Tom Pirttimaki

You deserve a space where you feel truly seen, heard, and safe. 

You possess the inherent strength and potential to heal. Your emotions and expressions are shaped by the richness of your unique life experiences, backgrounds, and circumstances.

My commitment is to provide a comforting, culturally humble, and fully accepting therapeutic environment. Together, using a strengths-based approach, we’ll explore how shifting your thoughts can positively transform your behaviors and emotions.

Specialties: 

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Grief and loss
• Men’s Issues
• College students
• LGBTQ
• Addictions
• Mindfulness
• First Responders
• PTSD and Trauma
• Relationship Problems
• Coping strategies

I believe deeply in the power of empathy as the foundation for healing. I am committed to fostering a safe, confidential, and judgment-free space where you can engage in honest dialogue, allowing you to explore your toughest thoughts and emotions. My approach is rooted in understanding your unique journey with compassion.

I provide specialized support for navigating anxiety, depression, and addiction, and offer affirming care for gay men and all who connected to the LGBTQ community. Crucially, I also offer a unique understanding of high-stakes professional and workplace stress.

I have worked with diverse and special populations, including autistic individuals, first responders, and people living with chronic pain. I enjoy working with teens, adults, and older adults as they navigate life’s challenges. My clinical interests include supporting individuals from unique or marginalized communities, people living with anxiety and depression, and Chicagoans struggling with life transitions.

Life will inevitably present unexpected twists, and it takes strength to seek guidance. As your counselor, I use a holistic philosophy, integrating evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a person-centered approach. We will work together to build resilience, develop practical coping strategies, and ultimately discover the inner resources needed for a brighter future.

I am a Certified Anxiety Treatment Specialist. I hold a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology and am in the process of completing my doctorate at the same institution.