What does psychodynamic mean?

Psychodynamic theory and practice is influenced by classic psychoanalysis. These treatments are often longer term and more open ended, to allow room to consider the role of unconscious processes and early life experiences in current functioning and distress. This kind of therapy often utilizes the close professional relationship between the therapist and client as a way to understand the client’s patterns of relating to significant others in their life.

What about CBT?

In my experience, I’ve found manualized treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) useful for specific behaviors and situations, but sometimes a close-ended approach can result in distress popping up in another area instead of an overall resolution. We can certainly talk about tools and strategies to find some immediate relief, but if navigating distress was simple and one-dimensional, you could probably find the same benefit from reading a solid self-help book.

What is the difference between a therapist, counselor, social worker, psychologist, and psychiatrist?

Any of these practitioners can provide therapy. A counselor has primarily clinical training, and provide direct therapy services to clients. A social worker has clinical training, as well as a greater awareness of how to connect people with social programs, social systems, and community care. Psychiatrists are doctors who can prescribe medication. Psychologists’ training usually includes mental health research and they often administer formal testing and evaluation.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. This is a license to practice level independently in the state of Illinois. My education has been focused on clinical training and providing effective outpatient therapy.

Can you diagnose things like Autism and ADHD?

I don’t offer formal testing, but I can help you address and work through what makes it difficult for you to navigate the world, help you find pragmatic ways to assist daily functioning, and offer support for feelings of alienation, being misunderstood, and self-judgement for struggling with things that others might not. We can also work to understand what might be beneficial for you about diagnostic certainty, such as if it would make some formal supports available, and I can provide a referral.

Can I add you on social media?

Nope!

Boundaries are a foundational part of therapy—I am warm and receptive, but we aren’t friends, and that’s important! Therapy can be a playground for trying out new ideas and modes of communications, as well as practicing being honest and vulnerable, and a big part of what makes that possible is the professional distance.