Family therapy and counseling in Chicago, IL

When stress starts to build, it can affect more than just your day-to-day life. It can impact your mood, your energy, and your relationships. I work with adults and couples who are navigating anxiety, depression, workplace stress, and burnout. Many of my clients are used to juggling responsibilities, caring for others, and pushing through difficult seasons until they realize they're no longer feeling like themselves. You might feel constantly overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, or like you can’t fully “turn off” your mind. At the same time, stress can begin to show up in your relationships through miscommunication, distance, or frustration, making it harder to feel connected and supported.

I'm Simone Shepardson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with nearly two decades of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I've worked across a range of clinical settings — inpatient care, partial hospitalization programs, and outpatient therapy — which has given me a deep understanding of how to meet clients wherever they are in their journey. I specialize in working with gifted populations, high-functioning autism, anxiety, ADHD, and family dynamics. I've served over 10 years on the board of the Illinois Association for Play Therapy and previously acted as a clinical advisor to the West Suburban Bipolar Group in DuPage County. Outside of my practice, I'm a professionally trained singer and musician, a dancer, and a devoted wife and mother. I bring my whole self — warmth, creativity, and genuine care — into the work I do with each client.

Hello, I am Pamela "Paige" Lees. I have been a licensed therapist for 30 years. I have worked with a wide variety of people and together tackled a multitude of life's problems. I have a master's degree in clinical psychology from the University of Illinois and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University. I enjoy working with individuals and I specialize family problems of all kinds.

I support clients through a warm, attuned, and relationship‐centered approach. My intention is to be collaborative, helpful, and grounded in trust‐based, relational work. If you’re ready for a space where your story is honored, I'm here. It can be a struggle in how we connect, trust, and regulate our emotions throughout life which influences our levels of anxiety, depression, and overall ability to manage mood. I have worked with persons with disabilities, children, adults, and families to help find balance.

Hi, my name is Sally Wilkinson, and I am an LCSW in the state of Illinois. One thing I would like my clients to know about me is that I strive to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are, without pressure or judgement. I believe therapy should feel both supportive and practical. In our work together we will explore what is going on in your life while also building tools to help you cope, grow, and move forward. I value honesty, collaboration, and meeting you at your pace. My goal is to help you feel understood while also empowering you to make meaningful changes in your life.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe that prioritizing mental health is an integral part of quality of life. Congratulations on taking the first step towards self improvement! I have been practicing for 20 years with a focus on individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and difficulty with life transitions. I am also passionate about working with couples who are experiencing disconnection, conflict, and communication issues.

My name is Flor Eldridge. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I can help equip you with techniques necessary to cope with your life challenges. I’ve been in the helping field for over 15 years. I have experience working with all ages and all walks of life.

When I am not working, I enjoy time with family and friends, and traveling.

Hi, I’m Dr. Linda Wickens, a doctoral-level therapist and coach who works with individuals navigating stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, and patterns that keep them feeling stuck while preventing forward movement and growth. Many of my clients are high-functioning on the outside but feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or frustrated that change feels harder than it should.

Therapy and coaching with me are never one-size-fits-all. We work collaboratively to create a plan that is specific to you, your goals, and your capacity, adjusting pace and structure as your needs evolve. I focus on helping clients understand their patterns, build emotional awareness, and develop practical skills they can actually use in daily life.

I hold a Doctorate in Social Work and am a fully licensed clinical social worker, with over nine years of experience in the mental health field. My work integrates evidence-based therapy with a coaching-informed lens when appropriate, allowing sessions to be both supportive and goal-oriented while still making space to explore the past and its impact on the present.

Clients often describe my style as warm, direct, and collaborative. As part of my concierge model, clients work directly with me rather than an assistant, and I remain accessible to my clients outside of sessions through secure communication when needed. I believe growth happens through understanding, compassion, and honest conversation, and that progress is most sustainable when care feels personal, intentional, and consistent.

Please Note: I do not provide couples or marriage counseling. Additionally, I am not able to treat clients who are experiencing active suicidal ideation or self-harm behaviors. If these services are needed, I encourage seeking a provider who specializes in these areas or contacting appropriate crisis resources if immediate support is required.