Emotionally Focused Therapists in Chicago, IL
Wendi Lev, LCSW, ACSW, CADC-Lev Counseling Chicago
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW, CADC
Chicago, IL 60602
Waitlist for new clients
Build tools based on CBT, ACT, DBT, psychodynamic, the Gottman Method & EFT couples counseling.
Change is possible, no matter how daunting the present may seem. Let me help you become a better version of yourself.
Are you who you hoped to be at this stage in life? Are you facing challenges in relationships, work, self-worth, or navigating a breakup or divorce? Do you often feel overwhelmed, stressed, tense, or stuck? Instead, consider this: Are you ready to feel empowered and thrive? Therapy can help you increase self-awareness, regulate emotions, set boundaries, navigate conflict, break unhealthy patterns, and create positive, lasting change. Live better with confidence. I look forward to hearing your story.
Build tools based on CBT, ACT, DBT, psychodynamic, the Gottman Method & EFT couples counseling.
Change is possible, no matter how daunting the present may seem. Let me help you become a better version of yourself.
Are you who you hoped to be at this stage in life? Are you facing challenges in relationships, work, self-worth, or navigating a breakup or divorce? Do you often feel overwhelmed, stressed, tense, or stuck? Instead, consider this: Are you ready to feel empowered and thrive? Therapy can help you increase self-awareness, regulate emotions, set boundaries, navigate conflict, break unhealthy patterns, and create positive, lasting change. Live better with confidence. I look forward to hearing your story.
It is not always easy to reach out to a stranger for help, yet you know you are ready to make a change in your life. My focus is on helping clients by understanding systemic or external factors that may impact your relationship with yourself and others. With that understanding we then work together to use that understanding to influence how we treat ourselves and engage the world around us.
It is not always easy to reach out to a stranger for help, yet you know you are ready to make a change in your life. My focus is on helping clients by understanding systemic or external factors that may impact your relationship with yourself and others. With that understanding we then work together to use that understanding to influence how we treat ourselves and engage the world around us.
I primarily use Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness, among other approaches, in my work with couples and individuals.
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.
I primarily use Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness, among other approaches, in my work with couples and individuals.
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.
I draw from psychoanalytic psychotherapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), the Gottman Method, and relational approaches.
Thoughtful, self-aware, and often hard on yourself, you may feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, emotional overwhelm, depression, or relationship struggles that seem hard to shift. Beneath it all is a longing for deeper self-trust, emotional freedom, and stronger, healthier relationships. Therapy offers more than symptom relief-it provides a path to true healing through an intentional, in-depth, insight-oriented relationship where you feel seen, understood, and supported.
I draw from psychoanalytic psychotherapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), the Gottman Method, and relational approaches.
Thoughtful, self-aware, and often hard on yourself, you may feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, emotional overwhelm, depression, or relationship struggles that seem hard to shift. Beneath it all is a longing for deeper self-trust, emotional freedom, and stronger, healthier relationships. Therapy offers more than symptom relief-it provides a path to true healing through an intentional, in-depth, insight-oriented relationship where you feel seen, understood, and supported.
As an integrative therapist, much of my work is rooted in EFT, ACT, and IFS therapy models, and also emphasizes the mind-body connection as a basis for healing.
I am passionate about working with individuals, couples, and families who are seeking greater self understanding, meaning, and connection in their lives. My hope is to build a relationship with you that is personal, genuine, and centers your needs and goals; whether that is related to stressors and worries, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, and more. This foundation can allow us to recognize what patterns, cycles, and blocks you might be facing, what change can look like going forward, and how to achieve that.
As an integrative therapist, much of my work is rooted in EFT, ACT, and IFS therapy models, and also emphasizes the mind-body connection as a basis for healing.
I am passionate about working with individuals, couples, and families who are seeking greater self understanding, meaning, and connection in their lives. My hope is to build a relationship with you that is personal, genuine, and centers your needs and goals; whether that is related to stressors and worries, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, and more. This foundation can allow us to recognize what patterns, cycles, and blocks you might be facing, what change can look like going forward, and how to achieve that.
My therapeutic approach is holistic and trauma-informed, integrating a psychodynamic foundation with additional evidence-based interventions as needed, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, emotionally focused therapy ( EFT), and internal family systems (IFS).
I believe that the most healing aspect of therapy is the positive, safe relationship that forms between counselor and client. I specialize in supporting clients who experience Eating Disorders, Body Image, Anxiety, Aging, Self-Esteem, Mood Disorders, Pregnancy & Postpartum support, Familial Conflict/Relationships, Trauma, Identity Navigation, Inner-Child Work, Life Transitions, Self-Esteem, and more. I particularly enjoy working with Adolescents (13+), Adults, and Couples, and offer both individual and couples counseling services.
My therapeutic approach is holistic and trauma-informed, integrating a psychodynamic foundation with additional evidence-based interventions as needed, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, emotionally focused therapy ( EFT), and internal family systems (IFS).
I believe that the most healing aspect of therapy is the positive, safe relationship that forms between counselor and client. I specialize in supporting clients who experience Eating Disorders, Body Image, Anxiety, Aging, Self-Esteem, Mood Disorders, Pregnancy & Postpartum support, Familial Conflict/Relationships, Trauma, Identity Navigation, Inner-Child Work, Life Transitions, Self-Esteem, and more. I particularly enjoy working with Adolescents (13+), Adults, and Couples, and offer both individual and couples counseling services.
I integrate evidence-based therapies, including ACT, CBT, EFT, mindfulness, and somatic therapy, tailoring each session to your specific goals.
Hello, I'm Amanda, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist whose practice is affirming, strengths-based, and rooted in an anti-oppressive framework. I believe in your innate capacity for healing, and I'm here to support you on your path. I specialize in helping adults navigate the complexities of anxiety, depression, trauma (including PTSD and C-PTSD), ADHD, stress, grief and loss, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I help individuals find practical, tailored approaches to overcome challenges, recognize their unique strengths, and build self-compassion.
I integrate evidence-based therapies, including ACT, CBT, EFT, mindfulness, and somatic therapy, tailoring each session to your specific goals.
Hello, I'm Amanda, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist whose practice is affirming, strengths-based, and rooted in an anti-oppressive framework. I believe in your innate capacity for healing, and I'm here to support you on your path. I specialize in helping adults navigate the complexities of anxiety, depression, trauma (including PTSD and C-PTSD), ADHD, stress, grief and loss, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I help individuals find practical, tailored approaches to overcome challenges, recognize their unique strengths, and build self-compassion.
My approach is mostly eclectic, although I focus heavily on Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
Are you struggling with your relationship? Do you feel distant from your partner? I help couples and relationships find peace by fostering communication, managing conflict, and rebuilding the foundations of the union that are vital to the success of any relationship. Your goals for your relationship are my goals for your relationship! I work with clients from all backgrounds, including traditional and non-traditional relationships, as well as LGBTQIA+.
My expert commentary is featured in: Vogue, Forbes Health, Fatherly, The Knot, Everyday Health, and AskMen!
My approach is mostly eclectic, although I focus heavily on Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
Are you struggling with your relationship? Do you feel distant from your partner? I help couples and relationships find peace by fostering communication, managing conflict, and rebuilding the foundations of the union that are vital to the success of any relationship. Your goals for your relationship are my goals for your relationship! I work with clients from all backgrounds, including traditional and non-traditional relationships, as well as LGBTQIA+.
My expert commentary is featured in: Vogue, Forbes Health, Fatherly, The Knot, Everyday Health, and AskMen!
I often use EFT, ACT, SFT, CBT, DBT, IFS, and polyvagal theory.
You're here because you have made the immensely difficult decision to ask for help, and you've come to the right place. Maybe life feels incredibly overwhelming and is moving too fast, or the opposite - you feel stuck and it feels like nothing is moving you forward. Are you experiencing day-to-day difficulties, identity issues, distress related to past trauma, family/relational conflict, or struggles related to medical or health concerns? You may be looking for relief, acceptance, support, skills, or something else. All with the human intention of living a fulfilling life with the ability to move through challenges.
I often use EFT, ACT, SFT, CBT, DBT, IFS, and polyvagal theory.
You're here because you have made the immensely difficult decision to ask for help, and you've come to the right place. Maybe life feels incredibly overwhelming and is moving too fast, or the opposite - you feel stuck and it feels like nothing is moving you forward. Are you experiencing day-to-day difficulties, identity issues, distress related to past trauma, family/relational conflict, or struggles related to medical or health concerns? You may be looking for relief, acceptance, support, skills, or something else. All with the human intention of living a fulfilling life with the ability to move through challenges.
I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) to help clients feel empowered, improve their relationships, and work on providing themselves with the kindness and care they deserve.
Healing is an imperfect process, but it is in that imperfection that we find real opportunity for growth, connection, and change. As a therapist, I strive to create these opportunities for clients as I believe we find strength and hope when we are true to ourselves. When we learn to sit with discomfort and difficult emotions, we can gain new perspectives and insights towards making lasting change. I use a relational, authentic approach to create a warm, safe environment for clients. I believe therapy should be collaborative, and I work to provide clients with the space to share their stories.
I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) to help clients feel empowered, improve their relationships, and work on providing themselves with the kindness and care they deserve.
Healing is an imperfect process, but it is in that imperfection that we find real opportunity for growth, connection, and change. As a therapist, I strive to create these opportunities for clients as I believe we find strength and hope when we are true to ourselves. When we learn to sit with discomfort and difficult emotions, we can gain new perspectives and insights towards making lasting change. I use a relational, authentic approach to create a warm, safe environment for clients. I believe therapy should be collaborative, and I work to provide clients with the space to share their stories.
I do, however draw a lot of my approach from cognitive behavioral therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and mindfulness based approaches.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. As a therapist, I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for emotional exploration and expansion where you can feel both heard and validated. My focus is primarily with adolescents and adults, inclusive of individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and/or stress from daily life challenges and changes. I feel it is important to know that all of who you are is welcome here.
I do, however draw a lot of my approach from cognitive behavioral therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and mindfulness based approaches.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. As a therapist, I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for emotional exploration and expansion where you can feel both heard and validated. My focus is primarily with adolescents and adults, inclusive of individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and/or stress from daily life challenges and changes. I feel it is important to know that all of who you are is welcome here.
I draw from a range of therapeutic modalities, including Attachment Theory, EMDR, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
As a counselor specializing in trauma, grief, life transitions, and couples therapy, I am committed to providing compassionate and effective support to individuals and couples navigating through challenging experiences. My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, empathy, and a deep understanding of the complexities of human emotions and relationships. I believe in the inherent resilience and capacity for growth within each individual and couple. I am committed to supporting my clients on their journey toward healing, growth, and personal fulfillment.
I draw from a range of therapeutic modalities, including Attachment Theory, EMDR, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
As a counselor specializing in trauma, grief, life transitions, and couples therapy, I am committed to providing compassionate and effective support to individuals and couples navigating through challenging experiences. My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, empathy, and a deep understanding of the complexities of human emotions and relationships. I believe in the inherent resilience and capacity for growth within each individual and couple. I am committed to supporting my clients on their journey toward healing, growth, and personal fulfillment.
I have advanced training in EMDR, EFT / EFIT & also use inner child work, ACT, lifestyle changes, mindfulness, & faith integration.
I'm honored to immerse myself in your story. Are you feeling shut down, stuck, or isolated? Are you overwhelmed by your emotions and anxious? I will create a space that is warm, non-judging, and compassionate for exploration, risks, & growth. Let's work together to discover more of who you were created to be! I believe you are the expert on your life & already carry inside what you need to heal. I will come alongside you to help draw that out. It is my priority to see you fully so we can journey through your pain towards your healing, freedom, & purposeful living. There's more to life than just trying to survive.
I have advanced training in EMDR, EFT / EFIT & also use inner child work, ACT, lifestyle changes, mindfulness, & faith integration.
I'm honored to immerse myself in your story. Are you feeling shut down, stuck, or isolated? Are you overwhelmed by your emotions and anxious? I will create a space that is warm, non-judging, and compassionate for exploration, risks, & growth. Let's work together to discover more of who you were created to be! I believe you are the expert on your life & already carry inside what you need to heal. I will come alongside you to help draw that out. It is my priority to see you fully so we can journey through your pain towards your healing, freedom, & purposeful living. There's more to life than just trying to survive.
I take an emotionally focused approach where we decipher your patterns, together.
I work with couples, families and individuals to provide a systemic approach to healing. Everyone deserves to feel seen and heard and sometimes we need a little help with that. I believe family and couples therapy is a place where you can explore yourself, your past, your relationships and grow into the relationships you want. I approach every client with warmth, a little humor, acceptance and compassion. I firmly believe in working collaboratively with clients to help you identify the patterns in your relationships and life that are no longer working for you, and assist you in breaking those patterns.
I take an emotionally focused approach where we decipher your patterns, together.
I work with couples, families and individuals to provide a systemic approach to healing. Everyone deserves to feel seen and heard and sometimes we need a little help with that. I believe family and couples therapy is a place where you can explore yourself, your past, your relationships and grow into the relationships you want. I approach every client with warmth, a little humor, acceptance and compassion. I firmly believe in working collaboratively with clients to help you identify the patterns in your relationships and life that are no longer working for you, and assist you in breaking those patterns.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed? Does it sometimes feel like your to-do list is never ending no matter how many things you cross off? I help clients experience a sense of “légèreté”—feeling lighter and freer in their lives. I create a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients reconnect with their inner knowing, gain clarity, and feel empowered to express their needs and desires.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed? Does it sometimes feel like your to-do list is never ending no matter how many things you cross off? I help clients experience a sense of “légèreté”—feeling lighter and freer in their lives. I create a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients reconnect with their inner knowing, gain clarity, and feel empowered to express their needs and desires.
I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy whether with individuals, couples or families as we are emotional beings, and understanding the impact of our emotions is essential in to understanding our relational experiences.
As an individual, family and couple therapist I work with clients who struggle with a range of symptoms that impact their daily functioning in relationships with themselves and others. I value a relational perspective and understand that the human experience is not meant for isolation. Maladaptive coping can leave us feeling disconnected and lonely. We are a part of many systems in our lives and struggling in one area can bleed into others. I work with clients to create connection and meaning in the human experience in order to show up in their relationships as the most authentic version of themselves.
I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy whether with individuals, couples or families as we are emotional beings, and understanding the impact of our emotions is essential in to understanding our relational experiences.
As an individual, family and couple therapist I work with clients who struggle with a range of symptoms that impact their daily functioning in relationships with themselves and others. I value a relational perspective and understand that the human experience is not meant for isolation. Maladaptive coping can leave us feeling disconnected and lonely. We are a part of many systems in our lives and struggling in one area can bleed into others. I work with clients to create connection and meaning in the human experience in order to show up in their relationships as the most authentic version of themselves.
I'm EMDR and EFT trained & recently taught a graduate course at Adler University on Perinatal Mental Health.
My specialties are in couple's issues, anxiety, depression, grief and loss (particularly partner, parent, or child loss), chronic or terminal illness, as well as infertility and postpartum mood disorders. I enjoy working with infidelity, identity issues, and folks facing midlife crisis concerns (they are VERY real!). I especially enjoy treating issues related to parenting, including the complex demands placed on parents of disabled children.
My first book, How to Handle More Than You Can Handle: Caring for Yourself While Parenting a Disabled Child, is coming out June 10th, 2025 with Workman Publishing.
I'm EMDR and EFT trained & recently taught a graduate course at Adler University on Perinatal Mental Health.
My specialties are in couple's issues, anxiety, depression, grief and loss (particularly partner, parent, or child loss), chronic or terminal illness, as well as infertility and postpartum mood disorders. I enjoy working with infidelity, identity issues, and folks facing midlife crisis concerns (they are VERY real!). I especially enjoy treating issues related to parenting, including the complex demands placed on parents of disabled children.
My first book, How to Handle More Than You Can Handle: Caring for Yourself While Parenting a Disabled Child, is coming out June 10th, 2025 with Workman Publishing.
I have advanced training in EFT, one of the most effective couples approaches validated by research.
For the past 15+ years, I have had the pleasure of helping individuals and couples find relief from life's stressors. I work with a wide range of concerns and am especially effective with life transitions, depression, anxiety, relationship, LGBTQ, grief, and family stressors. I aim to provide a safe, supportive, confidential space to help you deepen your self-understanding, change problematic patterns, and enhance self-esteem. As a feminist and multicultural therapist, I am also sensitive to the ways oppression/marginalization affect wellbeing. I welcome clients from all identities, and around half my caseload are people of color.
I have advanced training in EFT, one of the most effective couples approaches validated by research.
For the past 15+ years, I have had the pleasure of helping individuals and couples find relief from life's stressors. I work with a wide range of concerns and am especially effective with life transitions, depression, anxiety, relationship, LGBTQ, grief, and family stressors. I aim to provide a safe, supportive, confidential space to help you deepen your self-understanding, change problematic patterns, and enhance self-esteem. As a feminist and multicultural therapist, I am also sensitive to the ways oppression/marginalization affect wellbeing. I welcome clients from all identities, and around half my caseload are people of color.
I'm specialized in utilizing EFT (Emotion Focused Therapy), attachment-focused EMDR to help client process past trauma and manage current symptoms.
I'm passionate about supporting different generations of Asian immigrants, multicultural individuals, and other marginalized populations to deal with life challenges including trauma, complex trauma, intergenerational conflicts, self-esteem issues, life transitions, acculturation, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, stress, grief, and other issues. I work mostly with different generations of immigrants, multicultural individuals, and other marginalized communities.
I'm specialized in utilizing EFT (Emotion Focused Therapy), attachment-focused EMDR to help client process past trauma and manage current symptoms.
I'm passionate about supporting different generations of Asian immigrants, multicultural individuals, and other marginalized populations to deal with life challenges including trauma, complex trauma, intergenerational conflicts, self-esteem issues, life transitions, acculturation, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, stress, grief, and other issues. I work mostly with different generations of immigrants, multicultural individuals, and other marginalized communities.
She utilizes interventions from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Bowen Family Systems Theory, the Gottman Method, and offers psychoeducation.
Prior to working at Lakeview Therapy Group, Sarah served community mental health populations in Chicago and South Florida. She has worked with youth and their families, individuals, and couples.
She utilizes interventions from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Bowen Family Systems Theory, the Gottman Method, and offers psychoeducation.
Prior to working at Lakeview Therapy Group, Sarah served community mental health populations in Chicago and South Florida. She has worked with youth and their families, individuals, and couples.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Emotionally Focused Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Cicero
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Lincolnwood
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Riverside
Emotionally Focused Therapists
Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.