Meet Dr. Aretha Steele, PsyD
Founder and Licensed Clinical Psychologist
“All people at any given moment are doing the best they can”
— Marsha Linehan
Hi, I’m Dr. Aretha Steele (she/her)
I’m so glad you’re here.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Founder of Mindful Healing Counseling, but more importantly, I’m someone who truly believes in the power of healing, connection, and growth.
Welcome!
Like many of the people I support, I know what it’s like to carry a lot and still feel like it’s not enough.
Beyond titles, I’m a mom, a wife, and a fellow high-achiever learning to slow down (and realizing the world doesn’t actually end when I do). And, I’m a human doing her best, just like you.
That lived experience shapes the DNA of this practice: we provide therapy rooted in honesty, compassion, and zero judgment.
I founded Mindful Healing Counseling to be a space where culture, identity, and lived experience are the foundation of care—not an afterthought. I’ve been doing this for over 15 years, and I truly believe in the power of therapy to change lives, not in dramatic, overnight ways, but in the steady, meaningful ways that help you feel more grounded and like yourself again.
The Heart of Our Practice
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of sitting with deeply courageous people who learned how to survive long before they ever had space to heal. Being trusted with those stories is something I never take lightly.
As the founder, I see a limited number of clients, but I have personally hand-selected and mentored a team of therapists who share my core values. Whether you work with me or one of our clinicians, you’re stepping into a space that is thoughtful, trauma-informed, and grounded in respect.
A Note for Those Raised to Be “Strong”
In many Black families (and other communities of color), we’re taught to hold it all together, not ask for help, and definitely to never air our dirty laundry.
But what happens when holding it all in starts to break you apart?
Here’s the truth:
Silence doesn’t equal strength.
Suppressing your pain doesn’t make it disappear.
And you don’t have to keep carrying it alone.
This is why I built this practice: so you can receive support that honors your strength without asking you to suffer in silence. Healing is a radical act of self-love, and you deserve a partner in that process.
Strong shouldn’t mean being alone.
Why I Founded Mindful Healing Counseling
As a Black woman, I know exactly what it’s like to navigate a world where you’re often the 'only one' in the room. I founded this practice to be the space so many of us have been searching for: a place where your story is honored, not explained away or minimized.
I believe therapy isn’t about being 'fixed, because you were never broken to begin with. It’s about stripping away who the world (or your family) told you to be, so you can finally show up as who you actually are.
We do things a little differently here. Simply surviving isn’t the goal; we want you to actually feel better in the ways that matter most to you.
We see the layers you carry—the identity, the culture, the high expectations, and that bone-deep weariness of always having to be the 'strong one.' In this space, we are humans first and therapists second. We bring the kind of genuine, heart-centered connection that ensures you finally feel truly seen.
Who We Serve
At Mindful Healing Counseling, we support individuals and couples navigating:
Life transitions, burnout, and perfectionism
Relationship challenges, family conflict, and attachment wounds
Generational and cultural stressors
Postpartum mental health and parenthood
Our practice specializes in providing affirming care for:
Black and Brown people and LGBTQ+ individuals seeking affirming support
High-achieving professionals juggling high expectations, burnout, and the pressure to “do it all”
Parents and caregivers
People who have spent a long time being “the strong one”
If you’re not sure which therapist would be the best fit, our team will help guide you — thoughtfully and with care.
What It’s Like in Session
Therapy isn’t all tears and trauma dumps. Yes, the work can be deep, but there’s room for laughter too.
Sessions often feel like catching up with someone who gets it. Someone who’s walking alongside you. Whether you’re on your couch in Hyde Park or taking a breather in your car in Naperville, we focus on creating a space that feels safe, supportive, and grounded.
This is your time. And it’s treated with care.
Healing Beyond the Therapy Room
Healing doesn’t just happen in a 50-minute hour. For those who want extra support or aren't quite ready for a full session, I’ve created resources to meet you where you are
A private podcast focused on boundaries, family dynamics, and "cycle-breaking."
Guided reflections and tools designed to help you feel less alone and more grounded between sessions
These offerings are meant to support, not replace, therapy. They can be a gentle entry point for those who aren’t quite ready to begin counseling.
More About Me
When I’m not supporting clients, I’m soaking up time with my three kids, my husband, and our two dogs.
I love reading, traveling, and quiet mornings with a hot chai tea.
Originally from Detroit, I carry a deep appreciation for the strength and resilience of the communities that shaped me.
I’m always up for a beach vacation with warm, tropical vibe, and bonus points if there’s a breathtaking sunset! And when I’m home, you can bet I’m curled up on the couch, fully invested in a Law and Order: SVU marathon, because really, who doesn’t love Olivia Benson?
Education, Licensure & Professional Training
Dr. Aretha Steele is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Mindful Healing Counseling. Her education and training focus on trauma-informed, relational, and culturally responsive mental health care.
Education
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Clinical Psychology — Illinois School of Professional Psychology
Master of Arts (MA), Clinical Psychology — Illinois School of Professional Psychology
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology and Sociology — State University of New York (SUNY)
Licensure
Licensed Clinical Psychologist — Illinois
Professional Training
Advanced clinical training in trauma-informed therapy
Training in relational and attachment-based therapy approaches
Specialized clinical experience supporting individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, postpartum anxiety and depression, life transitions, and women’s mental health
Certifications
Gottman Method Couples Therapy — Level 2
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
Areas of Clinical Focus
Anxiety Therapy and chronic stress
Trauma Therapy and PTSD
Therapy for Burnout and emotional overwhelm
Dr. Steele provides online therapy to clients across Chicago and throughout Illinois, supporting individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions
If You’re Still Reading…
That probably means something here resonated. So take that as your sign that you don’t have to keep carrying everything alone.
Whether you end up working with me or with one of the therapists on our team, our goal is the same: to help you feel supported, understood, and more like yourself again.
With care,
—Dr. Aretha Steele, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Culturally-Responsive Care Throughout Chicagoland
While Mindful Healing Counseling is a premier virtual practice serving all of Illinois, we are deeply connected to the heartbeat of the Chicago area. We provide specialized, trauma-informed care to residents in:
Southwest Suburbs: Our roots in Palos Heights, New Lenox, Oak Lawn, and Orland Park.
West Suburbs: Serving high-achieving professionals and parents in Naperville, Oak Park, Aurora, and Downers Grove.
North Suburbs & North Shore: Providing affirming care to the communities of Evanston, Skokie, Glencoe, and Highland Park.
Chicago Neighborhoods: From the South Side and Hyde Park to Logan Square and The Loop.
No matter where you are in Illinois, you deserve a space where your culture is honored and your story is heard.