Relational Therapy Chicago: Transform Your Relationships

Struggling with relationship patterns that keep repeating? Having trouble trusting others or feeling truly connected? At 2nd Story Counseling in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, our experienced relational therapists help you understand how your relationships shape who you are—and how to create healthier, more fulfilling connections.

For over 20 years, we’ve provided specialized relational therapy to individuals, couples, and families throughout Chicago, including Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Boystown, Uptown, and surrounding communities. Our LGBTQ+ affirming therapists combine evidence-based relational approaches with genuine warmth and expertise.

Is Relational Therapy Right for You?

Our Chicago relational therapists work with clients who are experiencing:

• Repeating relationship patterns – You keep ending up in similar conflicts or dynamics
• Trust and intimacy challenges – Difficulty opening up or feeling truly close to others
• Communication breakdowns – Conversations turn into arguments or you feel misunderstood
• Past trauma affecting current relationships – Childhood experiences or past hurt influencing how you relate today
• Feeling disconnected – Sense of isolation even when surrounded by people
• Attachment difficulties – Anxiety about relationships or tendency to push people away
• Family-of-origin issues – Unresolved dynamics from your family impacting your adult relationships
• LGBTQ+ relationship concerns – Coming out impacts, identity integration, or minority stress

What Is Relational Therapy?

Relational therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that recognizes relationships as central to human experience and mental health. Rather than viewing problems as existing solely within an individual, relational therapy understands that we are fundamentally shaped by our connections with others—from early childhood through our current relationships.

At 2nd Story Counseling, our Chicago relational therapists help you explore how relationship patterns developed, identify what keeps you stuck, and practice new ways of relating within the safety of the therapeutic relationship itself. The connection between you and your therapist becomes a laboratory for understanding and changing your relational world.

Core Principles of Relational Therapy

Our approach to relational therapy in Chicago is grounded in several key principles:

Relationships shape identity. Who we are develops through our interactions with important people in our lives. Understanding these formative relationships helps explain current patterns and opens possibilities for change.

The therapeutic relationship is transformative. Healing happens through experiencing a genuine, authentic relationship with your therapist. This relationship becomes a corrective emotional experience that can shift lifelong patterns.

Context matters. We explore how social identity, culture, power dynamics, and systemic factors influence your relationships and sense of self. Our LGBTQ+ affirming, culturally responsive Chicago therapists honor the complexity of your lived experience.

Change happens in the present moment. While we explore past experiences, relational therapy focuses on what’s happening right now—in your current relationships and in the therapy room—as the pathway to meaningful change.

Relational Therapy Approaches at 2nd Story Counseling

Our Chicago therapists integrate multiple relational approaches based on your unique needs and goals:

Relationally Focused Psychodynamic Therapy (RFPT)

RFPT is an evidence-based relational therapy approach built on the understanding that we are formed in relationship, harmed in relationship, and transformed in relationship. Your Chicago RFPT therapist uses the therapeutic relationship as the primary instrument of change, attending to patterns, emotions, and unconscious processes as they emerge in real-time.

This approach emphasizes authenticity—no two therapists work exactly the same way because each therapeutic relationship is unique. Your therapist responds genuinely to you while maintaining professional boundaries, creating conditions for deep exploration and lasting transformation.

RFPT is particularly effective for:

• Complex trauma and attachment wounds
• Depression rooted in relational disconnection
• Chronic relationship difficulties
• Identity exploration and integration
• Understanding unconscious patterns

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

IPT is a structured, time-limited relational therapy approach with strong research support for treating depression, anxiety, and other conditions. Developed partially at the University of Chicago, IPT focuses on current interpersonal problems and their connection to psychological symptoms.

Our Chicago IPT therapists help you identify specific interpersonal issues contributing to distress, such as unresolved grief, role transitions, relationship disputes, or social isolation. You’ll develop practical skills for improving communication, resolving conflicts, and building stronger relationships.

IPT effectively treats:

• Depression and dysthymia
• Anxiety disorders
• Work stress and burnout
• Grief and loss
• Relationship conflicts
• Life transitions (job changes, moving, coming out, divorce)
• LGBTQ+ identity concerns

IPT typically runs 12-16 weeks, making it an excellent option for clients seeking focused, time-limited relational therapy in Chicago.

Feminist Relational Therapy

Feminist therapy is a relational approach that examines how power, privilege, and social context shape mental health and relationships. At 2nd Story Counseling, our feminist therapists recognize that personal struggles often reflect systemic issues—not individual failings.

This approach emphasizes an egalitarian therapeutic relationship. Your Chicago feminist therapist views you as the expert on your own experience and works collaboratively rather than positioning themselves as the authority. They may share aspects of themselves when helpful and actively encourage your feedback throughout therapy.

Feminist therapy addresses:

• Impact of sexism, racism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression on mental health
• Power dynamics in relationships
• Gender role expectations and constraints
• Body image and eating concerns
• Sexual assault and intimate partner violence
• Workplace discrimination and harassment
• Intersectional identity development

Is feminist therapy only for women? Absolutely not. While feminist therapy emerged from examining women’s experiences of oppression, contemporary feminist relational therapy addresses how systems of power affect people of all genders. Our Chicago feminist therapists work with men, women, nonbinary individuals, and trans clients, attending to how social identity and structural inequity impact each person’s mental health and relationships.

What to Expect from Relational Therapy in Chicago

Your First Session

Your initial session at 2nd Story Counseling begins with getting to know you and understanding what brings you to therapy. Your Chicago relational therapist will ask about your current concerns, relationship history, family background, and therapy goals. This collaborative conversation helps determine whether relational therapy is the right fit and allows you to assess whether you feel comfortable with your therapist.

From the very first session, the therapeutic relationship itself is central. Pay attention to how you feel with your therapist—do you sense genuine interest and respect? Can you imagine being authentic with this person? The relationship is the foundation of relational therapy’s effectiveness.

Ongoing Sessions

In regular relational therapy sessions at our Chicago office, you’ll engage in open dialogue with your therapist, exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Your therapist pays attention not just to what you discuss but also to how you relate—patterns that emerge between you, emotions that arise in the moment, and ways your past may show up in the present.

Unlike some therapy approaches that focus primarily on skills or strategies, relational therapy emphasizes depth and insight. You’ll examine how early relationships shaped your internal world, identify patterns you want to change, and experience new ways of relating through the therapeutic relationship itself.

Sessions typically include:

• Collaborative exploration of your concerns and experiences
• Attention to emotions as they arise in the moment
• Examination of relationship patterns across your life
• Processing of the therapeutic relationship as a tool for insight
• Development of new relational capacities through practice and experience
• Integration of insights into your daily relationships

Length and Frequency

Relational therapy is flexible in duration. Some clients work with our Chicago therapists for several months addressing specific concerns, while others engage in longer-term therapy for deeper exploration and more significant transformation. The approach can be brief and focused (like IPT’s 12-16 weeks) or open-ended, depending on your needs and goals.

Most clients meet with their relational therapist weekly, especially in the beginning. As therapy progresses, some transition to bi-weekly sessions. Your therapist will collaborate with you to find the frequency that best supports your growth.

Benefits of Relational Therapy

Clients who engage in relational therapy at 2nd Story Counseling often experience:

Deeper Self-Understanding

Relational therapy helps you understand how you came to be who you are. By exploring formative relationships and experiences, you gain insight into patterns that have shaped your life. This self-awareness is foundational for making meaningful changes.

Improved Relationship Quality

As you understand your relational patterns and practice new ways of connecting, your relationships improve. You may find yourself communicating more effectively, trusting more deeply, managing conflict constructively, and experiencing greater intimacy and satisfaction in your connections with others.

Emotional Regulation

Relational therapy provides a safe space to feel and process emotions. Through this experience, you develop greater capacity to tolerate difficult feelings, regulate intense emotions, and respond rather than react in challenging situations.

Healing from Past Wounds

Whether you experienced childhood trauma, attachment disruptions, or more recent relational injuries, relational therapy creates conditions for healing. The therapeutic relationship itself can provide a corrective emotional experience, helping repair old wounds and build new internal resources.

Reduced Symptoms

Research shows relational therapy effectively reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. As relationship quality improves and emotional capacity expands, psychological distress often decreases.

Greater Authenticity

Many clients discover they can be more genuinely themselves—in therapy and in life. Relational therapy supports shedding false-self adaptations developed to protect yourself or please others, allowing your authentic self to emerge.

Why Choose 2nd Story Counseling for Relational Therapy in Chicago?

Over 20 Years Serving Chicago

Since 2005, 2nd Story Counseling has provided exceptional therapy services to Chicago’s North Side communities. Our longevity reflects our commitment to quality care and the trust our clients and community place in us.

Specialized Training and Expertise

Our Chicago relational therapists have advanced training in relationally focused psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, feminist therapy, and related approaches. We engage in ongoing professional development to provide you with the most current, effective interventions.

LGBTQ+ Affirming and Inclusive

2nd Story Counseling is deeply committed to LGBTQ+ affirming care. Several of our therapists identify as LGBTQ+ themselves, and all our clinicians understand the unique relational challenges facing queer and trans individuals. You can be fully yourself here—no editing required.

Convenient Lakeview Location

Our office is located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood at 655 W Irving Park Road, easily accessible by CTA Red and Brown lines. We serve clients throughout Chicago, including Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Boystown, Uptown, Andersonville, Roscoe Village, Wrigleyville, Edgewater, and beyond.

Insurance Accepted

We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and other major insurance plans, making quality relational therapy accessible. We also assist with out-of-network benefits and offer reasonable self-pay rates.

Flexible Scheduling

We offer daytime, evening, and weekend appointments to accommodate your schedule. We also provide secure telehealth sessions for clients who prefer online therapy.

Common Questions About Relational Therapy in Chicago

How is relational therapy different from other types of therapy?

While many therapy approaches focus primarily on thoughts (cognitive therapy) or behaviors (behavioral therapy), relational therapy centers on relationships and the self in relation to others. The therapeutic relationship itself is both the focus and the vehicle for change. Relational therapy tends to be more exploratory and depth-oriented, examining how past experiences shape current patterns while also attending to what’s happening in the present moment of the therapy session.

Can relational therapy help with anxiety and depression?

Yes. Research demonstrates relational therapy’s effectiveness for depression and anxiety, particularly when these symptoms are connected to relationship difficulties, attachment issues, or interpersonal stress. Interpersonal psychotherapy, one form of relational therapy, has especially strong research support for treating depression.

Do I need to be in a relationship crisis to benefit from relational therapy?

Not at all. While relational therapy certainly helps during relationship crises, many clients seek this approach for personal growth, deeper self-understanding, or preventive work. You might pursue relational therapy to understand yourself better, break old patterns before they cause problems, heal from past experiences, or simply develop richer, more authentic relationships.

Is relational therapy the same as couples therapy?

No. Relational therapy is typically individual therapy that focuses on how relationships shape your internal world and external life. Couples therapy involves two people working together on their relationship. That said, some couples therapists use relational approaches, and the skills developed in individual relational therapy often improve couple relationships.

How long does relational therapy take?

Duration varies widely. Interpersonal psychotherapy is time-limited (12-16 weeks), making it a good choice if you want focused, brief relational therapy. Other relational approaches like RFPT are more open-ended—some clients work with their Chicago therapist for several months while others engage in deeper, longer-term work lasting a year or more. Your therapist will discuss timeline expectations during your initial sessions and regularly revisit your goals.

Specific Populations We Serve

LGBTQ+ Relational Therapy in Chicago

2nd Story Counseling specializes in LGBTQ+ affirming relational therapy. Our therapists understand the unique challenges queer and trans individuals face, including coming out processes, family rejection, minority stress, identity integration, and navigating relationships in a heteronormative society. Several of our Chicago therapists identify as LGBTQ+ themselves. We create a space where you can explore your authentic self without fear of judgment.

Men’s Relational Therapy

Men often face particular challenges with relational therapy, as traditional masculinity norms discourage emotional vulnerability and relational focus. Our Chicago therapists who work with men understand these dynamics and create a space where you can explore emotions, relationships, and vulnerability without sacrificing your sense of self. We help men develop richer emotional lives and more satisfying relationships while honoring masculine identity.

Women’s Relational Therapy

For women, relational therapy addresses how socialization, gender expectations, and systemic sexism shape relationships and self-concept. Our feminist-informed therapists help women navigate relationship challenges, establish boundaries, develop authentic voice, and heal from gendered trauma or oppression.

Young Adults

Relational therapy is particularly valuable for young adults navigating identity formation, separation from family, and establishment of adult relationships. Our Chicago therapists help college students and young professionals develop secure attachment, healthy relationship patterns, and authentic identity during this crucial developmental period.

Getting Started with Relational Therapy at 2nd Story Counseling

Beginning therapy is a significant step. We make the process as straightforward as possible:

1. Contact us. Call 773-528-1777 or reach out online. Our care coordinator will answer questions about our services, insurance, and availability.
2. Schedule your first appointment. We’ll match you with a relational therapist whose expertise, style, and availability fit your needs.
3. Complete intake paperwork. Before your first session, you’ll complete brief paperwork online about your background and concerns.
4. Attend your initial session. Meet your therapist, discuss what brings you to therapy, and determine whether relational therapy is the right approach for your goals.
5. Begin your therapeutic journey. If you and your therapist agree to work together, you’ll schedule regular sessions and begin the collaborative process of relational therapy.

Our Lakeview Chicago Office Location

2nd Story Counseling is conveniently located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood at:

655 W Irving Park Road, Suite 204
Chicago, IL 60613

Our office is easily accessible via public transportation:

• CTA Red Line: Exit at Sheridan station, walk west on Irving Park Road (5 minutes)
• CTA Brown Line: Exit at Irving Park station, walk east (8 minutes)
• CTA Bus: Multiple bus lines stop near our office including #9 Ashland and #80 Irving Park

Street parking and nearby parking lots are available. We serve clients throughout Chicago’s North Side, including Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Boystown, Uptown, Andersonville, Roscoe Village, Wrigleyville, Edgewater, Avondale, Logan Square, and beyond.

Insurance and Payment

2nd Story Counseling accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and is working to expand our insurance panel. We also provide assistance with out-of-network benefits—many clients find their insurance covers a significant portion of out-of-network therapy costs.

For clients paying out-of-pocket, we offer competitive self-pay rates. Quality relational therapy is an investment in your mental health and relationships that often yields significant returns in life satisfaction and functioning.

Take Your Second Story: Begin Relational Therapy in Chicago

You don’t have to stay stuck in painful relationship patterns. Whether you’re struggling with trust, communication, intimacy, or simply want to understand yourself better, relational therapy can help you create the connections and life you desire.

At 2nd Story Counseling, our experienced Chicago relational therapists are ready to walk alongside you on this journey. For over 20 years, we’ve helped individuals transform their relationships and their lives through genuine, effective relational therapy.

Related Resources

• Trauma Therapy Chicago – EMDR and trauma-focused treatment
• LGBTQ+ Therapy Chicago – Affirming therapy for queer and trans individuals
• IFS Therapy Chicago – Internal Family Systems approach
• DBT Therapy Chicago – Dialectical behavior therapy services