Gottman Method Therapists in River North, Chicago, IL

Photo of Paige Moore, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMSW, PMH-C
Paige Moore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMSW, PMH-C
2 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
Is there something holding you back from living the life you want? Do you feel anxious, depressed, uncertain, fearful or confused as to how to move forward? Do you hope to change an aspect of your life but you don’t know where to start? The journey of therapy can be a powerful tool to help you move through and uncover some of the obstacles that prevent you towards claiming the life you imagined. While I commonly see people struggling with change in their life, anxiety, and navigating their 20's-40s, some other common themes include grief, self-acceptance, relationship concerns, chronic illness, and perinatal mental health concerns.
Is there something holding you back from living the life you want? Do you feel anxious, depressed, uncertain, fearful or confused as to how to move forward? Do you hope to change an aspect of your life but you don’t know where to start? The journey of therapy can be a powerful tool to help you move through and uncover some of the obstacles that prevent you towards claiming the life you imagined. While I commonly see people struggling with change in their life, anxiety, and navigating their 20's-40s, some other common themes include grief, self-acceptance, relationship concerns, chronic illness, and perinatal mental health concerns.
(872) 328-5127 View (872) 328-5127
Photo of Theresa A. Segura-Herrera, Psychologist, PhD
Theresa A. Segura-Herrera
Psychologist, PhD
2 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
I have completed all levels of the Gottman Method for Couples therapy.
CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS /NO ACEPTANDO NUEVOS PACIENTES AHORA: Are you feeling like you are stuck in a rut or unsatisfied with the quality of your relationships? Are you trying to improve your relationship or rebuild from a break up? Perhaps you are having trouble adjusting to a much wanted or even unplanned/unexpected life change. I work collaboratively with you to reactivate your strengths, make healthy changes, and find your sense of improvement/satisfaction/adjustment.
I have completed all levels of the Gottman Method for Couples therapy.
CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS /NO ACEPTANDO NUEVOS PACIENTES AHORA: Are you feeling like you are stuck in a rut or unsatisfied with the quality of your relationships? Are you trying to improve your relationship or rebuild from a break up? Perhaps you are having trouble adjusting to a much wanted or even unplanned/unexpected life change. I work collaboratively with you to reactivate your strengths, make healthy changes, and find your sense of improvement/satisfaction/adjustment.
(312) 697-3851 View (312) 697-3851
Photo of Laura Lahay, Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Laura Lahay
Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
1 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
It takes incredible bravery and vulnerability to ask for help and share deep fears, past traumas, or deep insecurities with a stranger. Just stepping foot in a therapy office or jumping on a video call for a therapy session is a victory worth celebrating. I tell my clients often how proud of them I am for showing up each week and doing the work because it is NOT easy. My goal is to meet clients where they are at from the onset, tailoring treatment to best suit their evolving needs. I strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment that allows clients to utilize their values as the GPS within our therapeutic work.
It takes incredible bravery and vulnerability to ask for help and share deep fears, past traumas, or deep insecurities with a stranger. Just stepping foot in a therapy office or jumping on a video call for a therapy session is a victory worth celebrating. I tell my clients often how proud of them I am for showing up each week and doing the work because it is NOT easy. My goal is to meet clients where they are at from the onset, tailoring treatment to best suit their evolving needs. I strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment that allows clients to utilize their values as the GPS within our therapeutic work.
(630) 528-1442 View (630) 528-1442
Photo of Bea Cleveland, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Bea Cleveland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
Do you feel like sex, pleasure, or connection are more stressful than satisfying? Maybe sex feels like a performance. Maybe desire is forced or missing entirely. Maybe your body carries pain, guilt, or silence that makes intimacy feel impossible. I work with women and AFAB individuals who feel anxious, ashamed, or disconnected from their bodies or relationships. They're often high-achieving, thoughtful, and tired of feeling behind. What they want, more than anything, is to feel safe, connected, and authentically confident in themselves.
Do you feel like sex, pleasure, or connection are more stressful than satisfying? Maybe sex feels like a performance. Maybe desire is forced or missing entirely. Maybe your body carries pain, guilt, or silence that makes intimacy feel impossible. I work with women and AFAB individuals who feel anxious, ashamed, or disconnected from their bodies or relationships. They're often high-achieving, thoughtful, and tired of feeling behind. What they want, more than anything, is to feel safe, connected, and authentically confident in themselves.
(815) 567-9646 View (815) 567-9646
Photo of Maddie Persanyi, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, CCTP
Maddie Persanyi
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, CCTP
3 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
I hold an LCPC and am trained in the Level One Gottman Method (2022) and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) (2025), which informs my approach to helping individuals and couples navigate challenges, build resilience, and heal from trauma.
I work with clients who struggle with managing stress, anxiety, self-esteem or relationship issues. Common examples of issues these clients face are trouble setting boundaries, feeling overwhelmed, relationship issues, lack of self-esteem or difficulty managing their emotions. These clients are hoping to increase their coping skills in these areas and want resources to better navigate their symptoms or need a safe and nonjudgmental space to talk things through. Evaluating all aspects of life through a collaborative relationship, we can work to decide how my client can live a thriving, healthy life.
I hold an LCPC and am trained in the Level One Gottman Method (2022) and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) (2025), which informs my approach to helping individuals and couples navigate challenges, build resilience, and heal from trauma.
I work with clients who struggle with managing stress, anxiety, self-esteem or relationship issues. Common examples of issues these clients face are trouble setting boundaries, feeling overwhelmed, relationship issues, lack of self-esteem or difficulty managing their emotions. These clients are hoping to increase their coping skills in these areas and want resources to better navigate their symptoms or need a safe and nonjudgmental space to talk things through. Evaluating all aspects of life through a collaborative relationship, we can work to decide how my client can live a thriving, healthy life.
(630) 426-7362 View (630) 426-7362
Photo of Martin McGovern, Pre-Licensed Professional, LSW
Martin McGovern
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSW
2 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
As a psychotherapist, I bring a collaborative, thoughtful, and human-centered approach to my work with clients. I specialize in helping youth, adults and couples navigate challenges related to anxiety, trauma, life transitions, grief, relationships, and self-worth. My style is relational and grounded in trust, empathy, and mutual respect—believing that a strong therapeutic connection is the foundation for meaningful change.
As a psychotherapist, I bring a collaborative, thoughtful, and human-centered approach to my work with clients. I specialize in helping youth, adults and couples navigate challenges related to anxiety, trauma, life transitions, grief, relationships, and self-worth. My style is relational and grounded in trust, empathy, and mutual respect—believing that a strong therapeutic connection is the foundation for meaningful change.
(815) 527-3873 View (815) 527-3873
Photo of Leon Abbey, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Leon Abbey
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
1 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
While I draw from various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral, person centered, strength based, solution-focused, and Gottman method for couples therapy, I frequently use the EMDR approach to address and resolve various distressing experiences.
I also recognize the value of holistic care, acknowledging the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. I counsel individuals seeking to integrate their spiritual and faith-based beliefs into their therapeutic journey.
While I draw from various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral, person centered, strength based, solution-focused, and Gottman method for couples therapy, I frequently use the EMDR approach to address and resolve various distressing experiences.
I also recognize the value of holistic care, acknowledging the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. I counsel individuals seeking to integrate their spiritual and faith-based beliefs into their therapeutic journey.
(847) 595-5860 View (847) 595-5860
Photo of Tina Fairbanks, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Tina Fairbanks
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
Life is hard and sometimes asking for help is even harder. Beginning therapy may be nerve wrecking, but it can be a place to build yourself and the relationships around you. I prioritize creating an environment that is warm, empathetic, interactive and humorous because feeling safe and unjudged is essential for meaningful growth. I work with individuals, couples, and families exploring how patterns and beliefs shape your relationships — including the one you have with yourself.
Life is hard and sometimes asking for help is even harder. Beginning therapy may be nerve wrecking, but it can be a place to build yourself and the relationships around you. I prioritize creating an environment that is warm, empathetic, interactive and humorous because feeling safe and unjudged is essential for meaningful growth. I work with individuals, couples, and families exploring how patterns and beliefs shape your relationships — including the one you have with yourself.
(312) 646-3738 View (312) 646-3738
Photo of Lindsey N Scarlett, Counselor, MA, LCPC
Lindsey N Scarlett
Counselor, MA, LCPC
7 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
Are you a high-acheiving professional in Chicago or the North Shore struggling with the lasting effects of childhood trauma? Complex trauma presents in many different ways, but often shares the same thread: People suffering from CPTSD / C-PTSD did not receive the right kind of love and attention at some point in their development. At Scarlett Solutions, we help individuals heal from trauma - not just learn to cope with its effects.
Are you a high-acheiving professional in Chicago or the North Shore struggling with the lasting effects of childhood trauma? Complex trauma presents in many different ways, but often shares the same thread: People suffering from CPTSD / C-PTSD did not receive the right kind of love and attention at some point in their development. At Scarlett Solutions, we help individuals heal from trauma - not just learn to cope with its effects.
(872) 275-4684 View (872) 275-4684
Photo of Lisa M. Demos, Counselor, LCPC, MA
Lisa M. Demos
Counselor, LCPC, MA
2 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
With over 25 years of experience I have worked with a range of issues and populations. My main approach to therapy is cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) in order to process thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that contribute to distorted thinking and behavior, therefore affecting emotional well-being. The goal is to challenge and reframe so that the client achieves their personal goals, to cope with life transitions and obstacles. I also utilize Attachment Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I've assisted clients with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, life transitions, and various others.
With over 25 years of experience I have worked with a range of issues and populations. My main approach to therapy is cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) in order to process thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that contribute to distorted thinking and behavior, therefore affecting emotional well-being. The goal is to challenge and reframe so that the client achieves their personal goals, to cope with life transitions and obstacles. I also utilize Attachment Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I've assisted clients with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, life transitions, and various others.
(773) 451-8172 View (773) 451-8172
Photo of Kristin Hettich, Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Kristin Hettich
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
1 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
I work with adults and couples over the age of 18. I understand therapy as a collaborative and relational process, helping clients build on their existing strengths while exploring new ways to live in alignment with their unique needs, desires, and values. My clients come to me with struggles related to depression, anxiety, relationship problems, or tricky life transitions like job loss or moves.
I work with adults and couples over the age of 18. I understand therapy as a collaborative and relational process, helping clients build on their existing strengths while exploring new ways to live in alignment with their unique needs, desires, and values. My clients come to me with struggles related to depression, anxiety, relationship problems, or tricky life transitions like job loss or moves.
(872) 401-6769 View (872) 401-6769
Photo of Allison Stein, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Allison Stein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
Allison offers therapy to adults ages 18+ struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, PTSD symptoms (i.e. flashbacks, dissociation, and panic attacks), and has a special interest in complex trauma including childhood experiences that have long-lasting impacts on adulthood. Allison’s top priority as a psychotherapist is to create a trusting and equal therapeutic relationship in which clients can safely explore their past to make better sense of the present, and to ultimately experience more fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Allison offers therapy to adults ages 18+ struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, PTSD symptoms (i.e. flashbacks, dissociation, and panic attacks), and has a special interest in complex trauma including childhood experiences that have long-lasting impacts on adulthood. Allison’s top priority as a psychotherapist is to create a trusting and equal therapeutic relationship in which clients can safely explore their past to make better sense of the present, and to ultimately experience more fulfilling and meaningful lives.
(224) 501-9720 View (224) 501-9720
Photo of Sara Fetterly, Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LSW
Sara Fetterly
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LSW
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
I believe that therapeutic growth begins with cultivating a genuine, collaborative relationship in which clients feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to. Therapy can be a space for one to explore their inner and outer worlds and gain insight into their emotions, early familial relationships, challenging patterns, current relationships with others, or desires for change. I use an integrative approach tailored to each individual - I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I have been trained in psychodynamic, relational, liberation psychology, and parts work, and draw from evidence-based interventions.
I believe that therapeutic growth begins with cultivating a genuine, collaborative relationship in which clients feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to. Therapy can be a space for one to explore their inner and outer worlds and gain insight into their emotions, early familial relationships, challenging patterns, current relationships with others, or desires for change. I use an integrative approach tailored to each individual - I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I have been trained in psychodynamic, relational, liberation psychology, and parts work, and draw from evidence-based interventions.
(630) 349-7413 x133 View (630) 349-7413 x133
Photo of Ann Marie Kurtz, Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Ann Marie Kurtz
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
2 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60602
An important focus of my practice is empowering individuals and couples to build more enduring and fulfilling relationships. I use an insight-oriented approach to stop the cycle of unhappy, dysfunctional connections while developing more gratifying relationships. Understanding your unique interpersonal dynamics improves your capacity to have better relationships in every aspect of your life, whether work, friends, and family.
An important focus of my practice is empowering individuals and couples to build more enduring and fulfilling relationships. I use an insight-oriented approach to stop the cycle of unhappy, dysfunctional connections while developing more gratifying relationships. Understanding your unique interpersonal dynamics improves your capacity to have better relationships in every aspect of your life, whether work, friends, and family.
(312) 374-6730 View (312) 374-6730
Photo of Meghan Reitz, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Meghan Reitz
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
10 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
My therapy approaches are strongly rooted in ACT, CBT, DBT, Gottman Method, and ERP.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples on a wide range of emotional and relationship challenges. My clients often come to therapy seeking understanding, clarity, and growth in areas such as communication, anxiety, depression, or family dynamics. I specialize in women's health, eating disorders, couples as well as grief and trauma (among other issues). I believe that therapy should feel supportive, collaborative, and focused on helping you build skills and process emotions that lead to lasting change and a more balanced, fulfilling life.
My therapy approaches are strongly rooted in ACT, CBT, DBT, Gottman Method, and ERP.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples on a wide range of emotional and relationship challenges. My clients often come to therapy seeking understanding, clarity, and growth in areas such as communication, anxiety, depression, or family dynamics. I specialize in women's health, eating disorders, couples as well as grief and trauma (among other issues). I believe that therapy should feel supportive, collaborative, and focused on helping you build skills and process emotions that lead to lasting change and a more balanced, fulfilling life.
(847) 243-6541 View (847) 243-6541
Photo of Elizabeth Selph, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MBA, MA, LCPC
Elizabeth Selph
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MBA, MA, LCPC
2 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
Success on the outside, but empty on the inside? You’ve checked every box. You’ve listened to the podcasts and read the books. Yet long-lasting change remains elusive. You are tired of simply managing symptoms. You see the same patterns repeating. Whether it’s a loud crisis or a slow fading, you no longer recognize the life you’ve built. It’s time to stop just coping. Let’s slow down and move toward emotional clarity and transformation. Emptiness and fatigue are the symptoms - the underlying drivers are misunderstood.
Success on the outside, but empty on the inside? You’ve checked every box. You’ve listened to the podcasts and read the books. Yet long-lasting change remains elusive. You are tired of simply managing symptoms. You see the same patterns repeating. Whether it’s a loud crisis or a slow fading, you no longer recognize the life you’ve built. It’s time to stop just coping. Let’s slow down and move toward emotional clarity and transformation. Emptiness and fatigue are the symptoms - the underlying drivers are misunderstood.
(312) 374-6601 View (312) 374-6601
Photo of Jocelyn Ann Wilson - The Kai Lani Center, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MDiv, LCSW, LISW
The Kai Lani Center, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MDiv, LCSW, LISW
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
Jocelyn Wilson is a clinical social worker, and Francine Ybarra-Rojas is a marriage and family therapist. They both have 25+ years of experience. They bring a depth and richness of life experience, and a deep compassion for people. Whether you are managing chronic mental illness and/or navigating challenging family dynamics, trauma, or life transitions, Jocelyn + Francine will listen deeply and witness your journey to help you facilitate self-discovery, wholeness, and healing so you can flourish.
Jocelyn Wilson is a clinical social worker, and Francine Ybarra-Rojas is a marriage and family therapist. They both have 25+ years of experience. They bring a depth and richness of life experience, and a deep compassion for people. Whether you are managing chronic mental illness and/or navigating challenging family dynamics, trauma, or life transitions, Jocelyn + Francine will listen deeply and witness your journey to help you facilitate self-discovery, wholeness, and healing so you can flourish.
(515) 338-2929 View (515) 338-2929
Photo of Rachel Nicholson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Rachel Nicholson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
6 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or just tired of holding it all together. Your mind won’t stop racing, you’re caught in loops of “what ifs,” or you feel like you’ve lost touch with the calm, clearheaded version of yourself. Whatever it is, I want you to know that you don’t have to figure it out alone. That is where I come in. Hi, I'm Rachel, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker! In our work together, we’ll create a space where you can take a breath and be fully yourself. Here, there is no judgment, no pressure, just a safe place to unpack what’s been on your mind and start to make sense of it!
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or just tired of holding it all together. Your mind won’t stop racing, you’re caught in loops of “what ifs,” or you feel like you’ve lost touch with the calm, clearheaded version of yourself. Whatever it is, I want you to know that you don’t have to figure it out alone. That is where I come in. Hi, I'm Rachel, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker! In our work together, we’ll create a space where you can take a breath and be fully yourself. Here, there is no judgment, no pressure, just a safe place to unpack what’s been on your mind and start to make sense of it!
(872) 266-2421 View (872) 266-2421
Photo of David Rakofsky - Wellington Counseling Group, Psychologist, PsyD
Wellington Counseling Group
Psychologist, PsyD
1 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
At Wellington Counseling Group, we’ve assembled a diverse team of psychotherapists from various backgrounds and areas of expertise to provide the most inclusive and compassionate care possible. We’ll take the time to understand your goals for therapy and connect you with the ideal therapist for your needs at a time that works best for your busy life. We are an organization of Chicago therapists focused on human healing. This focus has brought us to a place of seeking to expand our contributions to the surrounding community, separate from, but related to, the therapeutic care we already provide to individuals and families.
At Wellington Counseling Group, we’ve assembled a diverse team of psychotherapists from various backgrounds and areas of expertise to provide the most inclusive and compassionate care possible. We’ll take the time to understand your goals for therapy and connect you with the ideal therapist for your needs at a time that works best for your busy life. We are an organization of Chicago therapists focused on human healing. This focus has brought us to a place of seeking to expand our contributions to the surrounding community, separate from, but related to, the therapeutic care we already provide to individuals and families.
(872) 281-8174 View (872) 281-8174
Photo of Paul Stojek, Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, ALMFT
Paul Stojek
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, ALMFT
1 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
Using Gottman method, I help couples rebuild connection.
Imagine clients seeking a deeper connection in their relationships or clarity in their individual lives. They're struggling with communication breakdowns, feelings of disconnect, or navigating significant life transitions. They might be experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, or a sense of being stuck. These clients want to understand themselves and their partners better. They're looking for tools to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and rebuild trust. Their goal is to foster stronger, healthier relationships and to cultivate a greater sense of peace and fulfillment in their personal lives. They are ready to discover.
Using Gottman method, I help couples rebuild connection.
Imagine clients seeking a deeper connection in their relationships or clarity in their individual lives. They're struggling with communication breakdowns, feelings of disconnect, or navigating significant life transitions. They might be experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, or a sense of being stuck. These clients want to understand themselves and their partners better. They're looking for tools to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and rebuild trust. Their goal is to foster stronger, healthier relationships and to cultivate a greater sense of peace and fulfillment in their personal lives. They are ready to discover.
(872) 312-8601 View (872) 312-8601

See more therapy options for River North, Chicago

Gottman Method Therapists
How does the Gottman method work?
One of the core doctrines of the Gottman method is that negative emotions hurt relationships about five times more than positive emotions help them. Thus, couples require five times more positive interactions than negative interactions with each other. The therapist will guide clients on how to improve communication and understanding of each other to manage conflict and have their emotional needs met. The therapist will also advise couples on how to repair relations with each other when conflict arises, and therefore avoid lasting damage.

Is the Gottman method evidence-based?
Yes, this method is an evidence-based approach to couples therapy. The method is based on more than 40 years of research by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, the psychologists who developed the method. The Gottmans analyzed decades of data to draw conclusions about what types of interactions are likely to lead to specific results, and which interventions are most likely to lead to success. Studies have found that this approach leads to improvements in relationship satisfaction, intimacy, communication skills, and a lower rate of divorce.

How long does the Gottman method take?
The duration of treatment depends on the specific challenges clients face. Sessions are typically 60 to 90 minutes long, and an average course of treatment is around 10 sessions. In some cases, such as for couples dealing with a critical problem, the therapist will suggest an intensive course of treatment, with daily sessions over the first two to four days. Treatment is complete when the couple is satisfied and has met the goals they’ve set, and when the therapist believes they have the skills to continue on their own.

Is the Gottman method effective?
Through the Gottman method, couples can achieve changes that are real and sustainable. This treatment has been used for more than 40 years; the method is supported by empirical research, including randomized controlled trials that have demonstrated effectiveness in improving relationship outcomes for couples. Like any talk therapy, success or failure depends in large part on how committed the clients are to making positive changes and working toward results.