Intergenerational Trauma Therapy in Chicago, IL

You might be carrying more than just your own pain.

The feelings that you might experience: intense anger (blow-ups) or completely numb (shutting down).

If you’re here, maybe a part of you knows this didn’t start with you and you’re ready to address it once and for all.

Maybe you’ve heard, “That’s not how we do things in this family.”

And yet—something inside you is asking for a different way.

In families shaped by survival, trauma, and silence, emotions often had no space to exist. You may have learned that feelings were unsafe, weak, or just inconvenient. You need to keep pushing and you’ll get through it.

There might be stories you never heard, secrets that were never spoken, or pain that was passed down in the form of expectations, silence, or fear. These burdens often live in our bodies and spirits, showing up as anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, emotional distance—or an inner voice that tells you you're never good enough.

You usually avoid conflict with others because you don’t want to “rock the boat” or “make things worse”. You might struggle not to “fix” the people around you, or find yourself repeating old patterns—even when you swore you wouldn’t.

When you try to live life on your own terms—set boundaries, ask for what you need, raise your kids differently—you’re met with guilt trips, tension, or quiet disapproval. It's confusing. Painful. And often, it leaves you questioning whether you’re the problem.

You Can Break the Cycle Without Breaking Connection

intergenerational trauma therapy

I specialize in helping anxious high-achievers, people-pleasers, and caregivers—those who’ve spent years taking care of others while ignoring their own needs. You don’t have to keep performing or proving your worth to feel valued.

Through intergenerational trauma therapy, we’ll explore the patterns and beliefs passed down through your family that may be keeping you stuck. Healing doesn’t mean cutting off your roots—it means learning how to grow beyond what hurt you.

My integrative approach combines psychodynamic therapy, IFS (Internal Family Systems), and mindfulness-based tools. Together, we’ll uncover how old emotional habits are impacting your life now and build new ways of relating—to yourself and others—with more clarity, confidence, and compassion.

 

Imagine Feeling Grounded, Calm, and Confident in Who You Are

 

Over time, you’ll notice yourself…
✨ Setting boundaries without second-guessing
✨ Expressing your needs without fear of rejection
✨ Trusting yourself instead of seeking constant reassurance
✨ Feeling more present and connected in your relationships
✨ Knowing that you are worthy, even when things aren’t perfect

The work you do in therapy doesn’t stop with you. By choosing to heal, you’re also creating a healthier emotional foundation for your relationships, your children, and your future self.

Let’s Start Your Healing Together

If you’re ready to explore intergenerational trauma therapy in Chicago, IL, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute Zoom consultation. This is a space where you’ll be met with curiosity, compassion, and respect for all that you’re carrying.

You’re allowed to live differently. You’re allowed to heal.

Frequently Asked Questions about Intergenerational Trauma Therapy

  • It’s therapy that helps you explore and heal the emotional patterns passed down through family systems. It’s especially helpful for clients who feel responsible for everyone, struggle with boundaries, or were “parentified” as children.

  • Feeling guilt when setting boundaries, emotional shutdowns, perfectionism, chronic anxiety, or taking on a caregiving role too young are all common signs.

  • Only what you’re ready to share. We’ll go at your pace. Therapy is about safety, not retraumatizing.

  • Yes! I offer virtual sessions throughout the state of Illinois, including Chicago and surrounding areas.

  • Our first session is about building trust, getting to know each other, frequency of sessions, and reviewing consent forms/policies. There’s no pressure to share more than you’re ready for.

  • I am a provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO. You can use your insurance or you can pay out-of-pocket of $210 for for a 50 minute individual session.

  • Schedule your free consultation so we can talk about your goals and see if we’re a good fit!

intergenerational trauma therapy

Need flexibility? Online therapy can help!

Life is busy, and prioritizing your mental health shouldn’t add more stress. That’s why I offer online intergenerational trauma therapy in Chicago, IL, so you can get support in a way that fits your schedule. Whether you’re at home, in your office, or on a lunch break, therapy can be accessible and flexible—without the hassle of commuting.

Most of my clients meet with me weekly for online therapy and appreciate having a safe space to process emotions, build confidence, and make real changes in their lives.