My approach
My name is Eric Geweniger, LCPC (he/they) and I am a Chicago-based psychotherapist. I work within a trauma-informed, relational style of therapy. Much of my work centers on navigating challenges in relationships, exploring and processing traumatic experience, and managing life stress. I work with individuals and couples/relationships of all identities, with specialization in survivors of trauma, men and masculinity, and kinksters and poly folks.
My style in therapy is reflective, warm, and attentive. I approach therapy with curiosity and openness to the unique shape our relationship may take and seek to cultivate greater insight and groundedness based on the dynamic that forms between us. In session, I am often listening for themes and patterns to name that we can explore together. I know therapy is going well when clients bring more and more of their authentic selves to session.
I work well with depression and anxiety, substance use issues and chemsex, masculinity and men’s issues, dating and hookup culture concerns, self-esteem and self-worth, burnout, relationship concerns, and family, religious, and intergenerational/political trauma.
My training
I obtained my M.A. in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I trained at Howard Brown Health’s Counseling Center in Uptown-Buena Park, serving as part of their Recovering with Pride program, which approached healing and addiction recovery from harm-reduction and trauma-informed perspectives that continue to inform my work today.
I later developed my skills in relational and existential therapy as part of the the Fellowship Program at Bespoke Healing, a practice in Andersonville that centers authenticity as a crucial component of psychological wellness and resilience.
Meet me
As a first-generation college and graduate student, I hold a deep understanding of the challenges of navigating new, unfamiliar, and daunting systems on your own. I grew up in suburban and rural, religious, and low- and middle-income communities and was among the first to live openly as a queer person in my family system. In my life, I have learned first-hand the far-reaching impact of the political on the personal, particularly for those of us who learn to withdraw or guard ourselves. I have also learned and continue to learn the power in living authentically and reclaiming one’s sense of self.
Outside of my professional life, I am a professional vocal musician and a member of common pulse, a vocal music ensemble dedicated to community collaboration, social justice, and innovative artistic performance. I’m also a fantasy/horror geek and an avid player of narrative ttrpgs and video games!
