In-Person in Chicago, IL 60625
Online in Illinois
If you're looking for a therapist who is able to meet you where you're at with warmth, curiosity, humor, and empathy, we could be a great fit! I work with LGBTQ+ folks, neurodiverse individuals, those facing big life changes and relationship challenges. I support clients who are struggling to manage anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, self-esteem, and life transitions. My approach is gentle and affirming, centered on your strengths and lived experience. Together, we’ll move at a pace that feels steady and manageable for you.
Client Focus
Session Format: Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult
Demographic Expertise: LGBTQ+, Men, Women clients.
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Eclectic Therapy Draws from different therapeutic methods based on what fits each client best. It is flexible and personalized rather than following one single model.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Feminist Therapy Addresses how gender roles, power, and social inequality affect mental health. It empowers clients to challenge limiting beliefs and systems.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Relational Psychotherapy Emphasizes the healing power of the therapist-client relationship. It uses trust and safety as a foundation for change.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
Education & Credentials
Em Shea MS, LPC
- Female, Non-Binary
- License # 178.022235
- Licensed in IL
- Practicing Since 2024
Education: I hold a master's degree in clinical counseling from Rosalind Franklin University. My education combined learning evidence-based practice with compassionate, client-centered counseling. I've published and worked on research expanding knowledge into LGBTQ+ mental health and care priorities.
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee $185-200
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- Please reach out if in need of sliding scale options!
- Accepts Insurance
- Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Blue Cross Blue Choice, Aetna PPO & HMO
Em Shea Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Chicago, IL 60625
- Available Online for residents of Illinois
- Online Therapy Details: Virtual sessions are held on a HIPAA-compliant version of Google Meet
I believe each person deserves a space that is tailored to their individual needs and contextualizes their current struggles within their intersecting identities, background, and experiences. Therapy with me is a safe place to discuss politics and societal stress that make daily living more challenging. I'm passionate about providing care rooted in equity and social justice in order to support the empowerment of marginalized communities.
This is why I have an eclectic approach that draws on many theoretical orientations, including person-centered, trauma-informed, and emotionally focused therapies. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy! I practice from a non-judgmental and non-hierarchical philosophy, where I see us sharing the space as equals and navigating power dynamics in a genuine and authentic way.
At our first session together, we will complete a biopsychosocial assessment, which includes mental health history, family and social dynamics, cultural and identity factors, work, school, personal strengths and hobbies, values, and more. Typically, this is the most structured session. Future sessions will allow us to create a space that fits your pace, preferences, and goals (and adapt as those needs evolve). In general, sessions will focus on building self-compassion and resilience, but how we get there will look different for each person.
For those interested in in-person sessions, accessibility means that the Rockwell Behavioral Health building has an accessible entrance, elevator, and ramp leading to gender neutral bathrooms. Within the office itself, couches welcome people in bodies of all sizes, an air purifiers to reduce allergens and scents, and lamp-light rooms (unless overhead lighting is requested). If you need/prefer me to wear a mask in session, please inform me in advance so I can ensure I'm prepared to meet that need.