Therapist in Chicago, Illinois Gosha Thornton, Therapist

Many of us go through challenging times in life, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or stuck. I believe that everyone has the capacity for healing and growth, and I am devoted to walking alongside with you on your journey toward mental, emotional, and relational well-being.

I am Malgorzata (Gosha) Thornton, and I bring deep experience in psychology, social work, counseling, and mindfulness to my practice. My journey began in Poland, where I embarked on a career as a psychiatric nurse, and then I moved to the United States without speaking a word of English. I learned it, and pursued another undergraduate degree in psychology at Roosevelt University, and a Master’s Degree in clinical social work from the University of Chicago.

In my career, I have provided crisis intervention and counseling for a diverse range of mental health and substance abuse issues, including being on-call 24/7, and delivering emergency crisis care via phone consultation for suicidal and at-risk clients. I have also offered counseling and support to both inpatient and outpatient cancer clients, as well as their families and caregivers. I have designed and facilitated meditation classes, support groups, and one-on-one counseling sessions in both English and Polish, creating an inclusive environment for diverse clients. I have also facilitated yoga, tai chi, and art therapy sessions, and I have provided home hospice care and therapy.

As a psychotherapist, my primary goal is to cultivate a safe and affirming environment where clients feel truly safe and heard. I emphasize the importance of authenticity, empathy and genuine connection in our therapeutic relationship. I firmly believe that each individual possesses the capacity for positive change and healing when provided with the right support.

My approach is both direct and warm, focused on helping you to find your strengths, improve resilience, and develop a more positive worldview. I strive to help clients recognize and appreciate the inherent strength they bring to the therapeutic process. To best support you, I integrate a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Together, we will work towards fostering growth, resilience and a deeper understanding of yourself.

Additional Training That I have Received:

• Bridging the Couple Chasm: Gottman Couples Therapy Level 1 – Certificate

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction – Certificate

• Contextual Behavioral Therapy Fellowship – University of Chicago