Martin Prete
LCPC | Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
My clinical philosophy first involves a genuine and accurate understanding of my clients’ needs. Then through collaborative effort, developing treatment that effectively relieves difficult symptoms while moving towards desired or recognized change.
Background
Greetings! I have practiced clinical counseling since 2015 with full Illinois clinical licensure since 2019. My experience includes working with adolescents and adults in varied life stages through individual, couple, family, and group work. I have worked in hospital settings, community clinics, and for a non-profit agency in Chicago.
My clinical philosophy first involves a genuine and accurate understanding of my clients’ needs. Then through collaborative effort, developing treatment that effectively relieves difficult symptoms while moving towards desired or recognized change. I understand how unique we can be–from our cultural backgrounds to experiences with trauma–and how these differences may affect how people move through the therapeutic process. Therefore, I don’t necessarily believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, but a nuanced one that bests supports are ability to flourish within the different aspects of life.
I have trainings in a variety of evidenced-based treatments including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which brightens our insight on how our thoughts, behaviors, and feelings are intertwined. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well which expands our psychological flexibility and capabilities to manage life’s uncertainties. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples or individuals is a favorite of mine to better equip us to move through difficult emotions and heal from traumas of the past. For clients suffering greatly from anxiety, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can directly target those fears and bring much needed relief.
If you are even beginning to consider entering therapy, then congratulations are in order. You have already begun working towards making positive changes! I understand that sharing your story and your struggles leads to vulnerability, but I hope that you will come to see that therapy can bring a sense of liberation. Effort will be involved, but growth of our inner selves will only make us stronger–and that is highly valuable.
It's easy to feel labeled from a diagnosis or to feel consumed from the accompanying symptoms. My treatment approach has seen success with those suffering from mood disorders, relationship distress, grief and loss, generalized anxiety, and those with trauma history. Despite our ability to connect with the world, it is not uncommon to experience the feeling of being isolated from it. However, there is always hope, and I look forward to learning more about you and uncovering ways on how we can begin to support you here at Chicago Counseling Center.
Specialties: Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, Adjustment Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety, Couples’ therapy.
Contact: (773)932-9597 ext. 3 or martin@chicagocounselingcenter.com