LGBT therapists in Northbrook, IL

Hi, I'm Nell! I help my clients to address and strengthen their mental, physical, emotional, and social needs that exhibit in the form of anxiety, depression, trauma, challenging life transitions, low self-esteem, inner child wounds, and relationship with self and others. While I have the knowledge, skills, and experience to serve clients with various mental health concerns, I specialize in addressing issues in relationships and helping adults struggling with patterns of toxic relationships.

I believe that change and growth happen within a safe and secure relationship. I see symptoms as meaningful, often serving a deeper purpose, and I approach them with curiosity and compassion to help you explore what they may be trying to communicate.

My name is Alicia Ali. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over a decade of experience in my field. I enjoy working with people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community as they navigate life’s challenges and rediscover their best self. I specialize in helping clients manage work/life stressors, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.

Hi, I’m Gretchen, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP, ANCC) with a Master of Science in Nursing from Lewis University. I work with individuals, teens, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, and substance use concerns, providing care in both English and Spanish. I bring experience from emergency departments, inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and private practice, and I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported. I value collaboration and flexibility, tailoring each session to your needs so you can feel empowered to make meaningful changes.

Clients often describe me as approachable, practical, and easy to talk to. Therapy should be a collaborative process, and I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself without fear of judgment. My style balances support with practical problem-solving, helping clients gain insight while also developing strategies they can use in everyday life. Above all, I want you to feel heard, understood, and supported as we work toward your goals together.

My style is eclectic and strength based. I see human nature as intrinsically good. Sigmund Freud said we are bio-social animals. I believe a great deal in listening to one’s self talk. The more positive our dialogue with ourselves is, the more positive our dialogues with others and our lives are. I’m also experienced in CBT, DBT, MI, Solution Focused, ACT, Gestalt, Interpersonal, and person-centered counseling.

My training includes lots of wonderful supervision and workshops, a three-year certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Chicago, and two one month intensives with Virginia Satir, the founder of family therapy. Virginia taught that exploring the self is like mining gold. We all have gold inside of us. That is our basic goodness. A lot of emotional suffering is the result of being detoured from that basic goodness.