Laura Tracz-Gelis, LPC

Psychotherapist

Treatment Philosophy

When working with clients, my goal is to create a welcoming and strength-based environment to facilitate self-understanding and growth. My style mixes holistic and evidenced-based approaches ensuring a personalized experience for each person I connect with. I believe a key ingredient to start the healing journey comes from genuine connection and the space to be your authentic self. Informed by Bessel van der Kolk’s work, I see my role to help people acknowledge, experience, and bear the reality of life, with all its pleasures and heartbreak. My work in the mental health field and connection with people brings me great meaning in life and I consider it an honor and gift.

  • As a lifelong learner, I always push myself to learn and become an expert in new treatment modalities. Core theories I leverage include Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Existential Therapy. The interventions I use are trauma-informed and have a mindful foundation. My work helps facilitate healing for adults, adolescents, children, as well as moms and babies.

    I enjoy life to the fullest by exploring new foods and places, spending time with friends and family, and being as active as I can be.

  • I am a nationally certified, Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health from DePaul University. In addition to private practice, I work as a Crisis Worker at Cook County Hospital.

    During my graduate studies, I completed my internship at Northwestern University with a focus in Career Counseling. During this time, I helped students investigate, define, and take action towards career goals. I also worked with first-year students at DePaul University as a success coach and helped students take a holistic look at their wellness and set and achieve their goals.

    I have worked with children who have Autism through a Behavioral Therapy lens, and I am currently pursuing additional training in child and family therapy to help build and enhance attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement.

    Understanding human nature and how systems work have always been a core part of my interests. Before becoming a psychotherapist, I received a Master of Science in Economic and Policy Analysis and was a consultant specializing in healthcare process improvement for over 7 years.

  • Birth to adult