A woman with wavy brown hair, wearing gold earrings and a dark brown sweater, smiling in front of a brick wall.

Maddie Persanyi, LCPC, CCTP, & Chief Operations Officer

“In the end only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you”
— Buddha

Therapy with me is collaborative, supportive, and tailored to you. I work with adults navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, self-esteem, perfectionism, life transitions, and the impact of difficult past experiences. You may find yourself repeating patterns in relationships, struggling to set boundaries, putting pressure on yourself to have everything figured out, or feeling stuck despite knowing that something needs to change.

My approach is warm and nonjudgmental while also being active and direct. I want therapy to be a space where you feel supported and understood, but also challenged to better understand yourself and the patterns that may be keeping you stuck.

I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal Theory, positive psychology, and other evidence-based approaches based on your individual needs and goals. I also have specialized training in the Gottman Method and work with couples looking to strengthen communication, navigate conflict, and feel more connected in their relationships. Additionally, I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), which allows me to bring a trauma-informed perspective to my work, helping clients better understand their experiences, navigate emotional challenges, and foster lasting growth and healing.

APPROACH

Book
A woman with wavy, shoulder-length hair sitting on a green chair, smiling at the camera. She wears a brown sweater and blue jeans, with one arm resting on the chair's armrest. Behind her is a brick wall and a window with plants outside. There are two ceramic pots and a small plant on the window sill.

  • • I earned my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University in Chicago.

    • I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois.

    • I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), with specialized training in trauma-informed treatment, Polyvagal Theory, and Internal Family Systems (IFS).

    • I completed 22 hours of training in the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Immersion Model Across Clinical Applications.

    • I am trained in Level One Gottman Method Couples Therapy, an evidence-based approach to helping couples improve communication, navigate conflict, and strengthen connection.

Having the opportunity to watch my clients grow in their careers, relationships, and personal lives is the most rewarding thing in the world. I couldn’t be more grateful to cultivate such authentic relationships where I get to learn about my clients and witness them thrive outside their comfort zones. I have always had an innate ability to listen, learn, empathize, and challenge people; I feel so lucky that I get to practice this every day with my clients!

MADDIE’S FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST

Maddie’s Testimonials

  • "I have been working with Maddie for well over a year now, and I cannot recommend her enough. I began working with her during a time I was having difficulty managing grief and anxiety. Through our work together, I have developed many tools to help with not only those two issues but several others that have come up in the course of our time together, including work, relationship, and family issues. She provides many evidence based tools to use outside of therapy. Most importantly, she always makes me feel heard, supported, and never judged."

  • "Before finding Maddie, I had a really difficult time with attachments in toxic relationships, setting boundaries, and having a better view on my self-worth. Over the past two years of working together, I’ve been able to become the person I want to be with myself and other relationships. Though it’s constantly a work in process, I feel safe and comfortable with her and I know she will always reinforce constructive guidance and unconditional positive regards."

  • "I was lucky enough to spend nearly two years working with Maddie. Her guidance gave me a new perspective that helped me work through past traumas and turn challenges into opportunities for growth. What I loved most about working with Maddie is that you never feel like another face. It’s obvious in each session that she deeply cares about your own unique success, personal growth, and recovery. I’m very grateful for the positive impact Maddie has had on my life and wholeheartedly recommend her."

  • "When I began working with Maddie, I knew I had general anxiety and past trauma to process. I knew right off the bat that Maddie was going to be a great fit, as she truly listens and processes what you are saying. Her advice and suggestions are ones that are fit for YOU, not just generalized. Over two years later, Maddie has given me excellent tools and resources to work through all different areas of my life - from quitting a toxic job, working on body image, a lot of successful work processing past sexual assault and difficult relationships, and all types of strategies and reflections on new approaches for my anxiety. I highly recommend Maddie for her ability to identify accurate evidence-based next steps, create strong connections, and truly process and listen to exactly what you are saying - unexpected or not! She really is the best!"

book with maddie

FUN FACTS ABOUT MADDIE

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LOVES TO TRAVEL

A Kindle e-reader displaying text, placed on a wooden table alongside a black coffee mug, a closed black tablet, and a cloth item, near a large window letting in natural light.

SPENDS TIME READING THRILLERS ON HER KINDLE

Interior of a modern restaurant with wooden tables, black chairs, and a large wine display. The space features a high ceiling with wooden slats, hanging lamps, and decorative gold vertical bars dividing the area. Large windows let in natural light.

ENJOYS EATING AT NEW RESTAURANTS