Encourage Counseling in Chicago, IL
Change is possible.
Offering online individual and couples therapy across Illinois. Serving Chicago, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Skokie, and Evanston.
Flexible Online
Scheduling
Therapy when it works for you, anywhere in Illinois
Affordable
Therapy
Reduced intern rates and insurance support
Trauma-Informed
Therapists
Compassionate care tailored to your story
Insurance
Accepted
Including Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
If we don’t repair the cracks in our foundation, they show up later in ways we don’t expect.
You’ve got a lot on your plate—and on the outside, it seems like you’ve got it handled. You’re the go-to person. Reliable. Responsible. Resilient. But under the surface, something doesn’t feel quite right. You’re disconnected—from your partner, your faith, maybe even from yourself.
At Encourage Counseling in Chicago, we see the full picture. We know that success doesn’t mean wholeness. With an understanding shaped by both cultural and faith-informed perspectives, we recognize the unique challenges of balancing success, spirituality, and relationships. We understand the weight of cultural expectations, generational patterns, and the pressure to keep it all together. And we also know that you deserve more—more clarity, more connection, and more peace.
Encourage Counseling in Chicago & Across Illinois
Our Therapy Services In Chicago
We integrate structured counseling with deep relational therapy—because lasting change often requires both. Whether you’re seeking tools for the present or healing from the past, our work together is designed to support real transformation.
Individual Therapy
For adults navigating emotional patterns, relational stress, or transitions. Learn how to better understand yourself, set boundaries, and reconnect with what matters.
Couples Therapy
For partners facing communication breakdowns, conflict, or disconnection. Learn how to move from misunderstanding to emotional safety and deeper connection.
Therapy For Couples & Families In Vocational Ministry
Online therapy for pastors, church staff, and ministry leaders across Chicago and Illinois. Get support for your relationships, your family, and yourself while continuing to serve others with care and confidence.
Encourage Counseling in Chicago
Where We Can Support You
At Encourage Counseling, our virtual therapy services support adults and couples across Illinois. Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, trust issues, or communication struggles, we’re here to help.
- Anxiety
- Attachment Struggles
- Communication Issues
- Divorce & Separation
- Infertility, Grief, & Loss
- Infidelity & Trust Repair
- Intergenerational Patterns
- Life Transitions
- Premarital Counseling
- Relationship Conflict
- Stress & Burnout
- Trauma
Find the safety, security, & healing you need.
Get started with Encourage Counseling in Chicago today. Easily book a virtual therapy session or a free 15-minute consultation online. Have questions? We’re here to help—just reach out!
Meet Our Team
Match With A Chicago Therapist
Dr. Donna Vinegar, PhD, LCPC
Owner | Psychotherapist
ABOUT US
Why Work With Encourage Counseling
If we don’t repair the cracks in our foundation, they show up later in ways we don’t expect.
On the surface, you’ve got it together. You’re driven, successful, and surrounded by people all day—at work, in your community, and at home. But at the end of the day, something feels off. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but the connections you have don’t feel as deep as they should.
At Encourage Counseling in Chicago, we see you, we hear you, and we understand you. We recognize the unique challenges of balancing success, faith, and relationships while trying to find greater purpose in life.
Using evidence-based approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, we help individuals and couples explore what’s beneath the surface—why relationships feel distant, why you struggle to connect, and how to build the kind of bonds that feel fulfilling and real. Whether it’s figuring out what’s missing, learning how to be close to people, or understanding your own needs, we provide a secure and grounded space to make sense of it all.
And when people walk through our doors, we want them to find not just support, but true encouragement.
Compassion & Connection
Healing begins with feeling truly seen and understood. Through empathy and care, we create an environment where clients can explore challenges and build stronger relationships.
Collaboration & Inclusion
Change happens when diverse voices come together. We cultivate a secure and grounded space for growth, where every client feels valued, and our team continuously evolves to provide the best care.
Growth & Learning
Therapy is a process of understanding and change—for both clients and clinicians. We embrace learning, new perspectives, and skill development to foster lasting transformation.
Our Approach
How Our Therapy Works
Identify Patterns That Keep You Stuck
We begin by exploring the communication, relationship, or behavior patterns that may be contributing to your current struggles.
Develop Tools for Growth
We equip you with practical tools tailored to your needs—like boundary-setting, emotional regulation, and healthy communication.
Heal & Move Forward
Finally, we work through deeper emotional wounds and past experiences to help you rebuild trust, deepen self-understanding, and move forward with clarity.
Encourage Counseling in Chicago & across Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your fees?
Therapy session rates vary by therapist and range from $125 to $225 per 50-minute session.
How long do I need to be in therapy?
Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on your unique needs and goals. Some clients see meaningful progress in just a few months, while others prefer ongoing support. We’ll regularly check in on your progress and figure out the best path forward together.
Do you accept insurance?
Encourage Counseling currently accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Cigna, Aetna and United Healthcare. If you have a different insurance provider, we can provide a superbill for possible reimbursement—meaning you may be able to submit claims for partial reimbursement depending on your out-of-network benefits. We recommend checking with your insurance provider for details on your coverage.
What can I expect during my first appointment?
Your first virtual therapy session in Chicago is all about getting to know you—your concerns, goals, and what brought you to therapy. We’ll talk about your history, current challenges, and what you hope to get out of therapy. It’s a conversation, not an interrogation, so there’s no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with. By the end, we’ll create a plan that fits your needs.
Do you offer online therapy in Chicago?
Encourage Counseling in Chicago is a fully virtual practice, allowing us to provide therapy to anyone residing in the state of Illinois. While our therapists work remotely, we are based on the South Side of Chicago. Sessions take place via a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform, so you can receive support from the comfort of your home.
What is your cancellation policy?
We strive to provide exceptional care while respecting the time of both our clients and therapists. If you would like to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide 24 hours notice. You can contact your therapist directly via, email admin@encourage-counseling.com, or log into your Jane account. Appointments that are canceled with less than 24 hours notice, will be subject to the full session fee. We understand that life can throw curveballs, and we’re willing to review individual cases where the fee might be waived.
Have other questions? Get in touch with us.
Encourage Counseling | Online Therapy in Chicago & Illinois
How To Get Started
We’re so glad you’re here. Whether you have a question or you’re ready to book, we’re here to help.
Ready to get started? Click Book Online to schedule your free 20 minute connection call online or therapy session right away. Let’s take the next step together.
admin@encourage-counseling.com
708-831-3961
Virtual therapy in Chicago & across Illinois
Online Therapy in Chicago & Across Illinois
Encourage Counseling
Find the deeper connections you’ve been searching for.