Gottman Method Therapists in Chicago, IL

I'm passionate about helping folks struggling to give themselves grace and kindness, which is crucial to moving in the direction of the life we want, whatever that may look like for each individual. I work from a sex-positive, stance to help individuals and those in relationships facing the barriers and challenges in a monogamy-centric world. I’m here to partner with my clients to emphasize strengths and foster holistic wellness whether that client(s) is facing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, shame, fear, and or one of the many other challenges that come with being human in today's world.

Have you been struggling with managing the changes life has dealt to you? I have worked with individuals from six months to ninety-eight years old, couples, and groups of individuals to support them in their life changes and help them address their needs through therapeutic interventions. My approach to therapy relies on the ability to create safety and developing a strong therapeutic alliance with you. I view this alliance as the vehicle for change that you are looking for. I want to work to meet you where you are at, so that you feel understood and heard in your experience.

Do you feel lost, questioning who you are or where you're going with no easy answers? Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn, we hit a bottom, or we just realize that something in us is different...or something must change. Such times of confusion and crisis are often the meeting point for our work together. They are also openings to self-discovery and real change. I listen deeply for what you want, develop a relationship of trust, and work WITH you to establish the clarity and direction you need.

Do you feel disconnected, deal with infidelity, or poor communication? I help individuals and couples to develop some new skills and new ways to communicate and grow to create more satisfying relationships. I have completed Level 3 Clinical Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and use Gottman Method in my work with couples. This method is designed to help teach specific tools to deepen friendship and intimacy in your relationship. I believe that although each individual is unique, everyone has the ability to change, heal and move forward. Therapy can help you to feel better and have a better relationship.

I am deeply fascinated by the complexity and beauty of humans and our relationships. As an LGBTQIA+ and Consensual Non-Monogamy affirming therapist, I'm passionate about working with relationships and individuals of diverse structures and identities. I strive to honor each client's unique story and identity from a curious and culturally humble point of view while recognizing systems of injustice.

I am passionate about working with adults who are dealing with challenges including but not limited to: identifying and healing from trauma, identity exploration, interpersonal conflict, relationship with food and body, addictions, life transitions, eating disorders, mood disorders, stress management, and ADHD. The goal of my work with clients is for them to increase authenticity and vulnerability within the therapeutic relationship first, then translate that success to their lives outside of therapy. I empower clients with coping skills and provide a safe space for learning effective communication of and connection to emotions.

The decision to seek therapy can be difficult, as it's hard to reach out for help. My goal is to make therapy feel less overwhelming through a collaborative partnership where together we identify your challenges and develop healthy coping skills. My style, rooted in warmth and humor, utilizes the therapeutic relationship to explore positive change and growth. Customized feedback and a range of strategies are provided drawing from evidenced based research and years of clinical expertise. I specialize in individual and couples therapy uniquely focusing on enhancing relationships, healing from the past, and thriving individually.

To schedule a session, please book a call with our Client Care Coordinator here: www.calendly.com/adminccbh I am a queer-identified psychotherapist and have experience helping individuals with a wide variety of presenting issues, including depression, anxiety, and grief/loss. In addition, I specialize in working with eating and/or body image issues, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and adolescent & young adult life transitions & identity development.

Are you uncertain of where you're at in life either emotionally, mentally, or vocationally? Are you struggling to cope with feelings of anxiety or low self-esteem? I help folks from a variety of backgrounds, such as veterans, new parents, BIPOC, queer, and trans individuals, through maintaining a validating space and tailoring my approach to suit your specific needs. I keep an open mind and awareness of current events to ensure I’m observing all of the nuances that come with your intersecting identities. I also encourage men in particular to explore and challenge their concepts of masculinity in a positive, healthy light.

I work with individual adults and couples and am passionate about serving marginalized communities through a social justice advocacy lens. As a former “parachute kid” who started living abroad on my own as a teenager, I understand the complications of establishing one’s cultural identity while struggling to find meaning or belonging. I have experience working in different mental health settings with varying levels of needs, ranging from stress, trauma, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy, identity development, racial and cultural issues, neurodivergent issues, to suicidal ideation and/or past attempts.

Our quality of life improves dramatically as we learn to show up more authentically in our personal relationships. We can always cultivate more meaningful connections, whether in an intimate partnership, biological or chosen family, or friendships. I understand how creating change can feel daunting or overwhelming and is best navigated with intentionality and solid support. Actively collaborating with my clients, I ensure that together, we set clear and attainable goals and that each session moves you closer to achieving your vision. Change is Possible!

I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with individuals, couples, and families. I am especially passionate about working with couples and adults who are seeking support for concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, and relational conflict. For me, helping people navigate the challenges they face and the difficulties in their relationships is an incredibly fulfilling journey. I believe that empathy and kindness are the most important things we bring to our relationships, and it is my goal that my clients feel heard, supported, and cared for.

The individuals who come to me for support are those struggling with eating disorders. We work together to identify goals that are important to you, and address some underlying self esteem concerns and lack of power within your life. Together, we take your power back, eliminating the compulsive need to control food. The second population I serve are those with marital and relationship issues. I have completed Level 1 training of the Gottman method and utilize the strategies to help couples identify the ways in which they sabotage their relationship and restore the friendship that originally brought you together as a couple.

Samantha is a compassionate and sex-positive couples therapist dedicated to nurturing holistic well-being. With a deep-seated belief in the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, Samantha approaches therapy with a comprehensive perspective. She understands that true completeness encompasses various aspects of an individual's life to foster healing and growth. Samantha is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, and tailors her approach to suit the unique needs of each couple she works with.

I pride myself on meeting my clients where they are to walk alongside them as they heal & create their best life. We all at times go through periods when processing, whether towards change or healing, becomes necessary. I hope to make that process a bit more comfortable, so that you are not alone, and also to help you move through your journey with integrity and intention. Many of my clients report feeling it to be easier to approach difficult topics due to us having a friendly relationship as a foundation. I believe that foundation is in part created due to our efforts in seeing and validating their own internal strengths.

Please visit my website for more information about my practice: www.DrAlexandraLuger.com

My work focuses on our relationship and skills-building to relieve the symptoms that brought you into treatment in the first place while also exploring the powerful impact of early life experiences on how you view the world and yourself in the present. I believe that the relationship developed between us provides the foundation for building insight and self-awareness to help you reach your unique potential and create the life you want to live. I approach therapy as a collaborative journey that asks us to bring our expertise into the room and use it to reach your goals! While therapy can be hard work, humor is part of growth too!

We face many challenges and stages in life’s journey and navigating through its different phases can sometimes be a difficult process. I focuse on supporting clients through this difficult process and collaborating with a strong therapeutic relationship. The beauty of therapy is that it will look different for each person and will be tailored to specific needs. I also specialize in facilitating sustainable empowerment and personal growth for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community.

If you’re struggling with conflict in your relationships, friendships, and family I can help you navigate these feelings and offer a path forward. I am committed to helping individuals and couples develop insight into communication and behavioral patterns that are barriers to connection. Utilizing my Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 training, we strengthen connection and deepen your relationships in the therapeutic space. I connect with children, teens, and adults struggling with issues related to trauma, eating disorders, relationships, and anxiety.