Psychodynamic Therapists in South Loop, Chicago, IL
See all therapists in South Loop, Chicago
Culturally Competent Therapy PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, NCC
Verified
Verified
Culturally Competent Therapy specializes in building trust and a therapeutic alliance with their clients, so they are prepared to do the work. Clients, often including licensed therapists, feel accepted to be themselves in a safe environment. Individualized tailored approaches include culturally sensitive cognitive-behavioral and
psychodynamic
approaches to treatment that may challenge the client's belief system. I enjoy helping clients of all backgrounds discover the root of their problems and understanding the value of cultural factors such as family, race, socio-economic status, work/career demands, and integration of faith.

Caira Schauer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
In sessions, I integrate methods from
psychodynamic
, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and strength-based therapies, as well as motivational interviewing, to meet you where you are.
It’s okay not to have your life together all the time. Often, we convince ourselves that there is a linear path to our goals; we may find ourselves ruminating on the past or so apprehensive about our futures that we can begin to feel frozen and unable to live in the present. Our inner dialogue can brainwash us into believing there is something wrong with who we are and that we deserve to be alone. As your therapist, my goal is to hold space for these feelings and reassure you: it’s okay to not be okay; you are still worthy of healing.

Aarin Fisher
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My
psychodynamic
approach will allow us to explore the root causes of your struggles.
There comes a point in all of our lives that we could use the help of a professional when we are lacking the proper tools for success. This is also true when seeking support for your mental health. Finding a mental health provider to assist you in finding better ways to cope and manage whatever you are struggling with is a brave move and this is the first big step in your journey toward mental wholeness.
Madeline M Muecke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified
Verified
Among my therapy approaches are
psychodynamic
, insight-oriented, strategic, structural,experiential, CBT, solution-focused, griefwork, intergenerational and EMDR (certified).
I work with adults affected by anxiety, abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, verbal), grief/loss, Major Depressive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorder, suicide of family member, co-worker or other, and women's issues. Experience: 30 + years in the psychiatry department of a major university clinic and 25 years of private practice. Wide range of therapies to offer the best "fit" for each client. My therapy approach is collaborative, interactive, strengths-based and focused on change. Former faculty member of The Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago (12 years.)

Kirstin Schafer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I utilize an integrative approach which includes
psychodynamic
, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Radically Open-Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and attachment based theories.
I work at SpringSource Psychological Center and am currently accepting new patients. I believe in connection as healing and will work to cocreate a space in which you feel seen and heard. I have a strong foundation in treating disordered eating and am committed to being a fat-positive, Health At Every Size informed clinician. As a queer-identified clinician, I am passionate about working in the LGBTQIA+ communities and helping folks explore their authentic selves. I am devoted to being keenly aware of the intersectionality of identity, and the systems of oppression that impact individual functioning.

Jane Qin Chen
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC
Verified
Verified
I specialize in
psychodynamic
, insight driven treatment for emotional difficulties or dissatisfaction in life, including depression, anxiety, repeated relationship difficulty, job burnout, trauma, grief, NPD, OCD, aging, emotional difficulty experienced by children of immigrants.
At some point in our lives we all experience the full force of life’s challenges. Sometimes the distress, pain, alienation or isolation is too intense for us to traverse life’s path alone. Yet, for many of us, asking for help or inviting others into our private world is equally difficult. I hope to convince you that therapy can help us understand conflicts underlying these challenges. Through insight, self-empowerment and enhanced emotional regulation, we can become more adaptive and begin to heal and grow in the face of challenges or transitions. Therapy can also help to cultivate a greater sense of meaning and purpose in our live.

Carey Rand
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I emphasize building strong, empathic therapeutic alliances with clients and utilize an integrationist and holistic approach, drawing heavily from
psychodynamic
principles and trauma-informed practice.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master's in Social Work from New York University with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health. In my clinical training and work, I have experience providing psychosocial services and therapy within both the New York City Public School and Public Hospital systems as well as a residential treatment school at the University of Chicago. I have years of experience working with clients ranging from early childhood to seniors and with a wide range of presenting problems including depression, anxiety, trauma, and psychosis symptoms.
Not accepting new clients

Rachel Kardon
Pre-Licensed Professional, EdS
It takes great courage to come to therapy, and the most important part of being a clinician is the therapeutic relationship I develop with my clients. I provide a space for individuals to feel safe, supported, and empowered to be their authentic selves. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities including:
Psychodynamic
Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Tesa Emmart
Counselor, MA, LCPC, LMHC, SEP, PMH-C
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
I am offering both virtual and in-person counseling services. I specialize in treating the issues that arise from unresolved trauma, difficult early life experiences, and perinatal trauma, anxiety and mood disorders. My goal is to support and empower my clients by using an integrative and collaborative stance, incorporating my background in
psychodynamic
psychotherapy with body-centered and mindfulness-based techniques. It is my hope that by equipping my clients with the skills to develop their own self-awareness, self-compassion, clarity, and peace, they can go on to experience more meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Not accepting new clients

Joanne Marengo
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified
Verified
Although each person's experiences provide a unique starting point for therapy, I tend to conduct psychotherapy using an empathic process informed by
psychodynamic
, interpersonal, and cognitive approaches.
(I currently am unable to take new patients). I work with individuals who feel anxious, sad, or are having difficulty in relationships, work, creativity, or with their physical well-being. I have worked extensively with individuals of many ages and backgrounds, including young adult, adult, and older adult men and women whose concerns surround issues of identity, grief/loss, low self-confidence, and painful inhibitions in success or fulfillment. I also work with individuals who are struggling with the effects of medical illness.
Not accepting new clients

Rebecca Goldstein
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified
Verified
I support and empower my clients to gain a deeper insight into themselves by incorporating my background in
psychodynamic
psychotherapy with body-centered and mindfulness techniques.
I am an advanced extern receiving my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. My undergraduate degree is in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and I often incorporate an intersectional feminist lens into treatment. My training experience includes assessment and therapy in a college counseling wellness center, and hospital-based outpatient therapy where I completed a rotation in the OB/GYN department working with pregnant women and new mothers. I have experience helping clients with a wide array of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and life transitions.
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Gia Scalise
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified
Verified
I incorporate a mixture of narrative therapy, systems theory, CBT & DBT skills, and
psychodynamic
approaches in my practice.
As a therapist and storyteller, I strongly believe that we are all the experts of our own stories. That being said, stories aren’t linear and they don't exist in a vacuum, so it can feel like someone else has taken up the pen during times of stress or emotional upheaval. Systems of power, privilege, and oppression, intersecting identities, cultural values, relationships, and the pressure of social norms can greatly affect the way in which we move through the world. My goal is to help you pick the pen back up, create a safe space for you to look at your experiences, and decide what role they will continue to play in your story.

Donna Teti
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Secondly, having accumulated experience working with three orientations,
psychodynamic
, cognitive-behavioral and behavioral, I am able to integrate these approaches in my practice.
In searching for a psychotherapist, it is likely that you have a specific problem in mind. When these problems intensify or linger for long periods of time, they can lead to symptoms of anxiety and/or depression which interfere with your quality of life and sense of well-being. If you are seeking help in overcoming these difficulties, there are two important factors to consider when choosing a therapist. First, it is important that, after a few visits with the therapist, you feel that there is potential to form a strong working alliance.

Kayla Sivesind
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
**I have daytime availability Monday-Friday and morning availability on Fridays.** I practice in an integrative fashion, combining aspects of
psychodynamic
, relational, cognitive-behavioral and existential perspectives. I view therapy as a collaborative process and work with my clients to help create and maintain a safe space to explore and interact with one's thoughts and feelings. I seek to help my clients live fully and authentically and see therapy as an opportunity to learn new ways of walking in the world that bring happiness and fulfillment.

Destinee Moore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Though I incorporate evidence based practice,
psychodynamic
psychotherapy, and other treatments into therapy; my primary treatment model is cognitive behavioral therapy.
Are you experiencing depression or sadness, but you don't know the cause? Do you get anxious or scared? Are you having trouble in your relationship, and you're unsure how to cope? I understand and I can help. I have experience in providing individual, couples, and group psychotherapy services largely to minorities, LGBTQ individuals, adults, and at risk youth dealing with mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. While this list is not all-inclusive, I also have extensive experience dealing with substance abuse/recovery, harm reduction, trauma, and chronic illnesses.
Waitlist for new clients

Cori R. Dixon-Fyle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Cori works and listens emphatically - blending keen mindfulness with
psychodynamic
and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) techniques.
Cori Dixon-Fyle is a psychotherapist with experience providing guidance and therapeutic services to individuals (infancy to elderly), couples, and families with a wide array of conditions. Cori's specialized work includes depression and anxiety, perfectionism, grief and loss, infertility, perinatal mental health, life transitions, health diagnoses adjustments and dating/relationship struggles. Prior to private practice, Cori gained experience in community mental health, early intervention, hospital-based social work and independent counseling practices.

Justin Runquist
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified
Verified
I practice an integrated model of therapy, informed by
psychodynamic
theory, motivational interviewing, emotion-focused work and third-wave cognitive behavioral approaches.
I believe in the enriching and transformative power of an authentically validating therapeutic relationship, one that is secure and trusting. My sincere goal is to create a connection with you that is collaborative, accepting, exploratory, honest and safe. Therapy has the ability to awaken us to be fully present in life. It helps us to know our stories, our patterns, our desires, our full and whole selves more deeply. This awareness inspires and creates growth, healing and change.

Briana Mitchell
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
As a first generation American with a multifaceted cultural background and personal identity, I understand just how unique every individual is. For this reason, I find it important to meet clients where they are at and create a supportive and safe space where they can be their true authentic selves. I use an integrative approach to therapy based in multicultural, person-centered, and
psychodynamic
frameworks. I enjoy using a narrative approach to empower clients to re-author their life story, make more informed choices, and create positive change that will help them to live in a way that reflects their true goals and values.

Jessie Marie O'Hara
Counselor, MSW
1 Endorsed
1 Endorsed
I practice using a
psychodynamic
theoretical approach.
I work with individuals navigating mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. I have experience working with a wide age range, spanning from adolescents to older adults. My clinical experience has included supporting people experiencing relationship issues, life-stage transitions, and negative self-talk. Being a daughter of immigrants, I have a special interest in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds within the BIPOC/AAPI communities. If you are truly willing to put in work to better yourself, I am willing to provide a space for your growth journey.

Danielle Bertini
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC, MA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Although I practice through a foundation of
psychodynamic
therapy, I believe that every client is unique and needs something different from the therapeutic process.
I am currently accepting new clients! I believe that the therapeutic relationship is at the crux of change. Through this lens, I offer a safe, warm, and empathic space for clients to explore their inner world. Counseling is not just for those experiencing a life crisis or a current difficulty—counseling is an opportunity to learn new skills, gain new insights, and position oneself for increased health and wellness.
See more therapy options for ,
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.