Dr. Ariel K Gaines
They/Them
Welcome!
Beginning a therapeutic relationship can feel significant and even intimidating. I promise to bring genuine compassion and warmth from our first conversation.
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In formal psychology terms, my approach is grounded in psychodynamic, existential, humanistic, feminist, and attachment theory traditions. These approaches are based in decades of research and are considered "depth therapies" because they address the problems that underlie our symptoms. They heal from the "bottom up."
As we build a foundation of trust, I will join you in exploring the deeper layers of your psyche—the parts that may be pushed down or hidden but still powerfully impact your feelings and relationships. I have a strong ability to notice connections--between your formative experiences, social contexts, family dynamics, and current struggles. It can be exciting to find "aha" insights together that help you know your whole self and grow in new directions.
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I enjoy laughing in session—I believe humor is a source of healing in the face of pain. I am also able to hold deep suffering and flex to meet you exactly where you are.
Depth-oriented psychotherapy can take a twisty path. In a single session, we may follow a thread connecting your favorite fairy tale, an early childhood memory, patterns in your relationships, and a joke you heard last week. Transformation is often found in chaos.
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Finally, I believe the therapeutic relationship offers a wonderful opportunity to experiment with new ways of connecting with another person--perhaps you will use our sessions to practice being a bit more assertive, or to try expressing more tender feelings. Such experiences can transcend the therapy room and help you to live more fully in your other relationships.
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I look forward to meeting you!
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“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
― Carl Gustav Jung
Specialties and clinical interests
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Trauma and PTSD
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Grief
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Low self-worth
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Life Transitions
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Family conflict
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Painful relational patterns
Offering a liberating approach to clients who are
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LGBTQIA+
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Gender transitioning
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Women and girls
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Polyamorous
- Neurodivergent
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Body diverse
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Disabled
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BIPOC
Ariel K Gaines, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Supervisor
Doctor of Psychology
Master of Arts
Master of Arts
Bachelor of Arts
Professional Affiliations
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
The University of Chicago
Sarah Lawrence College​
American Psychological Association, Division 39: Psychoanalysis, Illinois Psychological Association, Kink & Polyam Aware Chicago Therapists, Intersex and Genderqueer Recognition Project