Brainspotting therapists in Evanston, Illinois IL
We are proud to feature top rated Brainspotting therapists in Evanston. We encourage you to review each profile to find your best match.
Brainspotting
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 Evanston, IL Illinois (Online Only)
Brainspotting
Empowered Wellbeing, Trauma/Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Dissociation and Addiction Recovery Care
Life Coach, view my credentials online at: www.recoveringfromwithin.com/credentialslongform
We started our practice supporting Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse to recover from the effects of their abuse and complex grief, and continue to center that care. Our practice includes support for trauma, complex trauma, dissociation, associated and co-occurring health and chronic health needs, anxiety, depression, addiction, personality disorders. We also offer integrative mental health care for mold toxin and some other environmental toxin exposure, and some TBI and PCS symptoms, as well as support for folks with chronic health related mental health needs that intersect with the above traumas. We offer intersectional care that is decolonizing, supports those impacted by systemic abuse, and supports affirming neurodiversity. We integrate TIST-- Trauma Informed Stabilization Therapy, DBR -- Deep Brain Reorienting to recover from Shock, IFS-- Internal Family Systems Work, PVT-- Polyvagal Theory, AT -- Attachment Theory, Nonviolent Communication, Inner Child Work, IPNB -- Interpersonal Neurobiology, Bonnie Badenoch's IPNB and dyad work, Memory Reconsolidation, Coherence/Existential Level of Care, BrainSpotting, DARE Attachment Model, CranioSacral (for mind, gut, and acute trauma recovery), Mediation/Relational/Partners/Couples Support, Functional Mental Health Care via Psychiatry Redefined Training and BioIndividual Nutrition, Integrative and CAM Health Care (herbalism, homeopathy, remote Traditional Chinese Medicine and other CAM Care), Student-Directed Learning Pedagogies (from Education), compassionate Parenting and inner Re-parenting, ... and a strong Intersectional and Social Justice Framework to support clients to recover from the debilitating effects of traumas and myriad effects of traumas, facilitate clients being centered in their own sense of self, develop healthier boundaries, cultivate self awareness (mindfulness), understand and parse power structures for healthy discernment ... and move towards more fulfilling self actualization that is compassionate, inclusive and also eco-relationally congruent.
We are a POC/GM Practice with a decolonizing orientation and Intersectional framework. Red lines are red lines -- we don't support abuses of power systemically and culturally. We are supportive of indigenous peoples and other systemically marginalized peoples, and their rights to safety, parity, sovereignty and dignity. If you are interested in support, we'd love to work with you!
Our focus has been on supporting adult survivors of childhood sexual trauma and torture, folks recovering from narcissistic trauma, folks recovering from oppressive hegemonic systemic trauma and/or folks recovering from these traumas along with recovering from toxic mold exposure.
We do work with individuals with other needs who are active and engaged bystanders and activists advocating alongside the most systemically oppressed for systemic change for the greater good of the whole global community, prioritizing care for the most marginalized. We also support those who are actively stopping and recovering from committing moral injury and boundary transgressions and willingly doing the work to repair and become bystanders with their privilege rather than violent enactors. This is a no mass media and state propaganda zone.
If you are interested in support, please ask! We'd love to work with you.
Keywords: Sexual Abuse Survivors Care, DV Care, Trafficking Trauma Care, Colonial Oppression Care, Torture Care, Complex Trauma Care, Dissociation Care, DID, DDNOS, CPTSD, BPD, Narcissistic Abuse and Bullying Trauma Care, Workplace Trauma Care, Mold Recovery Care, Chronic Health Related Care, Integrative, Functional, CAM Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Homeopathy, Flower Essences, Herbalism, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Intersectional, Intersectional Feminism, Progressive Internationalism, Anti-Racist, Anti-Oppression, Inclusive, Mediation, Repair, Attachment, Transformative Justice, Human and Civil Rights Affirming, Honoring International Law; DBR, IFS, TIST, SPI, PVT, SSP, IPNB, RLT, CI, BSP, Inner Child Work, Psychiatry Redefined Fellow, CranioSacral, Zero Balancing, Somatics Lab, Ethno-Traditional, Eco-relational
15 Years Experience
Online in Evanston, IL Illinois (Online Only)
Brainspotting
Margo Tirado MA LCPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Carrying anxiety, holding back your voice, or tending to everyone else’s needs can feel deeply lonely. If you’re stretched thin or unsure of your next step, I want you to know that you don’t have to keep doing this by yourself.
With over 30 years as a psychotherapist specializing in EFT, somatic work, anxiety, and trauma, I’ve supported countless women right at this crossroads. I’ve seen how healing becomes possible when the body is included in the conversation and the nervous system finally has room to unwind.
Together, we’ll create a therapeutic space filled with warmth, honesty, and grounded support. Using body-based tools and compassionate guidance, I’ll help you feel safe enough to explore what’s underneath—and empowered to build the life you’ve been longing for.
31 Years Experience
In-Person Near Evanston, IL
Online in Evanston, IL Illinois
Brainspotting
Kate Kittredge
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C, LP
You don’t have to navigate life’s hardest seasons alone. I believe therapy is a place where you can take off the mask, exhale, and be met with empathy, curiosity, and respect. My role is to walk beside you—helping you find meaning, healing, and a renewed sense of connection to yourself and the people you love.
My approach is humanistic and person-centered, grounded in the belief that you are the expert on your own life. I blend evidence-based and experiential methods, drawing from somatic and brain-based modalities such as Brainspotting to support both emotional and physiological healing. Our work together unfolds at your pace, guided by what feels most important and authentic to you.
I specialize in supporting individuals through the perinatal period—including pregnancy, postpartum, infertility, pregnancy or birth trauma, loss, and the complex emotions that accompany the journey of building a family. I also work with those experiencing anxiety, burnout, grief, or major life transitions, helping clients reconnect with their sense of stability and self-trust.
In therapy, we’ll explore not only the stories you tell yourself but also how those stories live in your body. Together, we’ll learn to listen to what your nervous system is communicating, create space for what’s been held too tightly, and build new ways of coping and thriving.
My goal is to help you feel more at home within yourself—to find a sense of balance, clarity, and self-compassion, even when life feels uncertain. Healing isn’t about erasing pain; it’s about creating room for hope and meaning to grow beside it.
If you’re ready to begin—or even if you’re not sure where to start—I’ll meet you right where you are. You deserve support that honors your whole self.
Visit katekittredgetherapy.com to learn more or reach out to schedule a consultation.
8 Years Experience
Online in Evanston, IL Illinois (Online Only)
Brainspotting
Ilyssa Swartout
Psychologist, Psy.D.
I’m Dr. Ilyssa Swartout, a licensed psychologist dedicated to helping adults and couples heal from past wounds and create meaningful change. My approach blends warmth, presence, and evidence-based therapy to help you move beyond old patterns and reconnect with your sense of worth and wholeness.
My background includes over 20 years of mentorship with James Bugental, Ph.D., founder of Humanistic Psychotherapy, and advanced training in EMDR, Brainspotting, Gestalt Therapy, and Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy (DNMS). These approaches support healing from trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties by addressing both emotional and body-based experiences.
As an EMDR Consultant and Certified In-Depth Therapist, I guide clients and other professionals toward lasting transformation and self-understanding.
Therapy is a courageous step toward healing and growth. Together, we’ll create a safe and supportive space for you to explore, recover, and thrive.
25 Years Experience
Online in Evanston, IL Illinois (Online Only)
Brainspotting therapists in Evanston, Illinois Statistics
Brainspotting therapists in Evanston, Illinois average 18 years of experience and charge around $180 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The most commonly treated issues are Self Esteem (90%), Trauma and PTSD (90%), and Anxiety or Fears (80%).
Average years in practice
18 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$180
Accept insurance
40%
Offer sliding scale
40%
Gender ID
| 76% |
Female |
|
| 8% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 8% |
Gender Fluid |
|
| 8% |
Male |
|
Session Type
| 60% |
Online Only |
|
| 40% |
In Person and Online |
|
Top Specialties
| 90% | Self Esteem |
| 90% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 80% | Anxiety or Fears |
| 80% | Women's Issues |
| 70% | Depression |
| 70% | Stress |
| 70% | Loss or Grief |
Ages Served
| 100% | Adult |
| 60% | Senior |
| 60% | Young Adult |
| 20% | Teen |
| 10% | Children |
Client Focus
| 60% | Women |
| 60% | Men |
| 40% | Hispanic / Latino |
| 40% | Black / African American |
| 30% | Asian |