Therapy That Goes Deeper Than Coping Skills
You’ve done the journaling. The deep breathing. All the right things.
But the anxiety, the doubt, the tension? Still there.
Therapy that meets you where you are — and helps you understand why you’re there.
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Relational, Even in Individual Work
We don’t just look at what’s “wrong"—we help you see how your relationships (past and present) impact the way you think, feel, and respond. Whether you're coming in solo or with a partner, our work is rooted in connection.
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Insight + Strategy
You deserve therapy that’s both reflective and practical. We’ll help you understand the deeper why behind your patterns—and give you tools that actually help shift them.
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Clarity Without Clichés
We won’t tell you to “just set boundaries” or “let it go.” Our support is warm, honest, and free of fluff. You’ll get thoughtful, grounded guidance that meets your real life, not an idealized version of it.
Let’s Figure It Out Together
You don’t need to have the right words. You don’t need to know what kind of therapy you “should” choose. You just need to be here.
Whether you're navigating a relationship, a major life shift, or the emotional weight of parenting, our work meets you there. Each path looks different — but they all lead to the same place: a version of you that feels more clear, more connected, and more grounded.
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Relationship Clarity
For couples & individuals who aren’t sure what the next step should be.
If one of you is leaning out and the other is leaning in…
If you’re stuck in the same arguments with no resolution…
If you’re wondering whether to keep trying—or call it with care…
We offer therapy that helps you slow down, name what’s really happening, and decide what’s next with more clarity and compassion.
This may include structured discernment counseling (for mixed-agenda couples), or emotionally focused therapy tailored to ambivalence, disconnection, and big relationship decisions. -
Support for Life Transitions
For individuals navigating identity shifts, loss, burnout, or change.
Whether you’re grieving something hard to name, second-guessing every decision, or feeling like you’ve outgrown your old life—we’re here for the version of you that’s still unfolding.
We help clients explore what’s underneath the anxiety, the self-doubt, and the stuckness—so you can reconnect with what matters and move forward feeling more grounded and clear.
This space is welcoming to individuals of all backgrounds—including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC clients—who want thoughtful, relational therapy that goes deeper than surface-level advice. -
Parenthood & Perinatal Support
For anyone navigating the emotional load of parenthood—before, during, or after.
Maybe you’re deciding if you want kids—or carrying the complexity of that choice.
Maybe you’re pregnant and anxious, postpartum and overwhelmed, or just trying to feel like yourself again.
Maybe the mental load is so relentless you can’t rest, ask for help, or enjoy the moment without guilt.
You don’t have to keep overfunctioning just to survive. Therapy offers space to process the full range of parenthood—not just the parts people expect you to smile through.
We support clients in every stage, including those navigating fertility, identity shifts, perinatal anxiety, and life after baby.
Meet the Team
Real humans. Relational therapists. No one-size-fits-all approaches.
We’re a small team of therapists based in Chicago, IL, founded by licensed marriage and family therapists Mollie Bass, LMFT, PMH-C, and Emily Buettner, LMFT. Hearten Therapy was built on the belief that every stage of life is an opportunity for growth, understanding, and connection.
Each of us brings a different lens to the work—but we’re all here because we care deeply about creating thoughtful, grounded, and non-judgmental spaces for therapy. We believe meaningful change happens when therapy looks at the whole story—not just symptoms.
Blog Highlights
Because sometimes, you need to read the words before you’re ready to say them out loud.
We’re here to help you figure it out—at your pace, in your own words.
Hearten (verb): To inspire and uplift by offering encouragement, comfort, and support—instilling confidence and reassurance for a renewed sense of optimism and well-being in various life situations.
That’s what we aim to do here.
We’re not just therapists—we’re partners in your process. With compassion, clarity, and a steady presence, we help you navigate life’s messiest moments with more understanding and less pressure.
The very essence of our name, Hearten, reflects our mission to provide heartening support. We are not just therapists; we are partners in your journey, offering compassion, understanding, and a steady presence as you navigate the complexities of life and your relationships.
You don’t have to keep holding this alone.
Let’s work together.
Ready to learn more about Hearten? Reach out for a complimentary 15-minute consultation by submitting the contact form below. We will respond within 2 business days. We look forward to hearing from you!