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

Maddie Persanyi, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional & Chief Operations Officer (COO)

“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

I am genuine, driven, and empathetic towards helping individuals cope with all elements of life. As a clinician, I utilize strength-based and evidence-directed techniques to help people reach their full potential. I believe in creating a non-judgmental and safe space for clients to identify emotions, examine relationships, explore goals, discover strengths, and much more. I strive to use a collaborative approach that is tailored to one's specific needs. 

I utilize a variety of therapeutic methods including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), positive psychology, and trauma-informed approaches such as polyvagal theory and internal family systems (IFS). My training includes work with young adult and adult populations who struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues, and
life transitions. Additionally, I am clinically trained in Level One Gottman Method to work with couples where I utilize evidence-based methods to treat relationship issues.

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 graduated from Adler University in Chicago, Illinois with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    • I am fully licensed as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

    • I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) which signifies advanced training and competency in treating individuals who have experienced trauma, using evidence-based approaches such as polyvagal theory and internal family sytems.

    • I completed 22 hours of training in the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Immersion Model Across Clinical Applications. This training teaches ways to treat different issues such as trauma, anxiety, shame, addictions, eating disorders, and much more through the lens of IFS. The model is designed to fit an individual's unique needs by identifying your internal system and developing a relationship with your parts to help you heal.

    • I am trained in Level One Gottman Method for couples counseling. The method is based on Drs. John and Julie Gottman’s four decades of research with more than 3,000 couples. The method integrates various evidence-based approaches via the Sound Relationship House Theory. This approach aims to increase friendship, respect, and affection through re-exploring individual values and dreams. Through this training, I have learned to equip couples with skills to dialogue about their perpetual issues, find tools to process fights, and create increased understanding within the relationship. Various assessments, strategies, exercises, and skills are built into the method to help couples work through past or current issues and deepen their 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