Hali Cook

Hali (hay-lee) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) specializing in trauma-informed, anti-oppressive therapy. He holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from DePaul University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. Hali approaches therapy as a liberatory practice—an opportunity to process, heal from, and resist the impacts of capitalism, racism, and structural inequality.

Hali is passionate about working with marginalized individuals navigating relationship challenges, exploring intersecting identities, facing structural barriers, and healing from systemic harm. He brings a nuanced lens to his work, especially around the intersections of class, race, and mental health.

Deeply rooted in a socially conscious and trauma-informed framework, Hali’s approach integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness-based practices. Hali supports clients in building emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and effective communication skills. Sessions are collaborative, strengths-based, and deeply attuned to each person’s unique context and needs. His practice is grounded in anti-racism, decolonization, and the belief that healing is both personal and collective.

As a Black, biracial cisgender man who grew up poor in rural, predominantly white Wisconsin, Hali brings both personal and theoretical insight into the ways systemic oppression—including classism, racism, and capitalism—shape mental health. He fosters a compassionate, affirming space where individuals can explore their experiences without judgment. His work empowers clients to make sense of their struggles within a broader sociopolitical context—building resilience, agency, and meaning along the way.

Outside of therapy, Hali enjoys weightlifting, exploring Chicago’s vibrant culture, and immersing himself in hip-hop—a genre that fuels his passion for storytelling, connection, and resistance.