About

Anna Butler
"I wake up every day feeling honored and privileged to share space with my clients and to hear their stories."

Why I Became a Therapist

I began my career in journalism, but realized that I was most inspired when bearing witness to the lived experiences of others - their rich cultures, dynamic relationships, moments of joy, and seasons of grief. Following my own quarter-life crisis of sorts, I finally gave myself permission to ‘go deeper’ and pursue my passion of mental health. I believe therapy gives clients a space to show up fully, without judgment. As a therapist, I meet clients where they are, while also sharing some insight to help them move closer to where they want to be. I believe that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and held in a safe environment.

Who I Work With

I work with individuals and couples striving to feel safe and heard in their relationships with themselves and with others. I enjoy holding space for clients to face difficult or painful parts of themselves, or their past, in order to discover healthy solutions based on their unique values and goals. I particularly enjoy working with LGBTQIA+, TGNC clients moving through various stages of transition and identity development, as well as first-generation Americans. I am passionate about working with clients who have experienced complex/developmental trauma within their families of origin and adults who are exploring ADHD diagnoses for the first time. I also work with folks who experience disordered eating in order to help improve their relationships with food and their bodies.

"Anna helped me find confidence that my needs and boundaries matter. She really shows her passion and love of helping people work through life's adversities and live a fulfilling life."

Working With ME

I aim to build a solid foundation of trust and rapport with clients by offering a warm and empathetic approach. To that end, I utilize strengths, acceptance, self-compassion, and humor. Aligned with social work’s person-in-environment perspective, I use a feminist-relational approach/anti-oppressive approach. This means that I think about each client as a whole being and consider the impact that each of their identities has on how they interact with society. I also see my relationship with clients as an equal partnership, rather than an “expert-client” relationship. I appreciate that you - as the client, are the expert of your own experience. I like to integrate various therapeutic modalities, including (but not limited to) internal family systems, attachment-based therapy, emotionally focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a modern psychodynamic framework.

My Qualifications & Trainings

  • I received my Masters in Social Work from UIC’s Jane Addams College of Social Work;
  • I have completed a fellowship at Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis (CCP), where I receive advanced training in psychoanalytic theory & practice;
  • I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR);
  • I am an Independent Clinical Social Worker with the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners;
  • I am an EMDR Trained Clinician;
  • I am a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor from a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach
  • I have completed Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy, which is based on 40 years of research

Ready to overcome the barriers holding you back?