Danny Schaefer, MSW

Adolescents (10-18), College (18-21), Young Adults (20-30), Adults, Couples, Parents, Families, Artists, Athletes

Self-Esteem, Creativity Blockage, Relationship/Family Stress, Men’s Issues, LGBTQIA+ Affirming, Troublesome Childhoods, Trauma, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Life Transition

Welcome! I’m Danny, it’s really great to meet you. If you’re reading this, well then you’ve already taken the bravest step in perhaps the bravest journey of all: finding peace through self-discovery. Sincerely, congratulations. I’m proud and excited to continue to accompany you along the way.

Born in Evanston and growing up in Wilmette, I have a fondness for the North Shore and compassion for this community that shaped me into who I am today. I was encouraged to think outside the box and dream big. From playing football at New Trier and Knox College to picking up careers in the arts, corporate life, and everything in between, I’m thankful for the opportunity to explore several different perspectives of life before heading back to Loyola University Chicago to become a Social Worker.

In my experience, I’ve found the simplicity of a motivational, person-centered focus and an exploration of both internal and external family systems can provide eye-opening discoveries of strengths within that can remain for a lifetime.

Athletes and Artists

As a collegiate athlete, I’ve spent significant time in my adolescence, college years, and adult life striving for perfection under the watchful eye of coaches, scouts, casting directors and critics, putting in hours of work, waiting for just one chance to prove myself to the gatekeepers of glory while trying to outshine and somehow simultaneously support my peers.

Growing up as an athlete in competitive high school and NCAA college environments and as an adult training and auditioning as an actor in Chicago, I know how incredibly rewarding our chosen labors of love can be, but also just how emotionally difficult it can be, and how lonely it can sometimes feel.

I intend to provide you with a supportive and judgment-free space to speak your mind, and re-write creative narratives of our approaches into creative mindsets that can breathe new life into our next moves on the field, court, studio, or stage.

Adolescents, Parents, Families

Growing up in a non-traditional family dynamic in the North Shore, I’ve experienced  the joys and challenges it can bring firsthand. Growing up with family members afflicted with depression and experiencing the loss of a sibling early in life, I’ve witnessed firsthand how tragedy and sudden life transitions can ripple through a family as a whole and touch each individual in a unique way, too. Regardless of what it is that’s troubling you or on your mind, I believe that you are the foremost authority of your life, and I will treat you with that respect accordingly. Together we can look at the issue and surrounding factors in new ways, and discover your internal strengths and motivations to work through it.

College, Young Adults

Being the first member of my immediate family to go to college, I also know what it’s like to adapt to new social situations in uncharted territory, manage self-care under duress, and negotiate the path laid for you while still feeling the burn to boldly blaze your own in a whole new way.

The journey isn’t always easy– but you can do it. Having someone in your corner makes a huge difference.

For fun

When I’m not with my wonderful colleagues at Inspire, I’m usually exploring the amazing restaurants in Chicago where I live, meeting and petting as many dogs as I can, watching a documentary on a rainy day on my new couch, cooking up something (hopefully) tasty, or doing any combination of the above with my best buds. Life is good.

To book an appointment

(847) 919-9096 ext 1

[email protected]