Samara Whitney, MA, ALMFT

Children (3-10), Adolescents (10-18), College Students, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Parents, Families

Anxiety, Depression, Emotional Regulation, Pregnancy/Fertility, Relationship Stress, Stressful Life Transitions, Trauma, Women’s Issues, Grief & Loss, Faith-Based

I am a wife, mother, and marriage and family therapist who recently relocated from Los Angeles to Glenview. My path to becoming a therapist has been anything but traditional, and I bring a wide range of personal, academic, and professional experiences to my work with clients.

I earned a B.F.A. in Drama from New York University, a J.D. from Southwestern Law School, and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. My background in the arts, education, child advocacy law, and entertainment law ultimately led me to a career centered on helping people navigate life’s challenges, relationships, and transitions.

Clients often describe me as warm, thoughtful, and approachable. I believe meaningful change happens when people feel genuinely understood, supported, and safe to explore their experiences openly.

My goal is to create a compassionate and collaborative space where clients can gain insight into patterns that may be keeping them stuck, build practical tools, and move toward lasting growth and meaningful change.

Children, Adolescents & Families

My passion for working with children and families began long before I became a therapist. As a theater teacher and through my legal work in child advocacy, I witnessed the incredible resilience of young people and the importance of supportive relationships. I enjoy helping children, adolescents, and families navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, family conflict, self-esteem challenges, and emotional regulation.

Moms & Parents

The most transformative experience of my life has been becoming a mother. Parenthood has given me firsthand appreciation for both the joy and complexity of raising children.

I am especially passionate about supporting new mothers and parents as they navigate pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, parenting stress, identity shifts, and the many changes that come with growing a family.

Couples

Relationships can be one of our greatest sources of comfort and one of our greatest sources of stress. I enjoy helping couples improve communication, strengthen emotional connection, navigate conflict, and better understand one another.

Whether couples are adjusting to parenthood, facing a major life transition, or feeling disconnected, I strive to create a space where both partners feel heard and supported.

Not sure your partner is open to couples counseling?

That’s more common than you think. The good news is- individual counseling is still a wonderful place to start.

When one person begins improving their communication, emotional awareness, coping skills, and relationship patterns, it often positively impacts the relationship as a whole. In many cases, one partner beginning therapy can even inspire the other to become more open to counseling too.

Healthy relationships are built intentionally — not perfectly.

For Fun…

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me spending time with my husband and daughter, exploring the Chicago area, reading, singing, practicing Pilates, or caring for our ever-growing collection of pets, including two French bulldogs, some fish, and a cat.

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