Melanie Kohn, LCPC
Create Your Truth(s)
Unravel your true self
I would consider myself to be culturally Jewish, and have increased empathy for this population, due to having first-hand experience with working through my own generational trauma from my family dynamic. I understand how complex Jewish identity can be defined for everyone, especially due to the current state of affairs we are experiencing on a daily basis.
When I am not therapizing, I love to see live music, cook ethnic meals, exercise, and nerd out to psychology podcasts. I am a listed provider on the “Helping Phriendly Therapist Group” as well, and am connected to the jam band community.
My experience
Over the span of 13 years in this field, I am grateful to have developed an understanding of various populations from my work with various mental health organizations. I believe this has helped me greatly to have more empathy and patience for clients, and the ability to connect with a wide variety of people-in and outside of the workplace.
I majored in psychology at the University of Kansas, and became passionate about this field because of my earnestness to understand and learn about people’s narratives, family dynamics, and various cultures/races that are different from mine.
I have 5 years of experience working in the greater Chicagoland area, where I provided case management, crisis intervention, and assessed adults and older adults who have co-occurring diagnoses in underserved communities. These diagnoses included schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, and/or other complex medical conditions.
I have 4 years of experience working as a school-based counselor with children in Chicago Public Schools, clients referred from DCFS, along with at-risk youth in community settings. Throughout this time, I was able to provide resources for these families, parenting coaching, crisis intervention, play therapy, behavioral plans, and individual therapy for clients, ages 5-45+.
My approach
I believe the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for growth and healing. I truly care about connecting and listening to peoples’ stories. I know it can be scary and uncomfortable to uncover the truth, even to ourselves, but I'm committed to providing a down-to-earth, direct, yet warm approach of guiding people toward learning how to trust themselves. Trusting oneself may be an obstacle, let alone an essential stranger! My goal is to continuously check in where you’re at with this process.
My go-to approach is psychodynamic theory, which consists of delving deeper into one’s family of origin, beliefs, and relationship patterns with yourself and others. As the layers of the onion are peeled during the span of our relationship, the hope is to reach a greater understanding of yourself, as a means for developing a healthier relationship with yourself and others. This understanding can also empower the ability to rewrite the script of your life.
“There is wisdom in trauma when we realize that our traumatic responses and imprints are not ourselves and that we can work them through and thus become ourselves.” -Gabor Mate
No judgments here
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There must be something more than the pain and discomfort that has amassed from societal and familial pressures. I understand what it’s like to feel unsure and anxious about how to manage the pressures circulating around you. I'm here to help you see the light through the trees and surrender to the uncertainty that life brings. You have the power and courage to create change, and have the life beyond a dream; to be truly free.