Psychodynamic Therapists in Chicago, IL
Taking a closer look at the different parts of our story can feel overwhelming, but the hope is that through a thoughtful approach, we will not only change the parts we need to, but learn to celebrate the ones that have worked hard to get us this far. I believe that as we shift our perspectives in ways as nuanced and layered as we are, we can begin to honor the beauty in multiple truths, find safety in emotion, and learn to identify and ask for our needs. When we uncover the roots of our internal and external pressures, we make space to rediscover the quiet certainty that we have always been enough.
Taking a closer look at the different parts of our story can feel overwhelming, but the hope is that through a thoughtful approach, we will not only change the parts we need to, but learn to celebrate the ones that have worked hard to get us this far. I believe that as we shift our perspectives in ways as nuanced and layered as we are, we can begin to honor the beauty in multiple truths, find safety in emotion, and learn to identify and ask for our needs. When we uncover the roots of our internal and external pressures, we make space to rediscover the quiet certainty that we have always been enough.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with 15 years of extensive clinical experience providing support to children, adults and families in Spanish and English. I have worked with a diverse client population experiencing a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, chronic illness and medical trauma. Do you need emotional support while healing from past traumas? Is anxiety or depression limiting your potential to live a full life? I am here to support you in your journey towards healing and feeling good about you!
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with 15 years of extensive clinical experience providing support to children, adults and families in Spanish and English. I have worked with a diverse client population experiencing a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, chronic illness and medical trauma. Do you need emotional support while healing from past traumas? Is anxiety or depression limiting your potential to live a full life? I am here to support you in your journey towards healing and feeling good about you!
My primary approach is psychodynamic and relational.
There’s a moment when you can no longer ignore the cost of living a life that looks right from the outside, when the inner reality is that you feel lost and passionless. Maybe you're paralyzed by decisions, your relationships feel more disconnected, or you’ve become a stranger to yourself. I work with adults navigating self-esteem, identity, transitions, relationships, cultural tensions & burnout. Many are high-achieving, suffering the lonely crisis of being perceived by others as having life figured out, when they're actually struggling with lack of clarity and purpose. They want change, but don't yet know what the path looks like.
My primary approach is psychodynamic and relational.
There’s a moment when you can no longer ignore the cost of living a life that looks right from the outside, when the inner reality is that you feel lost and passionless. Maybe you're paralyzed by decisions, your relationships feel more disconnected, or you’ve become a stranger to yourself. I work with adults navigating self-esteem, identity, transitions, relationships, cultural tensions & burnout. Many are high-achieving, suffering the lonely crisis of being perceived by others as having life figured out, when they're actually struggling with lack of clarity and purpose. They want change, but don't yet know what the path looks like.
My approach is relational and insight-oriented, grounded in psychodynamic theory.
Hi! I'm Maggie, I’m a grounded, direct, and compassionate therapist. I care about understanding the deeper patterns and experiences that shape you, while also offering practical tools you can use in real life. I work with anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, relationship stress, and identity exploration, and I provide affirming care for LGBTQ+ clients. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing virtual therapy to adults across Illinois. My years in community mental health taught me how much people can carry and how important it is to have a space where you don’t have to hold it all together.
My approach is relational and insight-oriented, grounded in psychodynamic theory.
Hi! I'm Maggie, I’m a grounded, direct, and compassionate therapist. I care about understanding the deeper patterns and experiences that shape you, while also offering practical tools you can use in real life. I work with anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, relationship stress, and identity exploration, and I provide affirming care for LGBTQ+ clients. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing virtual therapy to adults across Illinois. My years in community mental health taught me how much people can carry and how important it is to have a space where you don’t have to hold it all together.
I have worked with families and individuals for the past 20+ years helping them with child and family issues. As a psychotherapist, I work with those in all phases of life to help them better understand themselves and feel more balanced, healthy and confident. I focus on helping people through periods of transition from dating, marriage and children to divorce, illness and bereavement as well as women's issues as dictated by different life stages. My other areas of experience include career transitions, adaptation to today's changing job market and developing interviewing skills. I also specialize in grief therapy.
I have worked with families and individuals for the past 20+ years helping them with child and family issues. As a psychotherapist, I work with those in all phases of life to help them better understand themselves and feel more balanced, healthy and confident. I focus on helping people through periods of transition from dating, marriage and children to divorce, illness and bereavement as well as women's issues as dictated by different life stages. My other areas of experience include career transitions, adaptation to today's changing job market and developing interviewing skills. I also specialize in grief therapy.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in the evidence-based theories of PCT, CBT, SFT, positive psychology, and psychodynamic therapy.
One of my favorite quotes is "the absence of illness is not wellness." It reminds us that feeling better isn't solely about healing from our past or suppressing the feelings that ail us, but that wellness is an active and intentional process that requires a commitment to self. What practices are we putting in place to sustain better? Are we working toward something meaningful, or simply running from discomfort? Most importantly, do we have the grace and self compassion necessary to get us where we are going? Let’s work through the hard together and move toward a life where wellness becomes the foundation for your self-actualization.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in the evidence-based theories of PCT, CBT, SFT, positive psychology, and psychodynamic therapy.
One of my favorite quotes is "the absence of illness is not wellness." It reminds us that feeling better isn't solely about healing from our past or suppressing the feelings that ail us, but that wellness is an active and intentional process that requires a commitment to self. What practices are we putting in place to sustain better? Are we working toward something meaningful, or simply running from discomfort? Most importantly, do we have the grace and self compassion necessary to get us where we are going? Let’s work through the hard together and move toward a life where wellness becomes the foundation for your self-actualization.
As a results-oriented clinician, I welcome clients across the lifespan for individual, couples, and family therapy. My specialization is working with clients experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, mood and motivational challenges. My approach to psychotherapy is insight-based integrated with other methods to meet the unique needs and goals of my clients. Additionally, my interests expand into family psychology, supporting clients through separation and divorce as well as parent-child therapeutic reintegration and reunification therapy.
As a results-oriented clinician, I welcome clients across the lifespan for individual, couples, and family therapy. My specialization is working with clients experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, mood and motivational challenges. My approach to psychotherapy is insight-based integrated with other methods to meet the unique needs and goals of my clients. Additionally, my interests expand into family psychology, supporting clients through separation and divorce as well as parent-child therapeutic reintegration and reunification therapy.
I believe that psychotherapy is a special kind of health care. It can help you better understand yourself and others and help you better cope with feelings and challenges that you experience. I work with individuals and couples who are stuck in distress loops or who are looking to gain insight in their patterns of behavior, identities, or stages in life. As a former educator and Palestinian American, my specialty is working with educators and Arab-identified individuals.
I believe that psychotherapy is a special kind of health care. It can help you better understand yourself and others and help you better cope with feelings and challenges that you experience. I work with individuals and couples who are stuck in distress loops or who are looking to gain insight in their patterns of behavior, identities, or stages in life. As a former educator and Palestinian American, my specialty is working with educators and Arab-identified individuals.
Are you feeling lost? Confused? Facing difficulties in your relationships or in understanding yourself? I know that therapy can help. Together we will work to unearth the problems that have been causing difficulties in your relationships or ability to navigate challenges. I can help you to think through problems, discover solutions, and deepen your relationships with others and yourself. I seek to empower and understand you, knowing that you come to therapy with numerous strengths to draw on.
Are you feeling lost? Confused? Facing difficulties in your relationships or in understanding yourself? I know that therapy can help. Together we will work to unearth the problems that have been causing difficulties in your relationships or ability to navigate challenges. I can help you to think through problems, discover solutions, and deepen your relationships with others and yourself. I seek to empower and understand you, knowing that you come to therapy with numerous strengths to draw on.
I primarily integrate my foundation in relational psychodynamic therapy with Internal Family Systems, EMDR and Somatic modalities.
Hi, I'm Liz - a clinical psychologist who values building a safe, connected, and empowering therapeutic relationship. I focus on understanding you holistically, choosing depth & experiential change over band-aid solutions & surface conversations. I strive to help you derive meaning from your repeated behavior patterns & complex emotional reactions, as well as deepen self- awareness and strengthen self-worth so you can make personally valued changes when you feel ready for it. I am drawn to working with anxiety, perfectionism, people pleasing, insecure attachment styles, queer community, & adult survivors of childhood trauma.
I primarily integrate my foundation in relational psychodynamic therapy with Internal Family Systems, EMDR and Somatic modalities.
Hi, I'm Liz - a clinical psychologist who values building a safe, connected, and empowering therapeutic relationship. I focus on understanding you holistically, choosing depth & experiential change over band-aid solutions & surface conversations. I strive to help you derive meaning from your repeated behavior patterns & complex emotional reactions, as well as deepen self- awareness and strengthen self-worth so you can make personally valued changes when you feel ready for it. I am drawn to working with anxiety, perfectionism, people pleasing, insecure attachment styles, queer community, & adult survivors of childhood trauma.
I work with a diverse range of clients who are seeking support and guidance in navigating life's challenges. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, relationship issues, or simply feeling overwhelmed, I am here to help. I believe that every individual has the capacity for growth and healing. As a therapist, my goal is to provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Through a collaborative and client-centered approach, I work with you to develop insight, coping skills, and a deeper understanding of yourself.
I work with a diverse range of clients who are seeking support and guidance in navigating life's challenges. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, relationship issues, or simply feeling overwhelmed, I am here to help. I believe that every individual has the capacity for growth and healing. As a therapist, my goal is to provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Through a collaborative and client-centered approach, I work with you to develop insight, coping skills, and a deeper understanding of yourself.
Using tools like CBT, Play Therapy, and psychodynamic approaches, I help clients understand themselves, manage emotions, and rewrite unhelpful patterns.
My ideal client is someone who’s holding it together on the outside but quietly struggling within, whether it’s a child overwhelmed by big emotions, a teen feeling unseen, or an adult healing from childhood wounds. They’re seeking safety, understanding, and practical tools to feel more in control. Many want to break generational patterns, build confidence, or simply feel heard especially those from marginalized communities where mental health has often been overlooked or misunderstood.
Using tools like CBT, Play Therapy, and psychodynamic approaches, I help clients understand themselves, manage emotions, and rewrite unhelpful patterns.
My ideal client is someone who’s holding it together on the outside but quietly struggling within, whether it’s a child overwhelmed by big emotions, a teen feeling unseen, or an adult healing from childhood wounds. They’re seeking safety, understanding, and practical tools to feel more in control. Many want to break generational patterns, build confidence, or simply feel heard especially those from marginalized communities where mental health has often been overlooked or misunderstood.
As an expert in individual treatment, Dr. Rundell has the compassion and theoretical foundation to make available an atmosphere for truly meaningful work tailored to each individual patient. She has worked with a variety of patients treating both severe disorders as well as more common neurotic driven symptoms.
As an expert in individual treatment, Dr. Rundell has the compassion and theoretical foundation to make available an atmosphere for truly meaningful work tailored to each individual patient. She has worked with a variety of patients treating both severe disorders as well as more common neurotic driven symptoms.
Hi, I'm Estefania. If you're looking for a therapist who is warm, direct, and genuinely invested in helping you create lasting change, I'm glad you're here.
As a bilingual Latina immigrant, I understand the unique challenges that can come with balancing multiple cultures, family expectations, life transitions, and the pressure to be everything for everyone. I work with adults and adolescents navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, perfectionism, and the emotional weight of feeling stuck.
Hi, I'm Estefania. If you're looking for a therapist who is warm, direct, and genuinely invested in helping you create lasting change, I'm glad you're here.
As a bilingual Latina immigrant, I understand the unique challenges that can come with balancing multiple cultures, family expectations, life transitions, and the pressure to be everything for everyone. I work with adults and adolescents navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, perfectionism, and the emotional weight of feeling stuck.
I work with adolescents, adults, individuals, couples, and families from all backgrounds. My passion lies in supporting those navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, self-esteem, identity formation, men’s issues, and relationship challenges. I also help individuals manage OCD and ADHD tendencies. Additionally, I empower parents to build strong, healthy connections with their children, using practical strategies like role-playing and real-life skill application. My goal is to provide a supportive space where you can grow, heal, and thrive.
I work with adolescents, adults, individuals, couples, and families from all backgrounds. My passion lies in supporting those navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, self-esteem, identity formation, men’s issues, and relationship challenges. I also help individuals manage OCD and ADHD tendencies. Additionally, I empower parents to build strong, healthy connections with their children, using practical strategies like role-playing and real-life skill application. My goal is to provide a supportive space where you can grow, heal, and thrive.
I work with individuals, families, and couples, to help them build, strengthen, and heal their relationships. In more than 22 years of clinical practice, I have developed transformative ways to work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD. I use a variety of techniques including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). I also help individuals who are facing life transitions, or who are experiencing difficulties in their partner relationships. I have experience with diverse family structures, and cross-cultural families and have lived extensively overseas, giving me a unique cultural perspective.
I work with individuals, families, and couples, to help them build, strengthen, and heal their relationships. In more than 22 years of clinical practice, I have developed transformative ways to work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD. I use a variety of techniques including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). I also help individuals who are facing life transitions, or who are experiencing difficulties in their partner relationships. I have experience with diverse family structures, and cross-cultural families and have lived extensively overseas, giving me a unique cultural perspective.
Most of my clients seek out therapy due to feeling stuck in their lives and/or relationships and feel like they’ve exhausted any other options. This can feel very unsettling and create increased anxiety and depression. It is my goal to help you unravel what is at the root of your concerns and work to bring more joy and fulfillment to your life.
I identify as a gay man and have a strong focus on the LGBTQ+ community. I work with individuals and couples, am sex positive, kink affirming, and poly affirming. I also specialize in grief and loss, life transitions, and societal ageism and aging.
Most of my clients seek out therapy due to feeling stuck in their lives and/or relationships and feel like they’ve exhausted any other options. This can feel very unsettling and create increased anxiety and depression. It is my goal to help you unravel what is at the root of your concerns and work to bring more joy and fulfillment to your life.
I identify as a gay man and have a strong focus on the LGBTQ+ community. I work with individuals and couples, am sex positive, kink affirming, and poly affirming. I also specialize in grief and loss, life transitions, and societal ageism and aging.
My approach to therapy is person-centered and trauma-informed. I specialize in supporting children, adolescents, teenagers, and adults navigating anxiety, OCD, panic, depression, grief, and life transitions. Whether your child or teen is struggling with behavioral challenges, school stress, and emotional dysregulation, or you are an adult seeking support to process past trauma, strengthen relationships, build self-esteem, and manage overwhelming emotions, I meet you where you are. Every person’s journey is unique, and I tailor our work together to fit your specific goals and lived experience.
My approach to therapy is person-centered and trauma-informed. I specialize in supporting children, adolescents, teenagers, and adults navigating anxiety, OCD, panic, depression, grief, and life transitions. Whether your child or teen is struggling with behavioral challenges, school stress, and emotional dysregulation, or you are an adult seeking support to process past trauma, strengthen relationships, build self-esteem, and manage overwhelming emotions, I meet you where you are. Every person’s journey is unique, and I tailor our work together to fit your specific goals and lived experience.
I am EMDR-trained and also integrate ACT, CBT, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic approaches to help clients process past experiences, understand patterns, and develop practical ways to move forward.
I work primarily with young adults, college and graduate students, and adults navigating anxiety, major life transitions, career uncertainty, or the lingering effects of difficult past experiences. Many of the people I work with feel stuck between where they are and where they thought they would be. They may be questioning their career, struggling to make decisions, feeling overwhelmed by expectations, or noticing that old patterns continue to affect their relationships, confidence, and daily life.
I am EMDR-trained and also integrate ACT, CBT, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic approaches to help clients process past experiences, understand patterns, and develop practical ways to move forward.
I work primarily with young adults, college and graduate students, and adults navigating anxiety, major life transitions, career uncertainty, or the lingering effects of difficult past experiences. Many of the people I work with feel stuck between where they are and where they thought they would be. They may be questioning their career, struggling to make decisions, feeling overwhelmed by expectations, or noticing that old patterns continue to affect their relationships, confidence, and daily life.
I tend to gravitate toward psychodynamic and strengths-based modalities.
One of the pillars of a fulfilling life is the ability to be our authentic selves. Sometimes obstacles, hardships, and missteps cause us to forgo authenticity to survive. As a result, we may feel stuck, lost, or alone in our struggles. As a therapist, I see myself as a partner to my clients in their journey toward healing and growth. My approach is holistic - I consider the whole person and their context in everything I do, and I work collaboratively to ensure that each session feels personalized and effective. I provide a safe space to process where you are and begin to make progress toward where you'd like to be.
I tend to gravitate toward psychodynamic and strengths-based modalities.
One of the pillars of a fulfilling life is the ability to be our authentic selves. Sometimes obstacles, hardships, and missteps cause us to forgo authenticity to survive. As a result, we may feel stuck, lost, or alone in our struggles. As a therapist, I see myself as a partner to my clients in their journey toward healing and growth. My approach is holistic - I consider the whole person and their context in everything I do, and I work collaboratively to ensure that each session feels personalized and effective. I provide a safe space to process where you are and begin to make progress toward where you'd like to be.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Psychodynamic Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Cicero
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Maywood
- Norridge
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Riverside
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.