Ella Zhi, LPC, NCC, MAshe/her

I believe each person carries an inner wisdom and wholeness. My role as a therapist is to help you reconnect with that potential and your true self. Beyond psychotherapy, I see healing as something that can be found in every aspect of life. My background includes three years of Buddhist study, which allows me to bridge contemplative wisdom with mental health, and I bring genuine curiosity toward spirituality and meaning-making. I welcome clients who wish to explore these dimensions together.

My therapeutic approach is integrative, grounded in psychodynamic and humanistic theories, and enriched by imagery communication and mindfulness. I aim to meet you in your own language and world, rather than asking you to adapt to mine. At the heart of my work is the belief that all experiences and emotions carry meaning. They are not 'negative,' but attempts to tell a story about who we are.

I work with clients navigating life transitions, past trauma, identity questions, emotional disturbances, or a search for deeper meaning and self-understanding. My goal is to support you in deepening self-understanding, cultivating self-compassion, and living more fully from your authentic self. Growth isn't easy, yet it can be deeply nourishing. There is no rush, and I will walk alongside you.

I offer sessions both in-person and online. My office at Living Well Psychotherapy in Evanston, IL is a genuinely safe place, complete with the softest blanket and plushies. I'm in-network with BCBS-PPO, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealth, and I also offer a sliding scale to help keep therapy affordable.