GET TO KNOW your therapist

Meagan Gerchen, LCSW

“Relationships are the agents of change and the most powerful therapy is human love.” – Bryce D. Perry

Insurances I Accept:

  • BCBS PPO
  • Optum/United Healthcare
  • Cigna

Ages I work with:

  • 7+

Languages I speak:

  • English

Who Am I?

Hello, I’m Meagan (she / her). I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is a cisgender female. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I was drawn to this work after working in a therapeutic summer camp for many years and understanding social work was not just a career but a vocation. I have had experiences in all levels of behavioral healthcare, however, I appreciate outpatient therapy due to lasting relationships with my clients whether I see them for weeks, months, or even years. I value the privilege of hearing someone else’s story and allowing individuals to feel like they are not alone. Join me in this therapy process If you are looking for assistance identifying and regulating your emotions, trying to discover more about yourself or the way you parent, having relationship struggles, needing to set boundaries with others, or wanting a safe space to speak your truth. I’m here for all the ups and downs in life too! I also come with a holistic lens which I think it is important to see a person as a whole whether that may be discussing physical, emotional/mental, and/or spiritual components of your life.

 

I love working with:

  • Children who need help with expressing their emotions in a safe way
  • Teenagers who need help with anxiety, depression, or relationship struggles
  • Adults struggling with life transitions or relationship struggles
  • Parents who need help and encouragement with parenting their children

Some of my favorite approaches include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Dialectical Behavioral Therapy , Unified Protocol, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy , Exposure Therapy, Boundary Setting, Interactive Feedback, Supportive Reflection, and a Strengths Based Approach.

HOW I HELP

I believe the greatest tool is the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client. I think it’s 
most important to find a provider who you can feel completely comfortable with. I believe it’s my job to 
guide you into understanding more about your emotions. I am invested in meeting my clients where they 
are at and helping them practice and learn tools that better help themselves regulate and function in 
everyday life. I also discuss open and validating communication techniques frequently and advocating for your needs. I am transparent and direct in my practice along with being empathic, validating, and coming from a non-judgemental approach. 

I Believe...

  • …your mental well being is just as important as your physical health.
  • …therapy can be helpful for everyone.
  • …therapy works best when you can authentically say what’s on your heart and in your mind.
  • …it takes a lot of courage and strength to be vulnerable with yourself and others.

What it’s like in a session with me

My biggest priority throughout therapy is to ensure you feel comfortable and connected with me 
and in the space. I ask clients that while I’m asking you questions about yourself you’re always 
welcome to ask me questions too. I want therapy to be interactive and inviting. Sometimes in 
sessions we talk about symptoms, heavy topics, and sometimes it’s celebrating your joys and 
accomplishments! I want to be there and support you through all the ups and downs. My goal 
for you would be to live the life that’s most authentically best for you. In order to do that, I won’t 
come with bias, I won’t make decisions for you, but I will challenge my clients for the betterment of 
themselves. It’s truly one of the biggest gifts to be able to hear someone’s story and I hope I get 
to hear yours someday.

More about me

When I am not in the office, I am known by my friends and family to be a social butterfly. I love spending time with my loved ones and quality time is absolutely my love language. I love living in Chicago, trying new restaurants, and exploring the city! I also practice what I preach and need to make sure I do self-care for me too. I enjoy making candles, getting massages, or binge watching my favorite reality TV shows, mostly the Housewives Franchises. I am an avid reader and love going to a local book store. I am probably found looking up the newest books by Brene Brown or Colleen Hoover. I also love to travel and discover new parts of the world.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Schedule your first appointment. For follow up appointments (existing clients), please contact your therapist at 773-774-4444.

0 Comments