Business Details
Client-Centered Therapy Services in Chicago
Chicago Counseling Associates is dedicated to advancing client-centered therapy rooted in the legacy of Carl Rogers. Our team of experienced therapists prioritizes dignity, autonomy, and self-determination, offering tailored counseling for individuals, couples, and families. We integrate rigorous clinical training with empathetic understanding to address anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, and life transitions. Our services are informed by decades of collective experience and ongoing education in person-centered approaches.We foster therapeutic relationships that empower clients to deepen self-awareness, improve communication, and enact meaningful change. Through internships, fellowships, and consultation programs, we cultivate a community of therapists committed to ethical practice and lifelong learning. Our clinicians specialize in LGBTQIA+ support, neurodivergence, cultural identity, and trauma-informed care, ensuring inclusive and affirming services. Located in Chicago, we provide both in-person and remote sessions to accommodate diverse client needs.
Services
Individual Counseling
Couples Therapy
Family Counseling
Trauma Recovery
LGBTQ+ Support
Neurodivergence Counseling
Career Transitions
Graduate Internships
Post-Graduate Fellowships
Consultation Groups
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of combined experience in client-centered therapy
- Our team includes specialists in trauma, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergence care
- We provide both in-person and remote counseling sessions for flexibility
- Our clinicians hold advanced degrees from institutions like the University of Chicago
- We maintain rigorous training standards through internships and fellowships
Services
Individual Counseling
Our individual counseling sessions create safe spaces for clients to explore mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and trauma. Therapists employ client-centered techniques to foster self-awareness and personal growth. Sessions address life transitions, identity development, and emotional regulation through empathetic, non-judgmental support tailored to each client's unique needs and goals.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts in intimate partnerships. Our therapists help couples navigate life transitions, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional connections. Using evidence-based approaches, we address issues like infidelity, parenting challenges, and differing communication styles while honoring each partner's perspective and autonomy.
Trauma Recovery
Specialized trauma recovery services address acute and complex trauma experiences using client-centered methodologies. Therapists help clients process traumatic memories, develop coping strategies, and rebuild self-esteem. Treatment incorporates somatic awareness and mindfulness techniques while emphasizing safety, empowerment, and gradual healing at the client's pace.
LGBTQ+ Support
Our LGBTQ+ affirming services provide safe spaces for exploring sexual orientation, gender identity, and related challenges. Therapists specialize in identity development, coming-out processes, and addressing discrimination impacts. We support clients through gender transition journeys and help navigate family/social systems while promoting self-acceptance and community connection.
Graduate Internships
Our graduate internship program trains future therapists in client-centered methodologies through hands-on clinical experience. Interns receive supervision in trauma treatment, LGBTQ+ affirmative care, and family systems while working with diverse populations. The curriculum combines practical skill development with theoretical exploration to cultivate ethical, compassionate mental health professionals.
People
Carolyn Schneider
Founder
With over 30 years of experience, Carolyn founded CCA after directing the Chicago Counseling and Psychotherapy Center. She specializes in couples and family therapy, drawing on her mentorship under client-centered pioneers to train emerging therapists.
Todd Odell
Senior Supervisor
Licensed in both clinical professional counseling and marriage and family therapy, Todd has practiced since 1998. He specializes in trauma work, family transitions, and LGBTQ+ issues, incorporating EMDR and TF-CBT into client-centered frameworks.
Grace Gautier
Fellow
Grace specializes in complex trauma and neurodivergence, offering LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC-affirming therapy. She emphasizes relational aspects of healing and liberation, combining clinical expertise with personal experience in neurodivergent communities.
Dragon Ding
Fellow
Dragon focuses on cultural identity and young adult transitions, particularly supporting AAPI individuals and gamers. He helps clients navigate digital-native experiences and internal conflicts through collaborative, identity-affirming therapeutic relationships.
Matthew Parsons
Supervisory Fellow
Matthew specializes in complex trauma and queer/trans identity exploration. Drawing on human rights advocacy experience, he creates supportive spaces for clients to explore systemic oppression impacts and cultivate authentic self-expression.
Questions
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
We specialize in client-centered therapy rooted in Carl Rogers' principles, emphasizing unconditional positive regard, empathetic understanding, and authentic therapeutic relationships tailored to each client's needs.
Do you offer remote counseling options?
Yes, we provide both in-person sessions at our Chicago office and remote counseling through secure telehealth platforms to accommodate client preferences and accessibility needs.
Are your services LGBTQIA+ affirming?
All our therapists provide LGBTQIA+ affirming care. Many clinicians specialize in gender identity exploration, same-sex relationship counseling, and addressing discrimination-related mental health impacts.
Do you accept insurance?
We provide documentation for out-of-network reimbursement but do not directly bill insurance companies. Contact us for detailed billing information and payment options.
What training programs do you offer?
We provide graduate internships, post-graduate fellowships, and continuing education in client-centered therapy. Programs include supervision training, consultation groups, and specialized tracks in trauma and gender-affirming care.
