Tera Gurney, LCSW, PMHC
Pronouns - she/her
Tera is currently accepting new clients.
“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 supporting individuals and families navigating infertility and fertility treatments, grief related to pregnancy and infant loss, and the emotional transitions of pregnancy and postpartum. I also enjoy working with parents of medically complex children, including those adjusting to a new diagnosis.
In addition, I help clients manage anxiety, work-related stress, and the emotional impact of challenging corporate and capitalistic norms. I have a particular interest in supporting millennial parents as they balance the unique challenges of modern caregiving, including limited support systems, intense parenting expectations, financial stressors, and caring for aging parents alongside raising children.
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 at both the Lincoln Square and Ravenswood offices as well as 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
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.