Elisabeth Schmidt, MA, MHP

Kids, Adolescents, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Families

Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Grief, Stressful Life Transitions, Empty Nesting, Divorce, Loneliness, Parenting Issues, Relationship Stress, LGBTQIA+ Affirming

Hi, I’m Elisabeth. I’m so glad you’re here.

As a Winnetka mom of two college-age young adults, I know firsthand the rewards and challenges of living in this beautiful community. I grew up in Minneapolis and lived in a few different states before settled into this next life chapter in the North Shore.

Prior to becoming a therapist, my professional path was shaped by many experiences: working as a psychiatric technician in an inpatient hospital setting, conducting research on ADHD, teaching in elementary schools, and spending many years as a stay-at-home mother. These roles gave me a deep appreciation for life’s complexities and challenges, and the many ways people grow, learn, adapt, and heal.

In my personal life, I’ve navigated divorce, the loss of my parents, becoming an empty nester, and a midlife career change. I know personally and professionally how disorienting — and at times very painful — these transitions can be.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with Honors from Grinnell College (1994), a Master’s in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago (1999), and two Master’s degrees from Northwestern University — one in Elementary Education (2000) and one in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (2025), which I completed with academic distinction.

What You Can Expect if you work with me?

In my work, I offer thoughtful, nonjudgmental support — a chance to sort through what’s weighing on you, focus on what matters most, and take meaningful steps forward. My role is to walk alongside you, offering perspective, encouragement, and practical strategies as you navigate the challenges or changes in your life.

Clients often describe me as warm, direct, and thoughtful. In therapy, I offer a collaborative relationship where you’ll feel supported and respected. I am trauma-informed, culturally responsive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and committed to working in a way that honors your unique life experiences, values, and goals.

It would be a privilege to walk alongside you as you navigate whatever chapter you’re in — and to support your growth with warmth, clarity, and professional integrity.

Life Transitions, Empty Nesting & Grief

I’ve lived through seasons of change — some chosen, some unexpected. I’ve navigated divorce, the loss of my parents, becoming an empty nester, and a midlife career change. I know how disorienting — and at times very painful — these transitions can be.

You might be mourning the loss of a loved one, a role, a relationship, or a version of yourself. In our work together, we’ll take time to acknowledge what’s shifting, make meaning of what’s been lost, and move forward with clarity and hope for what’s next.

Supporting Parents and Family Life

As a parent of two young adults in college, I know firsthand how rewarding and challenging parenting can be. I’ve experienced the shifting dynamics that come with parenting through different stages, and I understand the deep and complicated mix of pride, worry, hope, and uncertainty that often comes with it.

I support parents in strengthening their relationships with their children in ways tailored to each child’s age and stage of development — helping parents cultivate emotional attunement, set clear boundaries, communicate effectively, and foster their children’s socioemotional growth.

Relationship Stress

Relationships can be some of our greatest sources of joy and connection — and also some of our greatest sources of pain. Whether you’re struggling with communication, trust, conflict, resentments, or distance, I help clients untangle relational patterns and develop a stronger and healthier connection.

I bring both clinical experience and personal perspective to this work, having navigated the realities of divorce and the newer chapter of building a committed, fulfilling relationship with my partner. I believe relationships can be a place for healing and transformation, and therapy can help create the conditions for that growth to happen.

Anxiety, Depression, and the Difficult Emotions

Anxiety and depression can leave you feeling disconnected — from others and even from yourself. I work with clients who are grappling with these difficult emotions — emotions that, while overwhelming, often carry important clues about what matters most to you.

Together, we’ll explore the patterns that may be turning your pain into ongoing suffering, and make room for difficult emotions without getting entangled in them. Our work can help you move toward greater emotional balance, deeper understanding and compassion for yourself — and take steps toward what truly matters to you.

For Fun…

I enjoy creative writing, reading, and staying active and strong. I love science documentaries about nature and the cosmos, and I’m fascinated by the details of everyday life throughout history — from dyeing fabric in the 1300s to jelly making in a 1950s kitchen. I love canoeing the Skokie Lagoons and traveling with my young adult sons — and I find just as much joy in the simple things, like the conversations and deep laughter I share with my partner.

To schedule an appointment, Call or TEXT (847) 919-9096 or hello@inspirecounselingcenter.com