I'm going to tell you the truth —
therapy is hard.

Therapy is most productive when you are willing to experience uncomfortable feelings as they arise as well as taking an honest look at bad behaviors. The only way to get more comfortable in your own skin is to learn to ride these emotional waves. Taking emotional risks is required to gain deeper satisfaction and discover your innermost authentic self. Therapy is a place to gently lower your armor; I know how difficult this can be and deeply respect those making that effort.

We all have lush, complex personalities. I’m curious to get to know all the different parts of you, including the most vulnerable or neglected. We’ll figure out what your triggers are and how they function, so that you can live in more harmony. I'm going to be fully present to support you as you question, acknowledge, and wonder. The vulnerability that emerges when you feel the most broken is actually the most fertile soil for new growth and discovering strength you didn't know you had.

Common Therapy Goals

Self-Discovery and Growth
❖
  • Trust yourself
  • Be the authentic you
  • Identify self-defeating patterns
  • Find your purpose
  • Nourish & expand your creativity
  • Feel more comfortable in your body
Emotional and Mental Wellness
❖
  • Understand troubling emotions
  • Decrease perfectionism and increase self-love
  • Build self-esteem & healthy body image
  • Learn new tools for managing stress
  • Improve attention & focus
Relationships and Connection
❖
  • Increase empathy and connection
  • Create and maintain healthy boundaries
  • Improve your relationship to social media
  • Increase mindfulness
  • See the big picture

Interested in ditching perfectionism and finding the real you?

I wish perfectionism worked, and if it did— I would know. I've spent years exhausting myself thinking that the real me would emerge when everything on the to-do list was checked, no one was mad at me, and all of my 'internal conflicts' were resolved. I thought I could skip over the messiest parts of myself— or present them in manicured, funny soundbites. For myself and my clients, I believe there exists a more satisfying life than that. (Including more vacations). What we think of as messy or a mistake is usually also part of what makes us authentically us, and often is the doorway to finding gold. John Ruskin put it best: "To banish imperfection is to destroy expression." What will you find in yourself that surprises you? Psychotherapy is a process that allows you to refine yourself in ways that may even be bigger and brighter than your imagination can stretch.

Headshot of Mark

My goal as a therapist is to put you back in touch with your own unique voice and inner wisdom. I have been working as a psychodynamic therapist in a private practice setting in the mental health field for over ten years. My approach relies heavily on collaboration with you and begins with safety, honesty, and empathy. We will work together to confront your concerns, blending what's important from the past and what we're experiencing right now in the moment. Sometimes treatment is short-term, and sometimes long-term depending on your goals.

Our work together will embrace the mind-body-spirit connection. I love encouraging your empowerment, as this is the road to your most thriving, authentic self. By exploring old wounds in a safe atmosphere, we'll clarify your story so that you achieve a sense of clarity and relief. Alleviating symptoms is only the first step towards living your most vibrant life. Everyone’s journey in therapy is different and meaningful & I look forward to discovering yours with you.

Education

Adler University
MA, Gerontological Counseling

Loyola University Chicago
BS, Psychology
BA, Creative Writing

Memberships

Illinois Mental Health Counselor Association

Fellowships

Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis
Fellow, 2016-2017

What my clients say...

Anxiety

Discover effective strategies to manage anxiety and trace its deepest roots.

Depression

Long-lasting or situational, depression can make life seem impossible. Gain control over the destructive inner critic or any form the blues take in your life.

Balance & Personal Growth

Refocus on personal development and self-care to unlock your greatest potential.

Adjustment Issues

Explore ways to adapt to life's changes and transitions while building resilience.

Relationship Issues

Work through relationship challenges and improve communication to foster healthier connections.

Gender & Sexuality

Create a safe space to explore and understand your identity, fostering self-acceptance and empowerment.

Consultation

Need help on a difficult case? Consultation can provide a new perspective so you can return to your client work refreshed & refocused.

Supervision

Gain your required clinical supervision hours to sit for your Illinois licensing exam.

My Associates

Alexandra Lutz, LPC, NCC

My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space to collaborate with clients at a respectful pace. I trust that my clients are experts on themselves and strive to meet them where they are. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship as a mechanism for healing and focus on fostering a relationship defined by authenticity, vulnerability and trust. I am not interested in playing the role of an aloof expert and seek to join clients in their journey of self-exploration on a level playing field.

Headshot of Alexandra Lutz
Using a humanistic approach, I emphasize authenticity and unconditional positive regard for my clients as I seek to best understand their unique experiences and worldview. I also utilize a psychodynamic approach to explore how clients' past experiences and patterns are influencing and playing out in the present.
My commitment to practicing cultural humility informs a space that is safe and accepting of all cultural backgrounds and identities. It is an honor to join clients in their healing journey and I recognize the bravery it takes to begin treatment.

Rates & Payment

Rate for individual sessions: $175 per 50 minutes

Payments are accepted via Zelle (mark.milazzo.13@gmail.com), Venmo (@mark-milazzo-13), cash or check. I accept credit card payment through Venmo.

Insurances Accepted

  • BlueCross BlueShield
  • Blue Choice
  • Humana
  • Cigna
  • United
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Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide at least 24 hours' notice to avoid a cancellation fee. Missed appointments or cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged the full session fee.