Therapist for College Students

Counseling for College Students In Chicago

Looking for a therapist in Chicago that works with college students? Need counseling for issues related to school, studying, grades or relationships? Are you struggling with focus, concentration, organization or motivation?

If the answer is yes to any of these, you have come to the right place. And before we get too far in, let me congratulate you for taking the necessary steps to focus on your wellness. One of the smartest things you can do is reach out to a professional when life is confusing.

In my work as a counselor, I’ve helped many college students work through a variety of  academic and personal challenges. Here, I am talking about REAL things like better time management, healthier decision making, and managing anxiety.

The issues, while certainly unique to your situation, generally tend to follow common themes. You may be wondering what I’m talking about?

Here are a few examples:

Common Life Challenges for Chicago College Students

• Career direction
• Indecision on degree choice
• Pressure and stress to get good grades
• Relationship problems
• Adulting
• “Failure to Launch”
• Family drama
• Poor study habits – test taking anxiety
• Problems with focus
• Negative thinking
• Athletic performance issues
• Time management issues
• Anxiety about grades
• Life balance struggles
• Self-image and self-esteem
• Job interviewing skills
• Goal setting and goal attainment
• Fears about the future
• Financial stress
• Drinking problems
• Substance use and abuse
• LGBT issues

How Therapy Can Help College Students

So, you may be wondering how counseling can help you with the issues mentioned above? There are a number of ways but probably the most important is having someone to help you find solutions.

In addition, partnering with a counselor who has experience working with university students offers an accountability partner for the goals you set for yourself.

In this way, you learn new tools for coping with life stressors while creating a plan for success. And at the end of the day, isn’t that what you want – to be successful?

Counseling can offer numerous benefits to college students, helping them navigate the challenges and transitions they face during their academic journey. Here are some key advantages of counseling for college students:

• Emotional well-being: College can be a stressful time with academic pressures, social adjustments, and personal challenges. Counseling provides a safe and confidential space for students to express their feelings, manage stress, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. It can promote emotional well-being and enhance overall mental health.
• Personal growth and self-awareness: College is a time of self-discovery and personal growth. Through counseling, students can gain deeper self-awareness, explore their values and beliefs, and develop a clearer sense of identity and purpose. This self-reflection can lead to personal growth, improved decision-making, and increased self-confidence.
• Relationship and communication skills: College is an environment where students interact with a diverse range of people. Counseling can help students develop and improve their relationship and communication skills. Counselors can provide guidance on building healthy relationships, resolving conflicts, and enhancing interpersonal communication, which are crucial skills for success in college and beyond.
• Mental health support: Many college students experience mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Counseling services offer specialized support for mental health concerns, providing assessments, interventions, and referrals when necessary. Counselors can help students develop coping strategies, manage symptoms, and connect them with appropriate resources and treatments.
• Career guidance and planning: College is a pivotal time for career exploration and planning. Counselors can assist students in identifying their interests, strengths, and career goals. They can provide guidance on choosing a major, exploring career paths, and developing a career action plan. Counseling can also help students with resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies.

Overall, counseling can significantly benefit college students by promoting emotional well-being, providing academic support, facilitating personal growth, improving relationships, offering mental health support, and guiding career development.

It is a valuable resource that supports students in overcoming challenges, maximizing their potential, and thriving during their college years.

What’s Counseling & Therapy Like?

Typically, we would meet to learn about the issues that are important to you. In a safe, affirming and confidential environment, we then move about the business of creating a plan of action.

For example, if your studies are going well but your love life sucks, a goal for counseling might be to find the right balance. Conversely, perhaps too much time has been spent on relationships and not enough focus on school.

Either way, we would work together to explore options and walk towards a path of change. Part of the transformation process involves recognizing your strengths while acknowledging your challenge areas.

In this way, I employ Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as part of the approach. Other tools are used as well, including coaching and maybe even hypnotherapy to reinforce learning concepts.

Because I believe real change happens outside of the counseling office, I usually provide homework assignments to the students I work with that are designed to spark self-insight and growth.

What’s your Background?

Apart from my work as a counselor, I’m also a college educator. Yep, that’s right – I teach courses at the graduate and undergraduate level in a variety of subjects. Examples include business and psychology bachelors and masters programs and at the doctoral level.

Not only do I understand what it is like to be a student, I also “get” what your instructors are looking for when you submit various assignments.

If you are interested in learning more about my background, be sure to click on this bio link.

Do You Work with College Men and Women?

A common question I get is, “Do you work with men only?” The simple answer is no. I work with men and women to help them move closer to important academic and personal goals. The only requirement I have is that you have a personal desire to experience counseling and possess the necessary motivation to empower change.

In Person Counseling or Virtual for College Students?

The counseling services I offer are designed to be flexible in nature. Depending on both of our schedules, we may be able to meet in person at my office or online using a secure, HIPAA compliant video program.

The ability to work face to face or virtually is largely yours. Many university learners opt for video sessions simply because of the convenience.

Chicago Office Location

My office is located in Chicago’s Lakeview community at Lake Park Tower Condominium. The physical address is 655 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613. My office is one block off Lake Shore Drive at the Irving Park exit. The cross streets are Irving Park Road and Pine Grove Avenue.

The geographic coordinates are as follows: Latitude: 41.9548° N Longitude: 87.6503° W.

When Are You Available for Counseling?

When I have openings, I typically have the ability to work with people during the day. Much will depend on your schedule and mine. We would need to work collaboratively to figure out a time that works best.

If I do not have openings or our schedules don’t match, I am plugged into a network of professionals who specialize in working with college students.

Requesting a Therapy Appointment

If you are interested in receiving guidance around some of the issues mentioned above, feel free to send me a confidential note using this contact form. You can also call me at 773.704.5300