Hi there! I'm Dr. CJ Hilliard, and I'm happy you're here.


✻ Bio: I am a pre-licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Chicago, IL. I enjoy working with teens, adults, couples, and families from all backgrounds. My clinical interests are varied, and to name just a few, include: Anxiety-Mood Disorders, Relationships, Identity, Race, Life Transitions, Sports Psychology/Performance, Existential Concerns, Men's Issues, and Trauma. My approach is integrative yet it is rooted in existential psychotherapy, an attentiveness to diversity and identity, and a focus on the impact of systems on one's functioning.

✻ Can Provide Therapy In: IL

✻ Specialities: In addition to my other clinical interests and areas of passion, I bring specialized expertise in systems based treatment as well as advanced couples and family therapy—cultivated during my formative post-doctoral training at The Family Institute at Northwestern University.

✻ Therapy Style: My approach is guided by a deeply held commitment to centering diversity, intersectional identity, and culturally informed care. I aim to provide a warm and accepting space in which clients can feel safe and supported while collaboratively exploring the complexities, challenges, and beauty of being fully human in the world. My work is grounded in existential psychotherapy, which seeks to honor each client's unique worldview, emphasize present moment awareness, and center genuine and authentic therapeutic relationships while supporting insight and awareness so that clients may move through the world with greater understanding, curiosity, authenticity, and intentionality. 

While my orientation is largely rooted in existential psychotherapy, I utilize an integrative approach to understand the nuance of each client so I can tend to their unique needs and goals individually, as a couple, or as a family system. Whether someone is navigating anxiety, depression, identity exploration, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, or seeking a new path forward, I aim to foster a radically accepting space where empathy, curiosity, and presence are continually in the room. While I am direct in approach, my work is deeply rooted in the greek term agape.

✻ Fun Fact: Outside of work I practice self-care by working out and practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, reading, listening to new music, watching history docs, kicking it with friends, collecting books/vinyl, and exploring.

✻ License #: Pre-licensed; Under the supervision of Muneet Malhi, Psy.D.