Amina Elmahdy. LMFT
In my experience most change is born with the start of a great conversation. In my office you will find warmth, insight, laughter and empowerment to explore what holds you back and create change.
I have worked in this field for over 15 years, and throughout this time have worked with depression, anxiety, loss, and a wide array of personal, relational and societal stressors that impact clients. This includes but is not limited to career stress, marital discontent, mental health impacts of medical issues, life transitions, ‘adulting’ to aging, infertility, parenting and coparenting. I have worked with clients experiencing deep seated harm from verbal or psychological abuse, and have explored intergenerational impacts of racial, gender based or societal injustices on mental health.
My approach is described as Human-Centered and Narrative by our profession. This simply means I value each individual as the main agent of insight and change. I like to use words to recreate and empower our internal stories to build strength and resolution. I also have experience teaching which helps me share tools with my clients so they feel a part of the therapeutic process and can understand the direction we take together. As a family therapist I also value the connection we have to all significant people in our lives and work to understand these influences in my clients lives to create healing.
I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology at UCLA in 2001 and my master’s degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy from CSUF in 2006. I am a supervising clinician for both AMFTs and LCPCs working toward licensure. I enjoy working with other mental health professionals whether it be through their training or personal therapy.
Take a minute to reach out and let’s get our conversation going.
Julia Gerhardt, LMFT
I trust that you are the expert on you. Together, we will navigate what you know, how you know it, and, should you want to, how to create change where you want it. In my work, I bring my passion for storytelling and mental health to create space for you to author, edit, and share your own story. Storytelling is a powerful tool that can shape how we view ourselves and others. By working with a Narrative approach in therapy, we will use that tool to help you create the narrative that takes the most courage to write. I also use Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) to help couples work through long-standing patterns of conflict and create deeper connection, intimacy, and understanding. With these approaches, I help clients find deeper security, trust, and love in their relationship to self and others. I believe that old patterns are breakable, that change is possible, and that you are here for a purpose.
My clinical areas of interest include supporting couples seeking better communication and intimacy, chronic pain, living with endometriosis, grief work, navigating young adult transitions, processing racialized violence, processing whiteness, purity culture, supporting LGBTQ+ community, and working with folks in an ACA or AL-ANON program.
I earned my Masters in Couple and Family Therapy from Adler University. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) from the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy. I continue my training in EFCT through reading and ongoing supervision with EFCT supervisors. I also have a Gottman Level 1 certificate which has provided me with more tools for how couples can effectively approach conflict, create deeper friendships, and discuss future goals.
Join the team
Therapy Hive Chicago is hiring qualified, pre-licensed AMFTs or LCPCs. We offer client contact hours in-person and virtually as well as approved supervision.
Email us to set up your interview!
amina@therapyhivechicago.com
