Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL
Are you looking for a place to find clarity on your relationships? Feeling so overwhelmed you aren't sure where to turn next? Or for a place to find school/life balance? We should talk. I help people like you find direction for their relationships and life. I specialize in those struggling in friend, family, and romantic relationships. I help those with anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, trauma, grief, and faith/spirituality. If you would like a caring space and support for a path forward you can send me an email and we can set up a free consultation and chat about your hopes for our work together.
I am an Indian and Pakistani cis-gender woman from an immigrant family and am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I have a Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling (MAATC) and am a Provisionally Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P). I love working with people from different backgrounds and various identities attempting to preserve a sense of authentic self in the Western world. I have a strong background working with immigrant children, their families, as well as individuals of any age desiring self-acceptance, self-esteem, and support surrounding anxiety and depression. Due to my experience navigating the various parts of myself, I am passionate about serving those with opposing or oppressed identities such as those within the BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ community. I am trilingual in Hindi/Urd’u, Spanish, and English and offer sessions in all three languages. Our various identities as individuals can sometimes pull us in opposite directions (opposing forces), occasionally forcing us to put forth different versions of ourselves and keeping our authentic selves hidden. This can cause much anxiety and panic, especially in a society where defining and boxing in individuals is the norm. As a child of an immigrant family, I am keenly aware of immigration-related anxiety and maintaining a balance between your culture and the Western world. Sometimes life can throw our internal compass/intuition off balance; for this reason, I integrate ancestral, intuitive, somatic, and spiritual practices and wisdoms into the healing process. I am passionate about increasing your sense of self-empowerment and using your authentic voice to advocate for yourself and your identities to inspire the changes you deem necessary within your community. Values and Approach It is incredibly important to me to operate from a culturally critical perspective, always questioning and expanding my understanding of one’s identities and cultures.
In my 15 of years providing therapy, I have worked with various individuals experiencing different life challenges. The goal is to create a connection and from that connection build a bridge to healing and recovery. I believe that we are all seeking radical acceptance and radical belonging. Systemic oppression significantly impacts mental and physical wellness. I strongly believe it is not that a person needs to be "fixed". Marginalized and oppressed folx need support, space, agency, and tools to navigate an increasingly hostile and toxic environment. Social justice drives the work that I do personally and professionally. I specialize in the following: -Anxiety -Depression -Bipolar – Complex Trauma LGTBQIA+ -Women’s Issues -Oppression-Based Trauma -Racial Identity Challenges -Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy Letters -Gender Affirming Surgery Letters Therapy is not about weakness, it’s about strength. The courage to face the pain, accept it, and continue on despite it. We are on a journey together, one that includes tears and laughter. Authenticity in terms of my own experience and journey, along with the use of humor, allows me to create warm, safe space in order to develop a strong therapeutic bond.
Naperville Ellie Mental Health prides itself on mental health services for all. Waitlists, insurance issues, finances, schedules, etc. should not prevent anyone from getting the health that they deserve.
Amy Wilhelmi is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) serving clients in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Virginia. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in trauma, relationship issues, and family conflict, offering a supportive and inclusive environment for diverse family structures and identities, including the LGBTQ+ community. Amy's practice integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness. She also provides Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), which is available both virtually and in clients' homes, allowing her to address complex needs with innovative methods. In addition to therapy, Amy is trained in Divorce Mediation, providing a peaceful and financially responsible alternative to traditional divorce proceedings. Her practice offers flexibility, with in-person sessions available in West Dundee, Illinois, and telehealth options throughout her licensed states.