Will Altaweel
he/him
At its core, therapy is about cultivating a better understanding of yourself: why we do the things we do, where our patterns come from, and how they keep us stuck.
It is a space to approach thoughts, feelings, and patterns without judgment, alongside someone trained to help you look at them closely. Together, we shine a light on what’s difficult, work through it to reduce shame and develop compassion toward yourself, and find ways to adapt—whether that means relating to others differently, relating to ourselves differently, or building new habits and shifting patterns that no longer serve us.
Therapy can help you understand why you behave the way you do and turn that insight into meaningful change. Greater self-awareness creates space to live more intentionally, pursue fulfillment, recognize your strengths, and build a life that better fits your needs.
Specialties:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship Issues
- College & Other Life Transitions
- Stress and Performance
- Men's Issues
- LGBT and Queer
I work with clients across the lifespan, including teens and older adults. I have particular experience working with men exploring questions of masculinity, including the impact of male socialization and what it means to be a man. I also enjoy working with clients grappling with big existential questions: What makes a good life? How do we find meaning in the wake of abrupt transitions or loss?
My approach is eclectic, drawing from different frameworks depending on what feels right for each client. Some people benefit most from an insight-oriented approach, while others are looking for more concrete tools to help them operate differently in the world. Most clients benefit from a bit of both. At the core of my work is a belief that increased self-awareness is one of the most powerful tools for creating lasting change.
I draw on psychodynamic ideas alongside a strongly person-centered approach, putting a lot of value on the relationship we build together and making sure you feel comfortable, accepted, and able to relate to me authentically. I also incorporate elements of cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to help clients build a more flexible mindset, work through rigid thinking patterns, and learn to accept the things we can’t change.
Prior to this role, I worked as a therapist in private practice in Madison, Wisconsin, providing psychotherapy to individuals with a range of mental health concerns. I also worked at a nonprofit supporting teens experiencing homelessness, where I helped facilitate family reunification, advocated for youth and families, and connected them with essential community resources.
I hold a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University and am awaiting licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Illinois. I also hold certifications in trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing.