Emily Deaver, LCPC

She/Her/Hers

I have wanted to help others as long as I can remember. I grew up watching my father operate his own healthcare practice in Chicago’s Loop, and his caring approach to his patients inspired me to make a difference in the lives of others.

As a former teacher and school counselor for both Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and Chicago charter schools, I am intimately familiar with the ways in which school stressors and anxiety can impact individuals of any age and education level. I work with children, adolescents, students in college and graduate school, young adults entering the workforce, parents, and families.

I provide a safe, welcoming and nonjudgmental space for clients to express and process their emotional experiences and find ways to make meaningful changes to their lives. Through counseling, I help people address their concerns in a way that promotes growth and healing on an individualized and personal level. I believe that through therapy, I can help people grow and reach their desired goals in a confidential and empathetic therapeutic environment.

What are my Qualifications?

  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

  • National Certified Counselor (NCC)

  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Level One (CCTP-I)

  • Professional Educator Licenses — Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)

    • Licensed School Counselor (Pre-Kindergarten through age 22)

    • Licensed Self-Contained Elementary (K-9) Teacher with Endorsement in Middle School Social Sciences

What is my Educational Background?

  • Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Applied Psychology from DePaul University

  • Master of Education in School Counseling from DePaul University

  • Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University

Who Do I Work With?

  • Individual Adults

    • Emerging Adulthood

    • Young Adulthood

    • Established Adulthood

    • Middle Adulthood

  • Children and Adolescents — Ages 5-17

  • Parents and Families

Specific Areas of Expertise

  • Academic Stressors

    • All ages, grade levels, and levels of higher education

  • Life Stressors and Life Transitions

  • Executive Functioning

  • Gender Identity & Orientation

  • Sexual Identity & Orientation

  • Divorce

  • Trauma

  • Abuse

    • Domestic Violence

    • Childhood Abuse

    • Sexual Abuse and Violence

  • Grief and Loss

  • Family of Origin Issues

  • Women’s Issues

  • Human Sexuality and Sexual Issues

  • Creatives/Performers/Artists

  • HIV/AIDS

  • Sex Work/Sex Workers/Adult Industry

  • Religious Trauma and Spiritual Identity

  • Abortion

  • Work and Employment Stressors

    • Working with therapists, healthcare professionals and individuals with non-traditional employment

    • Labor issues/exploitation

  • Specific Diagnoses:

    • ADHD

    • Depression

    • Anxiety Disorders

    • Bipolar Disorders

    • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    • Substance Use Disorder

Where Did I Begin?

Before moving into mental healthcare and private practice, I began my professional journey working as a licensed educator within the Chicago Public School (CPS) and Chicago charter school systems.

One of my most transformative professional experiences was through my work as a counselor at The Orthogenic School at the University of Chicago, where I received both formal training and extensive experience in relational therapeutic treatment modalities and crisis intervention strategies.

My Therapeutic Approach

My therapeutic style can be described as laid-back, genuine, relatable and down-to-earth. I am a Rogerian, or person-centered, therapist.

From a clinical perspective, most of my formal training and clinical approach incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Within the CBT framework, I utilize techniques of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

I am also trained in several relational treatment modalities, Family Systems Theory, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). As an integrative and holistic therapist, I also utilize elements of positive psychology and Feminist Theory frameworks as well.

Contact us

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