Find a therapist in Illinois — covered by insurance

Hello my name is Jodie, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 15+ years experience. I’m passionate about human growth and I truly believe everyone deserves to feel good.

I am a licensed clinical social worker, clinical supervisor, and psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience helping individuals navigate trauma, emotional distress, and life transitions.

My career has included work in schools, outpatient counseling centers, and hospital settings, where I supported individuals facing mood disorders, addiction, and psychosis. I’ve worked with clients across the lifespan—from young children to older adults—and bring a broad, real-world perspective to my practice.

As a certified trainer in trauma-informed care, I use practical, effective tools to help you better understand your emotional responses, regulate stress, and feel more grounded. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your specific needs. I draw from a range of therapeutic techniques to help you gain insight, shift patterns, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Clients often tell me that our work together helps them feel less overwhelmed, more self-aware, and better able to cope with life’s challenges. I strive to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and comfortable being yourself.

Some of the feedback that I received from clients are:

"You give me a perspective so I don’t get stuck and I realize I don’t have to solve it all at once

"You have forever affected how I look at things in a positive way"

"You changed how I look at things. I know I can do it, so I achieve it. The re-parenting thing gives me a way to understand people and myself."

"You help people be comfortable in their own skin."

As an independently licensed professional counselor, counselor educator, and supervisor, I believe that everyone deserves a space where they can feel heard, supported, and accepted. I've been practicing for 15 years and hold a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a doctorate in Counselor Education, and a Fellowship in Thanatology with specialized expertise in grief and loss. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and someone with AuDHD, I bring both professional knowledge and lived experience to my work. My goal is to create a warm, affirming environment where you can show up as your authentic self and move toward meaningful change.

I did not stumble into this work — I chose it, and I choose it every day. I am Bianca Gist, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Indiana.

I am also a former collegiate athlete, and that background shapes how I show up — I know what it feels like to carry a lot and still need someone genuinely in your corner. My experience is rooted in the spaces where people need the most and are often given the least — Chicago Public Schools, foster care, home-based services, and community mental health. Through my private practice, Her Sole Purpose LLC, I work with children, adolescents, student-athletes, and families using CBT, ACT, and trauma-informed care. I use what works for the person in front of me, not a one-size-fits-all approach. I work well with people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and the weight of environments that were not built for them. Therapy with me is honest, grounded, and focused on what actually helps you move forward — not just cope.

If any of this resonates, I would love to connect.

I am so happy you are here!

Let me share a little bit about myself. I am a licensed counselor in both Illinois and Indiana, with seven years of experience providing talk therapy. I have had the privilege to work with clients across the lifespan in various settings, including community mental health, child welfare, education and integrated care environments. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, women’s issues, grief and loss, and relationship issues. In addition, I have experience addressing concerns surrounding life transitions, spirituality and intergenerational and complex trauma.

Welcome! I have 30 years of experience supporting people through a variety of life challenges. I am a trauma-informed therapist and my specialties include helping with anxiety, trauma, stress management, life transitions, and depression. My deep, intuitive understanding includes lived experience, and clinical wisdom that only comes with decades of practice and life.

My approach to therapy includes Somatic-Focused therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, Compassion-Focused therapy, Polyvagal-informed, and Psychodynamic therapy. I am also a Certified Yoga Therapist so I am able to integrate the ancient tools of yoga into my work with you if you are interested; breath-based gentle movement, meditation, visualization, etc. The breath is the gateway to the central nervous system--calming and strengthening it is the key to reducing anxiety and healing trauma. This broad approach allows me to meet you where you are at while holding a safe, supportive space for you.

Working with others on their healing journey is my life's passion. We will start by building a strong, supportive relationship; warmth, compassion, and respect are at the very heart of my work. Our sessions will be tailored to fit your specific needs. I understand that seeking help can be difficult and it takes courage to take that first step. I will be honored to join you on your healing journey towards a more joyful life.

I believe therapy should feel safe, empowering and collaborative. I approach each client with compassion, curiosity and respect for their lived experience. In our work together, you can expect honesty, encouragement and practical tools you can apply outside of sessions.

Hi, I'm Makeda (Kee)!

Many people come to therapy after spending so much time taking care of everyone else that they've lost sight of themselves. You may be carrying anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, trauma, or navigating a major life transition while trying to hold everything together on the outside. You don't have to carry it alone.

I believe therapy should be a place where you can show up exactly as you are. Together, we'll better understand what's contributing to your current challenges while building practical tools that help you feel more confident, emotionally balanced, and connected to the life you want to create. My goal is to provide a supportive, compassionate space where meaningful growth and lasting change can happen.

Welcome! I’m a passionate and dedicated Licensed Social Worker with over 15 years of experience supporting both youth and adults on their paths to healing. My focus lies in helping individuals navigate trauma, overcome anxiety disorders, and improve emotional well-being through child therapy and trauma-focused interventions.