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Emily Edelman, LCSW

She/Her/Hers

Clinical Social Work, Psychotherapist


As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in The State of Illinois, I have worked as a clinician for 18 years and within the broader field of Social Work for approximately 25 years. I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) and earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work.

My success in providing treatment comes from my honesty and genuine interest in the uniqueness of each of my clients and knowing what motivates them to grow. I am empathic, nurturing, and warm. I bring levity to the consultation room as a relaxed environment allows us to feel genuinely connected and creates/fosters secure attachments while exploring concerns, personal histories, fears, fantasies, etc...

I adhere to an individually tailored approach of trauma-informed psychodynamic and relational/attachment therapy, all of which build meaningful, caring relationships and create trusting bonds amongst myself and my clients. When these intimate bonds develop through engagement and collaboration, it allows clients to experience healthier, more fulfilling lives. Through the therapeutic process of establishing and exploring boundaries we learn to better understand and resolve the conflicts and traumas holding us back.

Relationships and associated experiences often reveal themselves in daily decisions and interactions with others. Distress arising from negative associations, particularly those from our formative/childhood years can disrupt our perceptions of current relationships, hampering trust and the bonding process in our relationships. This creates challenges in how we navigate our world and resolve conflict.

We find ourselves bound to the past recreating negative relationships throughout our lives.  These patterns lead to frustration and dissatisfaction, resulting in anxiety, depression, unhealthy coping skills, and dysfunctional/dissatisfying relationships. 

The felt bond between therapist and client is the most powerful factor in the process of emotional and psychological healing. This healing, as well as developing a better understanding of negative patterns, will ultimately aid in establishing healthier life choices.  Relationships will begin to evolve with time, feeling more substantial and meaningful. 


Specializations

  • Adoption

  • Adult ADHD

  • Anxiety & Depression

  • Attachment Issues

  • Cancer

  • Compassion Fatigue

  • Creative Professionals/ Struggling Creatives

  • Family of Origin Issues/Childhood Exploration

  • Grief/Loss

  • Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy (PAP) Integration

  • Psychedelic Harm Reduction/Safety

  • Therapy for Psychotherapists/ Psychotherapy Graduate Students

  • Trauma/c-PTSD (Generational, Medical, Religious, Sexual, etc.)

Extensive Experience

  • Career Changes

  • Divorce

  • Infidelity

  • LGBTQIA+ Issues

  • Life Transitions

  • Mood Disorders

  • One-on-One Adolescent Work

  • Parenting

  • Pet Loss/Grief

  • Women’s Issues