Psychodynamic Therapists in Chicago, IL
I work with people navigating ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, complex trauma, gender identity, LGBTQ+ experiences, relationships and intimacy challenges, and attachment wounds. Whether you’re untangling years of masking, exploring your identity, sexuality, non-traditional relationship structures or simply trying to make sense of why relationships feel so hard (or so good and that’s scary), I’m here to sit with you in it — gently, curiously, and without judgment.
I work with people navigating ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, complex trauma, gender identity, LGBTQ+ experiences, relationships and intimacy challenges, and attachment wounds. Whether you’re untangling years of masking, exploring your identity, sexuality, non-traditional relationship structures or simply trying to make sense of why relationships feel so hard (or so good and that’s scary), I’m here to sit with you in it — gently, curiously, and without judgment.
My credentials: professor at Ross Medical University, author of 3 books on empathy, offer cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavioral (DBT), and psychodynamic existential humanistic therapy.
I provide empathy. If your insurer or therapist will not reimburse for online therapy of if you have lost your job, then I will see you online (Zoom (encrypted), etc.) for your copay - and/or tell me what you can afford (like with integrity); this offer is subject to availability and scheduling. i give you the empathy you need. Saturday/evenings available.
My credentials: professor at Ross Medical University, author of 3 books on empathy, offer cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavioral (DBT), and psychodynamic existential humanistic therapy.
I provide empathy. If your insurer or therapist will not reimburse for online therapy of if you have lost your job, then I will see you online (Zoom (encrypted), etc.) for your copay - and/or tell me what you can afford (like with integrity); this offer is subject to availability and scheduling. i give you the empathy you need. Saturday/evenings available.
Life can sometimes feel like a web of expectations, uncertainty, and pressure to achieve something or be someone else. My approach as a therapist is about slowing down, taking an honest look at yourself, and embracing the messy, real, and beautiful reality of being human. I believe healing comes from true acceptance—not the passive "just get over it" kind, but the deep, transformative acceptance that happens when you fully embrace who you are. Together we can explore what it means to be you, unpacking experiences that have shaped you and desires that drive you.
Life can sometimes feel like a web of expectations, uncertainty, and pressure to achieve something or be someone else. My approach as a therapist is about slowing down, taking an honest look at yourself, and embracing the messy, real, and beautiful reality of being human. I believe healing comes from true acceptance—not the passive "just get over it" kind, but the deep, transformative acceptance that happens when you fully embrace who you are. Together we can explore what it means to be you, unpacking experiences that have shaped you and desires that drive you.
Do you have a hard time managing your emotions and navigating life’s challenges? Life and its problems do not exist in a vacuum. You are not alone. I offer a safe space to process and unpack your thoughts, emotions, and experiences free of judgement. I prioritize building a safe foundation while honoring and incorporating your multiple identities and strengths into therapy.
Do you have a hard time managing your emotions and navigating life’s challenges? Life and its problems do not exist in a vacuum. You are not alone. I offer a safe space to process and unpack your thoughts, emotions, and experiences free of judgement. I prioritize building a safe foundation while honoring and incorporating your multiple identities and strengths into therapy.
Mine is a tailored, eclectic approach, utilizing techniques from psychodynamic and strength-based psychotherapy.
I work with people confronting relationship and self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, loss and grief, eating disorders, and other issues related to everyday personal health and growth. I am an extremely active therapist offering abundant support, compassion, psychological insight, and specific directives regarding methods and techniques to encourage the process of change and personal growth.
Mine is a tailored, eclectic approach, utilizing techniques from psychodynamic and strength-based psychotherapy.
I work with people confronting relationship and self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, loss and grief, eating disorders, and other issues related to everyday personal health and growth. I am an extremely active therapist offering abundant support, compassion, psychological insight, and specific directives regarding methods and techniques to encourage the process of change and personal growth.
I understand that therapy can be scary. It’s not easy opening up to a stranger, but I want you to know I will meet you where you are. I believe in treating my clients with softness and aim to build trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship through empathy and patience. In our capitalist society, it is easy for us to go on autopilot and simply work, work, work. That is completely valid since we need to work to survive. However, slowing down and being mindful of our breath, what we feel in our bodies, and simply listening to our heartbeats reconnects us to not only ourselves, but the Earth.
I understand that therapy can be scary. It’s not easy opening up to a stranger, but I want you to know I will meet you where you are. I believe in treating my clients with softness and aim to build trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship through empathy and patience. In our capitalist society, it is easy for us to go on autopilot and simply work, work, work. That is completely valid since we need to work to survive. However, slowing down and being mindful of our breath, what we feel in our bodies, and simply listening to our heartbeats reconnects us to not only ourselves, but the Earth.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 25 years of experience in the field of psychology. I have worked extensively with children, adolescents, young adults, and older adults, and I am known for my personable and eclectic approach to therapy. I empower clients to embrace their strengths and make healthier choices through a variety of therapeutic methods. I believe every client has the ability to promote their best self and live a more fulfilling life.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 25 years of experience in the field of psychology. I have worked extensively with children, adolescents, young adults, and older adults, and I am known for my personable and eclectic approach to therapy. I empower clients to embrace their strengths and make healthier choices through a variety of therapeutic methods. I believe every client has the ability to promote their best self and live a more fulfilling life.
Hello and welcome. I’m here to help! I realize it takes a lot of courage to scroll the internet looking for some type of assistance with your eating, anxiety, depression, etc. There’s so much information out there and you may not even really know what you’re looking for. Perhaps I can clarify what I have to offer and you can decide whether you’d like to talk further. I’m a fully Licensed Clinical Social worker and I try to help folks feel better in their own skin. Be it anxiety, eating disorder, OCD, trauma, relationships and/or depression, suffering can be very uncomfortable and I can help you find a way out.
Hello and welcome. I’m here to help! I realize it takes a lot of courage to scroll the internet looking for some type of assistance with your eating, anxiety, depression, etc. There’s so much information out there and you may not even really know what you’re looking for. Perhaps I can clarify what I have to offer and you can decide whether you’d like to talk further. I’m a fully Licensed Clinical Social worker and I try to help folks feel better in their own skin. Be it anxiety, eating disorder, OCD, trauma, relationships and/or depression, suffering can be very uncomfortable and I can help you find a way out.
I approach therapy with a compassionate and trauma informed lens, viewing clients as more than what has happened to them. I seek to empower clients to recognize that through conscious awareness, compassion, & acceptance, everything they need is already within. I provide a non-shaming space where I guide clients in reconnecting with their authentic selves and in building a deeper understanding of their internal world. Grounded in attachment theory, I also use a systemic lens which understands the important interplay between human behavior & past and current environmental influences and relationships with family, friends, and culture.
I approach therapy with a compassionate and trauma informed lens, viewing clients as more than what has happened to them. I seek to empower clients to recognize that through conscious awareness, compassion, & acceptance, everything they need is already within. I provide a non-shaming space where I guide clients in reconnecting with their authentic selves and in building a deeper understanding of their internal world. Grounded in attachment theory, I also use a systemic lens which understands the important interplay between human behavior & past and current environmental influences and relationships with family, friends, and culture.
We are a group of psychologists focused on helping clients make changes toward more fulfilling, connected, and healthier lives. Knowing it can be difficult to reach out for help, we create a caring, safe space in which we work collaboratively to foster healing and eliminate barriers to finding meaning and living life more fully. Services are currently provided in person, hybrid, and remotely. In person services are provided in our Chicago office. Our clinicians are licensed in multiple states and are also credentialed by PSYPACT, which allows us to provide telehealth services in participating states.
We are a group of psychologists focused on helping clients make changes toward more fulfilling, connected, and healthier lives. Knowing it can be difficult to reach out for help, we create a caring, safe space in which we work collaboratively to foster healing and eliminate barriers to finding meaning and living life more fully. Services are currently provided in person, hybrid, and remotely. In person services are provided in our Chicago office. Our clinicians are licensed in multiple states and are also credentialed by PSYPACT, which allows us to provide telehealth services in participating states.
While I tend conceptualize from a psychodynamic perspective, my treatment tends towards a more integrative model.
My belief is that the healing process consists of a collaborative experience in which clients actively participate in developing their treatment plan. Problems such as anxiety, depression and other psychological and behavioral disturbances often reflect concerns related to current interpersonal problems, as well as, the continuing influence of past experiences.
While I tend conceptualize from a psychodynamic perspective, my treatment tends towards a more integrative model.
My belief is that the healing process consists of a collaborative experience in which clients actively participate in developing their treatment plan. Problems such as anxiety, depression and other psychological and behavioral disturbances often reflect concerns related to current interpersonal problems, as well as, the continuing influence of past experiences.
I use an eclectic approach that incorporates relational-cultural, psychodynamic, and person-centered theories.
I know the world can be a hard place to be. We're all trying to navigate through the uncertainty of this life the best we can while big things happen within and around us. Maybe you are yearning for a supportive space where you can more deeply explore and make meaning out of your experiences. Maybe you want to explore healing through art and creativity instead of just talking. Or want to reconnect with yourself and accept the complexity within you. If you're looking for someone who "gets" it– who isn't a "blank slate," who validates your lived experience, and who has been on that side of the couch–that space might be here, with me.
I use an eclectic approach that incorporates relational-cultural, psychodynamic, and person-centered theories.
I know the world can be a hard place to be. We're all trying to navigate through the uncertainty of this life the best we can while big things happen within and around us. Maybe you are yearning for a supportive space where you can more deeply explore and make meaning out of your experiences. Maybe you want to explore healing through art and creativity instead of just talking. Or want to reconnect with yourself and accept the complexity within you. If you're looking for someone who "gets" it– who isn't a "blank slate," who validates your lived experience, and who has been on that side of the couch–that space might be here, with me.
We spend most of our time talking to ourselves. In therapy, we explore that narrative to help you understand your thoughts, feelings, relationships, and actions. It is hard at first and once you find your confidence, you will notice significant changes in how you interact with yourself and the world; AND how the world interacts with you! I work with people who want a trusting and collaborative relationship built over time. I use a holistic and multicultural approach to better understand your unique experiences and provide treatment that is effective and ethical.
We spend most of our time talking to ourselves. In therapy, we explore that narrative to help you understand your thoughts, feelings, relationships, and actions. It is hard at first and once you find your confidence, you will notice significant changes in how you interact with yourself and the world; AND how the world interacts with you! I work with people who want a trusting and collaborative relationship built over time. I use a holistic and multicultural approach to better understand your unique experiences and provide treatment that is effective and ethical.
I work best with people who are curious about themselves and their relationships. I often work with individuals who have been gifted with a lot of empathy for others but struggle to offer this compassion to themselves. If you would describe yourself as an “over-achiever”, “perfectionist”, “people-pleaser” or “workaholic” who is constantly striving to become “the best” version of themselves, even if it never feels like enough, I may be a good fit for you. I primarily work with anxiety, trauma, CPTSD, PMDD, and sensory overload or overstimulation, but I also enjoy offering a sense of connection that can be hard to find in this world.
I work best with people who are curious about themselves and their relationships. I often work with individuals who have been gifted with a lot of empathy for others but struggle to offer this compassion to themselves. If you would describe yourself as an “over-achiever”, “perfectionist”, “people-pleaser” or “workaholic” who is constantly striving to become “the best” version of themselves, even if it never feels like enough, I may be a good fit for you. I primarily work with anxiety, trauma, CPTSD, PMDD, and sensory overload or overstimulation, but I also enjoy offering a sense of connection that can be hard to find in this world.
Have you been in emotional pain for a long time, or do you feel that you are currently in a state of crisis? I can offer you an empathic and collaborative relationship that is focused on your healing and development. I will support and assist you in a process of self-exploration that involves making connections between your past experiences and your present relationships and functioning. Together we will identify your self-defeating patterns of perception and behavior and discover your own unique capacities for growth and change.
Have you been in emotional pain for a long time, or do you feel that you are currently in a state of crisis? I can offer you an empathic and collaborative relationship that is focused on your healing and development. I will support and assist you in a process of self-exploration that involves making connections between your past experiences and your present relationships and functioning. Together we will identify your self-defeating patterns of perception and behavior and discover your own unique capacities for growth and change.
Currently pursuing my PhD in Social Work from ICSW focused on psychodynamic work, I bring both clinical experience and ongoing scholarly engagement to my practice.
Accepting new clients! I specialize in working with individuals who feel drawn to therapy but aren't quite sure what brings them there. If you sense something needs attention in your life but can't put your finger on exactly what, we can explore that together. I create a collaborative space where you can discover your own insights at your own pace. I also work extensively with people navigating relationship challenges. Whether you're struggling with communication patterns, recurring conflicts, intimacy issues, or difficulty maintaining connections, I help clients understand their relational patterns for greater intimacy over time
Currently pursuing my PhD in Social Work from ICSW focused on psychodynamic work, I bring both clinical experience and ongoing scholarly engagement to my practice.
Accepting new clients! I specialize in working with individuals who feel drawn to therapy but aren't quite sure what brings them there. If you sense something needs attention in your life but can't put your finger on exactly what, we can explore that together. I create a collaborative space where you can discover your own insights at your own pace. I also work extensively with people navigating relationship challenges. Whether you're struggling with communication patterns, recurring conflicts, intimacy issues, or difficulty maintaining connections, I help clients understand their relational patterns for greater intimacy over time
Are you looking for in-person therapy? I see all my clients in person because I believe it is essential to be together in a private, dedicated and safe space for you to share your concerns, and get the most from therapy. It is the best way for me to get to know you, whatever the symptoms or concerns you are experiencing right now. I work with a variety of adults, most of whom have some unresolved trauma in their backgrounds. New clients often come in with symptoms like anxiety, depression or difficulty in certain relationships. They may be feeling isolated or confused about what they want and whether they can get it.
Are you looking for in-person therapy? I see all my clients in person because I believe it is essential to be together in a private, dedicated and safe space for you to share your concerns, and get the most from therapy. It is the best way for me to get to know you, whatever the symptoms or concerns you are experiencing right now. I work with a variety of adults, most of whom have some unresolved trauma in their backgrounds. New clients often come in with symptoms like anxiety, depression or difficulty in certain relationships. They may be feeling isolated or confused about what they want and whether they can get it.
I use a psychodynamic approach with CBT and EMDR therapy, catered to the needs of my clients.
Life is unpredictable. Past traumas and unhelpful habits can turn unpredictability into anxiety, unhappiness, or just feeling stuck...but it doesn't have to feel this way. I can support you in overcoming obstacles to be your authentic self while developing the awareness to become more confident, adaptable, and resilient in your life.
I want your therapy session to feel like a conversation with someone you trust, free of judgement and full of understanding and empathy.
I use a psychodynamic approach with CBT and EMDR therapy, catered to the needs of my clients.
Life is unpredictable. Past traumas and unhelpful habits can turn unpredictability into anxiety, unhappiness, or just feeling stuck...but it doesn't have to feel this way. I can support you in overcoming obstacles to be your authentic self while developing the awareness to become more confident, adaptable, and resilient in your life.
I want your therapy session to feel like a conversation with someone you trust, free of judgement and full of understanding and empathy.
I believe that all people have the ability to create a life of meaning and connection, yet this is difficult in modern times. More spaces are needed where people can discover what is hidden, share the unspoken, and embrace one’s full self. Through the co-creation of a shared space, we work to discover what healing and growth looks like for you.
I believe that all people have the ability to create a life of meaning and connection, yet this is difficult in modern times. More spaces are needed where people can discover what is hidden, share the unspoken, and embrace one’s full self. Through the co-creation of a shared space, we work to discover what healing and growth looks like for you.
We utilize exclusively the latest evidence-based practices in cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Primary Care Psychology Associates is the premier provider of outpatient adult and pediatric psychological services in Central and Northern Chicagoland. We provide comprehensive pediatric (0-18) and adult psychological services, including psychological assessment, consultation, and psychotherapy (individual, couples, and family). Our locations are accessible and conveniently located close to major transportation hubs throughout the greater Chicago area.
We utilize exclusively the latest evidence-based practices in cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Primary Care Psychology Associates is the premier provider of outpatient adult and pediatric psychological services in Central and Northern Chicagoland. We provide comprehensive pediatric (0-18) and adult psychological services, including psychological assessment, consultation, and psychotherapy (individual, couples, and family). Our locations are accessible and conveniently located close to major transportation hubs throughout the greater Chicago area.
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Psychodynamic Therapists
Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?
Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.
How long does psychodynamic therapy last?
Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.
Does psychodynamic therapy work?
Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.
What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?
Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.