Psychodynamic Therapists in River North, Chicago, IL
I work with people who are struggling through transitions. Sometimes the movement between life phases brings about struggles, questions, and the need for behavior change. My active, and direct style will challenge you to examine the questions you have and work together to identify strategies to relieve your distress. I utilize a very direct style with an emphasis on "telling the truth" and learning to increase one's accountability in their life. In short, the dialogue between us will help challenge you to obtain the necessary changes in your life, appreciating how you got here and where to go next.
I work with people who are struggling through transitions. Sometimes the movement between life phases brings about struggles, questions, and the need for behavior change. My active, and direct style will challenge you to examine the questions you have and work together to identify strategies to relieve your distress. I utilize a very direct style with an emphasis on "telling the truth" and learning to increase one's accountability in their life. In short, the dialogue between us will help challenge you to obtain the necessary changes in your life, appreciating how you got here and where to go next.
At times everyone experiences difficulties they cannot overcome through their usual means of coping and problem-solving. I can help you move forward by understanding patterns in your past experiences, relationships, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as how they contribute to your current symptoms and concerns. My goal is to empower you, and help you develop adaptive skills so you can make the changes you want. I am passionate about helping adults, adolescents and children find effective and realistic solutions to trauma related symptoms that reflect their individual personality.
At times everyone experiences difficulties they cannot overcome through their usual means of coping and problem-solving. I can help you move forward by understanding patterns in your past experiences, relationships, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as how they contribute to your current symptoms and concerns. My goal is to empower you, and help you develop adaptive skills so you can make the changes you want. I am passionate about helping adults, adolescents and children find effective and realistic solutions to trauma related symptoms that reflect their individual personality.
Nudging you through your process of self actualization is an enduring hope of mine and ever present in the clinical work we do. Whether you struggle with who you are, have frequent unstable relationships with your Self and others, or are curious about the relentless anxiety, numbness, sadness, or endless angst in life that won't seem to go away, together we work toward healing. In therapy, we make intrinsic meaning of such recurrences to unblock psychological barriers, deepen your grasp of self, and strengthen your capacity for meaningful relationships. That is often the hope and starting treatment goal of our depth-oriented work.
Nudging you through your process of self actualization is an enduring hope of mine and ever present in the clinical work we do. Whether you struggle with who you are, have frequent unstable relationships with your Self and others, or are curious about the relentless anxiety, numbness, sadness, or endless angst in life that won't seem to go away, together we work toward healing. In therapy, we make intrinsic meaning of such recurrences to unblock psychological barriers, deepen your grasp of self, and strengthen your capacity for meaningful relationships. That is often the hope and starting treatment goal of our depth-oriented work.
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.
Do you suspect something is holding you back from living your best life? If so, you’re not alone, and counseling can help. I specialize in contextual behavior change counseling. This means we’ll take time to understand your circumstances and how we can make adjustments to help you create the life you desire.
Do you suspect something is holding you back from living your best life? If so, you’re not alone, and counseling can help. I specialize in contextual behavior change counseling. This means we’ll take time to understand your circumstances and how we can make adjustments to help you create the life you desire.
Have you ever found yourself saying “I just wish I felt better” even if you can’t put your finger on precisely what’s wrong? If you are sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, I promise, you're not alone. Anyone who is sensitive (or even intuitive), knows it can be both a blessing and a curse to feel so deeply. Especially these days, it can be difficult to celebrate the good, mourn the bad, and keep the "ugly" in perspective. When a voice inside of you craves for respite, kindness, and nurturing, or you need to connect in a Real way to be reminded of your humanity, you’re ready for the kind of depth work I do.
Have you ever found yourself saying “I just wish I felt better” even if you can’t put your finger on precisely what’s wrong? If you are sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, I promise, you're not alone. Anyone who is sensitive (or even intuitive), knows it can be both a blessing and a curse to feel so deeply. Especially these days, it can be difficult to celebrate the good, mourn the bad, and keep the "ugly" in perspective. When a voice inside of you craves for respite, kindness, and nurturing, or you need to connect in a Real way to be reminded of your humanity, you’re ready for the kind of depth work I do.
I work from a trauma-informed psychodynamic perspective and incorporates mind-body awareness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) into her work.
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 from a trauma-informed psychodynamic perspective and incorporates mind-body awareness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) into her work.
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.
Many of the clients that I have worked with during the past 30 years have faced stressful life events that have triggered anxiety, depression, and anger. Frequently, these feelings have begun to significantly interfere with relationships, work, and overall sense of self. I provide a safe and respectful relationship that promotes courage and strength to confront and work through these difficult feelings and experiences. By talking with a caring and trained professional, my clients are able to develop new perspectives about themselves and their concerns and this allows them to approach life with increased hope and enjoyment.
Many of the clients that I have worked with during the past 30 years have faced stressful life events that have triggered anxiety, depression, and anger. Frequently, these feelings have begun to significantly interfere with relationships, work, and overall sense of self. I provide a safe and respectful relationship that promotes courage and strength to confront and work through these difficult feelings and experiences. By talking with a caring and trained professional, my clients are able to develop new perspectives about themselves and their concerns and this allows them to approach life with increased hope and enjoyment.
Briana Rodriguez is a psychotherapist with Wellington Counseling Group. Briana works with couples and individual adults at our River North and Lakeview offices, and is available for telehealth sessions. Briana holds her Master of the Arts in Clinical Psychology Counseling Practice from Roosevelt University.
Briana will provide a supportive environment for clients to process issues including: trauma, challenging life transitions, relationship challenges, and deficits in self-esteem. Briana is down-to-earth, empathetic, and authentic. She believes in meeting clients where they’re at.
Briana Rodriguez is a psychotherapist with Wellington Counseling Group. Briana works with couples and individual adults at our River North and Lakeview offices, and is available for telehealth sessions. Briana holds her Master of the Arts in Clinical Psychology Counseling Practice from Roosevelt University.
Briana will provide a supportive environment for clients to process issues including: trauma, challenging life transitions, relationship challenges, and deficits in self-esteem. Briana is down-to-earth, empathetic, and authentic. She believes in meeting clients where they’re at.
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.
Relationships are opportunities for growth and exploration and yet can be the sources of some of our most painful hurts and losses. Therapy itself is a relationship, and I aim to build one with clients that is authentic and healing. I help people who often feel like they're "too much" or "not enough" better understand themselves and connect with others.
Relationships are opportunities for growth and exploration and yet can be the sources of some of our most painful hurts and losses. Therapy itself is a relationship, and I aim to build one with clients that is authentic and healing. I help people who often feel like they're "too much" or "not enough" better understand themselves and connect with others.
I would consider myself an eclectic therapist who utilizes a combination of modalities in my work, from psychodynamic and existentialism to ACT, REBT, and DBT.
Art therapy can be used as a way to communicate things that cannot be verbalized. Neuroscience is finally catching up with what our ancestors and indigenous people have known for eons, art and ritual can facilitate lasting therapeutic change. Expression and creativity are human rights, even if you don't label yourself as "creative".
Together, we can utilize art and words to gain insight, express emotions, and deepen your journey of self discovery.
I would consider myself an eclectic therapist who utilizes a combination of modalities in my work, from psychodynamic and existentialism to ACT, REBT, and DBT.
Art therapy can be used as a way to communicate things that cannot be verbalized. Neuroscience is finally catching up with what our ancestors and indigenous people have known for eons, art and ritual can facilitate lasting therapeutic change. Expression and creativity are human rights, even if you don't label yourself as "creative".
Together, we can utilize art and words to gain insight, express emotions, and deepen your journey of self discovery.
I have a passion for creating therapeutic spaces for support and growth. My practice experience includes work with adults, children, adolescents, and families who are presently suffering with trauma, grief, relationship issues, divorce, parenting challenges, life transitions, depression, anxiety disorders and a wide array of life circumstances. As a seasoned psychotherapist, I blend compassion, intellectual insights, and current research to address you or your loved ones unique needs and create a space in which empowerment and hope may flourish. I welcome working with diverse clients collaboratively towards their goals.
I have a passion for creating therapeutic spaces for support and growth. My practice experience includes work with adults, children, adolescents, and families who are presently suffering with trauma, grief, relationship issues, divorce, parenting challenges, life transitions, depression, anxiety disorders and a wide array of life circumstances. As a seasoned psychotherapist, I blend compassion, intellectual insights, and current research to address you or your loved ones unique needs and create a space in which empowerment and hope may flourish. I welcome working with diverse clients collaboratively towards their goals.
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.
You’re someone who’s used to performing at a high level. You’re capable, driven, and often the one others rely on, but lately you may feel burned out, pressured, disconnected, or unsure why your success doesn’t feel as satisfying as it “should.” When identity becomes fused with performance, one of the hardest questions to face is: Who am I outside of achievement? My clients are thoughtful, achievement-oriented people who feel exhausted or misaligned despite their successes. Together, we develop a steadier internal foundation and build a more sustainable, values-centered relationship with ambition, competition, and success.
You’re someone who’s used to performing at a high level. You’re capable, driven, and often the one others rely on, but lately you may feel burned out, pressured, disconnected, or unsure why your success doesn’t feel as satisfying as it “should.” When identity becomes fused with performance, one of the hardest questions to face is: Who am I outside of achievement? My clients are thoughtful, achievement-oriented people who feel exhausted or misaligned despite their successes. Together, we develop a steadier internal foundation and build a more sustainable, values-centered relationship with ambition, competition, and success.
Dr. Ashly C Lawrence
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, PhD
1 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
I work as a relational therapist from a psychodynamic lens.
Do you find yourself struggling with depression, anxiety, stress and interpersonal relationships? Do you have a difficult time managing the balance between work and your personal life? Do you feel overwhelmed by the demands of life right now. As a therapist, I am adept at addressing these and other issues that cause distress. Individual therapy is a time for you to reconnect with yourself and build self-awareness in order to cultivate the life you wish to live. Therapy is a transformative process in which I help guide clients through supportive treatment interventions. I hope to help support you on your journey !
I work as a relational therapist from a psychodynamic lens.
Do you find yourself struggling with depression, anxiety, stress and interpersonal relationships? Do you have a difficult time managing the balance between work and your personal life? Do you feel overwhelmed by the demands of life right now. As a therapist, I am adept at addressing these and other issues that cause distress. Individual therapy is a time for you to reconnect with yourself and build self-awareness in order to cultivate the life you wish to live. Therapy is a transformative process in which I help guide clients through supportive treatment interventions. I hope to help support you on your journey !
I am is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Director of Adult Psychotherapy Services at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. I take an integrative and collaborative approach to therapy. I work with couples and adult individuals, specializing in difficult transitions to parenthood, dual-income couples and work-related issues. I center treatment around clients' strengths and goals, whether addressing daily life issues or more severe psychological concerns. My therapeutic practice is informed from my previous business career in corporate retail and management and working for privately held family businesses.
I am is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Director of Adult Psychotherapy Services at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. I take an integrative and collaborative approach to therapy. I work with couples and adult individuals, specializing in difficult transitions to parenthood, dual-income couples and work-related issues. I center treatment around clients' strengths and goals, whether addressing daily life issues or more severe psychological concerns. My therapeutic practice is informed from my previous business career in corporate retail and management and working for privately held family businesses.
As a licensed clinical professional counselor with over a decade of experience providing therapy and leadership in clinical settings, I have seen first-hand that the therapy experience is as diverse as the human experience. The exploration, acceptance, and integration of all parts of ourselves is difficult and a long process for those that are ready to pursue it. The payoff is the comfort that comes with knowing that your decisions and life are your own, not the work of lingering ghosts and dynamics we cannot yet see.
As a licensed clinical professional counselor with over a decade of experience providing therapy and leadership in clinical settings, I have seen first-hand that the therapy experience is as diverse as the human experience. The exploration, acceptance, and integration of all parts of ourselves is difficult and a long process for those that are ready to pursue it. The payoff is the comfort that comes with knowing that your decisions and life are your own, not the work of lingering ghosts and dynamics we cannot yet see.
She uses an eclectic approach that combines both psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral Treatment, with DBT skills based treatment and exposure therapy.
Emma Bulzoni, MA is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in the treatment of adolescents and adults with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma related disorders, and adjustment disorders. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Iowa. She holds a Masters degree in Counseling from Northwestern University, with a specialization in children and adolescents.
She uses an eclectic approach that combines both psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral Treatment, with DBT skills based treatment and exposure therapy.
Emma Bulzoni, MA is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in the treatment of adolescents and adults with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma related disorders, and adjustment disorders. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Iowa. She holds a Masters degree in Counseling from Northwestern University, with a specialization in children and adolescents.
Clark Halliday works with adults 18+ and emphasizes the importance of building a solid therapeutic relationship, using curiosity and empathy, and goal-oriented techniques in an effort to create a safe environment for exploring one's inner world. In person sessions are held in River North, just a few steps away from the Water Tower.
Clark Halliday works with adults 18+ and emphasizes the importance of building a solid therapeutic relationship, using curiosity and empathy, and goal-oriented techniques in an effort to create a safe environment for exploring one's inner world. In person sessions are held in River North, just a few steps away from the Water Tower.
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Nearby Searches for River North, Chicago
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Psychodynamic Therapists
Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?
Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.
How long does psychodynamic therapy last?
Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.
Does psychodynamic therapy work?
Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.
What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?
Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.