Meet Tanya.

I’m a board-certified, trauma-informed psychotherapist, grounded in emotionally focused and insight-based psychodynamic practice.

My relational approach to therapy is shaped by my past life in a creative industry: I take joy in helping creative people (and the creative within all of us) harness their superpowers and in helping professionals navigate high performance cultures while protecting their well-being. I offer minimally structured and highly individualized sessions that allow curiosity and open-ended exploration.

I approach clients with a compassionate and open heart. Together we work to reduce anxiety and depression, improve emotional awareness and regulation, grow self-acceptance, lessen social anxiety, and heal trauma. Individuals and couples learn to improve communication, deepen empathy, and build more satisfying relationships.

People come to therapy with the wisdom to grow already inside them. It’s my role to provide accepting space and favorable conditions – a safe haven and secure base – to become our most creative, inspired, and vital selves.

Credentials.

LCPC, NCC Board-Certified Psychotherapist

IL License 180.016920

Education.

Northwestern University

M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling

In affiliation with The Family Institute at Northwestern, The Center for Applied Psychological and Family Studies

Capstone Project -- Generative Potential: Principles of Attachment and Resilience in Counseling Middle-Aged Adults

Duke University

B.A., Psychology, B.A., Political Science

Continuing Education.

Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis

Fellowship, 2023-2025

Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute

Exploring Psychoanalysis Program, 2023-2024

On-going training and consultation with Dr. Frank Summers

Renowned analyst, author, speaker, and educator on Psychoanalysis/Object Relations theory and practice. Past President, American Psychological Association, Division 39.

Therapy is focused on you and your story. But if learning a bit more about me helps you feel at ease, read on…

  • I am a board-certified therapist, practicing insight-based, depth therapy from a multiculturally-informed and strengths-based perspective. I combine the verbal narrative of talk therapy with somatic awareness to explore and heal the legacy of trauma, attachment difficulties, and relational stress. 

  • I’m a voracious lover of ideas and experiences. Nothing heals me more than full immersion in live music, theater, TED talks, books, museums, movies, art, architecture, fashion, design. I care about social justice, public policy, and diverse perspectives. I love travel, both the real world and armchair varieties. I am also a proud aunt to four boys and love to plan outings where I can experience the world through their eyes and work on my favored-aunt status! 

  • I practice mindfulness in ways both formal, like transcendental meditation, and informal, like getting lost in music I love. I enjoy walking, dancing, pilates and cuddling with my cat, Goose, who thinks he’s a dog.

  • My first answer is “almost everything” … but most of all, there are three things I find infinitely fascinating: humans and the human condition, travel (52 countries and counting!), and all forms of creativity. Ultimately, I believe in the power of healing, creativity, and passionate people working together to change the world. 

  • Music. Any and all. Live. In the car. Under a disco ball. Even in the supermarket. Karaoke. Dancing in the living room to old school vinyl on the turntable. Twirling like Stevie Nicks.