Existential / Humanistic therapists in Chicago, Illinois IL
We are proud to feature top rated Existential / Humanistic therapists in Chicago. We encourage you to review each profile to find your best match.
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Dr. Sam Macy
Psychologist, PsyD
As a licensed clinical psychologist, I have more than 15 years of clinical experience providing multiculturally-informed therapy to adults across the lifespan. I work with people experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship difficulty, high stress, professional dissatisfaction, struggles with meaning and purpose, and identity issues among others. I aim to provide a warm, down-to-earth therapeutic experience while prioritizing growth, balance, and intentionality in the lives of my clients.
16 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60605
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Jason Herr
Psychologist, Psy.D.
My approach to therapy is grounded in the belief that meaningful change begins with understanding—of ourselves, our patterns, and the biological and emotional systems that shape how we experience the world. I work with individuals, couples, and families across a wide range of concerns, integrating clinical experience, psychological insight, and education about how the brain and nervous system function under stress, trauma, and emotional strain.
Throughout my career in community mental health, private practice, medical settings, and teaching, I have worked with people facing complex emotional and relational challenges. These experiences have shaped a practical, compassionate, and direct style that focuses on helping clients understand why they feel and react the way they do, while developing concrete skills for change. I believe therapy is not only about symptom relief but about increasing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the ability to navigate life with greater clarity and intention.
My work often includes helping clients understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and physiological responses. By learning how to regulate the nervous system and tolerate uncertainty, individuals can respond more thoughtfully rather than react automatically. I aim to create a collaborative and respectful therapeutic environment where clients feel safe to explore difficult experiences, retell their stories when needed, and move toward a stronger sense of stability and self-understanding.
Therapy is a process of growth, accountability, and compassion. Whether someone is navigating anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, trauma, or life transitions, my goal is to help them build insight, resilience, and a more grounded sense of who they are and how they want to live.
16 Years Experience
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois (Online Only)
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Dr Calvin Young
Counselor/Therapist, PhD, LCPC
My work begins with you. For over two decades, in different locations I have set out to use the power of the spoken word to help those who struggle with psychological and emotional issues. I have not perfected the art of therapy as yet -still trying! I promise to always deploy the best thinking and scientific research in behavior change, and brain support dynamics and technologies to help you to optimize your potential and live your best emotional life.
30 Years Experience
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois (Online Only)
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Jaylan Abd Elrahman
Psychologist, PhD
What an honor it is to be a supportive companion on your path to deeper wellness! I see therapy as a process wherein people can grow a more honest connection with themselves, learn and practice hope-generating perspectives and skills into their day to day and stretch their imaginations for how to lovingly create a future that feels liberating, life-affirming, and meaningful.
My goal is to offer a space that feels collaborative, creative and deeply human- a space where your story is met with curiosity, compassion and trust. My work is guided by Humanistic and Relational Cultural approaches, shining light on and engaging the unique wisdom you already come with and paying close attention to the cultural, racial and systemic forces that shape all our lived experiences. Our sessions might integrate story sharing, trauma processing, skill building, mindfulness and somatic practices, and expressive arts, depending on what feels most supportive to you week to week. I hope that clients experience therapy as venues for personal transformation that offer relief, clarity, levity and empowerment.
Alongside my clinical practice, I teach at several Chicago-area universities and have spent over a decade developing healing-centered programs for migrant youth and women of color in community-based settings. These experiences continue to inform my deep respect for various cultural and ancestral modalities of healing, as well as an appreciation for the many ways people continue to dream new lives into reality!
If you’re seeking a therapist who approaches this process with humility, warmth, humor and a sincere commitment in your growth, I would be eager to connect with you!
6 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60608
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Emem Itiat
Counselor/Therapist, LCPC
I believe in the power of healing through promoting self-awareness, autonomy and empowerment, and also in people's strength to move towards change. Though suffering is a part of life, something that all humans share, working to manifest helpful and sustainable coping mechanisms, and skills that will work to serve you long term makes a difference in the quality of life a person experiences. I work from a Health at Every Size (HAES) and humanist framework, observing individuals as a whole, and when it comes to the war against body discrimination and terrorism, I believe in working to enhance radical acceptance through promoting self-contentment, end weight discrimination by identifying the underlying and overlying systems of oppression, dismantling those systems, and working against the cultural obsession with diet culture, and the pursuit of thinness and perfection. I believe in concepts such as radical self-love, self-trust, self-awareness, radical-acceptance, freedom, agency, self-compassion, and self-actualization to help guide individuals to fulfill their potential and maximize their wellbeing.
16 Years Experience
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois (Online Only)
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Dr. Adam Shafer (Chicago, IL)
Psychologist, Psy. D., M.A.
I do my best to listen in the service of understanding and provide thoughtful responsiveness, which I have found helps my clients connect to their inner life and with others. Using gentle honesty and compassion, I value autonomy and collaboration to help people feel less alone while finding a sense of purpose within their lives and in the world.
17 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60607
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Dr. Andrew Bingman
Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PsyD
Many people struggle with the belief that they are not good enough, and they subsequently suppress parts of themselves that they fear will alienate them from others. My primary task as a therapist is to create a safe and validating environment in which you can feel free to be your whole self, without fear of rejection or judgment. My goal is to recognize, understand, and honor each part of you, especially the parts that feel most vulnerable.
15 Years Experience
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois (Online Only)
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Roxy Zarrabi
Psychologist, Psy.D.
You may deeply desire to feel safe and connected with yourself and others but find yourself stuck in the same dating or relationship patterns that leave you feeling disconnected and unsatisfied. As a result, you may struggle to feel fully present in your life. Feelings of anxiety, insecurities, and past dating or relationship challenges can interfere with creating or maintaining the meaningful relationships you desire. You know you’re ready to make a change and feel more confident about yourself but have no idea how to get there.
I specialize in helping women struggling with relationship or dating challenges, low self-worth, and/or anxiety to create the life they desire. Our work together can help you learn to manage your anxiety, overcome longstanding patterns that are holding you back, and develop tools to improve your relationship with yourself as well as others.
11 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60602
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Gemstone Wellness, Inc.
Psychologist, PsyD, LCPC, LCSW, LPC
Gemstone Wellness offers trauma-informed, insight-oriented therapy for teens and adults seeking more than symptom relief. Our work is grounded in a deep understanding of trauma, anxiety, and nervous system regulation—helping you not just cope, but understand yourself at a meaningful level and create lasting change.
We also bring specialized expertise in sex therapy and grief and loss, supporting clients through some of life’s most vulnerable and complex experiences with care, nuance, and respect.
What sets us apart is how we show up. Therapy here is collaborative, human, and genuinely interactive. We are engaged with you—curious, attuned, and responsive. We laugh with you when it’s there, sit with you when it’s hard, and approach your story without judgment. You won’t find cold, clinical distance here—just real warmth, thoughtful insight, and a relationship that helps you feel seen.
10 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60604
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Best Therapies, Inc.
Therapist
An inclusive group practice of Emotion Experts, Trauma-Informed Therapists, Gender Guides, and Sex-Positive Relationship Nerds, here to help.
7 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60618
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Lincoln Park Psychology, Inc
Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Psychologists, LCPC, LPC, LCSW, LSW, CADC, AMFT
At Lincoln Park Psychology, we believe that the therapy process should provide results. Although we offer a range of services for a variety of populations, our goal-focused mindset never shifts. When clients come to LPP, our friendly, compassionate, affirming, and capable clinicians work with the client to develop goals that will set the client up for long-lasting change and a positive shift. It is also our firm belief that therapy should be as enjoyable as possible. Although "the work" can be hard, our clinicians are dedicated to forming a solid relationship built on commonalities, differences, openness, and humor.
17 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60657
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Emily Blitz
Psychologist, PsyD
Welcome! For me, this work is deeply relational in nature, as I find a steady, trusting relationship to be central for deeper exploration. Together, we can attend to both immediate concerns and deeper themes such as emotional experiences, attachment styles, and family-of-origin dynamics. I offer a warm, steady presence alongside attuned and practical feedback, supporting meaningful insight that can lead to lasting change. Online therapy offers us a wonderful opportunity to engage in this work from the comfort of your own space, while also offering flexibility when needed. Moves, new jobs, or growing families - our work can remain an anchor through the change. If you'd like to discuss working together, please reach out for a free consultation.
12 Years Experience
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois (Online Only)
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Joanna Vergoth
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, NCPsyA
I am a licensed psychotherapist with over 27 years of experience providing trauma-focused, psychodynamic psychotherapy to adults with complex trauma histories. I am particularly attuned to issues of relational trauma, attachment disturbances, abuse recovery, psychosexual health, anxiety disorders, and binge eating. My practice is culturally responsive and grounded in respect for each client’s lived experience and identity. Therapy with me is collaborative, paced with care, and grounded in deep attunement. I believe symptoms are adaptations to overwhelming experiences. I help clients understand how past experiences shape present patterns, transform trauma-shaped beliefs, and reconnect with their inner strength and authenticity. If you are ready for profound healing, I would be honored to work with you
27 Years Experience
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois (Online Only)
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Nostos Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PsyD
We provide affirming care for 2slgbtqia+ and bipoc individuals, grounded in feminist ideals, we strive to provide a space that is welcoming and empathic for all individuals.
12 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60661
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Maggie Reynolds
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, EMDR Certified, NCC
With 15 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I genuinely love being part of the moment when things start to shift, when you feel more grounded, more open, and more like yourself again. My goal is to create a space where you can show up as your whole self, and I’ll do the same. Many of my clients are thoughtful, capable people who have already done therapy and want something that helps them break through old patterns and grow in a new direction.
16 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60611
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
XaHara A. MeGod
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, R-DMT, CPT
We will delicately explore patterns held within the body to support emotional release, deeper self-understanding, and lasting healing.
8 Years Experience
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois (Online Only)
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Merrisa Dawn Santos
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTMHP, CCTP
In the intricate tapestry of our lives, the pursuit of happiness, safety, and love is a universal quest. Yet, for many, the journey toward emotional wellness is fraught with challenges beyond their control. Trauma, familial history, and the burdens of life can cast shadows that obscure life's inherent beauty. I believe that each individual deserves to uncover, rediscover, and reclaim life's joy and purpose.
As a compassionate and dedicated psychoanalytical therapist, I aim to guide you through this transformative process with warmth and understanding. Through welcoming and conversational counseling services, I aim to create a space where you can explore the intricate connections between your mind, body, and spirit. This holistic approach seeks to assist you in reconnecting with your higher purpose, allowing you to navigate life unburdened by emotional pain.
5 Years Experience
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois (Online Only)
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Edward Alderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC; NCC
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step? Do you want to make a change but do not know where to start?
Maybe you’re carrying stress, frustration, anxiety, depression, or a sense that something in your life just isn’t lining up the way you hoped. Those feelings are completely human—and they’re also signs that you’re ready for support. You don’t have to sort them out alone. I specialize in supporting clients dealing with mood & anxiety disorders, couples therapy, including emotional, physical, and sexual intimacy issues, ADHD, and men's mental health issues. I also work closely with LGBTQ clients.
6 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60625
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Bergen Counseling Collective
Counselor/Therapist, LCPC
You've been carrying too much for too long. The anxiety that won't quit. The depression that makes everything harder than it should be. The relationship that feels stuck. The past that keeps showing up uninvited. We help individuals and couples do the hard work that leads to real change. In-person appointments in Chicago. Telehealth across Illinois. Insurance accepted. Accepting new clients.
20 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60640
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois
Existential / Humanistic Therapy
Faye Williams
Marriage and Family Therapist, ALMFT
The therapeutic relationship should result in strengthening your relationship with yourself. Meeting with individuals of all ages as well as families and partners, we will get to the heart of what's bothering you so you can get back to feeling like yourself.
4 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60611
Online in Chicago, IL Illinois
Chicago's size and diversity mean therapists here cover an exceptionally wide range of specialties, with strong representation in trauma, anxiety, depression, and cultural identity work across the city's distinct neighborhoods. The South and West Sides experience community-level trauma tied to violence and systemic inequity, driving particular demand for therapists who specialize in PTSD, grief, and resilience-focused work. The city is home to Rush University Medical Center, Northwestern Medicine, and the University of Chicago Medicine, with a large independent practice community concentrated in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park, and the Loop. Chicago also has robust bilingual therapy communities serving its large Spanish-speaking, Polish, and Mandarin-speaking populations.
Existential / Humanistic Therapy therapists in Chicago, Illinois Statistics
Existential / Humanistic Therapy therapists in Chicago, Illinois average 17 years of experience and charge around $202 per session. 98% offer online sessions. The most commonly treated issues are Anxiety or Fears (85%), Depression (77%), and Stress (61%).
Average years in practice
17 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$202
Accept insurance
53%
Offer sliding scale
36%
Gender ID
| 60% |
Female |
|
| 34% |
Male |
|
| 3% |
Gender Fluid |
|
| 3% |
Non-Binary |
|
Session Type
| 59% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 39% |
Online Only |
|
| 2% |
In Person Only |
|
Top Specialties
| 85% | Anxiety or Fears |
| 77% | Depression |
| 61% | Stress |
| 61% | Self Esteem |
| 58% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 57% | Loss or Grief |
| 50% | Social Anxiety |
Ages Served
| 99% | Adult |
| 73% | Young Adult |
| 58% | Senior |
| 42% | Teen |
| 21% | Children |
Client Focus
| 61% | Women |
| 48% | LGBTQ+ |
| 43% | Men |
| 33% | Military / Veterans |
| 28% | Hispanic / Latino |