Elizabeth Yoo-lae Cho, MAATC, ATR-P

If you are ready to step into your power but feel afraid to take up space, I’d love to help uncover your inner star. Life’s challenges, a critical inner voice, or external pressure can dim our spark, but therapy can help you reconnect with yourself and face what comes your way.

I am a second-generation Korean American art therapist, where my therapeutic approach combines clinical expertise with a balance of humor, comfort, and meaningful therapeutic work. I may be well suited for clients seeking a personalized therapy experience, exploring intersectionalities such as racial and multicultural identity or those curious about art therapy. Whether you’re new to therapy or familiar with contemporary interventions, I am looking to meet you where you are.

What is Art Therapy?

Sometimes, art shows us truths in our heart that we don’t yet realize. While it can feel vulnerable to open up in therapy, art often provides a gentler way to explore the areas you want to address. As a practicing visual artist, I usually like hands-on mediums such as clay, 2D materials, or collage making.

However, I have a diverse understanding of art materials and techniques. You are welcome to explore tailored prompts, hands-on materials, or your own creative projects!

Rather than focusing on what looks ‘good’, our goal is to make what speaks to your truth. It’s the meaning behind it that matters. Art therapy is open to everyone. No artistic experience is necessary!

If you’ve seen Parasite (2019), you might recall the faux art therapist diagnosing a drawing. While it’s a fun pop culture moment, in real life we work together to explore observations, what you felt, and thoughts. I am here to facilitate a safe, non judgemental space for those exploring new materials, trying out an art prompt, or as a calming activity during sessions.

Experience and Licensure

With experience in both clinical and non-clinical settings, I have worked 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 am committed to continue striving to bring culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive perspectives into my practice, along with LGBTQ+ and disability allyship.

As a clinical fellow at Balanced Awakening, I have several years of clinical experience, yet require additional supervised practice before being eligible for licensure in the state of Illinois. I am supervised by fully licensed clinicians at Balanced Awakening.

Language

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!

Let’s Connect

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

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