Teen Therapy in Chicago, IL and Merrillville, IN
The adolescent years are challenging and unique to each person. What might be helpful for one teen in therapy, won’t be the same for others. That said there are a few core topics I explore when we get started.
We’ll discuss how to regulate emotions and manage stress when you experience changes in your mood and behaviors. We’ll explore what values are important to you when finding friendships and relationships. I’ll provide a non-judgmental space for you to express your anxieties in all areas of your life where you are feeling pressure, whether that’s in your academics, relationships, extracurricular activities, or your responsibilities at home. We’ll explore your relationships with your family and discuss the often-confusing dance of needing space from your parents while also wanting them close. I’ll provide a safe and affirming space to explore what gender expression and sexual identity means to you and how you can live and be authentic with the world around you.
People are often surprised by my interest and focus on their families (parents, grandparents, siblings, etc.) but, honestly, how do you think you learned about being in relationships?! We all come from somewhere. The beliefs, values, and ideas we carry about relationships, partners, and ourselves as partners comes from previous relationships and the relationships we watched growing up. We need to understand how other things, like society, religion, culture, government and other institutions impact our beliefs, values, and ideas. Digging into these areas can make all kinds of things begin to make sense for you and your partner. And from there we can start to create change!
I understand how crucial these topics are to your growth and development. I remember how stressful and confusing a period this was for me. My goal is to provide a safe and affirming space for you to express and discover yourself. When working with teenagers, building trust is my first priority. In developing our rapport and learning about your needs, we will also build safety in the therapeutic space. We’ll learn together how to best communicate your needs in helpful and healthy way. I’ll support you in identifying healthy coping skills that work best for you. We’ll learn about your strengths and find opportunities for growth. Therapy is a great opportunity to invest in yourself and find love for all of the pieces of you that make you unique and special!
If you have any additional questions about how adolescent therapy works click the button below! I serve clients throughout Illinois and Indiana!
3 Top-Rated Teen Therapists in Chicago
3. Samantha Jones, LMFT
Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Education: Master's Degree from Adler University
Years in practice: 3
Specializations: Building healthy communication, establishing boundaries, building trust, infidelity recovery, conflict resolution, intimacy concerns, life stage transitions, grief and loss, exploring identity and sense of self, trauma, managing stress, anxiety, and/or depression, men’s issues
1. Faye Williams, ALMFT
Credentials: Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Education: Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University
Years in practice: 2
Specializations: Complex and Religious Trauma, Sexual, narcissistic, and/or spiritual abuse, Depression, Anxiety, OCD/Religious Scrupulosity, Grief, Disordered Eating, Marriage and Parenting Challenges
2. Gracie Orellano, MFT
Credentials: Marriage and Family Therapist
Education: Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Adler University
Years in practice: 1
Specializations: Couples work, communication issues, narratives within Latine culture, intergenerational issues, identity and self-esteem concerns, confidence in parenting, improving communication between teens and parents
Our approach to relationship therapy.
We don’t believe in a one size fits all approach to couples therapy. Your relationship is as unique as you and your partner(s). It’s problems likely are too. That said there are a few core topics that we’ll explore when we get started.
We’ll examine the foundation of your relationship to see what areas need shoring up or what gaps might need to be filled. Sometimes these are skills you didn’t learn, like communication or conflict management. Sometimes it’s conversations that were never had, like ones about money, Or it might be discussions you avoid, like talking about the challenges in your sex life. Looking at the level of trust in your relationship(s) is a must as well. And we don’t mean whether or not you trust your partner not to cheat. Trust is way bigger than that and it’s key to a successful relationship! Therapy is the safe place to explore all of these!
People are often surprised by our interest and focus on their families (parents, grandparents, siblings, etc.) but, honestly, how do you think you learned about being in relationships?! We all come from somewhere. The beliefs, values, and ideas we carry about relationships, partners, and ourselves as partners comes from previous relationships and the relationships we watched growing up. We need to understand how other things, like society, religion, culture, government and other institutions impact our beliefs, values, and ideas. Digging into these areas can make all kinds of things begin to make sense for you and your partner. And from there we can start to create change!
We believe change is possible. We believe you can have the relationship you’re longing for, if you’re willing to work at it. Our approach to therapy is clear and direct because we believe that is most efficient, effective, and kind. We’ll tell you what we see. We’ll speak truth to bullshit. And we will support your healing, growth and change every step of the way. If you’re ready to get started, click the button below.
Everything you need to know about relationship counseling in Chicago
We want to demystify couples counseling to make it accessible for everyone. Learn more about the types of issues that we help with and the benefits of working with our team of relationship counselors in Chicago.
Types of couples counseling we offer
Our therapists help a wide range of folks with their relationships. If you don't resonate with the descriptions listed here, don't worry--these are just a few types of couples therapy we offer.
Premarital counseling
Deciding to take the next step in your relationship is a big deal! While this is an exciting time, it can also be nerve-wracking for a lot of couples. Premarital counseling can provide a safe space to process all of the emotions that come up during this time.
Marriage counseling in Chicago
Being married certainly isn't a prerequisite to seek relationship therapy, but it is quite common. We help married couples navigate all sorts of challenges: the transition into married life, having kids, an empty nest, infidelity, sexual incompatibility, and more.
Discernment counseling
The goal of couples counseling in Chicago doesn't have to be repairing the relationship. Sometimes, couples seek therapy as a venue to process divorce or separation in a healthy, constructive way.
Therapy for blended families
Family life can be stressful for anyone. However, blended families have additional considerations. Therapy can help blended families learn how to harness their unique strengths and ensure that all members feel heard. Learn more about family therapy here.
Polyamory couples therapy
Despite the name, couples therapy isn't limited to traditional romantic relationships. As with traditional relationships, counseling supports polyamorous folks with communication, boundary setting, and more. Learn more about polyamory therapy here.
What couples counseling can help with
Therapy can help with just about any issue that's present in your relationship. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here are some examples of the kinds of issues we've helped folks with.
Communication issues
Communication is a common struggle in relationships. Working with a Chicago couples therapist can help you and your partner(s) learn how to improve communication--both with how you speak to each other and how you listen.
Increased conflict
While all relationships are bound to have conflict from time to time, constant fighting is exhausting and unnecessary. Couples counseling provides an opportunity to safely and constructively resolve issues.
Intimacy issues
Many couples experience disconnect within their sex life. It can be tough when partners have different levels of sexual desire. Couples therapy provides a safe space to process these emotions and develop insight into your own needs, as well as your partner's.
Breaches of trust
Trust is essential in intimate relationships. Whether trust is broken by infidelity or some other situation, marriage counseling can help you learn how to repair your relationship and rebuild trust in one another.
Emotional disconnection
Does it feel like you're just not clicking with your partner(s) anymore? Working with a Chicago couples therapist can help you gain a deeper understanding of both you and your partner(s) emotional wants, needs, and boundaries.
Separation and divorce
Deciding whether to end a relationship is no easy choice. Discernment counseling helps folks process this decision and come to a conclusion together. It also provides support for all of the emotions that arise throughout the process of separation or divorce.
Life transitions
Many couples struggle to cope with changes in a relationship such as moving in together, marriage, having children, new jobs, an empty nest, and more. Marriage therapy enables couples to navigate these difficult transitions with more confidence and ease.
Personal and parenting style differences
Oftentimes, our differences are simultaneously the best and most difficult part of our relationships. Couples therapy can help you and your partner gain a new perspective and appreciation for your differences, as well as identify common values to work toward together.
How Chicago couples therapy can help
Marriage therapy isn't a magic solution, but it's a great tool for helping couples improve their relationship. Here are just a few benefits you may expect from working with our team of Chicago marriage therapists.
Reduce distress in your relationship
Research has found that couples counseling can effectively reduce stress for couples who are struggling. Even if therapy can't solve every problem in a relationship, less stress sounds nice, right?
Improve depression and anxiety
Not only is couples counseling effective at improving relationship dynamics, it can also benefit each partner's individual mental health. Studies have suggested that engaging in marital therapy can improve partners' depression and anxiety.
Feel more fulfilled in your relationship
Couples work has been shown to improve "marital adjustment." In other words, marital counseling helps couples feel more satisfied in their relationship, while also feeling that their individuality is being respected.
Improve your sex life
Sex and intimacy are common issues in marriage counseling. Research shows that therapy can effectively treat sexual issues. Marriage therapy provides a safe venue to talk about these issues and come up with collaborative ideas so both partner's needs are met.
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During our work together, you can expect to talk about your relationship history and the current issues bringing you to therapy. We’ll identify what’s missing, what needs to be healed, and where we can strengthen trust. We'll also explore how your beliefs, values, and ideas about relationships might be impacting the situation.
You’ll get as much out of relationship therapy as you put in. Sadly, we were not given magic pixie dust in graduate school, so we can’t miraculously fix things for our clients. (That would be nice, right?) But if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, couples counseling can support you in transforming your relationship(s) and getting it closer to your ideal.
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Our couples counseling sessions cost between $135 and $200. The exact amount will depend on which provider you choose to work with and what insurance coverage you have.
We believe that therapy is a worthwhile investment in your mental health. However, we also believe that therapy should be accessible for everyone. Sliding scale options may be available if requested and eligibility requirements are met. Contact us to learn more.
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Yes! We are an exclusively virtual practice. This means that we can meet no matter where you live in Illinois (not just Chicago). We can also serve couples in Indiana.
Teletherapy sessions allow you to access couples counseling from the privacy of your own home. Many people feel more comfortable being vulnerable about their feelings in a familiar place. Plus, you save time (and money) since you don't have to drive to and from an office.
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Obviously we’re biased, but we don’t think there is ever a wrong time to go to therapy with your partner(s). That said, here are a few key signs it’s time to contact us:
1.) You’re fighting more often, or having more explosive fights.
2.) You’re generally feeling dissatisfied or unhappy with the relationship.
3.) There are sexual concerns or issues.
4.) A major life transition is or has occurred (e.g. marriage, new baby, a move, a new partner, career change, empty nesting).
5.) An affair or other betrayal has been discovered.
6.) You can’t communicate with your partner or are avoiding difficult conversations.
7.) You feel alone in your relationship.
This is far from a comprehensive list but these are common reasons people seek relationship therapy.
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Research indicates that couples therapy is effective in reducing distress in relationships. It can also be effective in treating some individual mental health issues.
But we do not pretend that couples therapy is a cure all. There are some issues that may never be fully resolved or fixed. Relationship therapy can then focus on assisting people in managing these issues if you are committed to staying together anyway.
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As we mentioned above, when working with me you can expect to talk about your relationship history and the current issues bringing you to therapy. We’ll explore what’s missing, what needs to be healed and where we can strengthen trust. How your beliefs, values, and ideas about relationships might be impacting the situation is something else we’ll address.
You’ll get as much out of relationship therapy as you put in. Sadly, we were not given magic pixie dust in graduate school so we can’t miraculously fix things for our clients. But if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, therapy can support you in transforming your relationship(s) and getting it closer to your ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get help from our relationship experts!
The same way you’d call a specialist for cancer or a heart attack, you want a specialist for your relationship(s). Relationships are our area of expertise. We were trained specifically to work relationally.
We know it can be tough to reach out for help, especially around something many of us believe should come easily or naturally. But here’s some truth for you, most of us weren’t taught how to be in and sustain healthy, long-term relationships. We can help.
Whether you live in Chicago, the surrounding suburbs (including Northwest Indiana), or anywhere else in Illinois, we can work together virtually. Click the button below to connect and get started on your couples therapy journey!