Trauma Focused Therapists in Evanston, IL

I am a somatically-focused therapist, iRest Level 2 Meditation Teacher and life-long dance artist. I have worked as a healer in both community centers and privately throughout Chicago providing body/mind connective therapy in support of recovery from the effects of chronic mental dis-ease. My creative therapeutic approach is rooted in trauma-focused healing and the belief that each individual possesses the power to heal when provided with a safe, trustworthy and unbiased environment. I am a strong proponent of providing access to quality healthcare and healing services to all people regardless of income or socioeconomic background.

Kathleen Young attended Loyola University and earned her Masters in Social Work. She works for a non-for -profit program in the Chicagoland area that serves youth in care. She specializes in Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Personality Disorders and Trauma. Her therapeutic techniques focus on evidence based practices such as Trauma Focused - CBT, Attachment theory, psychodynamic modalities , and CBT. She believes in creating a safe and secure setting for clients to share their stories. Hours: Mon. 5-8 Sat. 8-5

I have expertise in the following: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationship difficulties, self-identity exploration, ADHD and disruptive behavioral disorders, school concerns, effective parenting, and strengthening parent-child relationships. I also help people navigate life transitions, such as early adulthood, career choices, grief and loss, and retirement, in addition to other life transitions. I provide an individualized treatment approach, utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy, insight-oriented therapy, play therapy, and a variety of family therapy treatments. I am fluent in Spanish.

Whether you wish to gain clarity about a life challenge or seek to resolve a deeper change from within, our work together will present an opportunity to rework the patterns that may be disrupting your relationships or preventing you from fulfilling your life goals. I am trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy, viewing our therapeutic relationship as central to the change process, while helping you to understand how conflicts from the past affect the way you feel in the present. I approach our work together from a genuine, empathetic stance with openness and curiosity. It is important that we are partners in your healing process.

Though each person’s experience is unique, a common thread is that not knowing where emotions come from adds to suffering. My hope is to provide a nonjudgmental place to better understand your emotions so that you can gain a sense of agency in creating a meaningful life. A meaningful life may involve feeling comfortable sitting alone with your thoughts, the past becoming less haunting, more effective communication in relationships, believing you are good enough as you are, or something else. Whatever you are working towards, I am here to support you.

I am an experienced therapist providing specialist care in the areas of sex therapy, couple/relationship therapy, and trauma treatment, including sex therapy for trauma survivors. I draw from several approaches to therapy, depending on the needs of my clients. But what centrally defines my approach is the relational perspective. I have come to value relationships as integrally important to healing: partner, family, and friend relationships, as well as a good quality therapeutic relationship. My approach is active, direct, and empathic. I understand that coming to therapy is a vulnerable experience, and I will be in it with you.