Michael Villarreal, LCPC →

Please note: Each therapist is independently licensed and practices independently of Couples Counseling Associates.

See Michael at Couples Counseling Associates – Downtown Chicago

I believe in working collaboratively with couples to create a safe space to resolve problematic issues. Our work together can provide an opportunity to experience a deeper sense of intimacy, strengthen the commitment and communication with your partner and improve the quality of the relationships in your life.

Sessions will serves as a platform to practice new relationship skills, gain a greater sense of self-acceptance and self-awareness as you begin to eliminate communication patterns interfering with the trust, intimacy and connection between you and your partner. I incorporate activities, tools, and strategies to facilitate change and promote long term growth, increasing healthier communication, intimacy and spontaneity.

My work is client centered, trauma focused, strengths based, integrative, and grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative and family systems therapy.

Treatment specialization: Discernment counseling, LGBTQ counseling, marriage counseling, premarital counseling — couples, families, individuals struggling with anxiety and depressive disorders, PTSD, self-harming behaviors, relationship issues, and healthy sexual identity development. I utilize EMDR in my work with clients to decrease symptoms and emotional distress to expedite the healing process.

I was born and raised in Chicago. I obtained my Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from Northeastern Illinois University in 2002 and my Master’s degree in Community Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University in 2013. I have worked in community mental health over the last nine years and have worked within a private practice setting for the last five years.

I also provide supervision for master’s level interns and master’s level clinicians working toward licensure. Together we can make necessary changes so that you can continue to love your life and those in it.