GET TO KNOW your therapist

Grace Sandeman, LPC

she/hers

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” – Carl Rogers

Insurances I Accept:

  • BCBS
  • PPO

Ages I work with:

  • 9+

Languages I speak:

  • English

Who Am I?

Hello! My name is Grace Sandeman.

I am a cisgender female therapist who works with children, adolescents/teenagers, young adults, and older adults. 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 to therapy and enjoy supporting individuals as they navigate a wide range of life stressors and challenges. I believe that therapy is most effective when it is tailored to each person’s unique needs, and I will work collaboratively with you to find the approach that feels like the best fit.

My goal is to create a warm, supportive, and humanistic therapeutic space where you feel safe to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Together, we can foster greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and personal growth. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship provides the foundation for meaningful change, and I am honored to walk alongside my clients as they move toward their goals.

I love working with:

  • Teenagers with anxiety and depression
  • Young adults experiencing relational concerns and identity shifts
  • Older adults 65+ navigating life transitions

Some of my favorite approaches include:

Some of my favorite therapeutic approaches include humanistic therapies, including person-centered, as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). While these approaches guide my work, I believe therapy is not one-size-fits-all. I tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs, goals, and experiences to create a collaborative and individualized therapeutic experience.

HOW I HELP

I strive to foster a supportive and collaborative therapeutic space where clients feel comfortable exploring their concerns at their own pace. I believe in meeting each person where they are, recognizing that everyone’s experiences and goals are unique. Together, we can use evidence-based approaches to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns while building practical skills for navigating life’s challenges. Through a person-centered approach, I aim to help clients cultivate greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and confidence as they move toward meaningful and lasting change.

Beliefs section

I believe that everyone deserves access to basic human rights and affirming, equitable mental health care, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other aspects of their identity. I strive to understand each client’s unique worldview and tailor treatment to honor their lived experiences, values, and goals. As a whitecisgender woman, I recognize the privilege I hold and remain committed to ongoing self-reflection, cultural humility, and learning. I aim to support and advocate for individuals from marginalized communities while acknowledging the ways mental healthcare systems have historically contributed to inequity and oppression.

What it’s like in a session with me

Sessions with me are collaborative, supportive, and centered around what feels most important to you. I strive to create a space where you can show up authentically without fear of judgment or pressure to have everything figured out. During our first few sessions, we’ll spend time getting to know one another, exploring your concerns, and identifying the goals you’d like to work toward. As therapy progresses, we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable while also gently challenging patterns that may no longer be serving you. Depending on your needs, we may process emotions, explore past experiences, identify unhelpful thinking patterns, or practice new coping strategies using evidence-based approaches. I value open communication and encourage feedback so we can make sure therapy continues to feel helpful and aligned with your goals.

More about me

Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy spending time with my partner and exploring new neighborhoods around the city. I’m happiest when I’m outdoors, whether that’s going for a walk, exploring nature, or spending time with friends and family. As a Wisconsin native now living in Chicago, I love discovering and trying local restaurants throughout the city. I’m also a professionally trained cake decorator and enjoy baking and creating cakes for my loved ones to celebrate special occasions. These interests help me stay grounded and connected to the people and experiences that bring me joy, and I value helping clients discover and nurture those same kinds of meaningful moments in their own lives.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Schedule your first appointment. For follow up appointments (existing clients), please contact your therapist at 773-774-4444.