Chicago Family Therapist
We often have our most intimate connections with our family members. These relationships can give us the most joy and fulfillment, as well as lots of hurt and challenges. However, you don't have to navigate all the ups, downs, and complications alone. Chicago family therapy can help you and your loved ones reconnect and work together as a team toward shared values and goals.
All families experience issues, so there is no shame in seeking support from a mental health professional. Whether you're dealing with major life transitions, need to boost your communication skills, or just want to improve your family dynamics, our team can help.
Family therapy provides a safe environment for you and your loved ones to talk about your challenges in a calm, constructive way. Our family therapists take care to make sure that all members are heard and respected throughout the process.
Unsure what you're hoping to get out of counseling but just know your family could use a little extra support? That's okay too. We offer complimentary consultations so you can speak to us directly before diving in. Contact us today to schedule.
5 Top-Rated Family Therapists in Chicago
1. Samantha Jones, ALMFT
Credentials:Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (ALMFT)
License Number: 208.001032
Education: Master's Degree from Adler University
Years in practice: 2
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
2. Nicole Lopez, ALMFT
Credentials: Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (ALMFT)
License Number: 208.001124
Education: Master's Degree from Adler University
Years in practice: 1
Specializations: Conflict, intimacy/sexual concerns, communication issues, genuine trust and connection building, life transitions, parenting
3. Michaela Stevenson
Credentials: Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
Education: Master's Degree from Adler University
Years in practice: 2
Specializations: Major life transitions (marriage, parenthood, grief & loss), infidelity, discernment (deciding whether or not to continue a relationship), divorce and relationship dissolution, communication difficulties, co-parenting and division of labor, challenging extended family dynamics, perinatal mental health, including infertility and family planning decisions, LGBTQIA+ affirmative
4. Faye Williams
Credentials: Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (ALMFT)
License Number: 208.001150
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
5. Dr. Rachel Miller, Ph.D.
Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and Founder of Hold the Vision Therapy, PLLC.
Education: Ph.D. Degree from Adler University
Years in practice: 8
Specializations: 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
Our Approach to Family Therapy in Chicago
At Hold the Vision, we specialize in relationship counseling. This includes your relationship to yourself, your significant other, your children, your extended family members, and more. Using this lens helps us uncover what's missing in your relationships and offers opportunities to truly connect.
Beyond exploring relationships, our therapists also value the essential work of anti-racism, social justice, and inclusion. Larger systems and institutions can have a big impact on individuals and families, and that shouldn't go unnoticed.
We also celebrate each family's own differences and strengths. We recognize you as the expert of your own family--you know each other best! While our therapists are here to provide feedback, support, and guidance, we can only do so by learning from you about your family's unique situation.
There's no one-size-fits all approach to "cure" family problems. (That would be nice!) That's why we prioritize getting to know all members of your unit and really understand your family's needs. Together, we'll create a customized treatment plan that will address your concerns and build on your strengths.
We're dedicated to making our online therapy space an affirming, inclusive place for you and your family to improve your well being and functioning as a family. No matter what's happening in your family's life, or what kind of lifestyle you choose, our therapists in Chicago are here for you.
What Chicago Family Therapy Can Help With
Our family therapists have seen it all and welcomed dozens of families into our online therapy space. Here's just a small sampling of the topics we can help with.
Don't worry if these don't resonate with you--we're happy to hear about your family's unique situation and discuss how you can help.
Build better communication
Communication breakdowns are a common source of misunderstanding and frustration within any relationship. Family therapy can help improve communication, helping families feel more connected and understood.
Reduce conflict
Working with a marriage and family therapist can also help reduce conflict. Family counseling services in Chicago can teach families how to resolve conflict in a more constructive way. Less fighting (understandably) helps family members feel closer to each other.
Navigate co-parenting and life as a blended family
Like any families, blended families have unique challenges. In therapy, all family members have the opportunity to express their feelings, needs, and boundaries and truly be heard. Having a dedicated place for these conversations can be helpful.
Reducing stress
As you probably know firsthand, having tension and conflict in the family can be extremely stressful. By improving family dynamics and relationships, therapy can help reduce stress for all members of the unit.
Support members with their mental health
One person's mental health impacts the entire family unit. Working with a family counselor in Chicago can help everyone understand the effects of issues like depression and anxiety. It also provides family members with the opportunity to learn more about how to support the individual who is struggling.
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The fact that you're even wondering this shows how motivated you are to make a positive change for your family. Everyone's experience with therapy is different, but there are a few tried-and-true tips that you can use to get the most out of counseling.
1.) Attend all scheduled sessions
This one sounds simple, but just showing up is half the battle. After all, we can't do any work together if you don't attend our appointments. Of course, if someone in your family is sick or has some sort of emergency, it's okay to reschedule. However, it's important to commit to regular sessions. Consistency is key.
2.) Practice skills outside of session
Our time together is limited compared to all of the time your family spends together outside of session. That's why it's essential to practice what you learn in session.
Applying your new skills to real-world scenarios that happen in your day-to-day life will help you get more comfortable. Don't worry if it doesn't go perfectly--we can debrief in session.
3.) Keep an open mind
Therapy works best if you can let yourself be open to the process. This can be easier said than done. Counseling often forces us to confront hard truths and step outside of our comfort zones.
Your family therapist will be there to guide you the entire way, so we encourage you to do your best to stay open.
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Yes! Our practice is exclusively virtual. Our sessions take place through a HIPAA-compliant platform. This means that your information remains secure and confidential.
We find that many families prefer online therapy for the convenience it offers. Finding a time that works for all your families is hard enough, and it can be even more challenging to wrangle everyone out the door on time.
Online therapy removes that barrier by allowing you to meet with your family therapist from the comfort of your home.
Virtual therapy also allows our family counselors to see anyone in the state of Illinois--Chicago and beyond. We also help folks in Indiana. Holding online sessions saves you the time and money it usually takes to commute to a therapist's office.
FAQs About Family Counseling in Chicago
We understand that it can feel nerve-wracking or even downright scary to think about starting therapy. However, you've already taken the brave first step by looking into it. Here, we've answered many of the commonly asked questions about family therapy to help you decide whether it's right for you.
Still have questions about what to expect in family counseling?
Our team is available to answer any of your questions to help you feel comfortable about starting the process. If your question hasn't been addressed here, we encourage you to reach out to schedule a free consultation.
Create More Connection With the Help of Chicago Family Counseling
Deciding to work with a family therapist is an incredibly vulnerable choice. However, opening up also provides the opportunity to deeply connect with yourself and each other. We respect the fact that you're considering letting us support you in a challenging time.
Granting yourself and your family this opportunity is a gift, and we'd be honored to take that journey with you. By choosing to work with a family therapist, you're committing yourselves to learning and growing together.
Whether you're navigating big life transitions, have specific issues that you want to work on, or just want to feel more in tune with each other, family therapy can help.
Our team of counselors is ready to meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go.
Ready to find more peace, understanding, and connection within your family dynamic? We want to help you have the kind of family you've always hoped for. Contact our team to set up an appointment today.
