Psychodynamic Therapists in Evanston, IL
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Brooke Laufer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I have been trained in
psychodynamic
psychotherapy, looking to an individual's relationships, dynamics and unconscious as an avenue to their healing.
Starting therapy can be trying process, and often what's important is finding the right fit between a therapist and a client. Once therapy begins, it can be an incredible resource where an individual may regain a sense of balance and peace of mind, build more satisfying relationships, develop more effective communication, as well as find the sense of direction and meaning that allows one to thrive. I also work as a forensic expert in women’s reproductive mental health and consult with legal counsel on criminal cases that are relevant to an experience in the postpartum period, this includes murder, infanticide, neonatacide.

Carrie Jean Stelnicki
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am a licensed clinical social worker who has provided counseling and therapy to children, adults, couples, and families for over 20 years. My approach is
psychodynamic
, meaning I utilize different treatment modalities that best fit the individual client and situation. My style is interactive, solution focused, and non-judgemental. This encourages a trusting relationship to develop which helps to empower clients to make positive changes in their lives.

Stella Kiser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, LCSW
I draw from various theories/interventions (psychoanalytic,
psychodynamic
, relational, client-centered, CBT, DBT, mindfulness, systems, creative/expressive).
We do the best we can with the histories and resources we have. Our experiences and relationships shape/influence us, sometimes leaving us hopeful and nourished and other times leaving us stuck, depleted, anxious, sad, confused/overwhelmed. With a safe space and support, we can draw on our inner resilience to confront, manage and transcend our challenges, freeing us to live more authentic and fulfilling lives. My work is trauma-informed. My process is collaborative and interactive. I approach each therapy encounter with an open mind, recognizing that you are the expert in your life and know what works and what you need from therapy.

Eileen H Glenn
Counselor, MA, LCPC, LLC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My primary goal for my clients is to achieve healing on the deepest level. As an Adlerian trained therapist, I utilize
psychodynamic
as well as alternative modalities to explore, transform and heal those perceptions and beliefs that may be negatively impacting their lives. Whether it's one on one, couples, or group therapy, I am actively participating, encouraging, and guiding my clients so they feel safe and supported to examine and process their deepest emotional wounds.
Waitlist for new clients

Cindy L Robinson
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I use an eclectic,
psychodynamic
, approach.
While relationships have the power to injure they also have the power to heal. When early experiences have been less than optimal, building relationships can be challenging, both inside and outside of therapy. This affects family, friendships, employment and, most importantly, your relationship with yourself. I will work with you on trying to make sense of why certain patterns repeat in your life. We will consider the ways in which you survived past hurts and how that might interfere with living a fuller life today.

Jacqueline Allen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
My approach is integrative, combining
psychodynamic
, cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and family systems perspectives with sensitivity to diversity and culture, and appreciation for each person's unique context, worldview and life experience.
I view psychotherapy as an opportunity for personal growth and greater self-understanding. While it is important to address specific issues in the here and now, often the process can also lead to broader gains in self-awareness and life satisfaction. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and tailored to each person's unique needs and goals. I will work with you to address your concerns, overcome obstacles and find greater personal satisfaction.

Diana Jean Semmelhack
Psychologist, PsyD, ABPP, LCPC
Verified
Verified
I am an eclectically oriented therapist who uses a variety of orientations including ACT, DBT,
psychodynamic
psychotherapy, couples and family therapy, humanistic and cognitive behavioral techniques.
I have over 25 years experience treating adults, families, adolescents, and couples. I specialize in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders. I am a published author who has presented my research on group psychotherapy nationally and internationally. I am also a licensed massage therapist who practices mind/body work. As a past board member with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and a past member of APA's Task force on severe mental illness, I am an advocate for individuals and families who struggle with the stigma associated with these disorders. As a retired professor at Midwestern University.

Amy Bailey
Counselor, LCPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
“I am accepting new clients. My goal is to help you better understand your thoughts, behaviors and relationships so you can build the life that you always wanted. I approach every client as a unique individual who needs compassion and care to achieve balance and learn the skills necessary for growth. “I believe in the strength of each individual, and their resiliency. I use humor and empathy as we work through difficult times in your life, and provide challenge to help you on your path. “I use an integrative approach, drawing from a
psychodynamic
and systems-based framework, mindfulness, CBT, DBT and trauma-informed treatment.

Rachel Levitsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am a licensed clinical social worker who has provided counseling and therapy to children, adults, couples and families for over 20 years. My approach is
psychodynamic
, meaning I utilize whatever style I feel would be most effective with each individual client and situation. I give my clients the option of integrating mindfulness and hypnotherapy in order to access their own strength and resilience. I don't hesitate to use an interactive approach that may include suggestions, humor,and setting personal goals. I focus on helping clients to gain a deeper understanding of themselves so that they are empowered to make positive changes.

Ruth Minnick
Pre-Licensed Professional, M, A
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
You matter. I seek to highlight & build upon your unique strengths with a focus on overall wellness in mind, body, spirit & community. I believe we all have the tools to reach our highest potential. I aim to understand what might be getting in the way of you being your most authentic, talented self. I specialize in helping others access & heal their pain by engaging the nervous system to unlock trauma & emotions to release them. Body integration allows us to feel alive & open to get more of life. I blend evidenced-based practices such as somatic, breathwork, mindfulness, EMDR, CBT, & EFT under a
psychodynamic
therapy lens.

Maranda Easton
MSW
My therapeutic approach is influenced by relational,
psychodynamic
, attachment, and Internal Family Systems approaches.
When difficult emotions or experiences interfere with our ability to enjoy life, it can be hard to figure out what to do. You might feel stuck in patterns of thoughts or behaviors that are making it hard for you to fully engage in the life you want to live. I work collaboratively with you to process what may be contributing to you feeling distressed, alone or in conflict, and to uncover your many strengths within. We all deserve to feel seen and accepted for who we are by someone who cares. I deeply believe that the therapeutic relationship can offer healing, growth, and new ways of being.

Jennifer Ruzumna
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
My theoretical orientation is rooted in
psychodynamic
and object relations therapies.
I have been in private practice for over 18 years. I treat adults in individual and conjoint psychotherapy. I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders and bereavement. I am comfortable using both brief and long-term treatment approaches. In my practice, I hope to help my clients better understand how long-standing conflicts and current stressors may be impacting their ability to function successfully in the present.

Caroline Kroe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BA, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
My style is eclectic integrating
psychodynamic
, narrative and insight oriented approaches towards healing.
I look forward to supporting a diverse array of clients and their families on their individualized healing journey, concentrating in work with adults, children and adolescents needing developmentally sensitized mental health assessment and treatment. Specialized experience working with multiple client populations including: trauma survivors, eating disorders, families involved in the foster care system and adoption, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders along with matters of social/cultural oppression and justice.

Elizabeth Bierbaum Clarke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am a general practitioner whose personal style is warm and interactive. I utilize a
psychodynamic
approach informed by acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and cognitive-behavioral (CBT) principles. Psychotherapy at Third Wave Wellness provides a unique opportunity to transform one’s suffering. Learning to be more present, create space for discomfort, and mine for greater meaning allows us to take new actions to find joy, calm and purpose. Therapy and coaching are highly collaborative, we work together toward your goals.

India Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
As a clinician, I work from a
psychodynamic
, relational framework which places emphasis on creating a safe holding environment and trusting relationship between the client and the therapist.
I am a licensed psychotherapist with a Master’s degree from the University of Chicago, where I studied clinical social work. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults on a wide range of clinical issues including anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, addiction, and trauma. I am passionate about perinatal mental health and have several years experience working with new parents as they navigate the complex issues associated with planning, pregnancy, and parenthood.

Sarah R Safron-Chiu
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified
Verified
While treatment approaches may include various strategies and techniques such as mindfulness-based or cognitive behavioral strategies, I most often use a relational
psychodynamic
treatment approach focused on increasing insight and improving relationships, while helping you to heal and grow.
When human beings experience trauma, chronic life stressors, or lack of support it is not uncommon for their lives to unravel. In our work together you can expect compassion, skill and experience in helping to put together the pieces of your life while strengthening your sense of self, gaining insight into unconscious repeating patterns, and improving your relationships with others. In my work with individuals, couples, and families, I offer a collaborative treatment approach, which is tailored to meet your specific needs.
Waitlist for new clients

Brian Calhoun
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I have training and experience with multiple modalities of therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and
Psychodynamic
theory.
I have professional experience working with individuals in early adolescence through adulthood and in a variety of settings, ranging from wilderness therapy, therapeutic day schools (middle and high schools), community mental health and private practice. Working with adolescents and young adults as they navigate a time of life with many new transitions, life events, and a period of discovery is what I am passionate about. I work to help clients separate their sense of themselves from negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, in addition to teaching them positive coping strategies to promote change.

Steven M. Yousha
Psychologist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques within a relational and
psychodynamic
frame, Dr.
Dr. Steve Yousha is a Psychologist and Senior Consultant who has been practicing since 1990. In addition to his clinical practice, he is Principal at Strategic Talent Management Consultants LLP. As a Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Steve Yousha specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, adjustment and relational problems, providing both individual and couples therapy. He also has extensive experience with multicultural populations. He is published in the areas of depression, adjustment difficulties, and performance enhancement.

Tracy H. Burns
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified
Verified
Because I believe the most influential factor in affecting change is the relationship between client and therapist, my approach is empathic and is informed by
psychodynamic
and relational frameworks.
Are you are having difficulty connecting to yourself or to others? Sometimes the solutions we've used in the past no longer work for us in the present. I work collaboratively with individuals and couples who struggle with low self esteem, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma to find answers in a safe and supportive environment.

Nicole J. Howell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I use traditional
psychodynamic
modalities as well as expressive arts and play therapy that will meet you or your child/teen where you/they are and provide a space to develop strategies for coping and communicating or identifying what is further needed.
For over 15 years I have worked with children, teens and adults managing difficulties with social, emotional and behavioral difficulties. The diverse experience with each age has given me insight to share in the therapy room with you. I address each challenge with great care and energy to help move toward growth with you or your child to find understanding and greater ways of coping, being in relationships and thriving.
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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.