We invite each client to experience holistic, empirically-based traditional and alternative treatment modalities through a diverse group of professionals. We specialize in the science of Deep REST, De-Stress & EQ Development. We strive to shift and transform the stress response in each person seeking relief and change. We aid in bringing forth the tools and skills necessary to pause and develop a new relationship with stress as you evolve the ways you relax, create wellness and develop resiliency.
About Us
Our Mission
We strive to shift and transform the stress response in each person seeking relief and change.
Our Team
Dr. Howard K. Weissman is Clinical Director and Founder of The Chicago Stress Relief Center, Ltd. (CSRC), a diversified holistic practice he began in 1993. He is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with a specialization in mind/body health and is a board-certified expert in the treatment of traumatic stress. A native of Chicago area, Weissman graduated with a Doctor of Psychology in 1991. At that time, he also completed a specialization program in Health Psychology. While an undergraduate at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois in the 1980s, he published articles in both sleep and headache research. In 1992 he began teaching neuropsychological assessment at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology as an Adjunct Professor and in 2001 he began volunteering at The Marjorie Kovler Center for Treatment of Survivors of Torture. More recently, Dr. Weissman provided virtual mental health first aid to Israelis post October 7th. His professional experience includes a position as staff psychologist at Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago (January 2005 – February 2007). Dr. Weissman served as Director of Psychological Services at the Advanced Reproductive Health Center, Ltd., in Orland Park, Illinois for over a decade. Since 2016, he began with Chiefs Lead the Way and is a Regional Trainer, Ambassador and Presenter for Badge for Life, a mental wellness and suicide prevention program geared towards inspiring hope and contributing to the health and wellbeing of law enforcement personnel. Dr. Weissman expanded his expertise through participation in studies and resolution treatment for individuals diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), often concurrent with the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). He was part of the first groups trained in EMDR by Dr. Francine Shapiro, and has an extensive background in both traditional and alternative healing. Dr. Weissman is a certified practitioner of the LifeLine Technique and other energy medicine-based treatment modalities. His approach is integrative and holistic aiding those with chronic illness and medically related challenges. Over the past 30 years, he’s developed competencies in herbal, homeopathic, and nutritional intelligence to support and enhance his client’s health and wellness goals. His integrative center in Northbrook offers state-of-the-art holistic treatment including floatation therapy, clinical massage, and detoxification via far infrared saunas. A sought-after lecturer with a long-standing commitment to educating the public on mental health issues, Dr. Weissman presents workshops on stress management in the workplace. He currently manages an expanding holistic based private practice specializing in both OCD and the treatment of traumatic stress disorders and provides individual, couple and family therapy for victims of animal attacks, victims of stalking and domestic violence, recovery post vehicular accidents, and medically related traumatic stress.
Amala is a clinician in training as she pursues her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Amala is passionate about helping individuals understand the underlying patterns contributing to emotional distress while fostering resilience, self-awareness, and lasting psychological growth. She earned her master's in clinical psychology on the way to her doctoral degree.
Amala works with adults, adolescents, and children experiencing trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other concerns. She has experience helping individuals navigate relationship difficulties, personality disorders, identity concerns, grief, and life transitions. Her clinical training includes individual psychotherapy, group therapy, and comprehensive psychological assessment across inpatient and outpatient clinical settings.
Her therapeutic approach is integrative, primarily drawing from psychodynamic and humanistic orientations, while integrating attachment styles and evidence-based treatments tailored to each client's unique needs. Amala believes that symptoms often reflect meaningful adaptations to difficult life experiences, and she works collaboratively with clients to explore the underlying factors contributing to their struggles and to build practical skills for healing and change. She is committed to creating a warm, compassionate, and culturally responsive environment where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process.
Amala is particularly passionate about helping clients heal from trauma, reduce the impact of anxiety and obsessive thoughts, strengthen relationships, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. She approaches her clients from a holistic perspective and believes that meaningful change occurs through a trusting therapeutic relationship, increased self-awareness, and the development of healthier ways of relating to oneself and others.
Outside of her clinical work, Amala enjoys traveling, exploring different cultures, spending time in nature with her dog, friends and family, and deepening her knowledge of psychology, neuroscience, and human development.
Amala works with adults, adolescents, and children experiencing trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other concerns. She has experience helping individuals navigate relationship difficulties, personality disorders, identity concerns, grief, and life transitions. Her clinical training includes individual psychotherapy, group therapy, and comprehensive psychological assessment across inpatient and outpatient clinical settings.
Her therapeutic approach is integrative, primarily drawing from psychodynamic and humanistic orientations, while integrating attachment styles and evidence-based treatments tailored to each client's unique needs. Amala believes that symptoms often reflect meaningful adaptations to difficult life experiences, and she works collaboratively with clients to explore the underlying factors contributing to their struggles and to build practical skills for healing and change. She is committed to creating a warm, compassionate, and culturally responsive environment where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process.
Amala is particularly passionate about helping clients heal from trauma, reduce the impact of anxiety and obsessive thoughts, strengthen relationships, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. She approaches her clients from a holistic perspective and believes that meaningful change occurs through a trusting therapeutic relationship, increased self-awareness, and the development of healthier ways of relating to oneself and others.
Outside of her clinical work, Amala enjoys traveling, exploring different cultures, spending time in nature with her dog, friends and family, and deepening her knowledge of psychology, neuroscience, and human development.
Dr. Johnson is a post-doctoral fellow, born and raised in Chicago, who is passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges and discover their strengths. She earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at National Louis University.
Dr. Johnson works with individuals, couples, and families experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or other mental health concerns. She has extensive experience supporting both adults and children with depression, PTSD, OCD, and stress-related conditions including mood disorders.
Her therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while also recognizing that every client’s journey is unique. Dr. Johnson’s style is warm, collaborative, and empowering—she strives to create a safe space where clients feel heard, supported, and guided toward meaningful change.
Dr. Johnson is especially interested in helping clients improve relationships, heal from past trauma, and find new ways to cope with stress. She believes therapy is a partnership and works alongside her clients to set goals that align with their values and needs.
Outside of her clinical work, Tatianna enjoys giving back to her community, exploring Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Eva Cicha, a dedicated Office Manager at The Chicago Stress Relief Center for over a decade has a strong background in Health Information Technology, and brings expertise in administrative operations, client relations, and healthcare coordination. Eva is committed to creating a seamless and welcoming experience for every client, ensuring the highest level of care and customer service. Her passion for holistic health and wellness, attention to detail, and deep compassion make her an invaluable asset to both the stress relief team and the clients she serves.
CiCi has practiced clinical massage since 2011 and has been part of our clinical massage team for over a decade. Her background as a massage therapist coupled with years of collaborating with both chiropractic physicians and spas has given her a uniquely rounded and compassionate approach. She values holding a safe space with each client and educates the client about their bodies by carefully listening to each client’s goals while easing the resistance from the multiple holding patterns that the body naturally engages in. Her bodywork combines clinically based deep tissue, myofascial, and stretching techniques to calm, reset, and deeply relax the body/mind. Additionally, CiCi does prenatal, lymphatic, hot stones, cupping, reflexology, Reiki and Access Bars.
Dominik is a highly skilled massage therapist with a holistic, intuitive approach that nurtures the connection between body, mind, and spirit. With over a decade of experience and a European background, Dominik blends refined technique with deep presence to create transformative sessions that promote lasting relaxation and healing.
A graduate of the European Massage Therapy School, Dominik has built a strong foundation in both Eastern and Western massage modalities. His specialties include Swedish Massage, Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage, Deep Tissue, and Trigger Point Therapy. He is also passionate about integrative care, having volunteered in programs supporting cancer survivors through the healing power of touch.
Dominik’s signature style combines therapeutic depth with a gentle, flowing rhythm—offering his clients a space to release tension, restore inner balance, and reconnect with themselves. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, emotional release, or targeted therapeutic work, Dominik provides a safe, compassionate space for deep healing and renewal.
Ewa initially graduated in 2000 as a physical therapist from Krakow Academic in Poland and specialized in medically related physical challenges from orthopedic- based to neurological in nature. Since 2002, she has been a licensed massage therapist. She also has extensive experience working with sport injuries. As a clinical massage therapist with training as a physical therapist, Ewa is known for her deep tissue and whole-body stress relief massages. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings including chiropractic and functional rehabilitation clinics. Her passion and expertise for clinical massage is evident the moment she lays hands on you. She believes that clinical massage is not only a powerful tool for helping people to relax but also to eliminate pain and restore greater functioning. Don’t hesitate to ask Ewa for specific exercises and strategies to support you in your health and wellness goals.
”“I just LOOOVE floating. It is the ultimate self care practice. If you can’t seem to meditate this is the perfect introduction to the feeling of bliss of meditation. I go in and out of consciousness but mainly I’m always present and aware with thoughts floating in and out. I’m able to process my week/month/life while in this state.
Masha V.Verified 5-Star Review on Google
I love that you have control over lights so if you don’t want it super dark.
Overall amazing experience! Def part of my every other month routine now”.
Why We Exist
Specializing in holistic stress and pain management along with other medically related stress conditions including traumatic stress, obsessive compulsive spectrum, depression, anxiety, phobias and infertility related stress.
With the professional team at The Chicago Stress Relief Center, Inc. (CSRC) you find a variety of natural ways to transform the stress that binds you. We encourage each person to consider a consultation with a member of our team to better understand their specific relationship to STRESS and it’s impact on one’s body and on one’s life. After a thorough evaluation, an individualized approach is developed with the goal of assisting you to achieve your personal wellness vision. Our holistic philosophy aims at empowering you to calm the often chaotic forces that can hijack the mind and negatively impact the body. By developing a new relationship with stress, our strategy helps you find your passionate purpose as you develop a healthier balance and greater personal satisfaction.