Denika Mcmillen

Hello, I am Denika, a helper who was born and raised in Chicago and a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Social Work. I have nearly twenty-seven years of experience as a therapist and counselor. I specialize in working with adult and adolescent individuals, including those with the LGBTQ+ community, who are confronted with life challenges such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, homelessness, and substance abuse issues. I also have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which I utilize in my tool belt of intervention strategies.

As a therapist, I hope to be perceived as being genuine, having unconditional positive regard for them, and accurate empathy. I strive to be transparent and honest about what therapy can and cannot do, and they will address any unrealistic expectations you might have. My philosophy is to view therapy is a “tune up” to help people keep operating through life. Just like cars needing regular tune ups and oil changes to keep running smoothly, people also need regular check-ins and support. This is especially important for populations because they face additional societal challenges that may or may not be overt but are often internalized.

I want clients to leave their sessions knowing that they aren’t alone and they have a new member on their team. These sessions will provide support by creating a safe, confidential space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions openly. Therapy is a process that involves both progress and setbacks. Embracing this reality helps build resilience and ensures you remain committed, even when the journey feels challenging. Continuous feedback helps gauge the effectiveness of the therapy and ensures that your goals remain relevant as you evolve.