Anxiety Therapy in Chicago for Adults Navigating Breakups and Relationship Patterns
I work with people post-breakup/divorce so they don’t do it again next time.
Support for Self-Sabotage, Boundaries, and Healing After Toxic Relationships
You learned early on how to take care of others.
You became the dependable one. The one who stayed quiet, kept the peace, and did what was expected. You learned how to read the room, anticipate needs, and avoid conflict, even when it meant ignoring your own.
Over time, this didn’t just become something you did. It became who you believed you had to be.
Now, you might find yourself in a new relationship that feels different. Safer. More respectful. More supportive.
And yet, something still feels off inside.
You second-guess yourself. You feel guilty for having needs. You feel anxious when there is even the smallest disagreement. You might notice yourself holding back, shutting down, or wondering if you are the problem.
This is often how self-sabotage anxiety shows up.
Not because you are broken. But because your nervous system learned that staying small, quiet, and accommodating was the safest way to be.
If you are looking for an anxiety therapist in Chicago, IL, you are in the right place.
Services I provide
Hi, I’m Shirley!
Hanging out with my dog-nephew!
Why Work With Me as Your Anxiety Therapist in Chicago
I see you, the anxious people-pleaser juggling too much, feeling drained and unseen. You’re the peacemaker and problem-solver, but your needs usually fall to the bottom of your to-do list. I am a leading voice in anxiety for people-pleasers, and I say that confidently.
Therapy with me isn’t about fixing you. It’s about helping you slow down, reconnect with your strengths, and rebuild a more compassionate and grounded relationship with yourself.
I’d lovingly describe myself as an “emotional translator” for my clients. I’m someone who helps give you a voice to the feelings you’ve learned to silence, minimize, or judge as being “too much”, especially when life feels too busy or overwhelming to process.
My goal isn’t for you to stay in therapy forever, but to help you feel more grounded, gain clearer insights into your needs, and feel supported in building healthier relationships with yourself and others.
So…how do I know therapy is working for me?
I know it sounds cliché but everyone is going to see progress differently. That being said, many of my clients have noticed these shifts during our time together:
Speaking up without guilt
Feeling grounded and calm, even when anxiety shows up
Understanding and honoring feelings, instead of fearing them
Setting boundaries without feeling selfish
Exploring goals, dreams, and relationships with courage
Humanizing and empathizing with others
Leaving toxic relationships or environments with clarity
Healing their relationship with intimacy, sexuality, grief, and their bodies
Parenting in a way that breaks destructive intergenerational cycles
Experiencing life with more peace, confidence, and connection
Imagine waking up and feeling like you belong to yourself. Imagine trusting your voice, setting boundaries, and building relationships where you feel seen, respected, and accepted, just as you are.
If you’re tired of feeling invisible, overwhelmed, and alone, therapy can help you reconnect with yourself and the world around you in a way that feels safe, grounded, and hopeful.
Click below to schedule your free 15-minute consultation. You deserve to feel calm, connected, and confident in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Anxiety therapy with me starts with meeting you exactly where you are each day. Rather than assigning traditional “homework,” we’ll collaborate to create small, meaningful practices that feel realistic and supportive in your everyday life. When it’s helpful, I’ll share resources, tools, or reflections you can return to between sessions, without pressure, just support.
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If anxiety is impacting your work, relationships, or daily peace, therapy can help you find relief and regain balance.
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We’ll start by discussing your goals, needs, and any concerns you have about therapy – no pressure to share everything at once.
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This is a valid question, and it depends on your goals. Some clients come in during their first meeting with an agenda (e.g., communication, relationship issues, anxiety), while others might need a space to “vent”. There is no right or wrong way to be in therapy.
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Yes, I provide online therapy to fit your schedule and comfort.
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Some discomfort is normal as you start exploring your feelings, but therapy ultimately helps you feel calmer and confident.
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Yes, many clients experience both, and therapy can support you in navigating these experiences with care and compassion.
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That’s okay. You don’t need to have it all figured out. We will begin exactly where you are.
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For 50-minute individual sessions, it will cost $210 out of pocket, while for a 50-minute couples’ session, it will cost $220. I understand that therapy is an investment in your well-being, and I am committed to providing high-quality care. If you have insurance, I can help you navigate your benefits to see if any coverage is available. Additionally, please feel free to discuss any financial concerns with me, as I want to ensure that therapy is accessible for those who need it.
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Click here to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation today.
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