AEDP Therapists in Chicago, IL
Olivia Berkeley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60654 (Online Only)
I take a body and emotion focused, experiential, and relational approach to therapy and am a Level 1 AEDP therapist.
Every person has the potential to live with more freedom, joy, ease, and love, and therapy supports us to realize this potential. Many of my clients have experienced various forms of relational trauma — including wounding that has occurred in intimate relationships or in childhood — and yearn to heal from these experiences and find healthier ways of dealing with addiction or problematic substance use, stress, anxiety, depression, compulsive behaviors, relationship difficulties, and other challenging emotions. My goal is to help you live with more peace, acceptance, autonomy, confidence, satisfaction, intimacy, and joy.
I take a body and emotion focused, experiential, and relational approach to therapy and am a Level 1 AEDP therapist.
Every person has the potential to live with more freedom, joy, ease, and love, and therapy supports us to realize this potential. Many of my clients have experienced various forms of relational trauma — including wounding that has occurred in intimate relationships or in childhood — and yearn to heal from these experiences and find healthier ways of dealing with addiction or problematic substance use, stress, anxiety, depression, compulsive behaviors, relationship difficulties, and other challenging emotions. My goal is to help you live with more peace, acceptance, autonomy, confidence, satisfaction, intimacy, and joy.
I have completed specialized training in trauma-focused modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated-Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy ( AEDP).
As a trauma-informed therapist, I believe developing trust and safety within the therapeutic relationship is crucial to doing meaningful work together. For this reason, I strive to bring warmth and authenticity to my sessions with the goal of supporting clients in feeling truly seen and heard. In graduate school, I trained in feminist therapy which has informed my belief that clients are experts of their own experience and given me a deep understanding of how identity and oppression relate to one’s mental health. I am particularly interested in working with my clients around trauma, grief/loss, and relationships.
I have completed specialized training in trauma-focused modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated-Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy ( AEDP).
As a trauma-informed therapist, I believe developing trust and safety within the therapeutic relationship is crucial to doing meaningful work together. For this reason, I strive to bring warmth and authenticity to my sessions with the goal of supporting clients in feeling truly seen and heard. In graduate school, I trained in feminist therapy which has informed my belief that clients are experts of their own experience and given me a deep understanding of how identity and oppression relate to one’s mental health. I am particularly interested in working with my clients around trauma, grief/loss, and relationships.
McCall Barsamian, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
McCall Barsamian is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who works with couples and individual adults. Her open, empathic, interactive, and respectful approach focuses on collaborating with clients to deepen their understanding of themselves and their relationships in order to bring about the transformation they seek. McCall has extensive, hands-on-training from world-renown Psychotherapists and clinical experience in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy ( AEDP) with both couples and individuals. McCall also uses a variety of other Empirically Supported Approaches as she sees fit.
McCall Barsamian is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who works with couples and individual adults. Her open, empathic, interactive, and respectful approach focuses on collaborating with clients to deepen their understanding of themselves and their relationships in order to bring about the transformation they seek. McCall has extensive, hands-on-training from world-renown Psychotherapists and clinical experience in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy ( AEDP) with both couples and individuals. McCall also uses a variety of other Empirically Supported Approaches as she sees fit.
Merry Salamida
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
I primarily utilize AEDP, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and narrative therapeutic frameworks to assess, identify, and treat presenting concerns.
Currently on maternity leave. I will be accepting new clients in May.
I primarily utilize AEDP, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and narrative therapeutic frameworks to assess, identify, and treat presenting concerns.
Currently on maternity leave. I will be accepting new clients in May.
Samantha Skvaril
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60661 (Online Only)
You grew up in dysfunction or had a chaotic childhood. You are struggling with codependency or enmeshment. You're a new parent terrified that you're going to traumatize your kids. You were diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, now what? I use an insight-oriented approach, which helps clients understand how past experiences can affect their current behavior. However, therapy is not "one size fits all" and we will pull from different treatment modalities to meet your individual needs.
You grew up in dysfunction or had a chaotic childhood. You are struggling with codependency or enmeshment. You're a new parent terrified that you're going to traumatize your kids. You were diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, now what? I use an insight-oriented approach, which helps clients understand how past experiences can affect their current behavior. However, therapy is not "one size fits all" and we will pull from different treatment modalities to meet your individual needs.
The world is filled with stories about who we should be, what we should do, how we should feel, what we should want, and about who we are if we don’t fit into those narratives. These stories, shaped by culture, society, religion, family, and experiences can help us find meaning and purpose initially. But, often things don’t play out as we'd like, which leaves us confused, hurt, uncomfortable, overwhelmed, frustrated, discouraged and afraid; feelings often exacerbated by others' expectations. Untangling and making sense of our own stories creates the opportunity to rewrite these shoulds and make meaningful, intentional changes.
The world is filled with stories about who we should be, what we should do, how we should feel, what we should want, and about who we are if we don’t fit into those narratives. These stories, shaped by culture, society, religion, family, and experiences can help us find meaning and purpose initially. But, often things don’t play out as we'd like, which leaves us confused, hurt, uncomfortable, overwhelmed, frustrated, discouraged and afraid; feelings often exacerbated by others' expectations. Untangling and making sense of our own stories creates the opportunity to rewrite these shoulds and make meaningful, intentional changes.
Mars Vallon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60640
Waitlist for new clients
I provide attachment focused trauma and sex therapy to queer people, trans people, non-monogamous and polyamorous people, sex workers, and kinky people. I love working through attachment repair work with people who have felt like they are "too much" or "not enough". Many of my clients resonate with experiencing "big emotions" or have a history of feeling misunderstood in romantic or sexual relationships. I also often work with individuals and couples who are aiming to unpack sexual shame, who are experiencing pain with sex, or who are navigating desire discrepancy.
I provide attachment focused trauma and sex therapy to queer people, trans people, non-monogamous and polyamorous people, sex workers, and kinky people. I love working through attachment repair work with people who have felt like they are "too much" or "not enough". Many of my clients resonate with experiencing "big emotions" or have a history of feeling misunderstood in romantic or sexual relationships. I also often work with individuals and couples who are aiming to unpack sexual shame, who are experiencing pain with sex, or who are navigating desire discrepancy.
Natasha Ceballos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CST
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
Eroticism is adult play: ideally it is expansive, vibrant, joyful, and stress-free. Living in a sex-shaming society damages our ability to have a loving, easy relationship to our erotic, sensual, and sexual identities. That damage can lead to conflict and disconnection with ourselves and our intimate others. Our relational health is a necessary ingredient in our overall life satisfaction. We long for our intimate relationships to be a safe haven from the stress, overwhelm, and chaos of our lives. When that isn’t the case, it can lead us to feel lost, uneasy, and wondering how to find our way back to a feeling of security.
Eroticism is adult play: ideally it is expansive, vibrant, joyful, and stress-free. Living in a sex-shaming society damages our ability to have a loving, easy relationship to our erotic, sensual, and sexual identities. That damage can lead to conflict and disconnection with ourselves and our intimate others. Our relational health is a necessary ingredient in our overall life satisfaction. We long for our intimate relationships to be a safe haven from the stress, overwhelm, and chaos of our lives. When that isn’t the case, it can lead us to feel lost, uneasy, and wondering how to find our way back to a feeling of security.
Macauley Cliffe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT-200
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60618 (Online Only)
I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just looking for a fresh perspective, I want you to know you’re in the right place. My name is Macauley and I’m a therapist who believes in the power of authenticity, connection, and compassion. Therapy with me is about more than just talking. It’s about finding your truth, your strength, and your peace. We’ll explore your story together, shining light on the parts that might feel too painful to face alone, providing you with the tools and space to empower yourself with a new narrative to define your life by.
I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just looking for a fresh perspective, I want you to know you’re in the right place. My name is Macauley and I’m a therapist who believes in the power of authenticity, connection, and compassion. Therapy with me is about more than just talking. It’s about finding your truth, your strength, and your peace. We’ll explore your story together, shining light on the parts that might feel too painful to face alone, providing you with the tools and space to empower yourself with a new narrative to define your life by.
As human beings, we all have a need to be seen, heard, and understood. Our relational needs are particularly important when in a place of struggle. As your therapist, I will strive to hold space, offer safety and relational connection as you reimagine and change your relationship with yourself, others, and the world around. I am experienced and passionate about working with individuals, groups, and queer couples. Areas of focus include LGBTQ identity work, becoming an anti-racist, embodiment, substance use, spiritual trauma, interpersonal and internal conflict, and anxiety.
As human beings, we all have a need to be seen, heard, and understood. Our relational needs are particularly important when in a place of struggle. As your therapist, I will strive to hold space, offer safety and relational connection as you reimagine and change your relationship with yourself, others, and the world around. I am experienced and passionate about working with individuals, groups, and queer couples. Areas of focus include LGBTQ identity work, becoming an anti-racist, embodiment, substance use, spiritual trauma, interpersonal and internal conflict, and anxiety.
I work with people who are experiencing anxiety and distress. Many feel stuck in unsatisfying experiences. We can gently explore these experiences in ways that can loosen their "grip", and bring innate healing resources into play, cultivating a deeper sense of ease and opportunity in everyday experience. The dissolving of these unsatisfying patterns, and the appearance and growth of more satisfying ones, happens in both individual and relationship therapy.
I work with people who are experiencing anxiety and distress. Many feel stuck in unsatisfying experiences. We can gently explore these experiences in ways that can loosen their "grip", and bring innate healing resources into play, cultivating a deeper sense of ease and opportunity in everyday experience. The dissolving of these unsatisfying patterns, and the appearance and growth of more satisfying ones, happens in both individual and relationship therapy.
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Samantha Skvaril
May Han
Laura Karr
People work with me to deeply understand themselves, create more meaningful connections with others, and learn new ways of coping with their pain and life's challenges. Many patients see me because they are dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD and the effects of trauma, and relationship challenges. But often, those are broad terms for more subtle issues—maybe you feel dissatisfied, stuck, confused, distant, lonely, uncertain, lost, or have difficult feelings about yourself or others. Whatever your specific concern, you are seeking therapy because you are looking for growth, change, and more freedom in your life.
People work with me to deeply understand themselves, create more meaningful connections with others, and learn new ways of coping with their pain and life's challenges. Many patients see me because they are dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD and the effects of trauma, and relationship challenges. But often, those are broad terms for more subtle issues—maybe you feel dissatisfied, stuck, confused, distant, lonely, uncertain, lost, or have difficult feelings about yourself or others. Whatever your specific concern, you are seeking therapy because you are looking for growth, change, and more freedom in your life.
Greetings! I am a passionate Master's level clinical mental health counseling student at Northwestern University, dedicated to fostering positive change and resilience in individuals. My therapeutic approach is rooted in an integrative framework, with a strong foundation in psychodynamic theory. I am committed to creating a tailored experience that meets the unique needs of each client.
Greetings! I am a passionate Master's level clinical mental health counseling student at Northwestern University, dedicated to fostering positive change and resilience in individuals. My therapeutic approach is rooted in an integrative framework, with a strong foundation in psychodynamic theory. I am committed to creating a tailored experience that meets the unique needs of each client.
Warm greetings! I’m so glad you are reading this page—it means you are looking for change. Therapy can help you find your own source of strength. Maybe it’s inside you, just waiting to be discovered, or a gift from your culture or ancestors. Maybe it’s outside: new knowledge or skills. Maybe it’s spiritual, physical, or expressive. I believe that when you are empowered by your sources of strength, you can make the change that leads to your best life.
Warm greetings! I’m so glad you are reading this page—it means you are looking for change. Therapy can help you find your own source of strength. Maybe it’s inside you, just waiting to be discovered, or a gift from your culture or ancestors. Maybe it’s outside: new knowledge or skills. Maybe it’s spiritual, physical, or expressive. I believe that when you are empowered by your sources of strength, you can make the change that leads to your best life.
Courtney Vogt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60661
For a long time, life has felt extremely difficult for you. Maybe you’re feeling frustrated because on the surface, everything looks good and your life “could be worse.” “It's fine. I'm fine!” has become your inner dialogue. However, feelings of tension, detachment, exhaustion and burn-out are present. Friends and family are not noticing your pain as you have mastered hiding it, leading to confusing feelings of loneliness, disconnection, guilt and shame. Perhaps deep down you know you want to live your life authentically but feel unsure of where to begin. You might be feeling afraid to look at what is inside "pandora's box."
For a long time, life has felt extremely difficult for you. Maybe you’re feeling frustrated because on the surface, everything looks good and your life “could be worse.” “It's fine. I'm fine!” has become your inner dialogue. However, feelings of tension, detachment, exhaustion and burn-out are present. Friends and family are not noticing your pain as you have mastered hiding it, leading to confusing feelings of loneliness, disconnection, guilt and shame. Perhaps deep down you know you want to live your life authentically but feel unsure of where to begin. You might be feeling afraid to look at what is inside "pandora's box."
Nathalia Gonzalez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AM, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
As a creative, eclectic therapist, with a trauma informed approach, my focus is exploring opportunities geared towards strengthening an individual’s ability to live in alignment with their values and experience joy. Understanding the importance of a non-judgmental and caring approach, I offer a warm, empathic, and collaborative therapy space that reflects my passion for helping clients build fuller and more authentic lives. My hope is that by building a safe and secure relationship, we create space to process and grow from the breadth of experiences that make us human: the moments of joy, the moments of hardship, the unknown.
As a creative, eclectic therapist, with a trauma informed approach, my focus is exploring opportunities geared towards strengthening an individual’s ability to live in alignment with their values and experience joy. Understanding the importance of a non-judgmental and caring approach, I offer a warm, empathic, and collaborative therapy space that reflects my passion for helping clients build fuller and more authentic lives. My hope is that by building a safe and secure relationship, we create space to process and grow from the breadth of experiences that make us human: the moments of joy, the moments of hardship, the unknown.
Bipoc Lgbtqia Neurodiverse-Affirming Couples Therapist Jennifer Macias
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60602
Let's talk about something we all know to be true – life is one big tangle of relationships. Whether you're dating, single, married, engaged, part of a cozy little family, or navigating the chaos of a massive one, relationships are everywhere. And, you know what? Contrary to those picture-perfect moments we see online, not all of these relationships are sunshine and rainbows 100% of the time, or even 50% of the time! But, here's the deal – you're not alone in feeling some type of way about your connections with others or with yourself.
Let's talk about something we all know to be true – life is one big tangle of relationships. Whether you're dating, single, married, engaged, part of a cozy little family, or navigating the chaos of a massive one, relationships are everywhere. And, you know what? Contrary to those picture-perfect moments we see online, not all of these relationships are sunshine and rainbows 100% of the time, or even 50% of the time! But, here's the deal – you're not alone in feeling some type of way about your connections with others or with yourself.
Michelle Kim
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60607
Are you struggling with depression, fear, loneliness, or a sense of being trapped in life? Are you living with painful memories and emotions which cause you to feel insecure? Or, like me, are you a native of a different country and facing cross-cultural realities that only immigrants understand? If you are hoping to transform your hardships into empowerment, I will be able to create the space and provide the expertise into helping you find internal strength to re-write your life story.
Are you struggling with depression, fear, loneliness, or a sense of being trapped in life? Are you living with painful memories and emotions which cause you to feel insecure? Or, like me, are you a native of a different country and facing cross-cultural realities that only immigrants understand? If you are hoping to transform your hardships into empowerment, I will be able to create the space and provide the expertise into helping you find internal strength to re-write your life story.
As you scroll through all these listings you know you’re looking for something—and it probably isn’t just someone to help you sort things out or someone who practices a certain way or works with a particular kind of person—there’s definitely something else. But what is this elusive “something”? I’m convinced it’s a feeling of connection or rather the potential for connecting, finding a fit in other words, or as the academics term it, rapport. Which interestingly is by all accounts the single best predictor for success in therapy: how well people relate to their therapists.
As you scroll through all these listings you know you’re looking for something—and it probably isn’t just someone to help you sort things out or someone who practices a certain way or works with a particular kind of person—there’s definitely something else. But what is this elusive “something”? I’m convinced it’s a feeling of connection or rather the potential for connecting, finding a fit in other words, or as the academics term it, rapport. Which interestingly is by all accounts the single best predictor for success in therapy: how well people relate to their therapists.
Scott Conklin
Counselor, LCPC, MEd, NCC, MFA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60645
Waitlist for new clients
Many of us want to have closer, happier, more genuine relationships with our children, spouses, partners, and friends. We may feel stuck, unsatisfied or trapped in our careers or in school, overwhelmed by a strong sense of pressure coming from all directions. There are feelings of stress, anger, guilt or a sense of loneliness that get in the way, too. Often we compare ourselves to others and fall short of expectations. We may look "fine" on the outside, but on the inside, we don't feel fine.
Many of us want to have closer, happier, more genuine relationships with our children, spouses, partners, and friends. We may feel stuck, unsatisfied or trapped in our careers or in school, overwhelmed by a strong sense of pressure coming from all directions. There are feelings of stress, anger, guilt or a sense of loneliness that get in the way, too. Often we compare ourselves to others and fall short of expectations. We may look "fine" on the outside, but on the inside, we don't feel fine.
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Who is AEDP therapy for?
Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) is for adults who have experienced emotional pain in the past that, because it has not been adequately addressed and processed, interferes with current functioning. The problems might manifest in a number of different ways, from excessive anger to relationship difficulties to PTSD to eating disorders, poor self-esteem, and depression. They may also be accompanied by physiological symptoms. AEDP helps people accept and digest challenging emotional experiences.
Why do people need AEDP?
People need AEDP as a way to manage distressing emotions—including anger, shame, and guilt—that in some way hamper the ability to function and form satisfying relationships in the present. The therapist-client relationship is believed to provide corrective emotional and relational experiences that facilitate positive changes in brain function, forge pathways for processing traumatic experiences, and allow resolution of emotional pain.
What happens in AEDP therapy?
Once individuals have established a strong bond with the AEDP therapist and the therapist has established a safe and secure environment, clients are encouraged to explore their most painful emotional experiences. They may be asked to pay attention to disquieting body sensations as well as to psychological discomfort. Individuals learn how to process emotions, rather than avoid them. Through the strength of the therapist-client bond, each session is intended to provide a powerful positive experience for individuals, enabling growth.
What problems does AEDP treat?
AEDP is intended to treat the unprocessed emotional pain caused by earlier distressing experiences, which commonly includes behavioral avoidance of current situations and experiences for fear that they will reactivate painful feelings. Emotional pain and avoidant behavior play a role in a wide array of mental health conditions, which is why AEDP is applied to the treatment of a range of disorders including depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationship difficulties, and eating disorders.