Elizabeth Yoo-lae Cho, MAATC, ATR-P

Thank you for stopping by! I am a second-generation Korean American art therapist with a Master’s in Art Therapy & Counseling (MAATC) from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. My therapeutic approach invites clinical expertise with opportunities for self-expression, offering sessions that incorporate appropriate doses of humor and comfort alongside therapeutic work. I may be well-suited for anyone seeking a personalized therapy experience, clients interested in exploring intersectionalities such as racial and multicultural identity, and those who are interested in trying out talk therapy with art. Whether you are brand new to therapy, or are familiar with the most contemporary therapy interventions, I am looking to meet you where you are at.

I’d love to learn more about you and explore how we can work together. Feel free to schedule an initial meeting—I look forward to meeting you!

What is Art Therapy?
As a practicing visual artist, I have a diverse understanding of art materials and techniques that can be incorporated into our sessions. Art therapy is a form of therapy that utilizes art-making and visual expression to deepen or facilitate the therapeutic process. It's open to everyone—no artistic experience is necessary and the goal is not the end product, but the creative process. Trained in both art and talk therapy, I’m equipped to guide you through both the creative and verbal aspects of therapy.

I practice art therapy as a collaborative process where we explore the meaning of your work together. Instead of reading or interpreting your art, we explore what you felt and thought while creating your piece. Kind of like an artist interview! Whether you’re interested in exploring new materials, want to try an activity catered to a particular challenge, something to fidget with during sessions, or using art as a medium to express yourself, I’m here to facilitate a safe, non judgemental space.

Experience
I have worked in both clinical and non-clinical settings, with neurodivergent adults, immigrants, refugees, and BIPOC/ALAANA communities, from children to adults. My most recent work includes facilitating teen emotional wellness groups for an arts and wellness program hosted by UChicago Medicine, leading art therapy and psychosocial rehabilitation groups for adults seeking services for chronic mental health and intellectual disability challenges, and organizing community art wellness workshops. I’ve also provided therapy services for immigrant and refugee clients.

I also strive to bring culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive perspectives into my practice, along with LGBTQ+ and disability allyship.

Languages

English, Korean (casual proficiency)

한국어를 가볍게 사용하는 것은 환영합니다! 저는 한국어와 영어를 섞어서 대화하는 것이 편한 클라이언트와 잘 맞습니다. 제가 한국어로 일상적인 대화는 할 수 있지만, 심도 있는 대화 주제나 위기 상황, 진단, 치료 계획과 같은 중요한 치료 논의에서는 모든 내용을 명확하게 표현하기 어려울 수 있습니다. 이상적으로는 번역하거나 언어에 적응하는 부담이 클라이언트에게 있어서는 안 됩니다. 이 정도의 언어 능력이 괜찮으시다면, 편하게 연락 주세요!

Speaking Korean lightly is welcome! I am a good fit for clients who are comfortable mixing Korean and English. While I can engage in everyday conversations in Korean, it may be difficult to clearly express everything in in-depth conversations, crisis situations, diagnoses, and treatment planning, as well as other important therapeutic discussions. Ideally, the burden of translation or language adaptation should not fall on the client. If this sounds like a fit for you, feel free to reach out!

Office Location

25 E Washington St
Chicago, IL 60602

Email echo@balancedawakening.com

Websites

https://balancedawakening.com/elizabeth-yoo-lae-cho-maatc

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/elizabeth-yoo-lae-cho-chicago-il/1368981

https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/illinois/chicago/elizabeth-yoo-lae-cho-maatc

Phone (217) 669-3794

Areas of Practice

• Anxiety

• Body Positivity

• Career Counseling

• Codependency

• Coping Skills

• Depression

• Education and Learning Disabilities

• Family Conflict

• Grief

• Intellectual Disability

• Life Coaching

• Life Transitions

• Peer Relationships

• Racial Identity

• Relationship Issues

• School Issues

• Self Esteem

• Sleep or Insomnia

• Stress

• Suicidal Ideation

• Trauma and PTSD

• Weight Loss

• Women's Issues

Language(s) Spoken

• English

• Korean (casual proficiency)

Insurance Accepted

• BCBS

• Aetna