Meet Annie Small,
Chicago therapist
My STORY
Growing up, I was always drawn to people’s stories—curious about how their experiences, both struggles and successes, shaped their identity. Listening with empathy came naturally, and I saw how powerful it was for someone to feel truly heard and understood.
As a reformed perfectionist (who still struggles from time to time), I know how inner beliefs and fears can quietly influence our lives. I know what it’s like to live under the weight of unrealistic expectations and self-criticism. I’ve experienced the shift that happens when we meet ourselves with compassion instead of judgment, and how healing that can be. Becoming a therapist felt like a natural extension of that insight—a way to help others find clarity, self-understanding, and emotional freedom through genuine connection and curiosity.
MY philosophy
I believe that while we all have innate resilience,we don’t thrive in isolation. Growth often requires support and connection. Strength isn’t about avoiding struggle—it’s about learning to navigate it with awareness and self-compassion. I view each person as complex and capable, and I approach therapy with the understanding that healing happens when we feel safe enough to explore and make sense of our inner experiences.
My counseling philosophy is grounded in helping clients understand their internal “parts,” implement practical skills, and build self-acceptance. I believe that even the parts of us that feel stuck, anxious, or critical are trying to serve a purpose. Rather than judging or silencing them, I support clients in getting curious about their inner world and developing tools to move forward with greater clarity, balance, and self-trust.
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STYLE/PERSONALITY
As a therapist, I use genuine connection, calm presence, and a touch of humor to create a friendly, comfortable environment to begin your therapy journey. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a strong conductor for healing and well-being; once we’ve taken the time to foster this relationship and have gained an understanding of who you are, we’ll identify struggling parts of yourself, learning ways to support yourself through difficult times instead of beating yourself up. Sometimes, you may even find yourself laughing throughout a session, as not all impactful sessions need to be intensely emotional – some of the most healing moments can come through shared humor and lightness.
When I’m not in session, I’m usually spending time with my two cats, Ruby and Posie, who made the move with me all the way from New Orleans. I find calm in playing piano, balance in the gym (always chasing a new PR), and joy in exploring Chicago as a recent transplant—especially when it comes to discovering the best food and coffee spots. I also love traveling to visit friends across the U.S., so there’s a good chance you’ll find me outside of Illinois from time to time.
SPECIALITIES
- Body image
- Disordered eating/eating disorders
- Anxiety
- Life transitions
- College and young professionals
- Self-esteem
- Perfectionism
- OCD
CREDENTIALS
- Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Auburn University
- LCPC in the state of IL
- LPC in the state of LA
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