simple or easy. Whether you need to work on your communication, increase intimacy, or decide the future of the relationship you’re in, we’re here for you.
Discover your self-worth
Life will knock you down sometimes. You don’t have to pick yourself back up alone. We’ll help you re-center and remind you that you’re worthy of the life you want to live.
Clarify your vision
When the future looks fuzzy and your path unclear, getting focus around what you want is the first step. Once you have your vision, it becomes easier to hold it and trust the process.
Philosophy
Our Values
Hold the Vision Therapy affirms that Black Lives Matter, Trans Lives Matter, Black Trans Lives Matter, sex work is work, people are not illegal, abortion is healthcare, ableism exists, and there is health at every size. The practice advocates for intersectional justice, racial liberation, Landback, and Indigenous Sovereignty.
Our therapists are trained to think systemically meaning we examine how the systems you are imbedded in, and your social locations impact you, your life, and your relationships. This also means we recognize our own position of power in and out of the therapy room and examine how it and our personal dimensions of culture impact you and the therapeutic relationship. We acknowledge that we live in an imperialist white supremacist capitalist patriarchal culture that harms us all yet provides power and privilege to those it was designed to elevate. The white women in our practice are committed to consistently doing the life-long internal and external work of anti-racism and dismantling all oppressive systems.
Land Acknowledgement
Hold the Vision Therapy is located on the unceded homelands of the Council of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations. Many other tribes such as the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac, and Fox also called this area home. The area has long been a center for Native people to gather, trade, and maintain kinship ties. Today, Chicago has one of the largest urban American Indian communities in the United States. Members of this community continue to contribute to the life of this city and to celebrate their heritage, practice traditions, and care for the land and waterways. We recognize it is not enough to just acknowledge the brutal colonization of this land and the genocide of Native people. We must also support local Native people and causes today. Visit Chicago’s American Indian Center's website and follow Native and Indigenous creators on social media to learn more and find ways to support and contribute financially to the Native community. #LandBack #StopLine3
