6 of the Best Chicago Anxiety Therapists
Takeaway: If you struggle with chronic worry, constant tension, or a sense of feeling on edge that you can’t shake, you’re not alone, and anxiety therapy can help. As a therapist in Chicago, I specialize in anxiety counseling for high-achievers and perfectionists, helping them embrace the uncertainty and move forward feeling more grounded. Here, I’ll share more about my practice and introduce you to other local therapists so you can find the right fit.
Have you tried everything to manage your anxiety—meditation apps, breathing exercises, telling yourself to "just relax"—but you still feel like your brain won't turn off? Do you find yourself constantly overthinking, second-guessing every decision, or feeling like you're one mistake away from everything falling apart?
If this sounds like you, anxiety therapy can help.
Hi, I'm Elizabeth Bodett Dresser, a licensed therapist based in Chicago, Illinois, and I'm a firm believer that anxiety isn't something you need to white-knuckle your way through alone. My training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR, combined with my work with overthinkers (plus my own lived experience), has shown me that real healing happens when we understand why we're anxious—not just how to manage the symptoms.
In my practice, I help clients get to the root of their anxiety and learn how to actually soothe it rather than trying band-aid solutions and creative avoidance tactics like overworking.
Here's a bit more about me:
1. Elizabeth Bodett Dresser, LCPC
Offers anxiety therapy ✓
Clientele: Adults, primarily high-achievers, perfectionists, and people-pleasers who struggle with burnout, imposter syndrome, and feeling like they can never do enough
Location: Chicago, IL 60602
Virtual therapy?: Yes
If this resonates with you, I’d love to connect. If you’re still unsure about whether we’re a good match, I invite you to schedule a free consultation call where we can speak directly about how I may be able to help.
In case my practice isn't a match for your needs, I've compiled this list of other anxiety therapists in Chicago. My goal is to connect you with the support you're looking for, whether it's with me or a different provider.
Other recommended anxiety therapists in Chicago
2. Autumn Starks
Offers anxiety therapy ✓
Clientele: Adults ages 25+
Location: Oak Park, IL 60301
Virtual therapy?: Yes
3. Hallie Schwartz
Offers anxiety therapy ✓
Clientele: Adults
Location: Chicago, IL 60657
Virtual therapy?: Yes
4. Caroline Aiken
Offers anxiety therapy ✓
Clientele: Adults
Location: Chicago, IL 60654
Virtual therapy?: Yes
5. Heather Beller
Offers anxiety therapy ✓
Clientele: Adults
Location: Chicago, IL 60657
Virtual therapy?: Yes
6. Jen Kalani
Offers anxiety therapy ✓
Clientele: Adults
Location: Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Virtual therapy?: Yes
Common reasons why people seek anxiety therapy
You're constantly overthinking every decision and conversation, replaying interactions in your head for hours (or days) afterward
You feel like you're running on empty—burnt out, exhausted, but somehow you can't stop pushing yourself to do more
You're great at your job, but you secretly feel like a fraud who's just waiting to be "found out"
Your anxiety shows up as physical symptoms: racing heart, tight chest, trouble sleeping, or feeling on edge all the time
You struggle to be vulnerable or ask for help because you're used to being the person everyone else relies on
You've tried all the self-help books and meditation apps, but you still feel stuck in the same patterns
You don't feel like yourself anymore—like the person you used to be has been buried under all the stress and expectations
Your inner critic is relentless, constantly telling you that you're not doing enough or that you're somehow deeply flawed
You can't seem to relax or enjoy downtime without feeling guilty about all the things you "should" be doing
Your relationships are suffering because you can't turn off the anxiety long enough to actually be present
How anxiety treatment can help
Get to the root cause, not just the symptoms
Most people come to therapy hoping to feel less anxious, but what they really need is to understand why they're anxious in the first place. Together, we'll explore the patterns and early experiences that created your anxiety so you're not just managing symptoms, but actually healing at a deeper level.
Quiet your inner critic and build self-trust
That voice in your head telling you you're not good enough? It's trying to protect you, but it's also exhausting. Through Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, we'll help you recognize and work with your inner critic instead of fighting it. The goal is to develop a kinder, more compassionate relationship with yourself—and to start trusting your own judgment again.
Break free from perfectionism and people-pleasing
If you've spent most of your life trying to meet (or exceed) everyone's expectations, it makes sense that you're burnt out. In therapy, we'll work on setting boundaries, saying no without guilt, and letting go of the belief that your worth depends on how much you accomplish. You'll learn to prioritize your own needs without feeling selfish about it.
Feel more present and in control of your life
Anxiety has a way of hijacking your brain and making everything feel urgent and overwhelming. Through our work together, you'll learn practical strategies to calm your nervous system, stop the overthinking spiral, and feel more grounded in your daily life. The goal isn't to eliminate anxiety completely; it's to help you feel more confident, calm, and capable of handling whatever comes your way.
FAQs about anxiety counseling
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There’s not a single “best” type of therapist for anxiety. The right anxiety therapist for you is someone who understands your specific struggles and uses approaches that resonate with you. When looking for a therapist, consider a blend of clinical knowledge and expertise along with a human-level understanding and connection.
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There’s not just one “best” type of therapy for anxiety. Each person’s experience is different, and some approaches may appeal to certain people over others.
I find IFS especially helpful for people whose anxiety is intertwined with perfectionism, burnout, and people-pleasing. This method helps us recognize these patterns as valuable, protective parts of you, while also tapping into the self-trust you have and can use to feel more grounded in your daily life.
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In our first few sessions, we'll spend time understanding your story, what's bringing you to therapy, and what you're hoping to change. From there, we'll work together to explore the patterns and parts of yourself that contribute to your anxiety. Therapy is collaborative, and we'll move at a pace that feels right for you.
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My practice tends to be a good fit for people who are ready to do deeper work and aren't just looking for quick fixes. Here are a few signs we might work well together:
You're a high-achiever or perfectionist who's tired of feeling anxious and burnt out
You want to understand the "why" behind your anxiety, not just learn coping skills
You're open to exploring how your past experiences shape your current struggles
You appreciate a therapist who's professional but also keeps things real (and occasionally funny)
You're willing to look inward and do the sometimes-uncomfortable work of healing
If this resonates, let's schedule a free intro call to talk more about whether we're a good match. And if it doesn't quite fit, that's okay too—finding the right therapist matters more than finding a therapist.
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Getting started is simple: book a free intro call through my website, and we'll spend 15-20 minutes talking about what you're looking for and whether my approach feels like a fit. If we decide to move forward, we'll schedule your first session and go from there.