SELF-ESTEEM AND NEGATIVE SELF-TALK THERAPY ∙ CHICAGO & ACROSS ILLINOIS

One thing goes wrong. And suddenly everything is wrong with you.

You’re still replaying it that night, and even when things go well, your mind finds something to criticize. You can learn to treat yourself fairly, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Accepting New Clients

We have immediate availability for boundaries and people-pleasing therapy sessions across Illinois.
Insurance Accepted

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) PPO, Aetna PPO, Aetna Better Health Plan, BCBS Medicare, BCBS Community Health Plan (Medicaid) and CountyCare Medicaid accepted.
Therapy That Fits Your Life

Virtual anxiety therapy from the comfort of home. Day and evening appointments available.

IT’S NOT THE TRUTH ABOUT YOU

Negative Self-Talk Isn’t a Character Flaw

That harsh voice was learned. Maybe your mistakes got more attention than your effort, or you were compared with someone else. A painful relationship, trauma, a breakup, or a big change may have shaken confidence you used to have.

What was learned can be looked at and changed. You can talk about what happened without being rushed to forgive, move on, or find the lesson in it.

WHAT NEGATIVE SELF-TALK ACTUALLY FEELS LIKE

If This Feels Familiar

You have a different set of rules for yourself

You forgive other people for forgetting, struggling, or needing help. When it’s you, it feels like proof that you’re falling short.

The mistake follows you home

Someone seems disappointed, and you wonder what you should have done differently. “I should be further along by now” plays on repeat.

You talk yourself out of things

You put off applying for the job, stay quiet when you have something to say, or ask several people for advice because you don’t trust your own answer.

HOW THERAPY HELPS

What We Do Together

This isn’t about forcing yourself to think positively. We’ll look at specific situations and ask whether your thoughts are giving you a fair picture of what happened.

Stand up to the “thought bullies”

Ashlee Rodgers-Pritchett, LCPC, calls harsh, self-critical thoughts “thought bullies.” When your mind says “I mess everything up,” you’ll examine what actually happened instead of accepting it as fact.

Practice what you’ve been avoiding

Make a decision without asking for approval, take a compliment without explaining it away, or rehearse the conversation you’ve been putting off.

Respond honestly, not harshly.

If you really did make a mistake, you can own it and decide what to repair without turning against yourself.

Steady yourself in the moment

Grounding skills help you pause when anxiety or frustration takes over. Ashlee draws from CBT, ACT, and DBT, and adjusts as you learn what helps.

WHAT CHANGES

Life When the Inner Critic Gets Quieter

You trust your own answer

Decisions get easier, and you stop needing everyone else to sign off first.

After a few months of therapy, clients describe changes like these:

You can take a compliment

When someone says you did well, you believe them, even if it was hard.

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You speak up, even when you’re unsure

You apply, ask, and share your ideas without waiting until you feel confident.

THE PRACTICAL STUFF

How It Works

Virtual sessions from anywhere in Illinois. No commute, no waiting room, no awkward parking lot encounters.

💻 MEET FROM YOUR HOME

✅ CULTURALLY INFORMED CARE

You should not have to explain your whole world before therapy can actually help. As a Black-owned practice, we understand that culture, identity, and lived experience shape the work we do together.

We know you're busy. We offer flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends.

🕐 EVENING APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

💳 WE ACCEPT INSURANCE

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) PPO, Aetna PPO, Aetna Better Health Plan, BCBS Medicare, BCBS Community Health Plan (Medicaid) and CountyCare Medicaid accepted.

Request Appointment

Meet Your Therapist

Ashlee Rodgers-Pritchett

Read Bio

What Our Clients Say

“Therapy has helped me understand my emotions on a deeper level and respond to them in healthier ways. I’ve improved my emotional intelligence, learned to regulate my feelings, and now handle challenges with greater balance and clarity. Walk With Me Counseling Center has truly helped me grow.”

- T. W.
“Since incorporating the strategies from my sessions, I’ve noticed a real difference in how I handle stress and emotions. I respond more calmly, manage challenges with greater ease, and feel more in control of my reactions. Walk With Me Counseling Center has helped me build the skills to navigate life’s difficulties with resilience and confidence.”

- C. C.
“Through therapy, I’ve become more aware of my triggers and, more importantly, how to manage them. I’ve seen a real reduction in my symptoms and feel more in control of my emotions and reactions. Walk With Me Counseling Center has given me the tools to navigate life with greater confidence and peace.”

- R. N.
“For a long time, I struggled to express my needs and stand up for myself. Through my work with Walk With Me Counseling Center, I’ve gained the confidence to assert myself in ways I never thought possible. I now communicate more clearly, set boundaries with ease, and feel empowered in my relationships. This journey has truly been life-changing.”

- S. M.
“I’ve tried therapy before but left feeling discouraged. This time, it’s different. The support and empowerment I’ve found at Walk With Me Counseling Center have given me the motivation to continue. For the first time, I feel truly heard, supported, and capable of making real progress. I’m grateful for this partnership and the hope it’s restored in me.”

- K. C.
“A toxic relationship can feel familiar and I wanted mine to work, even when I knew it was unhealthy. I worried about balancing my own needs with my daughter’s, and I wasn’t sure where to turn. Walk With Me Counseling Center helped me find clarity and the strength to move forward. Through therapy, I rediscovered my love for poetry, gained confidence in my creativity, and found the right support for my daughter. With renewed energy and a strong foundation, we’re both thriving. If you’re feeling stuck, know that feeling happy and at peace is possible—for you and those you love.”

- J. W.
“I once believed I could fix my toxic relationship, but deep down, I felt lost. Confronting my past was terrifying, and setting boundaries seemed impossible. Walk With Me Counseling Center gave me the space and guidance to heal. I processed childhood trauma, ended the relationship that was holding me back, and started prioritizing my well-being. Along the way, I gained financial stability, built a supportive circle of friends, and rediscovered my self-worth. The journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. If you’re struggling to take that first step, know that healing and freedom are possible.”

- J. T.
"Tasha came highly recommended, and from our very first conversation, I understood why. Her impeccable listening skills and thoughtful insights make every session impactful. She has a rare gift—not just hearing what you say, but helping you find clarity and confidence in your next steps. Her blend of professionalism, expertise, and genuine care makes her an invaluable resource. Whether navigating challenges or celebrating wins, I’m grateful to have Tasha on my wellness team. Anyone would be lucky to have her support on their journey to healing and growth."

- S. T.
“I felt stuck— unsure of my future, and afraid to take the next step. Change felt overwhelming, and I didn’t know where to start. Walk With Me Counseling Center helped me push past my fears. I learned how to communicate better, focus on my growth, and take action. Now, I’m in school, building a future I’m excited about, and strengthening my relationships. I’m still on this journey, but for the first time, I feel hopeful. If you’re feeling lost, know that change is possible with the right support.”

- G. C.
“I never thought change was possible…until it was. I felt trapped in toxic relationships, afraid to say no, and overwhelmed by my responsibilities. Prioritizing myself seemed impossible. At Walk With Me Counseling Center, I found a safe space to heal. I learned to trust myself, set boundaries, and care for my well-being. My confidence grew, and for the first time, I believed in a better future for myself and my child. If you feel stuck, know this—healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.”

- D. L.
"I wasn’t sure what to expect from therapy, but every session brings aha moments that shift my perspective. The support and insights I’ve gained have helped me grow in ways I never imagined."

- D. Y.

We're dedicated to quality, ethical care and are proud to partner with respected organizations

You don’t have to feel confident before asking for help.

You’ve been carrying that inner critic for a long time, and it keeps telling you that you’re not doing enough.

It’s not the whole story, and you don’t have to keep listening to it alone.

One thing goes wrong. And suddenly everything is wrong with you.

Accepting New Clients

Insurance Accepted

Therapy That Fits Your Life