Anxiety Therapist in Chicago, IL
Specializing in anxiety, relationship transitions, and intergenerational trauma
You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone
You don’t want to be seen as a burden. You’re the go-to person for everyone else—holding everything together and offering support. But when it comes to your own needs, you hesitate to speak up. You tell yourself, “I can handle it,” but carrying that weight alone feels isolating. It feels like you're about to break, but no one notices.
Overwhelmed by Stress and Doubt?
Lately, the stress has become overwhelming. No matter how hard you try, it never seems to be enough. You compare yourself to others, questioning your worth. Imposter syndrome creeps in at work, making you feel like you’re one mistake away from losing it all.
The Cycle You’ve Lived With for Years
This isn’t new. You’ve spent your life navigating relationships—wondering where you truly stand. Rejection stings deeply, and abandonment feels like a constant, looming fear. You’ve learned to rely only on yourself, even when support is available.
You Deserve Better
Deep down, you don’t want this cycle to continue. You don’t want to pass the pain you’ve carried to your future (or current) children. They deserve better. And so do you. Seeking therapy is an act of self-care.
You Are Ready for Real Change
In therapy, we don’t try to make you someone you’re not. We focus on the strengths you already have—the ones that make you uniquely you—and help you shine from within.
No masks, no pressure: This is a space where you can be yourself.
Therapy at your pace: Building trust with yourself and others is key.
Flexible online sessions: Fit therapy into your busy life while still having the support you need.
As a Chicago anxiety therapist, I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to explore your emotions and grow at your own pace.
Building Emotional Resilience, One Step at a Time
Over time, you’ll become more attuned to your emotions. You’ll learn how to sit with grief, fear, anger, and resentment—without being overwhelmed by them.
Working with an anxiety therapist in Chicago, IL, can help you:
Manage difficult emotions: Foster resilience and self-compassion.
Build confidence: Feel grounded and more at home within yourself.
Heal at your own pace: Give yourself permission to take care of your own needs.
The work you do now will not only benefit you but also the generations that come after you. By modeling emotional regulation, self-worth, and healthy communication, you create a foundation for your children to follow.
Shirley Khong, LCPC anxiety therapist in Chicago, IL
Specializing in anxiety, relationship transitions, and intergenerational trauma
Hi, I’m Shirley, I am an anxiety therapist in Chicago, IL and I can help
I am an anxiety therapist in Chicago, Illinois and help anxious people who are afraid of being a burden find the confidence to communicate boundaries, connect with their uncomfortable emotions, and unlock their potential to create positive change in their lives and relationships. My clients are often high-achievers, people-pleasers, or caregivers who have spent years putting others first—until they realize they can’t keep ignoring their own needs.
Many of my clients say they feel truly seen and relieved after just one session. After years of being the emotional punching bag, you can begin to reclaim your voice. You can stop walking on eggshells in unhealthy relationships and start making empowered choices toward healthier connections. As a Chicago anxiety therapist, I provide a supportive space where you can process these patterns and develop the tools to break free from them. Together, we use a mix of self-reflection, mindfulness, and emotional processing to help you break out of these patterns in a way that feels manageable and affirming.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anxiety Therapist in Chicago, IL
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Yes, therapy is absolutely worth it for anxiety. It provides a consistent, safe space to process your emotions, develop coping strategies, and gain a deeper understanding of your triggers. With the right support, you can learn to manage anxiety more effectively, build resilience, and navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and ease.
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Dealing with extreme anxiety starts with grounding yourself and creating space for your emotions. Here are a few techniques that have helped both my clients and me:
Write down your worries without judgment to externalize anxious thoughts.
Check in with your body—notice your breathing, tension, and other physical sensations.
Engage your five senses with a self-soothing activity, like listening to calming music or holding something comforting.
Everyone’s anxiety is different, so finding what works for you is key. If anxiety feels overwhelming, therapy can provide support and personalized strategies to help you navigate it.
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Some sneaky red flags of high-functioning anxiety include:
Increased irritability—you find yourself more easily frustrated or on edge.
Overcommitting—constantly taking on more tasks to avoid discomfort or prove your worth.
Fear of disappointing others—saying yes out of obligation rather than genuine desire.
Persistent self-doubt—feeling like you’re never doing enough, no matter how much you accomplish.
Restlessness disguised as productivity—always needing to stay busy to avoid anxious thoughts.
Difficulty relaxing—even during downtime, your mind races with “what’s next?”
Overthinking social interactions—replaying conversations and worrying about how you were perceived.
These signs often go unnoticed because high-functioning anxiety can look like ambition or productivity on the surface. If this resonates with you, therapy can help you break free from the cycle and find a healthier balance.
Give yourself permission to follow your heart and live the life you’ve always wanted.
Whether you're managing anxiety, breaking free from family patterns, or navigating relationship challenges, click the link below to set up a FREE 15-minute consultation—I’d love to hear your story and see how I can help.
Blog Posts from an Anxiety Therapist in Chicago, IL
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Anxiety Therapist in Chicago, IL - For People Pleasers
NEW BLOG POST
Are you a people-pleaser struggling with anxiety, self-worth, and the pressure to be perfect? As an anxiety therapist in Chicago, IL, I understand how overwhelming it can feel to constantly put others first while neglecting your own needs. In this blog, I explore the emotional toll of people-pleasing behaviors, how they affect relationships and self-esteem, and how therapy can help you break free from these cycles. If you're ready to prioritize your mental health, learn to embrace your worth, and find the support you deserve, connect with a trusted Chicago anxiety therapist today.
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Anxiety Therapist in Chicago, IL Explains, "Why Do I Procrastinate?"
Struggling with procrastination? Learn how anxiety, perfectionism, and people-pleasing fuel it—and how an anxiety therapist in Chicago, IL, can help.
