Maddy Engelfried (she/her)

Narrative 

I see therapy as a space to explore and rewrite the stories we tell ourselves. Narrative reframing offers a chance to view challenges from new perspectives and harness the creativity necessary for meaningful change. I strongly believe that taking control of our personal narratives can foster empowerment, develop resilience, and help us discover what makes our lives worth living.

Existential

I work with clients to discover what they find most meaningful, and figure out how they can bring more of that meaning into their everyday lives. I think therapy is a space where clients can do the difficult and rewarding work of figuring out what makes life worth living for them, regardless of the circumstances that brought them into therapy.

Feminist

Feminist therapy isn't just about women's issues (though it certainly can be). It's about cultivating an egalitarian relationship between the therapist and client and recognizing that whatever our gender identity and expression, we all have things in our lives that oppress us and things that give us privilege. I see feminism as an essential lens to understanding the therapeutic relationship and the world at large.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing can help clients and therapists clarify therapeutic goals and make sure everyone is on the same page about why we're here. I've found that it's also a great way to have an open, honest conversation. I use motivational interviewing techniques in tandem with other therapeutic modalities to get a better sense of where my client is coming from and where they want to go.

Adjustment Disorder

I've worked with people adjusting to overwhelming life transitions at many different stages of life, including teens getting ready to leave home, younger adults coping with homelessness, and older adults struggling with grief and loss.

Polyamorous and Open Relationships

As a person who has practiced polyamory for many years, I have firsthand knowledge of the joys and complications of non-monogamous relationships. The transition from monogamy to ENM and the struggle to be understood by family can both be overwhelming. If you're looking to adjust your relationship structure or just need a therapist who knows terms like NRE and compersion, we might be a good fit!

Historical Trauma

It can be hard to make sense of devastating events that we hold in our collective memory and integrate the group narrative into our personal narrative. In my work with members of Chicago's Jewish community, I gained a new appreciation for the human need to cultivate joy, connection, and resilience in dark moments. I know this can look different for everyone, so I strive to stay culturally humble and curious in my work with people who are struggling with collective trauma.

LGBTQ Issues

I was a member of the queer community long before I was a therapist, and I believe that identity is a journey rather than a destination. I've also worked with queer youth and elders in individual and group therapy settings, and I've worked with the peers and parents of LGBTQ youth to help them better understand allyship.

Chronic Pain or Illness

I know firsthand how difficult it can be to integrate chronic illness into our identity while hanging onto our goals, dreams, and relationships. In my work with younger and older adults, I've noticed that adjusting to a new diagnosis can be a huge challenge at any stage of life. I use narrative and existential therapy to help clients explore their potential and integrate disability or illness into their life narratives while staying true to the other parts of their identities.