Psychodynamic Therapists in Chicago, IL

Hello! I am a bilingual therapist passionate about working with clients from different backgrounds and cultures. Since 2014, I have been offering services to clients who have experienced trauma in their lives and who have experienced intense emotions of sadness, fear, anger, worry, low self-esteem, or affecting their interpersonal relationships. I offer clients a safe space to process their feelings and experiences, teaching them skills that can help them regulate their emotions and improve their quality of life. I believe healing occurs by creating and promoting a safe therapeutic relationship.

Distress, discomfort, and change are often behind life's most challenging moments. However, with support, these moments can serve as catalysts for significant growth. I work with young adults, adults, and adolescents who are dealing with a variety of stressors, including symptoms of anxiety and depression, life transitions, family conflict, relationship issues, and identity exploration. I partner with clients to become curious about the patterns that may be appearing in their lives, discover and implement new coping strategies, and move forward with greater intention.

The weight of the world and our own pain or fear often feels so enormously heavy to carry alone; each of us needs a place to lay down these stressors and talk through the challenges we are carrying that feels caring, safe, and non-judgmental. As a therapist, it is my aim to have therapy serve as one of these soft landing places as you navigate the difficulties you are enduring. As you seek healing and clarity in your life, I will always offer a warm and empathetic environment for you to gain comfort and confidence in exploring who you are, what you want, and how past experiences or current circumstances currently impact your life.

Please visit my website for more information about my practice: www.DrAlexandraLuger.com

As a therapist and mental health advocate, I believe everyone deserves one hour a week completely dedicated to them and what's coming up in their life. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQIA struggles, or relational issues, I can offer you a nonjudgemental and engaging space to get to know yourself on a deeper level. Through a process of self-understanding and self-acceptance, we lay the groundwork for your desired life shifts.

Each of us has a unique combination of innate strengths and, yes, weaknesses. Psychotherapy - or counseling -- is a process of regaining and leveraging our strengths, shoring up deficiencies and effectively managing the challenges in our lives. Our ability to learn is another important gift we all possess. Psychotherapy allows the client to either learn, re-learn or even unlearn thoughts and behaviors which, in turn, leads to emotional well-being. Our emotions are important signals, but they need not become emergencies themselves.

Hi! My name is Matt (he/him), and I am a white, gay, cisgender male. My previous career was spent in the performing arts, and I am now an intern/clinical trainee and in my final year of achieving my MSW at Loyola University Chicago. I’m 50 years old and a widower, having lost my partner of 10 years in 2014. I have a strong focus on helping the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly those who have experienced grief and/or trauma, and those who are getting older and facing societal ageism and isolation. I also have experience in Veterinary Social Work and highly value the connection many of us share with animals.

Are you dealing with recurring relationship problems, overwhelming anxiety or panic, paralyzing perfectionism or procrastination, intense sadness or anger, unhealthy habits, illness or somatic symptoms, or identity concerns? I am dedicated to helping individuals and couples on a path toward better self-understanding, emotional attunement, empathy, responsibility, and agency. Our goal would be to uncover shaping life experiences, identify patterns, and work on enhanced flexibility and intentionality in choices and actions. In my therapeutic approach I rely on relational, classical, and bodymind psychodynamic perspectives.

I am a psychotherapist with extensive experience offering in-person and online counseling. My great passion is helping people to regain their emotional wellbeing and strengthen their relationships so they can feel peaceful, complete, whole and safe. I work with individuals, couples and families and specialize in treating depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma and marital problems. Being a certified Metabolic Balance coach, I offer a holistic weight management program. Also, I provide psychological immigration evaluations: Hardship; VAWA, U Visa; T Visa; Asylum; Cancelation of Removal etc.

My goal as a therapist is to put you back in touch with your own unique voice and sense of self that allows you to thrive. I use a psychodynamic, existential approach to find solutions to the unique challenges your life contains. Through building on open and honest relationship, we will explore effective coping tools and new ways to look at persistent issues that effect you.

My goal is to offer my client's unwavering support and convey that we are a team and they are not alone. I believe that clients are looking for a listening ear along with someone to help them understand their problems better. I try to normalize client's issues and take a candid approach, while creating a judgement free environment. I communicate to clients that this is a collaborative experience where we will work together to reach their goals.

Through research, education and clinical services, The Family Institute at Northwestern University is one of the nation's leading relationship-based behavioral health organizations committed to strengthening and healing the whole family system by bringing together the right partners to support children, adults, couples and families across the lifespan. As researchers, educators and therapists, we work with our clients and PARTNER TO SEE CHANGE. By weaving together 175 therapists and therapists-in-training, we create a high quality, collaborative system of behavioral health care. One that gets results.

Whether you have been feeling lost, down, or off-balance, or if it's a distinct issue that needs resolution, it is my intention to hold a safe space to facilitate the process of personal growth. Seeking assistance through counseling is a courageous step toward healing. You have already set your intention to shift from a place of discomfort to a place of empowerment.

I have experience working with all ages: children, adolescents, young adults, families, and couples; and with those presenting with anxiety, depression, PTSD, CPTSD, developmental disorders, and chronic mental illness, among others. I am grounded in psychodynamic therapy, with an emphasis on attachment based interventions and Family Systems. Furthermore, I integrate different therapies (when needed), taking into consideration the complexity of multicultural perspectives that shape our lives, to meet the unique needs of each individual. I have conducted neuropsychological assessments, and am currently Adjunct Faculty at ISPP.

To schedule a session, please book a call with our Client Care Coordinator here: www.calendly.com/adminccbh. Opening up and being vulnerable to someone can be very intimidating. I welcome any questions that you may have about the therapy process and would enjoy exploring any fears that may arise in taking the first step to opening up to someone. My hope is that by creating a safe space we can establish a connection that fosters a collaborative relationship. I am a strong believer in meeting you where you are at and seeing every client as unique. After all, everyone’s process is different and we all have a story.

You're working long hours and still trying to maintain a sense of balance, or maybe getting pregnant is harder (and more isolating!) than you thought. Perhaps you're struggling as a new parent and finding yourself in frequent conflict with your partner. Or maybe you’re just feeling the weight of it all and not even sure who you are anymore. If this sounds like you, know that you’re not alone. Your needs are clear: you're ready to overcome obstacles, develop healthier coping skills, and build stronger, more meaningful relationships. Your goals to gain practical tools to navigate life's complexities are ambitious yet achievable.

With stressors at a high, more people are realizing how essential mental health is to their lives. One thing about stress: it will put us under great pressure, affecting relationships, self worth, ability to function in the various areas of our lives, our mood. I work from a psychodynamic base and also use ACT concepts and skills - gaining insight into our core patterns and their origins is the first step to making change happen. During that work, we need a safe place to be with sometimes long-avoided emotions. The last piece is gaining new strategies and tangible tools to make meaningful, values-based change in our lives.

Are you going through a significant life transition? Whether it's a breakup, graduating from college, starting a new job, or adjusting to a new city, I can help. As a member of the BIPOC community, I understand the unique challenges and cultural expectations that you may be facing. I strongly believe that everyone has a story shaped by their experiences, and I am here to support you in creating the life and happiness you desire. We will work together to set goals and develop coping skills that will empower you to feel better and thrive. Let's increase your self-awareness and build the tools you need to navigate like with confidence.

I believe therapy should be a safe place for you to identify your innate strengths, deepen your sense of self, and find solutions for the things that challenge you in life. When I work with clients, I use a strengths-based and client-centered approach incorporated with empathy, acceptance and compassion. I whole-heartedly believe that sensitivity is power and being vulnerable is a form of strength!