Emily Dynis, LPC, EMDR Trained

(She/Her)

Therapy for adults ready to break old patterns and build something new.

I work with adult clients from a wide range of racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexuality and gender identities, and socioeconomic contexts in the Chicagoland area. Many of the people I work with notice themselves falling into familiar patterns—rumination, people-pleasing, harsh self-talk—and want support navigating life transitions, relationships, and emotional overwhelm in a more intentional way.

Specialties:

  • EMDR Trained
  • Emotional dysregulation and mood instability
  • Life transitions and decision points
  • Relationship patterns and interpersonal dynamics
  • Negative self-talk and self-esteem
  • People-pleasing and boundaries

What to Expect

Sessions typically begin with a brief check-in to support continuity from previous work, then you’ll help guide where we focus that day. You can expect active listening, curiosity, reflection, and reframing as we explore patterns, emotions, and needs. I may offer alternative perspectives, name themes I’m noticing, and help you identify what’s needed in the moment. The first session includes an intake to understand what’s bringing you to therapy, your goals, and your needs—and I’ll also share about my background and approach so you can decide if we’re a good fit. When helpful and with your consent, I often offer between-session practices such as mindfulness exercises, journaling prompts, or practical skills to support you outside of sessions.

We Might Be a Fit If You Feel…

  • “I’m falling into old habits that aren’t serving me anymore.”
  • “I’m ruminating about every little thing and can’t seem to shut my brain off.”
  • Stuck between wanting change and feeling unsure how to move forward.

A Little About Me

I believe the only way through something is to face it directly—with the right support, preparation, and care. My work draws from DBT-informed practices, EMDR, and a multicultural lens, acknowledging how systems and lived context shape our experiences. I’m trained in EMDR and have experience working with neurodivergence, religious trauma, substance use, trauma, and individuals who have experienced housing instability.

I became a therapist because I knew there had to be more than just surviving emotional pain—and I’m deeply committed to helping people navigate life’s challenges with more insight, confidence, and hope. Outside of therapy, I love dancing to house and techno music, cozy nights with puzzles or video games, and spending time with my cat. If you’re ready to look honestly at patterns and build practical tools for change, I’d be glad to work with you.

I may not be the best fit for clients needing higher levels of care or specialized treatment for eating disorders, DID, or acute safety concerns.

If you’re ready to look honestly at your patterns and begin doing something different, therapy can be a powerful place to start.

Schedule a Session