Looking For Psychodynamic Psychotherapists!
Who we are
Fermata Psychotherapy is a psychoanalytically-oriented practice in downtown Chicago. We do long-term, in-depth work with adults of all backgrounds dealing with a wide range of difficulties, including the effects of complex trauma and early attachment wounds, challenging family dynamics, a disjointed or diminished sense of self, and complicated relationships with themselves and others. We strive to honor the uniqueness of our patients' experience and the complexity of their inner world, helping them get acquainted with themselves to create a life with more meaning, agency, freedom, and hope.
Feel free to browse our website to read more about our therapists, our values, our approach, or if you’d like to know what a fermata is.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for clinicians who:
Have a demonstrated interest in psychodynamic theory and practice, an emerging understanding of psychoanalytic concepts, and a developing psychoanalytic sensibility.
Are curious about their patients and about themselves, willing to look at their own countertransference and dynamics in the therapeutic relationship
Have a strong desire to grow as a psychodynamic psychotherapist and are committed to ongoing personal and professional development.
We are looking for therapists who are able to hold a full time caseload and provide therapy in person at our offices 2-3 days a week. Pre-licensed and licensed therapists are welcome to apply.
Role Responsibilities
Grow and maintain a full time caseload of of at least 24 sessions per week
Handle all aspects of the relationship with patients (e.g., scheduling, working through payment issues)
Complete progress notes, treatment plans, and billing documents in a timely manner
Engage with patients in a timely and professional manner
Track and meet requirements to keep professional license active
Actively participate in individual supervision (if needed) and group consultation
Pursue further learning to develop understanding of psychodynamic theory and practice
Position Benefits
W-2 status with a flat rate per hour fee structure
Weekly psychodynamic supervision for pre-licensed clinicians (e.g., LSW, LPC)
Monthly in-person community connection and discussion
Monthly group case conference
Monthly discussion of psychoanalytic readings
Flexibility to determine your own schedule
Training funds to participate in psychoanalytic trainings or events of your choosing
Access to wide range of psychoanalytic literature
Medical health insurance through BCBS PPO, generously subsidized by the practice
Dental and Vision insurance, fully paid by the practice
401(k) plan with employer matching contributions
Paid Sick Time and PTO
Professional liability insurance
Opportunities to earn additional income (e.g., blogging, supervision)
Marketing provided by the practice, at both practice and clinician level
Electronic Health Records system provided by the practice to minimize paperwork
Back-office tasks, including interacting with insurance, handled by the practice
Fully furnished and equipped office in historic downtown Chicago building
Dedicated practice email and phone number
No "no-compete" clause if you decide to leave the practice - we will be happy to have been part of your journey
Required Qualifications
Holding or being eligible to hold a clinical license (e.g., LCPC, LCSW) or pre-license (e.g., LPC, LSW) in the state of Illinois
Availability to schedule enough weekly appointments (28-30) to meet full time caseload
Available to work at least two evenings and/or a weekend day
Available to work two days at our office to hold in-person patient sessions
Available to conduct telehealth (video) sessions from home with own computer, ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and reliable connectivity
Available to attend in-person staff meetings on the first Friday of the month, psychodynamic case conference (via Zoom) on the second Friday, and reading discussion (via Zoom) on the third Friday
Curiosity and openness to examine and discuss countertransference during supervision and consultation
Ability to work autonomously, remain consistently organized, and receive and incorporate feedback
Timely and professional communication, with openness, transparency, and integrity
Compliance with Fermata's policies and procedures
Preferred Qualifications
An understanding of psychoanalytic theories, ideas, and concepts (e.g., unconscious, drives, transference, countertransference, identification, defenses, enactments, object relations)
Demonstrated interest in psychoanalytic theory and practice (e.g., candidate has taken additional training or attended events beyond what graduate school provided)
Interest in ongoing learning and strong commitment to professional development, including engagement in additional training programs
People of all backgrounds, identities, and orientations, those personally familiar with experiences of otherness, and individuals with prior work experience (clinical or otherwise) are particularly encouraged to apply
Availability and intention to stay at Fermata for at least a couple of years
To Apply
Please send CV/resume, cover letter, and 2-3 professional references to Santiago Delboy, MBA, LCSW at santiago@fermatapsychotherapy.com.
In your cover letter, please make sure you describe our familiarity, interest, and experience with psychodynamic/psychoanalytic theory and practice
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. We’d love to hear from you.
RESOURCES FOR CLINICIANS
Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM-2)
Infographic of the P-Axis (Personality Syndromes) in Adults, including summary of PDM background, 4 levels of functioning, and 12 personality syndromes. Click here to access.
What People Want From Therapy
Research-based paper (published in 2021) showing that a significant number of people in the US intuitively know that there is more beneath the surface, believe that therapy is a process that takes time, and are willing to make that investment. Read the full article here.
What Have Others Read? A Psychoanalytic Bibliography
Compilation of 270 psychoanalytic references that clinicians deemed in their Top 3 titles (compiled in 2017). Click here to access.
Psychoanalytic Couples Therapy
Bibliography compiled from psychodynamic clinicians’ recommendations (compiled in 2020). Click here to access.
Psychoanalytic Papers on Race
Bibliography compiled from psychodynamic clinicians’ recommendations (compiled in 2021). Click here to access.
Banner photo credit: Pierre Bamin