Dr. Elaine Kandalepas

Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D), 2012
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Chicago, Illinois

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology, 2005
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
Champaign, IL

Languages: English and Greek

Why did you choose psychology?

From a young age I have been interested in helping others understand themselves better, which inevitably led me to embark in a career in psychology.

Do you follow one particular method?

My therapeutic style has evolved through my personal and professional experiences. I strive to create an open, safe, and nonjudgmental environment. This is essential, to cultivate trust and personal growth.

Each person seeking therapy comes in for different reasons, so I tailor my approach to best fit an individual's specific needs. I draw from various treatment models including, but not limited to, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and humanistic-existential therapy.

Ultimately, as a therapist, my goal is to help you achieve your goals, while providing support and guidance, as you take steps towards a more fulfilling future.

Who's your typical client?

I have experience with adolescents, young adults and adults from a multitude of cultural backgrounds.

I am attuned to how one's cultural background can inform and influence who we are, what we value, and the decisions we make.

What issues do you often encounter?

I have seen many people with many diverse problems that impact one's quality of life. Each case is unique and requires special attention.

At the same time, there are broad classes of problems that an experienced therapist can keenly diagnose. In other words, your problem is unique, but this doesn't mean you're alone! Having seen hundreds of people with similar problems helps me in my effort to help you.

I have extensive experience working with the various manifestations of depression, anxiety, bipolar and other mood disorders.

I have a special interest in working with individuals navigating interpersonal stressors, such as familial, romantic, work, or social situations. I also enjoy working with individuals striving to strengthen their sense of self, improve their self-image, and overall self-worth.

How does it work?

Whether your issue is something you have struggled with for years, or a situation that just presented itself, addressing it with your therapist often reveals patterns of behavior and inner dynamics that you may have previously been unaware of. This is important in bringing about awareness and, ultimately, change. Even to the most attuned person, it's not always clear why we do and feel certain things. Self-awareness is the stepping stone to overcoming many of our problems and breaking out of vicious cycles.

Together, we can begin the therapeutic journey that ultimately leads you to a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.