At a glance
Best fit for: ADHD, grief, anxiety, trauma, depression, chronic illness and disability, substance use; adults, youth ages 12+.
Approaches: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, strengths based therapy, and mindfulness. I use a relational, individualized approach to therapy because healing happens in connection and every person is unique.
Who Am I?
Hi, I’m Ava Rapp (she/her), a Licensed Social Worker who works with preteens, teens and adults of all ages. As a neurodivergent, disabled, bisexual woman, I bring my full self to therapy and I’m direct, compassionate, and nonjudgmental. I’ve worked with clients facing substance use disorders, mental health struggles, and chronic illnesses, which gives me a holistic view of how physical and mental health intersect. I believe everyone has strengths and resilience, even when they’re hard to access, and my role is to help you realize your strengths and build on them and help you figure out what is holding you back.. Therapy is a collaborative space where I aim to help you find the best coping strategies FOR YOU, it’s not one size fits all.
I specialize in working with:
- Neurodivergent adults and teens
- People struggling with grief, including grief from changes in circumstances, health, or relationships, not just loss of loved ones
- Anyone facing depression, trauma, anxiety, and difficult life transitions
- People struggling with substance use
- Anyone with chronic illness or disability
- People working through identity (LGBTQ+, disability, and neurodivergence affirming)
How I help
I’m here to walk with you through every part of your journey. The good parts and the difficult parts. I’ll support your whole well-being with an integrative lens. I work from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and social justice informed stance, and my approach is strengths-based and trauma informed, often drawing on DBT, CBT, and mindfulness. You are the expert on your own life, and I walk alongside you. I often help people with chronic illness, grief, neurodivergence and anxiety.
What a session with me is like
I want sessions to feel like a space where you can just be yourself. I have plenty of fidget toys and you’re welcome to bring whatever helps you feel grounded. You never need to censor yourself around me! We’ll spend the first few sessions building a foundation and setting the goals that matter most to you, then move at the pace that works for your life. I offer guidance and support, but you guide the direction of our work and your healing.
What I believe
Our identities, culture, and backgrounds are integral to therapy, they shape how we experience the world. Therapy should focus on your potential, not just your problems. My practice is rooted in a strengths based framework, which means I help you realize the strengths you have and use them to tackle your current challenges and develop grit.. The therapeutic relationship is one of our most powerful tools for healing, and healing isn’t linear.
A little more about me
Outside of the office, I’m usually enjoying everything Chicago has to offer—whether that’s a concert, a museum, or a new restaurant. I love Broadway shows and spending time by the lake. At home, I love reading, watching movies, or just relaxing with my dog. I also stay grounded through yoga and daily walks.
A few common questions
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes.
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?
Grief, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, chronic illness and disability, and life transitions.
What insurance do you take?
BCBS PPO and Optum/United, with BCBS HMO Northshore and Aetna coming soon.
- AetnaBCBS HMO NorthshoreBCBS PPOOptum/United
