Terry Dornak, Psy.D.
Evanston, Illinois
VerifiedTelehealth Available
My Approach to Therapy
The path to healing is journey, and it is different for each person. I am honored when I am selected to help others along this journey. My goal is to make therapy a safe space so that others can share their thoughts, feelings, and vulnerability without judgement. I am an integrative therapist as I am able to blend different techniques as needed to meet my client’s needs. I work with each client to design a treatment to fit their unique needs and goals.
My Practice & Services
I am the Clinical Director of Chicago Psych Therapy Group, Inc., a holistic private practice in the Evanston area. The practice is open 7 days of the week, not including holidays. In addition to in-person therapy, we provide teletherapy sessions through video as well as phone. We are in-network with many forms of medical insurance including: BCBS, Humana, United, Cigna, Magellan, Aetna, and Tricare. I also accept out-of-network plans and self-pay.
Our office provides both in-office and teletherapy sessions. We offer sessions 7 days per week from morning to evening.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
I am specifically knowledgeable in working with chronic pain, transgender transition, LGBTQ+ issues, PTSD, BDSMkink, personality disorders, polyamory, relationship issues, anxiety disorder, and mood disorders.
How Psychotherapy Can Help
Psychotherapy looks different for each person. In general, it provides a safe space to address problems, whatever those problems may be. Maybe that problem is that an individual just needs that safe space. By utilizing that space, one may gain a sense of safety, process their problems, or learn coping skills. Each individual's experience in the space may be different as their problems and goals will be different; however, psychotherapy helps each person in a similar way by helping individuals experience a greater satisfaction with life.
My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy
My purpose in therapy is unique to each client. I truly believe in meeting each individual where they are at and addressing each person's individual needs. This may mean I help some individuals learn coping skills, while I work with others in processing their experiences and trauma.
What I Say to People Concerned about the Therapy Process
Take your time finding the therapist that fits you and your needs. It is totally okay to meet with multiple therapists for consultations before making a decision. Also, provide feedback to your therapist, as a great therapist will utilize that feedback and work to continue to meet your needs in the best way. Many people are nervous when they start therapy or change therapists and that is completely normal. Afterall, you are sharing your intimate thoughts and feelings with a complete stranger. So, it is common to need time to feel comfortable.
The Duration and Frequency of Therapy
The frequency of therapy is unique per each client. I do usually recommend starting therapy at one time per week to build rapport; however, I believe in meeting each person where they are at in their therapeutic journey. They may mean meeting once per week, once every other week, or even once per month.
Expertise & Specialties
Age Groups I Work With
ChildrenTeensAdultsElders
Groups I Work With
I work with marginalized populations including the LGBTQ+ community. I am also sex positive and kink knowledgeable.
Therapy Services & Specialties
Clinical SupervisionConsultationFamily TherapyIndividual Therapy & CounselingMarriage, Couples, or Relationship CounselingTelehealth
Concerns & Challenges Addressed
Abuse / Abuse Survivor IssuesAddictions and CompulsionsAdjusting to Change / Life TransitionsAggression and ViolenceAngerAnxietyBipolarBullying
Therapeutic Approaches & Evidence-Based Methods
Anger ManagementCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)Object RelationsPerson-Centered Therapy (Rogerian Therapy)Play TherapySand Tray Therapy
Industries & Communities
EducationEntertainment IndustryFirst Responder/Medical ProfessionalsLGBTQ+Military/Law EnforcementProfessional SportsSelf-Employed and Freelance ProfessionalsUnion First