

Stephanie Dykema, PhD, SEP
Licensed Clinical Psychologist / Supervisor
Somatic Experiencing Practioner
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Pronouns: she, her, hers
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Not currently accepting new clients ​​
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Who: Individual adults & couples
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Where: Virtual
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In network:
Aetna, BCBS / Blue Choice PPO, Cigna, U-SHIP
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About Me
I use a relational-cultural approach to therapy, meaning we will explore relationship patterns and societal messages that result in shame, self-blame, and disconnection. My work with clients often explores the traumatic impact of systemic oppression and the importance of gender, race, size, and sexual orientation (among many other identities) on our lives, mental health, and relationships.
I am also a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented approach to processing trauma. I utilize SE to create emotional and relational safety, facilitate nervous system regulation, and release emotions and trauma that are stored in the body. I have experience helping clients heal from medical/surgical trauma, car/plane accidents, near death experiences, sexual assault, and developmental/family of origin trauma. I may integrate concepts from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to increase your coping skills and create movement towards your values.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Illinois and I obtained my PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Akron in Ohio. I completed my APA-Accredited internship at Texas Woman’s University Counseling and Psychological Services and my Postdoctoral Fellowship at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago Counseling Services. I am passionate about the training and development of pre-licensed mental health professionals, social justice advocacy, and feminist supervision.
Client Focus and Experience
Where I See Clients:
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Virtual / Telehealth
I Work With:
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BIPOC
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Trauma survivors
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Fat and size-diverse individuals
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Early career professionals
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Undergraduate / graduate students
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Couples
Specializations:​
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Women’s mental health
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Size / body / weight / fat acceptance
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Cultural / racial identity exploration
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Life transitions
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Trauma and complex PTSD
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Family-of-origin dysfunction
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Medical / surgical trauma
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Mind-body connection / disconnection
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Near death experiences
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Couples therapy and diverse relationship orientations
My Therapy Approach:
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Cultural-Relational Therapy
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Somatic Experiencing
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Psychodynamic
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
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Integrative
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Emotion Focused Couples Therapy
Licensure:
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Illinois, 071.009897
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PSYPACT: https://www.psypact.org/psypactmap
Education:​
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PhD, counseling psychology, University of Akron in Ohio
Some Favorite Resources:
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Just One Thing by Rick Hanson
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Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents
by Lindsay Gibson -
Codependent No More by Melody Beattie
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