Dr. CJ Hilliard.

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

I'm a pre-licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Chicago, Illinois, and I enjoy working with teens, adults, couples, and families from all backgrounds.

I believe there's something meaningful about having a space where you can explore what it means to be fully human, including the complicated, uncomfortable, beautiful, and sometimes confusing parts of life.

My work is grounded in existential psychotherapy, cultural awareness, and an understanding of how our identities, relationships, and the systems around us influence the way we experience the world.

I'm especially interested in the ways people make meaning of their experiences, navigate relationships, explore identity, and find their footing through life's transitions.

Above all, I want therapy to feel like a place where you can show up authentically, feel accepted, and get curious about yourself without judgment.

What therapy with me feels like

My approach is rooted in existential psychotherapy, which emphasizes understanding your unique worldview, developing awareness of the present moment, and exploring the questions and experiences that shape your life.

Rather than approaching therapy with a predetermined idea of who you should be, I want to understand how you see yourself, your relationships, and the world around you.

I place a strong emphasis on creating a genuine therapeutic relationship. That means bringing warmth, empathy, curiosity, and presence into our conversations while making room for honesty and directness when it's helpful.

My work is also guided by a commitment to diversity, intersectional identity, and culturally informed care. I recognize that our experiences don't happen in isolation, and I believe it's important to understand how culture, race, identity, and broader systems influence our lives.

Although existential psychotherapy is at the heart of my approach, I work integratively, drawing from different therapeutic perspectives to meet the unique needs of each individual, couple, or family.

I also bring specialized training in systems-based treatment and advanced couples and family therapy, developed during my postdoctoral training at The Family Institute at Northwestern University.

At the center of my work is the Greek concept of agape, a form of love rooted in genuine care and concern for others. For me, that means approaching the therapeutic relationship with deep respect for your humanity, even when we're exploring difficult experiences or having challenging conversations.

My hope is that our work helps you move through the world with greater understanding, curiosity, authenticity, and intentionality.

The things we can work through

I work with teens, adults, couples, and families navigating a wide range of experiences.

Some of the areas I'm particularly interested in include:

• Anxiety, depression, and other mood concerns

• Relationship challenges and family dynamics

• Couples therapy and communication

• Identity exploration, race, and cultural experiences

• Life transitions and existential concerns

• Men's issues and emotional wellbeing

• Trauma and its ongoing impact

• Sports psychology, performance, and personal growth

Whether you're working through a difficult relationship, questioning your sense of identity, navigating anxiety or depression, or trying to find a new direction in life, we can explore those experiences together.

I also recognize that the challenges we face are often connected to our relationships and the larger systems we're part of. In our work, we'll consider those influences while staying grounded in your individual needs, values, and goals.

I aim to create a radically accepting space where empathy, curiosity, and presence are consistently part of the conversation.

Outside the therapy room

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through working out and practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

I'm also usually reading, listening to new music, watching history documentaries, collecting books and vinyl records, or spending time with friends.

And honestly, sometimes I just enjoy getting out and exploring whatever catches my interest.