Philip Waitzman

Brief Intro

I became a therapist because I believe deeply in the power of human connection and the ability of people to heal, grow, and create meaningful change in their lives. Throughout my career, I have been drawn to helping people better understand themselves, navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and move toward the lives they want to live.

My approach combines warmth, compassion, clinical expertise, and practical strategies. I believe therapy should be a place where clients feel safe enough to be honest while also being supported in making meaningful changes. I strive to create an environment where people feel respected, understood, and empowered.  I aim to teach people how to proactively manage their emotions so that ultimately their emotions don’t manage them.

My goal is for clients to leave therapy with greater self-awareness, stronger coping skills, healthier relationships, and a renewed sense of confidence in their ability to handle life’s challenges.

Clients I Work With

I work with adults, couples and groups who are seeking support with personal growth, emotional challenges, relationships, life transitions, and overall well-being.

Clients who often connect well with my approach are those who appreciate a balance of compassion and direct feedback. I work with people who are ready to better understand themselves, develop new skills, and create meaningful change.

What Brings People to See Me

People often seek therapy when they are experiencing:

• Anxiety, stress, and feeling overwhelmed
• Depression, low motivation, or difficulty finding direction
• Relationship challenges and communication difficulties
• Life transitions and major changes
• Grief and loss
• Parenting and family concerns
• Self-esteem and confidence issues
• Work-related stress and burnout
• Identity exploration and personal growth
• Patterns that feel difficult to change

Many clients come to therapy because they recognize that something in their life is not working the way they want and they are looking for support in understanding why and what they can do differently.

Therapeutic Approach

My therapeutic approach is integrative and tailored to each individual. I draw from evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioral strategies, strengths-based therapy, relational approaches, and solution-focused interventions.

I believe therapy is both supportive and collaborative. Clients need a safe place to explore difficult experiences, but they also benefit from practical tools, honest feedback, and encouragement to take steps toward change.

Sessions are designed to provide reflection, insight, skill-building, and actionable strategies that clients can apply outside of therapy.

What It Is Like to Work With Me

Clients often describe me as approachable, thoughtful, compassionate, and genuine. I believe humor, when appropriate, can be an important part of building connection and creating a comfortable therapeutic environment.

I bring warmth and empathy into sessions while also being willing to ask thoughtful questions, challenge unhelpful patterns, and encourage growth.

My style is collaborative — I do not believe therapy is something done “to” clients. Instead, it is a partnership where we work together to understand challenges and create meaningful progress.

Areas of Expertise

My areas of focus include:

• Anxiety and depression
• Life transitions
• Relationship challenges
• Family dynamics
• Parenting concerns
• Stress management and burnout
• Self-esteem and personal growth
• Leadership and professional challenges
• Grief and adjustment
• Emotional wellness and resilience

I also bring extensive experience working with professionals, leaders, and individuals navigating complex personal and professional responsibilities.

Specialized Training and Certifications

My professional background includes advanced clinical training as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and extensive continuing education focused on psychotherapy, mental health treatment, leadership, and organizational development.

I also bring experience as an executive leader in the nonprofit sector, providing a unique perspective on leadership, workplace stress, organizational dynamics, and professional growth.

Professional materials, including my CV, LinkedIn profile, and additional professional accomplishments, are available upon request.

Education

I earned my graduate degree in social work and completed advanced clinical training preparing me for professional practice as a psychotherapist.

My education emphasized clinical assessment, psychotherapy, human development, family systems, and evidence-based interventions.

Licensure and Credentials

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  — Illinois
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
  — Michigan

I provide therapy services through in-person and telehealth options where permitted by licensure regulations.

Professional Background

My career has combined clinical practice, nonprofit leadership, community service, and organizational development.

In addition to my psychotherapy practice, I serve as President and CEO of Executive Service Corps of Chicago, where I lead efforts focused on strengthening nonprofit organizations through consulting, leadership development, and volunteer engagement.

This combination of clinical experience and executive leadership allows me to bring a broad perspective to therapy — understanding both personal challenges and the pressures people experience in professional, family, and community roles.

Teaching, Training, and Speaking

Throughout my career, I have provided training, presentations, and education focused on leadership, nonprofit effectiveness, professional development, and mental health-related topics.

I enjoy helping individuals and organizations build greater awareness, resilience, and capacity for positive change.

Publications and Professional Contributions

My professional contributions include nonprofit leadership, community education, organizational development initiatives, and advancing access to effective support for individuals and organizations.

Additional professional accomplishments and presentations are available through my professional profile and CV.

Professional Philosophy

I believe people are capable of growth and change throughout their lives. Therapy is not about becoming someone different — it is about better understanding yourself, developing healthier patterns, and creating a life aligned with your values.

I believe effective therapy requires trust, authenticity, respect, and collaboration. Every person brings a unique story, and I strive to honor each client’s experiences, strengths, identity, and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I expect during my first session?
   Our first session focuses on getting to know you, understanding what brings you to therapy, discussing your goals, and determining how we can work together effectively.
2. How long does therapy typically last?
   The length of therapy varies depending on your goals and needs. Some clients benefit from short-term focused work, while others choose longer-term therapy for deeper personal growth.
3. Do you provide advice during therapy?
   I provide guidance, reflection, and practical tools while helping clients develop their own insight and solutions.
4. Can therapy help even if I am not experiencing a crisis?
   Absolutely. Many people seek therapy to improve relationships, increase self-awareness, manage stress, or continue personal growth.

Services Offered

• Individual psychotherapy
• Telehealth therapy
• Life transition counseling
• Stress and burnout support
• Leadership and professional consultation
• Clinical consultation
• Workshops and speaking engagements

Languages

English

Licensed States

• Illinois
• Michigan

Telehealth availability is based on state licensing regulations.

Recommended Resources

Recommended resources include evidence-based books, podcasts, articles, and organizations focused on:

• Mental health and emotional wellness
• Relationships and communication
• Leadership development
• Resilience and personal growth

Resources are selected based on each client’s individual goals and interests.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Outside of my professional work, I enjoy spending time with my family, supporting youth sports, collecting sports cards and coins, and staying engaged with my community.

Fun Facts

• I have built a career that combines psychotherapy, nonprofit leadership, and community impact.
• I enjoy helping people recognize strengths they may not always see in themselves.
• I believe growth often happens through small, consistent steps.

Closing Reflection

Starting therapy is a meaningful decision, and finding the right therapist matters. My hope is that every client I work with feels respected, understood, and supported.

You do not have to navigate life’s challenges alone. Therapy can provide a space to gain perspective, develop new tools, and move toward the life you want to create.