Mickey Simon, MA

(she/her)

Languages: English

* Welcome *

You feel different from others and can’t help but feel shame about it. Life feels out of control, your emotions seem too big, and you feel unfulfilled. You have tried almost everything you can think of to improve yourself and your life, but you still feel like you can’t make the changes necessary to feel better, calmer, and more connected. It can be really hard to ask for help, but you’ve tried to figure it out on your own and now it might be time to reach out. 

Whether or not you believe it right now, you deserve to feel seen, heard, and accepted just the way you are. I would love to provide that space for you. You don’t have to do this work alone anymore. You can find fulfillment, community, and happiness. 

* My Focus *

I specialize in working with folks who have experienced sexual or relational trauma, struggle in their relationships, or struggle with finding meaning and fulfillment in life. My clients often feel a lot of shame, anger, and anxiety. They often feel like they don’t really know themselves or enjoy being alone with themselves. I really enjoy helping them to feel more self-compassion, reduce anxiety, and find a greater sense of identity, purpose, and connection. I am especially passionate about supporting queer, non-monogamous, and marginalized clients. I enjoy working with individuals and couples who are motivated to improve their lives, relationships, and psychological health.

* My Approach *

My therapeutic approach is grounded in existential psychotherapy and draws on other psychodynamic psychotherapies and liberation psychologies. I conceptualize psychological struggles as rooted in the fundamental fears all human beings face- meaninglessness, isolation, freedom, and mortality- as well as the psychological defenses we employ to protect ourselves from those most fundamental fears. I believe that many of the problems we face are out of our control and based on the lack of equality perpetuated by our racist, classist, ableist, sexist, homophobic, and transphobic society. I attempt to help clients face those forces with greater resilience and self-compassion, and find space in their lives to curate happiness and pleasure.

* My Philosophy on Therapy *

I firmly believe that therapy is most effective when the client(s) and clinician bring their fully authentic self to the therapeutic relationship. The client cannot be open, honest, and work hard in therapy if the clinician does not do the same. I know that clients want to be their best selves and can always achieve that goal, provided the right environment and circumstances. To facilitate this growth, healing, and development, I provide counseling that is empathic, nonjudgmental, supportive, and challenging. In our work together, you will also notice that I frequently solicit feedback, as my goal is to make sure I am always improving and meeting client expectations. Finally, I am committed to liberation and decolonization in my personal and professional life. As such, there are no topics off limits or that I won’t be able to hold with you. 

* Credentials & EXPERIENCE *

MA in Clinical Psychology and Counseling Practice, Roosevelt University 

*In process: Illinois LPC and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). 

Before transition to private practice work at Practical Audacity, I provided counseling services at a nonprofit sexual abuse counselling and advocacy center and provided case management services at a domestic violence shelter. I have long been passionate about assisting survivors of sexual and relationship violence in their healing journey.

* MORE ABOUT ME *

Originally from Ohio, I moved to Chicago for the queer community and to start my clinical career. I am queer and neurodivergent, which I believe helps me to provide better care for my clients who share similar identities and communities. In my free time, I enjoy going out dancing with friends, curling up with my two cats to watch Star Trek or read a good book, and making arts and crafts. 

As an existentialist, I believe that authenticity is vital to the therapeutic relationship. Please feel free to ask me any questions you have about me, personally or professionally, that would help you to feel more comfortable in our work together!