ABOUT
DR. ELIZABETH PERRI, sex & relationship THERAPIST IN CHICAGO
I believe you deserve fulfilling relationships, deep connection, and good sex.
You’ve lived this way for a while. The anxiety, the disconnection, the doubts and questions and stress—you’ve tried to manage it all on your own. But, when you’re honest with yourself…you’re tired of feeling like this. You know life could feel differently. You’re just not sure how.
All you know is that you’re ready to make a change.
I work with individuals and couples who want something more in their lives (and they’re ready to do the work to get there).
Sometimes they’ve noticed the way their own anxiety, grief, or past experiences are playing out in their relationships and want support in processing those things. Other times, they have a sexual health concern that’s keeping them from enjoying the sex life they want. Others just know something is “off” in their relationship, and they need support not only to identify what that something is, but to actually address it.
I’m here to help you tackle all of these things in a space where you can feel truly safe sharing some of the most sensitive parts of your life. Other therapists may have shied away from these topics in the past…but not me. I’ll meet you wherever you are on this journey with the expertise, openness, and understanding you deserve.
patients describe me as:
Warm, inviting, nonjudgemental, direct, easy to talk to.
more about me
I'M LIZ
I want to help you become the best version of yourself.
With over 15 years of counseling experience, I’m one of only a few certified sex therapists in the Chicago area who is also a doctoral-level clinical psychologist. While licensed in Illinois, I’m authorized to provide services to those residing in any PSYPACT-eligible state.
Even more than that, I’m someone who’s truly invested in my patients. I want to help you discover what’s missing in your life and relationships so we can develop a course of action to create real change.
she/her
what we can work on
Sex. Relationships. (And everything else, too.)
As a clinical psychologist, I’m equipped to work with people experiencing a variety of challenges, from broader anxiety or depression to very specific sexual health concerns. Because all of these areas are connected—and, often, many of them play out in our relationships. My doctoral-level training in clinical psychology, combined with my specialized training in couples communication and sexual health, means you can get the support you need not only with your relationships with others but also with the most important one of all: the one with yourself.
As a certified sex therapist, I’m often asked if sexual health is the only subject I can help with in therapy. The answer? Definitely not.
the details
I’m trained in a variety of therapeutic methods & theories, which means we can tailor the strategies that will help you reach your unique goals for therapy. (Nothing one-size-fits-all here).
my approach
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
CBT is an empirically based method of treatment that emphasizes how our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviors. Our past experiences can shape the way we think, often leading to unhelpful and irrational thinking patterns.
These negative thoughts and beliefs can lead to emotional distress and self-destructive behaviors. In cognitive-behavioral therapy, you learn strategies to reduce irrational thinking and change behavior patterns, leading to improved wellbeing. This approach is goal-oriented and emphasizes problem-solving strategies.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy is a traditional, insight-oriented form of treatment. It operates under the principle that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by internal conflicts that are often unconscious.
In psychodynamic therapy, you’ll explore early relationships and experiences (often involving your family) so that you can gain insight into how these dynamics are influencing current relationships and behaviors. This awareness can lead to a decrease in stress and other negative emotions and improve overall functioning.
gottman method couples therapy
The Gottman Method is a style of couples therapy backed by decades of extensive research by Doctors John and Julie Gottman. The method uses straightforward techniques to help couples resolve disagreements, improve empathy and understanding, and build emotional connection. Couples learn to identify unhealthy patterns of communication and replace them with positive interactions and effective communication strategies. Gottman therapy also includes practical, actionable steps to help couples continue their work outside of the therapy space.
My integrative approach is solution-focused and based on these three methods:
ways to work together
Individual Therapy
A space just for you.
Couples Therapy
For you and your partner.
Sex Therapy
For individuals & couples.
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The news of a medical diagnosis can be jarring. I’m here to help you process all of the impacts of your diagnosis—emotionally, relationally, sexually, and more.
Recently diagnosed with an acute or chronic illness?
I’ve supported patients in pain clinics, cancer wellness centers, and medical rehabilitation facilities. I also served over nine years as the director of a peer support program at Bright Pink, a national non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer.
training & Education
memberships
- Bachelor’s degree in Psychology | University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology | Illinois School of Professional Psychology-Chicago with a specialization in Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine
- Advanced training in Sex Therapy | University of Michigan, School of Social Work
- Pre-doctoral internship (APA- Approved) and post-doctoral residency | US Department of Veteran’s Affairs
- Certified Sex Therapist (CST) | American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
- Levels 1 & 2 Training, Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT)
- American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
- Kink and Poly Aware Chicago Therapists (KPACT)
let's work together
CHANGE CAN START TODAY.
Click the button below to request a free consultation with me. I’ll answer your questions and we can decide if I’m the right fit to help you create the life & relationships you’re after.
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