Danielle Zawadzki MS, LMFT

Founder, Staff Therapist

Pronouns: she, her, hers

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and owner of Empowered Connections Counseling. I firmly believe that relationships are vital parts of our daily lives, and one of the most fulfilling aspects of our human experience, whether they are with romantic partners, friends, family members, or coworkers.

Relationships can help us to better know ourselves, to create boundaries, and to work through issues of intimacy and abandonment that may have roots in one's family of origin. Clients may seek therapy to strengthen and repair their relationships, or to decide to separate from a relationship that is no longer mutually beneficial or satisfying. In doing this challenging work of self-exploration, new insights, connections, and perspectives are allowed to open up, and transformation can also occur within the relationship between therapist and client.

I utilize a person-centered, strengths based approach that allows me to meet the client where they are at in the change process, and provide skills necessary to promote growth. I also believe that empathy creates a bridge between people, especially if they are telling their story for perhaps the first time. I believe that humor and validation are necessary and create a nonjudgmental and safe space for the client.

I have worked with clients of all ages who have experienced social, emotional, and behavioral struggles, and have helped them to access their own strengths in order to facilitate lasting change. I currently see individual adult and adolescent clients, relationships, and families who are struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, life transitions, relationship dissatisfaction/conflict, and clients who have a history of trauma. I utilize a systemic therapeutic approach that incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and trauma informed principles in working with individuals, relationships, and families.

During our initial sessions, we will discuss your values and goals in order to decide on the direction of treatment that is the best fit for you. When I’m not at the office, I’m taking walks with my dog, traveling, or checking out new restaurants!

Danielle@empoweredconnectionscounseling.com

(312) 767-2057 x 2