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Abby Lenhoff

Clinical Intern​​

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Pronouns: she, her, hers

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  Limited availability for new clients   â€‹

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Who: Individual adults and couples

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Where: Virtual and In Person (Lincoln Square)

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In network:

Aetna, BCBS / Blue Choice PPO, Cigna and U-SHIP

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alenhoff@chicagocounselingcollective.com

About Me

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating pain, confusion, or major life transitions. I work with adults facing a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, panic, substance use, OCD, and the lingering effects of trauma and abuse. I’m also drawn to work that explores identity, existential questions, and the parts of us we struggle to understand.

 

My approach draws from existential psychoanalysis, which means I’m interested not just in symptoms, but in your whole story and sense of purpose. I integrate somatic tools, EMDR, polyvagal theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and exposure therapy to help you tune into what your body communicates when words fall short.

 

My style is highly collaborative and tailored to making sense of what’s beneath the surface, whether that’s naming patterns, sitting difficult emotions, or laughing together at the absurdity of being human. Healing isn’t linear and we’ll move at your pace, offering a space to be honest, messy, and real - where your story is never too much.

 

Previously, I worked in settings ranging from maximum-security prisons to psychiatric hospitals, with a particular focus in trauma work. These experiences shaped my deep belief that no one is beyond healing and no one is defined solely by their past. When I’m not in session, you might find me at local music venues or reminiscing about my brief stint as a stand-up comedian (yes, really!). I bring all of these perspectives to my clinical work through authentic connection and sharing your truth.

 

If you’re ready to begin, I’m here to walk alongside you. Please reach out with any questions or to schedule a free consultation to see if we might be a good fit.

Client Focus and Experience

Where I See Clients:

 

I Work With:

  • College students

  • Emerging adulthood

  • Middle-age adults

  • BIPOC

  • Couples

 

Specializations:

  • Addiction / substance abuse

  • Anxiety & depression

  • Bipolar disorder

  • Borderline personality disorder

  • Existential issues

  • OCD and phobias

  • Panic attacks

  • Sexual abuse

  • Trauma / PTSD
     

Some Favorite Quotes:

  • The reason for evil in the world is that people are not able to tell their stories. - Carl Jung, “Freud Letters”, Vol. 2

  • Rhythm is found by starting to move. - Artist Amanda Jones

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My Therapy Approach:

  • Attachment-Based

  • Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

  • EMDR (in training)

  • Existential Therapy

  • Exposure Therapy/ERP

  • Feminist Theory

  • Internal Family Systems (in training)

  • Psychoanalytical

  • Psychodynamic

  • Trauma Focused

 

Licensure:

  • Therapist in training; supervised by Dr. Heather Frank

 

Education:

  • MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Northwestern University (in progress, expected 2025)

  • BA, Psychology, University of Denver, 2021

 

Some Favorite Resources:

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