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I’m Shira Galston, a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist based in Chicago. I truly care about my clients’ well-being and provide top of the line counseling and psychological services catered to their needs. I believe in the strength within every individual to achieve clarity and change. I believe in the ability within every couple and family to achieve authentic bonds, effective communication, and joy. Nurturing these inner and relational strengths is essential in my work, so as to help my clients manage and overcome constraints in their lives. My background in family systems ensures a holistic, integrative, and relational approach to problems. I take continual feedback very seriously, and collaborate fully with my clients in determining the goals and process of our work. I am creative and energetic, and I love providing practical tools for my clients. My "online office" is a safe and open space in which clients of all backgrounds, beliefs, and world views can comfortably express themselves. Most importantly, I bring my authentic self to my work, and believe strongly in the power of the bond I form with my clients. ​I mainly work with young professionals and students, as well as young couples and families. I also work with individuals, siblings, and even coworkers and friends. Some of the areas I have addressed include: anxiety, depression, premarital counseling, communication problems, conflict, career difficulties, perinatal/postpartum mental health, and parenting. ​I also have years of experience working with startup co founders, entrepreneurs, and small business owners through Amity Chicago. Entrepreneurship is admirable, but can also be incredibly difficult. The pressure and workload can be overwhelming, and often throw founders and coworkers into an anxious and imbalanced lifestyle. I help explore these relationships on a business and interpersonal level, to build trust, communication, and growth. Perinatal and postpartum mental health has also been a focus of mine. As a mother of 4 young children myself, I am keenly aware of the intense changes that come with motherhood, for everyone involved. Therapy can be an essential tool in the process of adjusting to the new realities of parenthood, wherever you are on your journey, and I'm here to support you through it. ​I hold a Master’s of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Family Institute at Northwestern University. I also have a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and creative writing from the University of Pennsylvania. Please be in touch if you'd like to schedule a session and see whether we would be a good fit!