Brent Hope, LCSW

As it kid it just always made sense to me what Mr. Rogers told children every single day…that you have worth “just the way you are.” Overcoming the challenges of difficult emotions like guilt, shame, or any of life’s stressors begins with self-compassion. When having painful experiences, I believe seeking therapy both connects us to the human dignity we all share and presents the opportunity to heal & grow.

I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree at Indiana University with a double major in psychology and sociology. While at IU I worked in the IU Psychological Clinic and a residential facility for individuals with schizophrenia. I completed my Master of Social Work degree at Loyola University Chicago focusing on adult treatment. After graduating I worked at Howard Brown Health providing individual psychotherapy in the LGBTQ+ community as well clinical leadership on CDC and NIH-funded research studies during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis. I later moved to the insurance sector and worked as a clinical consultant at a disability insurance carrier. My primary account was a major airline, and I assisted employees in safely returning to work following FAA safety regulations. In addition to my work here at Clarity, I currently supervise an Intensive Outpatient Program for adults with depression and anxiety at a Chicago hospital.

Much of my clinical work has focused on improving clients’ functionality to live their best personal and professional lives. Challenges in life can feel overwhelming and even immobilizing. I view my role as coming alongside a client at a particular time on their life journey, helping them identify obstacles they are encountering, and developing skills & tools to create a rich and rewarding life. My primary treatment modality is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and I bring in my experience with CBT, DBT, MI, and psychodynamic therapies as well. Similar in some ways to the approach of a physical therapist, my goals are both facilitating healing in the present and helping you develop what you need on your journey to be better equipped for future obstacles. Even as adults we can continue to develop new ways of coping and becoming more flexible when we are feeling stuck or lost.

I enjoy gardening and attending the symphony, so I’m often at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Ravinia, or Millennium Park. I completed the Chicago Marathon and still enjoy long walks along Chicago’s lakefront. I am very active in my church on social issues and an inclusive theology encompassing every single person’s identity. If clients feel drawn to bring their spirituality and beliefs, or any pain they carry from past negative experiences in faith communities, into our work together, I am happy to walk on those paths with you as well.

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