Nishma Patel, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Pronouns: she/her
Email: npatel@balancedawakening.com
Direct: 630-277-9015
Accepting new clients
Availability and Scheduling:
Ms. Patel sees clients online over video (telehealth) Monday through Friday. She also sees clients in-person at our 4043 N Ravenswood Ave (Lakeview) location on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Ms. Patel has availability for new clients. If you’re interested in working with her, you can book an appointment below!
Have you ever felt unheard, misunderstood, stuck, or alone? Life has its difficult moments, but you don’t have to navigate them by yourself. Therapy offers a safe, supportive space to help you process your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Taking the leap into your therapeutic journey can feel daunting, but I applaud you for taking this first step!
I recognize that every individual is unique - there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. As a second-generation Indian American, I can empathize with the struggle of balancing expectations while silencing parts of yourself, the challenge of discovering who you are versus who you’re expected to be, and the stigma surrounding mental health.
My goal is to empower you to embrace your most authentic self by providing consistent support and guidance. It’s easy to feel as though we have little control over our lives—whether it be due to school, work, family, friendships, or relationships. By working collaboratively, we can identify the control you do have and help you take the reins on your life.
Supporting Emotional Resilience in Children, Teens, & The People Who Love Them
I have worked in various settings supporting children and adolescents navigating anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, Autism Spectrum Disorder/neurodivergence, trauma, and PTSD. This passion began in my work as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), where I worked in home, clinic, and social settings to help develop and strengthen essential skills such as communication, social interaction, self-care, and emotional regulation. Collaborating with other providers, I helped create individualized plans to reduce anxiety, improve self-esteem and emotional resilience, manage anger in healthy ways, and prioritize safety for themselves and others.
In addition to providing therapeutic support to children and teens, I have worked closely with siblings and parents as they navigate the emotional challenges of having a high-needs family member. I understand the difficulty of staying present during these challenging seasons and am passionate about equipping families with practical tools and guidance. By collaborating with other healthcare professionals and taking a holistic approach, I strive to address the many factors that influence emotional well-being.
*Please note that I currently work exclusively with individuals, focusing on one client at a time.
Experience
I am deeply passionate about advocacy—both for others and for ourselves—as a path to empowerment. I have a significant understanding of the impact of trauma and the power of advocacy, shaped by my experience in previous roles and internships in inpatient/hospitalization settings, at a detention center, and at a crisis hotline. By creating a space where people feel heard and understood, and showing up as a trusted ally, I strive to be a source of support and healing.
In my practice, I integrate Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy, Reality Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness to help guide you toward your goals and authentic self. Remember, you are not alone.
THERAPIST SPECIALITIES
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Stress Management/Burnout
Emotional Dysregulation
PTSD/Childhood Trauma
Autism Spectrum & Neurodivergence
Caregiver Fatigue
Multicultural Identity
Client focus
Children
Teens
Caregivers of High Needs Children
Emerging Adults
Adults
Women of Color
Location
Telehealth (IL)
Insurance Accepted
BCBS PPO
Blue Choice PPO
Aetna
Licensure
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, IL, 180.016801
Education (educación)
M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, National Louis University, Wheeling, Illinois, 2021
B.A. Applied Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 2016
Learning to Be Kinder to Yourself
Nishma shares a powerful reminder that our minds can sometimes be our biggest bullies—and that self-compassion takes practice. She encourages clients to challenge negative self-talk through simple tools like mirror work, helping them speak to themselves with the same kindness they offer others.
Creating Safe Spaces to Be Fully Yourself
Drawing from her own experiences, Nishma shares the importance of having a space where you can speak freely—without guilt, shame, or judgment. She’s passionate about helping South Asian clients feel seen and supported, reminding us that vulnerability is not weakness but an act of strength and self-acceptance.
Challenging Stigma and Honoring Culture
Rooted in her own South Asian heritage, Nishma speaks about breaking the silence around mental health and challenging cultural stigma. She invites clients to see vulnerability as strength and to honor both healing and cultural identity with compassion and pride.
Helping Kids Grow Through Play and Connection
Nishma uses play, games, and creative activities to help children express themselves and build emotional skills like frustration tolerance and communication. Through laughter, color, and curiosity, she helps kids learn that mistakes are part of growing—and that therapy can be both safe and fun.

