Zack Wiener, MHL, MA
Psychotherapist (he/him)
Specialties
Anxiety | Depression | Grief Counseling | Childhood & Complex Trauma | Relationship Issues | Family of Origin Dynamics | Chronic Illness | Spirituality Concerns | Addictions & Recovery | Identity Issues | LGBTQ+ Issues | Life Transitions | Life Meaning & Purpose
People often come to therapy with an ache inside of them that won’t go away—a sadness, a panic, a loneliness, even an anger that is eating away at them. Other people come to therapy after being blindsided—by a loss, a crisis, a relationship, or just a bad plot twist—and can’t seem to find their footing. And others tell me that they realize they’ve always had a feeling like something is missing, and wonder if a different way to live could be possible.
I often work with people navigating depression and anxiety, grief and bereavement, addiction and recovery (whether with substances or behaviors), complex trauma, questions of identity and purpose, and with those exploring their relationship to religion and spirituality. I have particular experience helping people of queer/LGBT experience, those in caregiving or helping professions, and the chronically or terminally ill. As a hospital chaplain for six years prior to becoming a therapist, I take to heart that people are much more complex than the initial reason they seek therapy—being a “patient” is only a small sliver of what it means to be a person seeking healing.
In psychoanalytic psychotherapy, I hope that you’ll be able to see yourself fully, find out who you are and how you became that way, uncover what hurts, and through the work, transform into a more whole and more invigorated version of yourself. It’s rarely simple work. Most often, this type of transformation requires getting underneath what you feel is obvious about your life to learn more about how you experience yourself, others, and the world.
I enjoy being a psychotherapist because I like to listen and I am deeply curious about people. I am convinced that everyone deserves to feel like they know who they are and that their life means something. In our sessions, I will welcome whatever you share with compassion and sincerity. You might even find that we can be playful in sessions—thinking together about your life like a story, paying attention to metaphors that you use to describe your experience, and wondering about the deeper meanings of what seems commonplace.
People who have worked with me tell me they feel less afraid of their life, better able to help others, more understanding and compassionate towards themselves, and better equipped to navigate their relationships. Whatever desires, fears, or mixed feelings you arrive with, I will be glad to hear your story and eager to help.
I accept Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) PPO plans. If you have a different plan, we will provide you what you will need to seek reimbursement from your insurance.
Education and Training
Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis: Fellowship in Psychoanalysis
Institute for Clinical Social Work: Masters in Clinical Counseling & Psychotherapy
Reconstructionist Rabbinical College: Master of Hebrew Letters
Swarthmore College: B.A. in Educational Studies & Linguistics