About Barnum Counseling and
Therapist Ali R. Barnum
Learn about Ali and her counseling and therapy practice.
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Learn More About Therapist Ali Barnum, MA, LCPC, NCC
Ali is a passionate therapist. She is dedicated to helping women manage life transitions. Ali provides skills, tools and support in the following areas:
- Women trying to conceive
- Women struggling with infertility and/or going through fertility treatment
- Women who are pregnant
- Postpartum depression, anxiety and OCD-related symptoms
- Women struggling with balancing roles and transitioning to motherhood
- Moms with toddlers who have a high level of needs
- Teachers and other education professionals experiencing burnout, stress or anxiety
- Therapists, social workers and counselors looking for support from another experienced professional
Fun Facts About Ali
In October of 2023, Ali pivoted back to solo practice to focus more on her clients, her family, and nonprofit work. Ali is also a passionate philanthropist who volunteers with and supports nonprofit organizations in the Tri-City area.
In May of 2026, Ali was honored with WGN’s Remarkable Woman of the Year award for her tireless work and dedication to Limb Difference Collective Foundation.
Learn more about her WGN feature here: https://wgntv.com/news/remarkable-women/mom-creates-foundation-to-support-families-with-limb-differences/
Want to learn more about the therapy services available at Barnum Counseling?
Are you feeling sad or anxious? Do you feel trapped in old, unproductive patterns? Counseling can help you build the coping strategies you need to live the life you deserve.
Learn more about how Ali can help you on our Services page.
For more information about what to expect from therapy, visit our What to Expect page. Or, contact Ali for more information.
The first step is the hardest.
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Barnum Counseling’s Practice Values and Mission Statement
Ali’s Commitment to You
Barnum Counseling offers a safe, inviting and inclusive space for all – regardless of race, ethnicity, cultural background or ancestry, religion, sex, sexual identity, gender, gender identity, age, stage of life, intellectual ability, disability status, veteran status, or socioeconomic status. Ali’s practice values engender this commitment.
Ali recognizes the systemic power struggles, tension and inequities built into the communities across Chicago, its suburbs and nationwide. As your therapist, she will actively strive to listen, learn, do better and be better in support of equality in the community. Ali promotes acceptance and has zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind.
Ali’s Mission Statement
Barnum Counseling’s mission is to provide skills, tools and support to help people change their life for the better.
Click Here to Learn About Ali's Practice Values
Respect
Ali believes that every human being deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. She lives her life based on this principle. It shows in the way she treats her clients.
Acceptance
Ali values and practices openness and acceptance of others in both her personal and professional life. She approaches relationships with openness, non-judgement and a willingness to learn.
Safety
Cultivating a safe emotional space for her clients to share their pain and stories is Ali’s top priority.
Ethical Behavior
Ali prides herself on maintaining the highest level of ethical standards. In support of her clients and the work that she does, Ali abides by the American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics. Ali is honest and transparent about the services she can provide, as well as any limitations due to confidentiality or scope of practice.
Ali’s fees are standard for the current market and her billing and insurance submission practices are transparent. Additionally, even though working with insurance companies’ guidelines is frustrating sometimes, Ali submits only what is required and accurate. She also only aligns herself with businesses that follow moral and ethical standards.
Family and Life Balance
Ali acknowledges and values the importance of having her own support and nurturing her relationships with family and friends. With all of the hats that she wears, Ali also recognizes the importance of having a healthy work-life balance. She believes that developing and maintaining healthy boundaries and balance in her life (personally and professionally) helps her to perform at her best while working with you.
Diversity
Ali appreciates and values diversity. Everyone has a unique history. This history plays a major role in our development as individuals and professionals. Ali’s background influences her desire to practice as a counselor.
Reflection, Self-Improvement, Education and Professional Growth
Ali believes that, as individuals and professionals, we always have more to learn. One of her practice values is to stay curious and continue to learn. She strives to stay current on events in the community, our nation and the world. It is Ali’s goal to recognize and celebrate our similarities and differences as human beings. She understands that we cannot grow without listening and keeping a level of humility. She dedicates time to meditating and reflecting on her approaches, beliefs, and potential biases.