Expert Care at Tides Mental Health
At Tides Mental Health, we provide exceptional person-centered therapy and strengths-based client-centered therapy in Chicago, helping individuals, couples, and families discover their inherent strengths and achieve lasting positive changes toward a fulfilling life.
Transform Your Life Through Person-Centered Therapy
Our approach to therapy combines the best of person-centered therapy with strength-based methods, creating individual therapy experiences that honor your unique journey while empowering you to create meaningful change. We believe that every person possesses the capacity for growth, healing, and self-discovery when provided with the right therapeutic relationship and supportive environment.
Why Choose Tides Mental Health:
- Diverse, trauma-informed therapist team with extensive specialized training
- Both telehealth and in-person individual therapy options
- Personalized matching to ensure the right therapeutic relationship
- Evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs
- Collaborative therapy process that puts you in an active role
- Safe environment fostering self-acceptance and personal growth

Our Strengths-Based Client-Centered Approach
What Makes Our Person-Centered Therapy Different
Strength-based therapy and person-centered therapy work together to create a transformative approach to clinical mental health counseling. Rather than focusing on deficits or what’s “wrong,” our therapist professionals help you identify and leverage your existing strengths, coping strategies, and resources for sustainable personal growth and well-being.
Our person-centered approach ensures that you remain at the center of your therapy process. We create a non-judgmental space where you can explore your feelings, develop deeper self-understanding, and work toward positive changes that align with your values and goals for a fulfilling life.
Evidence-Based Individual Therapy Methods
Our Licensed Clinical Social Worker practitioners and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors utilize multiple evidence-based modalities in individual therapy, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Helping you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – Building emotional regulation and coping strategies
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – Fostering psychological flexibility and value-based living
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy – Developing present-moment awareness and self-compassion
- Trauma-Informed Care – Addressing past experiences with sensitivity and respect
- Narrative Therapy – Exploring your life story and personal identity
- Somatic & Polyvagal Informed Therapy – Connecting mind and body in healing
Each approach to therapy is carefully selected and adapted to meet your specific needs, ensuring that your individual therapy experience promotes self-acceptance, growth, and lasting positive changes.
Who We Serve Through Person-Centered Therapy
Individual Therapy for All Life Stages
Emerging Adults and Young Adults: Our therapist team specializes in helping teens and emerging adults navigate life transitions, identity exploration, and the unique life challenges of entering adulthood. We provide a curious and supportive therapeutic relationship that honors their developing autonomy while building essential coping strategies for success.
Adults Across the Lifespan: We support adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, grief and loss, and feelings of being “stuck.” Our person-centered approach helps adults develop self-awareness, resilience, and the tools needed for creating meaningful change in their life.
Couples and Families: Our specialized couples therapy and family work addresses communication challenges, relationship issues, parenting stress, and life transitions. We help strengthen relationships by building on existing strengths while developing healthier patterns of connection and communication.
Specific Areas of Focus in Individual Therapy
Our clinical mental health counseling services address a comprehensive range of concerns:
- Anxiety and Depression: Evidence-based treatment to help you develop effective coping strategies and reclaim your well-being
- Trauma and PTSD: Trauma-informed care that honors your experience and supports healing
- Life Transitions: Support during major life changes, career shifts, and relationship transitions
- Self-Esteem and Identity: Building confidence, self-acceptance, and authentic self-expression
- Relationship Challenges: Improving communication, setting boundaries, and building healthier connections
- Grief and Loss: Compassionate support through difficult losses and life changes
- LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Care: Culturally responsive therapy that celebrates and affirms your identity
Our Expert Therapist Team
Highly Qualified Mental Health Professionals
Our team consists of Licensed Clinical Social Worker practitioners, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs), and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) who bring extensive education in social work and specialized training to every therapeutic relationship.
Each therapist on our team has completed advanced degrees and thousands of hours of supervised practice in clinical mental health counseling. We prioritize ongoing specialized training and education to ensure our therapist professionals stay current with the latest evidence-based practices in person-centered therapy and strength-based approaches.
Personalized Therapist Matching
We understand that the therapeutic relationship is fundamental to successful outcomes in individual therapy. That’s why we take great care in matching you with a therapist whose expertise, approach, and personal qualities align with your needs and preferences. Our goal is to ensure you feel understood, supported, and empowered from your very first session.
What to Expect in Your Therapy Process
Your First Session and Beyond
Your individual therapy journey begins with a free 15-minute consultation to ensure we’re the right fit for your needs. During your first session, your therapist will focus on building rapport, understanding your concerns, and identifying your goals for therapy without any pressure.
We create a safe environment where you can explore your feelings, develop self-awareness, and work toward positive changes at your own pace. Our person-centered approach means that you take an active role in directing your therapy process while receiving expert guidance and support.
Collaborative Treatment Planning
Every aspect of your individual therapy is tailored to your unique situation, strengths, and goals. We work collaboratively with you to develop treatment plans that feel relevant and meaningful, adjusting our approach based on your feedback and evolving needs.
Your therapy may include optional between-session work such as journaling, skill practice, or reflection exercises, depending on your therapist’s approach and your preferences. We believe in providing you with coping strategies and tools you can use outside of sessions to continue your growth and self-discovery.
Flexible and Accessible Care
We offer both telehealth and in-person individual therapy sessions to accommodate your schedule and preferences. Our easy-to-use online portal makes scheduling simple, allowing you to book weekly or bi-weekly sessions that fit seamlessly into your life.
Our supportive onboarding process through our secure client portal helps you get started quickly and efficiently. Our intake team provides guidance to help you choose the right therapist and navigate any questions about the therapy process.
The Benefits of Person-Centered Therapy
Lasting Positive Changes
Clients who engage in person-centered therapy and strength-based approaches often experience:
- Enhanced Self-Awareness: Deeper understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behavioral patterns
- Improved Self-Acceptance: Greater compassion and acceptance for yourself and your journey
- Stronger Coping Strategies: Practical tools for managing life challenges and stress
- Better Relationships: Improved communication and connection with others
- Increased Resilience: Greater ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges
- Personal Empowerment: Confidence in your ability to create positive changes
- Authentic Self-Expression: Freedom to be your true self in the world
A Path to Your Fulfilling Life
Our person-centered therapy approach helps you move beyond simply managing symptoms to creating a life that feels authentic, meaningful, and fulfilling. We support you in discovering your values, strengths, and aspirations while developing the skills and confidence to pursue them.
Begin Your Journey Today
Taking the Next Step
Starting individual therapy is a courageous step toward personal growth and well-being. At Tides Mental Health, we’re committed to making this process as welcoming and supportive as possible. Our therapist team is here to walk alongside you as you discover your strengths, develop new coping strategies, and create positive changes in your life.
We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality clinical mental health counseling that honors their unique experience and supports their goals for growth. Our person-centered approach ensures that your therapy experience is truly tailored to you.
Contact Us for Person-Centered Therapy in Chicago
Ready to begin your journey with strengths-based client-centered therapy? We invite you to reach out to learn more about our individual therapy services and how we can support your path to a fulfilling life.
Get Started:
- Schedule your free 15-minute consultation
- Learn about our therapist team and specialties
- Discuss your goals and preferences for therapy
- Begin your personalized treatment plan
Our intake team is here to answer your questions and help you find the right therapist for your needs. We’re honored to be part of your journey toward healing, growth, and self-discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes your approach to therapy different?
Our strength-based, person-centered approach focuses on your inherent capabilities and resources rather than deficits. We create a collaborative therapeutic relationship where you take an active role in your healing process while receiving expert guidance and support.
How do you match clients with the right therapist?
We carefully consider your specific needs, preferences, and goals when recommending a therapist. Our diverse team includes specialists in various areas, and we prioritize finding a therapeutic relationship that feels comfortable and supportive for you.
Do you offer both individual therapy and couples therapy?
Yes, we provide comprehensive services including individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy. Our therapist team includes Licensed Clinical Social Worker practitioners and specialists trained in various modalities to address a wide range of concerns.
What can I expect from person-centered therapy?
Person-centered therapy emphasizes your autonomy and self-direction in the therapeutic process. You can expect a non-judgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and supported as you work toward your goals for personal growth and positive changes.
How long does therapy typically take?
The length of therapy varies depending on your individual needs, goals, and circumstances. Some clients find benefit in short-term focused work, while others prefer longer-term support for deeper exploration and growth. We’ll work with you to determine what feels right for your situation.
At Tides Mental Health, we’re committed to providing exceptional person-centered therapy that honors your unique journey and supports your goals for a fulfilling life. Contact us today to learn more about how our strength-based approach can help you create lasting positive changes.
