Psychoanalytic Therapists in Chicago, IL
Relationships and systems can be as uplifting and liberating as much as they can be minimizing and painful. Humans have a beautiful tendency to feel a lot of things which can lead to issues in communication, understanding, anxiety, and depression but it is our capacity to develop relationships with these different parts of ourselves through curiosity, compassion, and empathy that help us heal. Therapy is a way to find our interconnected parts and how we relate to ourselves and others.
Relationships and systems can be as uplifting and liberating as much as they can be minimizing and painful. Humans have a beautiful tendency to feel a lot of things which can lead to issues in communication, understanding, anxiety, and depression but it is our capacity to develop relationships with these different parts of ourselves through curiosity, compassion, and empathy that help us heal. Therapy is a way to find our interconnected parts and how we relate to ourselves and others.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience specializing in insight-oriented, psychodynamic therapy. My clients often seek a deeper understanding of themselves, their attachment style, family & relationship dynamics, and how to making meaning in their life. Often, symptoms are a sign that something deeper seeks to be understood. By understanding ourselves, we can cultivate the capacity to live authentically through understanding these patterns and how they came to be.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience specializing in insight-oriented, psychodynamic therapy. My clients often seek a deeper understanding of themselves, their attachment style, family & relationship dynamics, and how to making meaning in their life. Often, symptoms are a sign that something deeper seeks to be understood. By understanding ourselves, we can cultivate the capacity to live authentically through understanding these patterns and how they came to be.
Each of us is our own, unique universe, existing in a multiverse of connection with others. I am particularly attuned to how you and I connect, what patterns are created, what barriers exist, and what are the costs and benefits to you of maintaining or changing those. I am keenly aware how each of us is situated in a larger world of social relations, privilege, and oppression, and how those influence who we are. Through understanding and compassion, I can help you realize a more fulfilling, peaceful relationship with yourself and more satisfying relationships with others.
Each of us is our own, unique universe, existing in a multiverse of connection with others. I am particularly attuned to how you and I connect, what patterns are created, what barriers exist, and what are the costs and benefits to you of maintaining or changing those. I am keenly aware how each of us is situated in a larger world of social relations, privilege, and oppression, and how those influence who we are. Through understanding and compassion, I can help you realize a more fulfilling, peaceful relationship with yourself and more satisfying relationships with others.
I practice interpersonal psychoanalytic psychotherapy, which means I learn about you by examining your relationships while gaining insight as to how you relate to the world and yourself.
My education includes an undergraduate degree in Visual and Critical Studies from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Chicago. Before becoming a psychotherapist, I worked for nine years in an expressive art studio for intellectually disabled and neurodivergent adults.
I practice interpersonal psychoanalytic psychotherapy, which means I learn about you by examining your relationships while gaining insight as to how you relate to the world and yourself.
My education includes an undergraduate degree in Visual and Critical Studies from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Chicago. Before becoming a psychotherapist, I worked for nine years in an expressive art studio for intellectually disabled and neurodivergent adults.
Change really is possible, both in terms of symptom relief as well as deeper, life long patterns and dynamics. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I will work with you as an active participant in your treatment. Together, we will gain insight into both the overt, and at times less obvious, factors which impact your quality of life. In addition, I will help you learn concrete techniques to better manage problematic symptoms and dynamics.
Change really is possible, both in terms of symptom relief as well as deeper, life long patterns and dynamics. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I will work with you as an active participant in your treatment. Together, we will gain insight into both the overt, and at times less obvious, factors which impact your quality of life. In addition, I will help you learn concrete techniques to better manage problematic symptoms and dynamics.
I am a relational psychotherapist who works alongside clients to help them feel more at home in themselves. My work centers somatic awareness and draws from a range of modalities grounded in acceptance, curiosity, and support for navigating intense emotions.
I am a relational psychotherapist who works alongside clients to help them feel more at home in themselves. My work centers somatic awareness and draws from a range of modalities grounded in acceptance, curiosity, and support for navigating intense emotions.
Thank you for your interest in my services. Choosing an appropriate therapist is often experienced as a daunting task. I appreciate how difficult initiating the psychotherapy process can be. I am committed to establishing an open and collaborative therapeutic relationship with you, and offer a safe, nonjudgmental, supportive environment for growth and change. I work with individuals and couples to find solutions to a wide range of life challenges and to change the pattern that no longer works. As a psychotherapist, I recognize that each course of treatment is subjective and unique.
Thank you for your interest in my services. Choosing an appropriate therapist is often experienced as a daunting task. I appreciate how difficult initiating the psychotherapy process can be. I am committed to establishing an open and collaborative therapeutic relationship with you, and offer a safe, nonjudgmental, supportive environment for growth and change. I work with individuals and couples to find solutions to a wide range of life challenges and to change the pattern that no longer works. As a psychotherapist, I recognize that each course of treatment is subjective and unique.
LYFE {Love Yourself First Everyday} LLC Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I understand life can be challenging and we All need an outlet. Therefore, my primary goal as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) / NCC is to create a safe environment that allows my clients to address issues that may be preventing them from living their life to its fullest potential. I meet my clients where they are and build positive rapport and great connections that helps move them closer to becoming a better version of themselves. I focus on the challenging issues my clients are experiencing and together we set goals and interventions. The WHY my clients are seeking counseling is the WHAT tools I use to assist them.
I understand life can be challenging and we All need an outlet. Therefore, my primary goal as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) / NCC is to create a safe environment that allows my clients to address issues that may be preventing them from living their life to its fullest potential. I meet my clients where they are and build positive rapport and great connections that helps move them closer to becoming a better version of themselves. I focus on the challenging issues my clients are experiencing and together we set goals and interventions. The WHY my clients are seeking counseling is the WHAT tools I use to assist them.
The most common phrase I hear when I ask new clients to describe themselves is "not good enough." As a result of invalidating life experiences, many of us come to believe that we are unworthy of acceptance. In order to avoid potential rejection, we conceal aspects of our identities that others might view as unacceptable, and we present a fragmented or incomplete version of ourselves to the world. While this can be advantageous in some environments, it also can become a barrier to intimacy. Many of my clients struggle to be vulnerable and find it challenging to embrace their full, authentic selves.
The most common phrase I hear when I ask new clients to describe themselves is "not good enough." As a result of invalidating life experiences, many of us come to believe that we are unworthy of acceptance. In order to avoid potential rejection, we conceal aspects of our identities that others might view as unacceptable, and we present a fragmented or incomplete version of ourselves to the world. While this can be advantageous in some environments, it also can become a barrier to intimacy. Many of my clients struggle to be vulnerable and find it challenging to embrace their full, authentic selves.
My specialty is working with couples, adults, and families, who have the desire to learn and grow. I welcome clients of diverse backgrounds, as my practice is inclusive. My specialties and experiences are but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anger management, and various sources of trauma. By working together to identify your unique needs, the source of distress, and what’s perpetuating the problem, I will help you develop the tools to overcome seemingly insurmountable situations.
My specialty is working with couples, adults, and families, who have the desire to learn and grow. I welcome clients of diverse backgrounds, as my practice is inclusive. My specialties and experiences are but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anger management, and various sources of trauma. By working together to identify your unique needs, the source of distress, and what’s perpetuating the problem, I will help you develop the tools to overcome seemingly insurmountable situations.
I am a warm, flexible, thoughtful and experienced licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and psychoanalyst located just north Chicago's Loop. I establish supportive and comfortable therapeutic relationships with individuals and couples. Sessions are customized to the unique needs, goals, and strengths of each client. Typical challenges include the following: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, work difficulties, grief or loss, relationship issues or patterns, substance or alcohol abuse, divorce, parenting, stress management, painful emotional symptoms, personality disorders, and renewing hope.
I am a warm, flexible, thoughtful and experienced licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and psychoanalyst located just north Chicago's Loop. I establish supportive and comfortable therapeutic relationships with individuals and couples. Sessions are customized to the unique needs, goals, and strengths of each client. Typical challenges include the following: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, work difficulties, grief or loss, relationship issues or patterns, substance or alcohol abuse, divorce, parenting, stress management, painful emotional symptoms, personality disorders, and renewing hope.
To me, therapy is about seeking wholeness; it is a journey of more fully integrating our minds, bodies, & souls. Many of us live trapped in patterns & scripts that weigh us down & that keep us from living full, authentic lives. As a trauma therapist (& former spiritual director), I take into consideration the whole person, noting that past or ongoing traumas, wounds, & injustices shape the way we understand and engage with ourselves and the world. I help clients draw connections between formative past experiences & current ones in order to identify & shift those relational patterns & ongoing struggles.
To me, therapy is about seeking wholeness; it is a journey of more fully integrating our minds, bodies, & souls. Many of us live trapped in patterns & scripts that weigh us down & that keep us from living full, authentic lives. As a trauma therapist (& former spiritual director), I take into consideration the whole person, noting that past or ongoing traumas, wounds, & injustices shape the way we understand and engage with ourselves and the world. I help clients draw connections between formative past experiences & current ones in order to identify & shift those relational patterns & ongoing struggles.
Do you have a desire to grow, heal, and find a deeper sense of inner freedom? I have received special training in substance use disorders, process addictions, and navigating the long-term addiction recovery process. My specialties also include depression, anxiety, relationship issues, navigating life transitions, compulsive behaviors, Veterans’ issues, PTSD, complex trauma, childhood trauma, sexual trauma, domestic abuse, and post-incarceration adjustment. Working from a psychodynamic perspective allows me to help you explore how multiple issues are interrelated, often stemming from the same root unresolved conflicts.
Do you have a desire to grow, heal, and find a deeper sense of inner freedom? I have received special training in substance use disorders, process addictions, and navigating the long-term addiction recovery process. My specialties also include depression, anxiety, relationship issues, navigating life transitions, compulsive behaviors, Veterans’ issues, PTSD, complex trauma, childhood trauma, sexual trauma, domestic abuse, and post-incarceration adjustment. Working from a psychodynamic perspective allows me to help you explore how multiple issues are interrelated, often stemming from the same root unresolved conflicts.
My approach is depth-oriented and relational, drawing from psychoanalytic and mind-body perspectives.
You may be high-functioning on the outside, yet privately feel anxious, stuck in repeating patterns, or exhausted by your own mind. Dating, conflict with a partner, or becoming a parent may bring up old wounds, while intrusive thoughts or high personal standards make it hard to relax. I work with older teens and adults, both individuals and couples, who are seeking insight and relief. Therapy can offer a warm, reflective space to slow down, explore these experiences, and begin creating new patterns that feel more connected, balanced, and alive.
My approach is depth-oriented and relational, drawing from psychoanalytic and mind-body perspectives.
You may be high-functioning on the outside, yet privately feel anxious, stuck in repeating patterns, or exhausted by your own mind. Dating, conflict with a partner, or becoming a parent may bring up old wounds, while intrusive thoughts or high personal standards make it hard to relax. I work with older teens and adults, both individuals and couples, who are seeking insight and relief. Therapy can offer a warm, reflective space to slow down, explore these experiences, and begin creating new patterns that feel more connected, balanced, and alive.
Hi there, welcome! My name is Stefani. I specialize in maternal mental health/women's wellness. I have a strong passion for working with moms as they navigate through the many transitional periods of motherhood, and have spent a majority of my professional career working with women as they navigate the perinatal and postnatal periods of motherhood. I received my Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International. In addition to working with moms, I enjoy working with all women to help them cope with life stressors & symptoms related to depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mood disturbances.
Hi there, welcome! My name is Stefani. I specialize in maternal mental health/women's wellness. I have a strong passion for working with moms as they navigate through the many transitional periods of motherhood, and have spent a majority of my professional career working with women as they navigate the perinatal and postnatal periods of motherhood. I received my Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International. In addition to working with moms, I enjoy working with all women to help them cope with life stressors & symptoms related to depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mood disturbances.
Hello there! I would love to hear from you about what's going on, and I think I can help. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor specializing in child, adolescent, adult, family, and couples psychotherapy. I provide treatment for psychological and emotional issues using an integrative Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) approach combined with a psychodynamic perspective. During crisis, it is important for my clients to have the skills to gracefully endure their suffering (the DBT component)--all the while keeping in mind the harder to see big picture where deeper issues occur at an unconscious level (the psychodynamic component).
Hello there! I would love to hear from you about what's going on, and I think I can help. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor specializing in child, adolescent, adult, family, and couples psychotherapy. I provide treatment for psychological and emotional issues using an integrative Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) approach combined with a psychodynamic perspective. During crisis, it is important for my clients to have the skills to gracefully endure their suffering (the DBT component)--all the while keeping in mind the harder to see big picture where deeper issues occur at an unconscious level (the psychodynamic component).
I work with people who want to deeply understand themselves, create more meaningful connections with others, and learn new ways of coping with pain and life's challenges. Many people seek therapy because they are dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD and the effects of trauma, and relationship challenges. But often, those are broad terms for more subtle issues—dissatisfaction, stuckness, loneliness, feeling lost, or experiencing difficult feelings about oneself or others. Whatever your specific concern, therapy can promote growth, change, and more freedom in your life.
I work with people who want to deeply understand themselves, create more meaningful connections with others, and learn new ways of coping with pain and life's challenges. Many people seek therapy because they are dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD and the effects of trauma, and relationship challenges. But often, those are broad terms for more subtle issues—dissatisfaction, stuckness, loneliness, feeling lost, or experiencing difficult feelings about oneself or others. Whatever your specific concern, therapy can promote growth, change, and more freedom in your life.
Feeling overwhelmed by the noise of the world—tethered to devices, overstimulated, and weighed down by anxiety or uncertainty about your place in life? We all long for clarity, direction, and a sense of calm within ourselves. Together, we work to quiet the external chaos, heal from what feels heavy, and strengthen your ability to move forward with resilience and self-trust.
Feeling overwhelmed by the noise of the world—tethered to devices, overstimulated, and weighed down by anxiety or uncertainty about your place in life? We all long for clarity, direction, and a sense of calm within ourselves. Together, we work to quiet the external chaos, heal from what feels heavy, and strengthen your ability to move forward with resilience and self-trust.
I am a Training and Supervising Psychoanalyst on the faculty of the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute and I welcome individual adults whom are questioning why their attempts to improve the quality of their life is not working.
My approach to treatment begins with a trusting relationship. I offer my years of experience and training to assist my clients to deepen the understanding of their mind and emotional development. Self understanding that improves a client's ability to love and work creatively is always the goal.
I am a Training and Supervising Psychoanalyst on the faculty of the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute and I welcome individual adults whom are questioning why their attempts to improve the quality of their life is not working.
My approach to treatment begins with a trusting relationship. I offer my years of experience and training to assist my clients to deepen the understanding of their mind and emotional development. Self understanding that improves a client's ability to love and work creatively is always the goal.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling with anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma? Life transitions, stress, and emotional challenges can make everyday life feel heavy and isolating—but support is available. I provide compassionate, trauma-informed therapy in a judgment-free space where you can feel truly heard and understood. Together, we’ll explore what’s holding you back and create a personalized plan to restore balance, manage stress, and improve your overall well-being.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling with anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma? Life transitions, stress, and emotional challenges can make everyday life feel heavy and isolating—but support is available. I provide compassionate, trauma-informed therapy in a judgment-free space where you can feel truly heard and understood. Together, we’ll explore what’s holding you back and create a personalized plan to restore balance, manage stress, and improve your overall well-being.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Psychoanalytic Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Cicero
- Evergreen Park
- Forest Park
- La Grange
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Lincolnwood
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Skokie
Psychoanalytic Therapists
Does psychoanalytic therapy work?
Psychoanalytic therapy derives from the work of Sigmund Freud. In this type of therapy, discovering buried thoughts and emotions from the unconscious will help a person work through their difficulties and negative behaviors. Research shows that psychoanalytic therapy can be highly effective, with patients reporting improvement in mood, quality of life, and overall well-being.
How long are people typically in psychoanalytic therapy?
Traditional psychoanalysis is in-depth and is conducted in five sessions every week. Today, modern psychoanalytic therapy is less intense and normally incorporates as few as one or two sessions a week. In some cases, positive change can occur quickly. However, if the condition, difficulty, or behavior is deep-seated, improvement may require many months or years of therapy.
Is psychoanalytic therapy suitable for young people?
Children and adolescents can benefit from this type of therapy. Many kids and teens are often unable to form and communicate their thoughts and emotions. Psychoanalytic therapy uses specific techniques such as dream analysis, symbolism, and free association or word association; all of which can be useful tools for less-communicative young people. Through this therapy, a patient will hopefully make connections between what they feel inside and how the world works outside.
Can psychoanalytic therapy be done online?
Modern-day psychoanalytic therapy is very different from traditional psychoanalysis. While an individual can sit face-to-face with the psychoanalyst for multiple sessions a week, they do not have to. Today, psychoanalytic therapy can be effectively conducted online or by phone. The key is that the individual confronts what is repressed and avoided, and this can be done whether in person or over online video.