About Sabita Nandy, LMFT - Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Chicago

About Sabita

You need someone who understands what you're going through, and knows how to help you move forward.

Sabita Nandy

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Sabita Nandy is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Chicago with over two decades of experience grounded in one core belief: nothing is more important than the connections we make. The relationships that shape us friends, family, partners, spouses are the threads that weave meaning, belonging, and identity into our lives. When those threads feel tangled, frayed, or heavy with history, our sense of self can feel the same. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, my work is rooted in the understanding that we do not exist in isolation. We are shaped by stories passed down, patterns inherited, and relationships that have held us, challenged us, or left their mark. Healing becomes possible when we can see these stories clearly and choose how we want to carry them forward. That is why I developed Relational Narrative Imaging Therapy, a method that invites you to see your connections—literally and metaphorically. Together, we visualize the relationships that matter most, explore the emotional landscapes within them, and reflect on the generational narratives that influence how you show up today. This process is gentle, creative, and deeply grounding. It allows you to step outside the noise, witness your own story with compassion, and begin to reshape it with intention. My role is not to tell you who to be, but to walk beside you as you discover the clarity, strength, and renewal already within you. Whether you are navigating partnership, parenting, family dynamics, or your own inner world, I offer a space where your story is honored and your growth is supported. Connection is where healing begins. And together, we will strengthen the connections that matter most—within yourself, across generations, and in the relationships that define your life.

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My Story: Why I Became a Therapist

I didn’t always live in Chicago. I was born in India, earned my Master’s in Physiology from the University of Calcutta, and eventually made my way to the United States to continue my education at the University of Florida, where I completed advanced degrees in Counseling (M.Ed. and Ed.S.).

That journey, navigating two cultures, honoring roots while building a new life, feeling the tug-of-war between “home” and “here”, shaped everything about how I practice therapy today.

I know what it’s like to feel caught between worlds. I know the guilt that comes with setting boundaries with family who sacrificed everything for you. I know the exhaustion of performing a version of yourself that everyone else expects while losing touch with who you actually are.

And I know that healing doesn’t happen when someone just nods and says “tell me more about your childhood.” Healing happens when you feel truly seen, when someone helps you make sense of the patterns running your life, and when you’re given practical tools to rewrite the story your brain keeps replaying.

My Credentials and Training

Professional Memberships

Clinical Member of American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

Clinical Member of Chicago Chapter, Illinois Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (IAMFT)

Clinical Fellow of American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

My Philosophy

I practice therapy that is collaborative, strength–based, and grounded in the belief that people heal through clarity, connection, and understanding their own stories. My work integrates strategic, trauma–informed, and narrative approaches with the science of emotion, neurobiology, and the mind–body connection. I help clients explore how multigenerational patterns, relationships, and lived experiences shape their current lives—and how small, intentional shifts can create meaningful change. My approach blends practical tools with deep insight, honoring both the wisdom of the body and the power of the stories we carry.

My Commitment to You

Therapy isn’t about making you dependent on me. It’s about empowering you to live a life that feels authentic, connected, and fulfilling, WITHOUT needing a therapist forever.

My Approach to Therapy

I believe that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in connection – connection to yourself, to others, to your story, and to a therapist who truly sees you.

Empathy and non-judgment first

I create a space where you can share your truth without fear of being judged, dismissed, or misunderstood.

You are the expert on your life

I’m not here to tell you what to do. I’m here to help you access your own wisdom and learned experiences.

Effective communication is teachable

Most relationship problems aren’t about not loving each other; they’re about not knowing how to communicate in ways that feel safe.

Change is possible

My goal is to help you build the skills and insights you need to live well WITHOUT needing me forever.

Family, culture, and identity matter

Your background, culture, and family history aren’t just “context”, they’re central to who you are. I honor that in every session.

You'll understand the "Why"

I don’t just give you coping strategies. I help you understand WHY you’re stuck so you can make lasting changes.

What Clients Say About Working With Me

When coping with the loss of my mother and a series of family life changes, Sabita was right there to help me deal with these unexpected challenges. Her treatment strategy has provided me with a road map to navigate through life’s unexpected challenges. And most importantly restore my confidence. Sabita is more than a therapist she is a miracle worker.

Sabita, you are the one person who helped make me whole. You helped me achieve my dream of living a better life. You have no idea of how indebted I feel to you. You are My Shero!

Several years ago a friend referred me to Sabita for family counseling. Years later, my children are now adults and we still rely on Sabita for our wellness needs. Her professionalism, cultural sensitivity, follow-up, and holistic approach to mental and emotional health and well-being distinguish her from many others in her field. For many people who might find the idea of counseling daunting or are skeptical about its efficacy will find Sabita’s practical, no-nonsense, direct approach refreshing and results oriented. My family and I all regard Sabita like a family practitioner; a healer who is also someone with whom you will have a relationship for a lifetime.

My husband and I began seeing Sabita for marriage counseling. We were both so pleased with her insightfulness and ability to make real connections that we both chose to begin seeing her for individual counseling. We have both been seeing Sabita now for a few years, on and off and I always recommend her to friends seeking out a therapist. We both highly recommend Sabita.

We chose Sabita based on online reviews and a convenient location downtown near the Willis Tower. Sabita worked with us for a year and a half to resolve some pretty major problems in our first few years of marriage. At no point were we ever rushed out of sessions prematurely and on several occasions Sabita was able to pencil us in last minute when things got bad at home, probably on days she had other plans. She was always available by phone. She was always calm and level headed, nonjudgemental, always strived to get to the root cause. I would probably not still be married if it wasn’t for her.

Therapy with Sabita is an active experience, accomplishing goals in both incremental and giant steps. I have utilized therapy to discover solutions through my strengths to stand up for myself when I was incapable of doing do before starting with Sabita. And with her help, I have repaired persistently unsolvable family problems I have had for decades, until I could have a family I could count on and who could count on me. And I have transformed friendships to be constructive and nurturing rather than pretentious and one-sided. In the workplace I have learned to make myself a better fit and acknowledge what I am capable and not capable of accomplishing. And in personal life discover myself with hobbies that suit my age and passion for music and photography. Sabita is a keen and compassionate listener. Extraordinary memory (by the far the best I’ve ever seen) for details about a patient’s family and friends and dynamics of all their relationships. Sabita always challenges her patients and gently nudges them or pushes if need be, to go farther, reach breakthroughs and stand on their own. Ever present and always reliably there every step of the way to support a patient. I can name dozens of times when she was there to help me in times of crisis. Wonderful sense of humor, and tremendous role model for me, especially in volunteering and giving back to the community, and at same time she is always excited to learn from the patient’s themselves, unique solutions that work for them.

I was very skeptical about therapy and counseling. I also felt like nothing ever really gets solved and you leave feeling the same way you came in but now someone you don’t even know, knows your inner secrets. I am happy to say that my skepticism was wrong. Sabita was proactive, courteous, informative and extremely comforting. She gave me homework assignments and took me through an extensive look at how familial patterns were influencing my behaviors. I am a better, stronger woman today and I owe a lot of that to the work I did with Sabita. Thank you, Sabita!

A friend recommended that I contact Sabita. It’s been over a year now and I can say with certainty, that it was one of the best recommendations ever. Sabita is smart, intuitive and a straight shooter…she is honest with me and doesn’t try to spare my feelings. She asks tough questions that force me to dig deep to get to the core of the issue. She is also gentle in her approach and extremely patient. She is accessible and encourages me to reach out if and when I need her outside of our scheduled appointments. I look forward to our sessions because I know that I will leave with a better understanding of who I am and what it is I want to accomplish with my life.

When my husband and I reached out to Sabita for help with our marriage, we were facing the hardest decision any married couple can face; work to solve our problems or get divorced? My husband and I chose to work hard at solving our problems and to give our marriage another chance, and Sabita was by our side throughout the entire process. I truly believe that without Sabita, my husband and I would not have learned the necessary communication or problem-solving skills needed to save our marriage. Although the decision to work together at our marriage was not easy and was often times filled with tears, arguments, and doubt, we ultimately find ourselves re-committed to one another and loving each other all over again. We will always thank Sabita for her support and help. Thank you!

I am now a Confident Professional Woman. Having been recommended to Sabita by a close friend, I was initially very skeptical of talking to anyone about my anxiety and overall life and career situation as it, I assume, the case with many Type-A people. Over the course of my time with Sabita, I have really come to appreciate her thoughtful, patient and straightforward approach. I know that I am now a more confident and balanced individual both in terms of personal and career. Sabita helped me dig to the roots of the cause of my anxiety and helped me tackle them head on. It was at times difficult and emotional but I always knew that I could count on her to steer me in the right direction. The quality I enjoy most about Sabita is that she doesn’t solve your problems for you. Instead, she helped me see how I already had the skills to confront them. Similar to a grueling marathon, Sabita was there at mile 22 when you hit the wall. You can go on, and it’s hard, but it helps to have someone remind you that you’re so close to the finish.

Sabita Nandy is a wonderful therapist. When I first started looking for a therapist, I wanted someone who was a good listener and who would give me sound and honest counseling. Boy did I hit the jackpot when I found Sabita. She is seasoned, wise and gives out the most amazing energy. Sabita has helped me maneuver through this thing called life and I’m grateful because my life is much fuller and happier due to the healthy counseling I received from her.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is strength-based therapy?

Strength-based therapy focuses on what’s already working in your life—your resilience, skills, and resources—and builds on those strengths to overcome challenges. Instead of focusing solely on problems and deficits, I help you recognize and leverage your existing capabilities to create meaningful change.

How do you know when it is time to start and stop therapy?

You don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis. Therapy is helpful anytime you’re:

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed
Experiencing relationship difficulties
Dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma
Navigating major life transitions
Wanting to understand yourself better
Seeking tools to improve communication or emotional regulation

If you’re wondering whether therapy could help, that’s usually a sign it’s worth exploring.

What do I do in the first therapy session?

The first session is about getting to know each other. We’ll discuss what brought you to therapy, what you’re hoping to achieve, and whether we’re a good fit. I’ll ask questions to understand your background, current challenges, and goals. By the end, you’ll have a sense of how I work and whether my approach feels right for you.

How often should I see a therapist?

Most clients start with weekly sessions, especially in the beginning when we’re building momentum. As things improve, we may shift to every other week or monthly check-ins. The frequency depends on your needs, goals, and progress.

Do you offer therapy for men specifically?

Yes! I work with many men navigating identity questions, relationship challenges, career stress, and emotional disconnection. I create a non-judgmental space where you don’t have to perform or pretend—just show up as you are.

What if my partner won't come to therapy?

I offer Relationship Therapy for One, where you attend Chicago-based sessions alone but we still work on the relationship. Many clients find that when they shift how they show up, their partner becomes more open to joining later. And if they don’t, you’ll still gain valuable tools and clarity.

Are you LGB affirming?

Absolutely. I provide affirming, non-judgmental therapy for lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals and couples. Your identity is celebrated here, not just tolerated.