Tera Gurney, LCSW, PMHC

Pronouns - she/her

Tera is currently accepting new clients.

Approach to Therapy:

What’s most important to me as a your therapist? That’s easy - it’s that you’re getting what you need and want out of therapy. I operate from a person-centered approach, which means that I start with what is top of mind for you and help reach the goals that YOU have identified. Every session may look different. Some days you may need to process through a difficult situation at work, while other days we may review concrete skills to help you manage your anxiety, and other days we may spend time exploring your childhood relationships. I want our time together to be most helpful for you, however that may look. Therapy is a unique opportunity because it allows you to share and process your thoughts and feelings with somebody who is unbiased, objective, and non judgemental. As a therapist I’m here to listen to you, validate your feelings, challenge your thoughts, support your decisions, share expertise, brainstorm solutions, and create a relaxing, safe, and nurturing environment for you to be your true and authentic self.

Clinical Interests:

My specialties include working with those who are pregnant or postpartum, including non-birthing parents, issues around parenting, adoption, trauma, anxiety, work related stress, life transitions, relationship issues, and sexual assault. Previously I worked with birth and foster parents in a child welfare agency as well as parents and caregivers in a non-profit program, and families exploring adoption. I’ve also provided supportive counseling and educational workshops to young adults who experienced sexual assault and individual therapy with adults in a group practice setting.

Education and Training:

I received my BA in Psychology from Michigan State University, and my Masters of Social Work from New York University. Since receiving my MSW, I’ve completed various training programs in topic areas including addiction and parenting. In addition, I hold the 40-hour Sexual Assault Crisis Response Certification through the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault and the Perinatal Mental Health Certification through Postpartum Support International. I’ve presented at state-wide conferences on the impact of sexual assault on college students, and have been featured on podcasts discussing parenting and mental health.

Tera sees clients both in our Lincoln Square location and virtually.

3 Things I love:

True crime podcasts, the holiday season, and planning fun weekend outings for my family. Tera can be reached at: tera@amandaatkinschicago.com.

You can listen to her podcast recordings here:

Mental Health & Parenting - #wegotgoals

The Coparenting Episode - New Normal in Parenting