Ella Zhu is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in the treatment of complex trauma, relationship and attachment issues, and LGBTQ+ issues. Her work is centered around building a strong therapeutic alliance & creating a safe space for the client. Ella uses a relational and empathy-driven approach.

About Ella

Ella utilizes Relational Psychodynamic Therapy to help clients identify patterns in their past and present relationships, and develop more meaningful, empathic connections with themselves and others. 

Ella received her Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois Chicago. She completed her internship at the JPA Family & Development Center. Ella previously worked at a practice that specializes in serving the LGBTQ+ population. She has experience working with people who struggle with mood disorders, anxiety, dissociation, trauma, suicidality, and more. Ella is certified in working with sexual assault and domestic violence survivors.

Ella’s goal is to establish a safe, genuine relationship with each client to help them explore internal experiences and barriers to living an enriched, full and meaningful life.

A Note From Ella

I think many of us have parts of ourselves that we’re afraid to examine too closely. Having company can make this process less frightening, which is where my job comes in. I’m here to support my clients as we explore where they’re hurting, and why they’re not feeling better yet.

My therapy approach is respectful and candid. I work at a pace that my client is comfortable with, and take time to establish a trusting relationship.

Ella sees both in-person and telehealth clients. Our office is located in  downtown Chicago next to Millenium park, serving clients from River North, South Loop, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Logan Square, Wicker Park, Bucktown and more. Clients from any location within Illinois are welcome for online therapy.