Ayesha Afridi, MA, LCPC

Therapist

Hi, my name is Ayesha Afridi. I am a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a mindfulness enthusiast. I believe all difficult roads lead to beautiful places. My therapeutic style is empathetic, and person centered. I focus on developing a strong bond with my clients as it is essential for healing and growth.

With over nine years of experience, I’ve worked with adults, adolescents, and substance abuse clients. My journey started as a crisis counselor in an emergency department at Edwards Hospital in Naperville. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings providing individual, group, and family therapy for clients with acute mental illnesses and substance dependence.

My experience includes treating depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, substance abuse, chronic stress, and other life transition problems. Combining different treatment approaches, I develop an effective plan for my clients which is uniquely tailored to their needs. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Person-Centered approaches.

I also conduct mental health coping skills/wellness groups weekly which includes mindfulness group and mental health coping skills groups for adults. My role as a therapist is to assist you in reaching your full potential and desired goals. As your therapist, I am honored to be a part of your healing journey.

Education and Credentials

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP)
Master’s degree in clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Adler University at Chicago

Ayesha at a Glance

I work best with clients navigating:

Anxiety and chronic stress
Depression and mood-related concerns
Trauma and difficult past experiences
Life transitions and adjustment-related challenges
ADHD
Emotional regulation and coping skills
Religious and cultural concerns
Substance use and recovery-related concerns
Self-discovery and personal growth
Mindfulness and stress reduction

I offer:

Individual therapy for adults ages 18+
In-person therapy in Bolingbrook
Online therapy and virtual counseling across Illinois

My Approach to Therapy

When you begin therapy with me, my goal is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, understood, and supported. Therapy can require vulnerability, particularly when you are processing painful experiences, navigating significant changes, or simply trying to understand why you feel the way you do.

I approach therapy as a collaborative process rather than a power dynamic. I believe clients are the experts on their own experiences, and my role is to walk alongside you with empathy, curiosity, patience, and support.

My approach is integrative and individualized. Some clients benefit from practical coping skills and structured strategies, while others need space for reflection, emotional processing, or deeper exploration of past experiences. Often, therapy includes a combination of both.

Additionally, I tailor each session to the individual, blending structure with flexibility so therapy feels supportive, purposeful, and aligned with your goals.

Who I Work With

I work with adults ages 18 and older across a variety of life stages and experiences, including:

Adults experiencing anxiety, depression, or chronic stress
Individuals processing trauma or difficult past experiences
Clients navigating major life transitions or adjustment concerns
Individuals experiencing ADHD or challenges with focus and emotional regulation
Clients working through cultural, religious, or identity-related concerns
Individuals seeking healthier coping strategies and improved emotional wellness
Clients looking to build greater self-awareness, confidence, and self-compassion
Individuals affected by substance use or working toward healthier patterns and recovery

Furthermore, I especially enjoy working with clients who may feel uncertain, overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves and are ready to better understand their experiences and create meaningful change.

Clinical Focus & Areas of Support

My areas of focus include:

Anxiety and anxiety-related concerns
Depression and mood disorders
Trauma and trauma-related symptoms
Chronic stress and emotional overwhelm
Life transitions and adjustment disorders
ADHD
Substance use concerns
Religious and cultural concerns
Emotional regulation
Coping skill development
Self-compassion and personal growth
Mindfulness and stress reduction

My professional experience has included working in crisis, inpatient, and outpatient mental health settings. I spent four years as a crisis counselor in the emergency department at Edward Hospital in Naperville, supporting individuals experiencing acute mental health concerns and psychiatric crises.

I have also provided individual, group, and family therapy for clients experiencing acute mental illness, substance dependence, and a wide range of emotional and behavioral health concerns. Consequently, these experiences have shaped my ability to remain calm, compassionate, and grounded while helping clients navigate complex or difficult periods in their lives.

Therapeutic Approaches I Use

I use an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from evidence-based and person-centered interventions based on each client’s individual needs, experiences, and goals.

These approaches may include:

Person-Centered Therapy — honoring each client’s unique strengths, experiences, and pace while creating an environment rooted in empathy and acceptance
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — identifying and changing thought and behavioral patterns that may contribute to emotional distress
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) — developing skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — helping clients develop psychological flexibility, greater acceptance, and values-based action
Motivational Interviewing (MI) — supporting clients in exploring ambivalence and strengthening their own motivation for change
Reality Therapy — helping clients examine choices, behaviors, relationships, and goals while identifying practical opportunities for change
Mindfulness-Based Therapy — developing greater awareness of thoughts, emotions, and experiences in the present moment
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) — incorporating mindfulness practices to help reduce stress, improve emotional awareness, and strengthen coping skills. I believe mindfulness is an important part of my clinical work. I help clients develop tools that allow them to become more present, recognize emotional patterns, respond more intentionally to stress, and approach themselves with greater compassion.

In-Person & Online Therapy

I provide in-person therapy at Fash Counseling’s Bolingbrook office and virtual therapy throughout Illinois.

Online therapy can provide additional flexibility for adults balancing work, family responsibilities, transportation, or busy schedules while still allowing for meaningful and consistent therapeutic support.

Whether we meet in person or virtually, my priority is to create a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel genuinely heard, supported, and respected.

My Philosophy

I believe therapy is most meaningful when clients feel safe enough to be authentic.

Therapy with me is a collaborative journey. I strive to create a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where clients can openly explore their thoughts, emotions, past experiences, and current challenges without feeling pressured or judged.

Seeing clients gain insight, develop self-compassion, strengthen coping skills, and feel more empowered in their everyday lives is what continues to inspire me in this work.

Healing and personal growth do not happen in a straight line. They require patience, reflection, support, and a willingness to understand yourself in new ways. My role is to walk alongside you throughout that process with compassion, respect, and genuine support.

If you’re looking for a therapist in Bolingbrook or online therapy in Illinois for anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic stress, life transitions, mindfulness, or personal growth, I would be honored to be part of your healing journey.