Meet anikó blake, Lmft

You, by yourself, with your partner, or with your family, are likely seeking therapy because of change. Maybe life is changing quickly or perhaps life is feeling stagnant and stuck. From birth we are in a constant pursuit of needing both stability and growth: within ourselves and in our relationships with others. Sometimes we seek therapy to find more stability, so that we can feel safe and grounded by the constants in our lives. At other times we begin therapy to address growth, through identifying the circumstances we can alter and those we cannot.

I use an Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST) approach to help clients connect their past experiences and relationships with where they are currently in order to move forward with greater intention, connection, and well-being. This can be done through various forms of expression including talking, creative arts, play, movement, and writing. My approach is curious, creative, and strength-based. I prioritize the therapist-client relationship in order to foster trust and safety and help clients feel agency and autonomy while reaching their goals.

I am passionate about understanding relationships and how they can be most healthy and meaningful. I hold a B.A. in Psychology from DePaul University and a M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Illinois and a Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor Candidate with The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). I am a Prepare/Enrich Facilitator for working with premarital couples and have completed the Level One Theraplay & Marschak Interaction Method for working with children and families. I am currently completing Dr. Dan Siegel’s Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) Course at The Mindsight Institute. As part of my ongoing learning, I complete training each year on the latest techniques and research in trauma-informed and culturally-sensitive therapy. I strive to offer LGBTQIA+, non-monogamy, kink, and abortion affirming care and utilize sex-positivity when approaching intimacy in relationships.

Whatever your identities and values may be, I welcome you to therapy. My commitment to you will be my participation in building a compassionate and respectful therapeutic relationship and offering my humility and humanity in our work together.

The scope of my practice includes individuals, couples/dyads+, and families. I also facilitate psychotherapy groups throughout the year. My particular clinical interests include relationship transitions, parent-child attachment, identity development, and grief. When working with children I use play-based approaches and tools to support developmentally appropriate self-expression. Additionally, I offer co-parenting therapy for adults who are divorced or separated. I am trained in several therapy methods in order to suit each client based on their particular developmental needs and personal expression. When short-term therapy is preferred, I am trained at collaborating with clients on creating an efficient way to conduct our time.

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