Sara Todd (she/they)

Psychoanalytic 

After graduate school, I completed two years of advanced clinical training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy with the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis in 2015. Prior to that, I participated in the fellowship program with the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute (2010-2011) and the fellowship program with the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis (2011-2013).

Psychodynamic 

After graduate school, I completed two years of advanced clinical training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy with the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis in 2015. Prior to that, I participated in the fellowship program with the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute (2010-2011) and the fellowship program with the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis (2011-2013).

Mindfulness-based

I am a Buddhist and practice within both Tibetan and Zen traditions and have had a meditation practice for the last twenty years. I integrate mindfulness practices into my work with clients. This may include: noticing and attuning to physical sensations; slowing down and pausing during session in order to build tolerance for discomfort; self-compassion practices; noticing the role of the “inner critic” in your life; and recognizing and challenging unhelpful thought patterns.

Depression

Depression has underlying, unconscious reasons for its existence. Together, we will figure out the root causes and bring about your innate capacity to heal. I have over fifteen years of experience working with folks who have struggled with depression. Oftentimes, depression is about unresolved grieving and anger turned towards the self. Therapy provides a path to properly mourn what's been lost and release anger that's been held in for too long.

Loss or Grief

In our work together, your grieving will be accepted and seen for the normal, healing process that it is. Grieving is a normal, necessary process that makes us human. We grieve because we’re attached. We love. We grieve. It measures the depth and intensity of our attachment and love for people, places, experiences, and other living beings.

LGBTQ Issues

Prior to working in mental health, I spent many years within LGBTQ rights movements. I care deeply about the impact of social injustice, homophobia, and transphobia on your mental health. I identify as queer and agender. I radically welcome and affirm all the beautiful and diverse ways you may identify and express yourself.

Spirituality

Sometimes, the meditation cushion isn’t enough. Your meditation practice has benefited your life in profound ways, yet you’re needing more to address psychological wounds. I’ve been practicing meditation since 2002 when I was drawn to Buddhist teachings on kindness and compassion. I now identify as Buddhist and currently practice within both Tibetan and Zen traditions. I believe that the work of personal healing and transformation is the work of creating a more enlightened society.

Chronic Pain or Illness

My treatment approach pays close attention to the body. Trauma shows up in the body– how we move and feel, illness, and physical symptoms. This may show up as fatigue or chronic pain. My approach will emphasize physical sensations, feelings, and emotions with the goal of processing trauma that’s stored in the body. The body has its own language and this is also driven by what’s unconscious.