Meet Elise Whitney
My STORY
Throughout my life, I have found myself drawn to the same question: why do people think, feel, and behave the way they do? This curiosity has shaped the way I approach both life and work. Through my experiences in consulting and social work, I have come to appreciate how deeply our lives are shaped by the systems, relationships, and environments around us and how interconnected our internal and external worlds are. I believe that understanding these influences can create meaningful opportunities for insight, growth, and healing.
MY philosophy
At my core, I believe people are doing the best they can. What often keeps people stuck are patterns, beliefs, or coping strategies that once served an important purpose but may no longer align with their current needs, relationships, or goals. I care deeply about my clients’ capacity for growth and believe meaningful change happens when we approach ourselves with curiosity, compassion, and openness. Through therapy, my clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves, cultivate greater self-acceptance, and create a life that feels more authentic, fulfilling, and aligned with what’s important to them.
Contact Information
For Current Clients: You can reach your therapist directly at the contact information below.
- Email: elise@lilycounseling.com
- Phone: 773-234-2270
New Clients / First-Time Consultations: Please reach out to us here for more information.
get to know me
STYLE/PERSONALITY
Others describe me as thoughtful, empathetic, and perceptive. I bring a calm and accepting presence to my relationships while also enjoying meaningful conversations, creative problem-solving, and finding humor and appreciation in everyday life. I am naturally curious and intellectually driven, and I enjoy exploring the patterns, experiences, and relationships that shape who we are. This curiosity fuels both my personal and professional interest in understanding people and their unique stories.
Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors, visiting national parks, exploring Chicago’s restaurant scene, and spending time with my friends and family.
SPECIALTIES
- OCD
- Intrusive thoughts, rumination and worry
- Anxiety, Depression and Mood swings
- Perfectionism, self-criticism and shame
- Life changes, uncertainty and decision making
- Burnout and fatigue
- Trauma
- Grief & Loss (bereavement as well as coping with identity and relationship changes/ loss)
- Relationships and attachment (friends, partners, family, professional, etc.)
CREDENTIALS
- University of Chicago – Master of Social Work Candidate
- University of Michigan – Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science, Psychology, and minor in Entrepreneurship
connect with us
Chicago, IL
Psychiatric services are provided by Lily Medical, PC