Danielle Zawadzki MS, LMFT
Founder, Staff Therapist
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Contact information:
Danielle@empoweredconnectionscounseling.com
(312) 767-2057 x 2
Education: Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University
Specialties: While I have experience with clients of all ages, I specialize in working with young adults and adults who experience social, emotional, and behavioral struggles that impact their relationships and sense of self. I currently see individual adult clients, relationships, and families who are struggling with:
Mood and anxiety disorders
Life transitions (in particular, transition to parenthood, launching adult children, deciding whether to separate or stay together)
Relationship dissatisfaction/conflict
Trauma / PTSD
Modalities/approaches: I utilize a systemic therapeutic approach that incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy, attachment theory, Emotion Focused Therapy and trauma-informed principles in working with individuals, relationships, and families.
Personal bio: 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 have seen this occur numerous times in my 10+ years of experience as a therapist.
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 believe that humor and validation are necessary and create a nonjudgmental and safe space for the client.
When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my children, traveling, or checking out new restaurants!
During our sessions, you can expect: 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. I will help you to access your strengths in order to create lasting change.