Michael Han

LPC

He | Him | His

Anxiety & Depression | LGBTQ+ | Identity Development | Emerging Adulthood | Life Transitions | Relationships & Attachment

My Background

Hi, folx!

My name is Michael Han, and I am Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. I completed my BA in Communication at the University of Illinois at Chicago with a minor in psychology and received my MA in Clinical Psychology at Roosevelt University. Like many other
clinicians, my path to becoming a therapist wouldn’t be complete without a twisting origin story. Before stumbling upon psychology, I meandered between several career trajectories including medicine and teaching. Despite having dabbled my feet in a variety of potential professions, I found myself uninterested, anxious, and ultimately unfulfilled. It wasn’t until I began my own therapy journey that I realized my passion for mental health.

As a queer, second-generation Korean American raised in a religious immigrant home, I am no stranger to the challenges that come from navigating cultural confusion and polarizing identities. Through therapy, I learned the beauty of my intersectionality and the power that
comes in reclaiming identities snuffed out by oppressive forces. What started off as a personal passion for my own healing developed into a heart for helping others that experienced similar struggles. With newfound conviction and clarity, I pursued a career as a therapist and here I am now! 

My approach to therapy is gentle, holistic, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed. I believe in providing a warm, affirming environment that focuses on the clients’ needs, highlighting their strengths, and embracing their complexities. Having trained in various clinical settings, my theoretical orientation utilizes an eclectic blend of modalities – ranging from CBT, ACT, narrative, strength-based and person-centered therapy. I also integrate approaches from a mind-body perspective, helping clients identify and manage unique somatic symptoms stemming from emotional responses. As a therapist, I prioritize strengthening the therapeutic relationship. Change is scary, uncomfortable, and at times painful. Therefore, I strongly believe
it is my role to establish a strong, supportive relationship between client and therapist as the foundation from which we explore, learn, grow, and heal.

When I take off my therapist hat, you can find me playing video games, bouldering, biking along the lake (when Chicago weather permits), as well as spending time with my biological and chosen families!