Stacy Perkins Smith is a licensed therapist in Chicago helping high-achieving women manage anxiety, burnout, and life transitions with more peace and clarity.
I believe deeply in this work, and I consider it a privilege to walk with women who are ready to stop surviving and start feeling better, for real.
I've Been There, Too
about stacy perkins smith, lcpc, ncc
I was walking through some major life changes, and even though I was a therapist myself, I didn’t feel okay. I knew something had to shift. So I did the work. I leaned into the same process I now walk my clients through, and it changed everything.
I found tools that actually helped. And while I still have plenty of days where the worry shows up, my whole life doesn’t feel hijacked by it anymore. I have strategies that work for me, and a sense of peace I didn’t always think was possible.
That’s why I do what I do. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by anxiety. I also know what it’s like to come out the other side.
There was a season in my life where I woke up anxious and stressed more often than not.
What I Help With
Over the years, I’ve supported women through some of the hardest, quietest struggles, often the ones no one else sees. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone
- You’re stuck in perfectionism or imposter syndrome, always trying to prove your worth.
- You’re navigating a life change: prepping for motherhood, adjusting to life with kids, or finding new meaning in midlife and beyond.
- You’re trying to manage stress, but everything feels like too much lately, and you don’t want to fall apart.
- You’re constantly anxious, even when life looks “fine” from the outside.
- You feel burned out from trying to do it all at work, at home, and for everyone else.
- You second-guess yourself in relationships, struggle to communicate what you really need, or keep the peace at your own expense.
- You’ve lost confidence in yourself, or you’ve never really had it and you’re tired of pretending otherwise.
My Education + Experience
Over the years, my work has extended beyond private practice. I’ve served in residential counseling programs for children and teens, worked as an adjunct instructor at a small liberal arts college, supervised graduate counseling students, and consulted with school districts on emotional wellness and support systems.
What I believe...
You’re not broken, and you don’t need to be fixed.
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
You don’t have to earn rest, peace, or support.
Therapy isn’t about “getting over it”...
Working together in therapy will help you learn to live with more freedom, calm, and self-trust.
During our sessions, here's what explore...
modalities
- Look at how your thoughts shape your day-to-day experience
- Explore how past experiences may be influencing your current patterns, fears, or relationships.
- Build practical tools you can actually use when anxiety hits in real life, not just in theory.
What It’s Like to Work With Me
Our sessions will feel like meaningful conversations with someone who's genuinely invested in your growth. I'm warm and caring, but I'm also going to lovingly challenge you when I see patterns that aren't serving you. You won't get “the distant therapist” approach from me. I’m not here to just endlessly nod or ask you 'how does that make you feel?'.
Instead, I'm going to be fully engaged and genuinely curious about your experiences and what's driving them. We'll also share some lighter moments and laughter too, because healing doesn't always have to feel heavy. Together, we'll identify the patterns and beliefs that are keeping you stuck, and I'll provide both support and gentle accountability to help you create the meaningful changes you're wanting. You can expect a space that’s non-judgmental and insight-driven.
