At a glance
Best fit for: Teens, young adults and older adults; anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, identity, transitions; healthcare workers, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+.
Approaches: person-centered, psychodynamic, ACT, CBT.
Who Am I?
Hello! My name is Grace Sandeman. I’m a therapist who works with children, teens, young adults, and older adults, and I recently earned my Master’s in Education with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University. I take a person-centered, trauma-informed approach and believe therapy works best when it’s tailored to you. My goal is a warm, supportive, humanistic space where you feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions and build greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and growth.
I specialize in working with:
- Children and teenagers with anxiety and depression
- Young adults navigating relational concerns and identity shifts
- Adult children of emotionally immature parents
- Caregivers and anyone experiencing symptoms related to burnout
- Older adults 65+ navigating life transitions
How I help
I aim for a supportive, collaborative space where you can explore your concerns at your own pace, and I meet each person where they are. Together we use evidence-based approaches to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns while building practical skills for life’s challenges. Through a person-centered approach, I help you cultivate more self-awareness, self-acceptance, and confidence as you move toward meaningful, lasting change. My favorite approaches include humanistic and person-centered therapy, ACT, and CBT, always tailored to you rather than one-size-fits-all. I often help people with anxiety and young-adult concerns.
What a session with me is like
Sessions are collaborative, supportive, and centered on what matters most to you, and you don’t need to have everything figured out. In the first few sessions we’ll get to know each other, explore your concerns, and identify goals. As we go, we’ll move at a comfortable pace while gently challenging patterns that no longer serve you, sometimes processing emotions, exploring past experiences, or practicing new coping strategies. I value open communication and encourage feedback so therapy keeps feeling helpful and aligned with your goals.
What I believe
Everyone deserves affirming, equitable mental health care, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other part of their identity. As a white cisgender woman, I recognize the privilege I hold and stay committed to self-reflection, cultural humility, and learning, and I aim to support and advocate for people from marginalized communities.
A little more about me
Outside the therapy room I love spending time with my partner and exploring new neighborhoods around the city. I’m happiest outdoors, walking or in nature, and as a Wisconsin native now in Chicago I love trying local restaurants. I’m also a professionally trained cake decorator and enjoy baking for my loved ones. These things keep me grounded, and I value helping clients find those meaningful moments too.
A few common questions
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes, I see clients virtually across Illinois, and in person at our Sauganash office.
What do you help with most?
Anxiety and depression in teens, identity and relational concerns for young adults, and life transitions for older adults.
What insurance do you take?
BCBS PPO and Optum/United, with BCBS HMO Northshore and Aetna coming soon.
- AetnaBCBS HMO NorthshoreBCBS PPOOptum/United
