Christopher Edwards

Bio

I am passionate about working with people who are feeling stagnant and want to engage in a process of creating positive change. I believe we all have the tools to identify and address impediments to progress and engage in committed action in the direction of our values. I collaborate with clients to develop an open, accepting, and creative therapeutic relationship in order to foster growth.

It can be difficult to work toward positive change when we are managing anxiety or depression, are entrenched in unhealthy patterns, or are embedded in systems that need to be shaken out of stasis. We will work together to slow down, build understanding of your specific context, and collaborate to determine what genuine growth looks like. I employ an affirming, strengths-based, systems-focused approach with an intersectional lens and draw interventions from evidence based approaches like CBT, ACT, and Narrative Therapy. I work with clients to find a healthy balance in their personal, professional, and creative lives.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I completed my MSW at the University of Iowa in 2014. Prior to pursuing Social Work, I completed my Master of Fine Arts degree in Painting and Drawing at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I have experience providing psychotherapy to adults in an LGBTQ+ affirming, social justice-focused, group therapy practice, a history of working with individuals managing substance use disorder in a medication assisted treatment program, and providing case management support to individuals managing chronic mental health conditions. I work to meet clients where they are in order to move toward where they want to be.

In-network insurances

Aetna • Blue Cross Blue Shield • Cigna • United • Self pay • Medicare •

Specialties

ADD/ADHD Behavior Therapies • Addiction/Substance Abuse • Adjustment Disorder • Anger Management • Anxiety • Bipolar Disorder • Daytime Sleepiness • DBT/CBT • Depression • Grief and Loss/Bereavement • LGBTQIA+ • Life Coaching • Life Transition • Major Depressive Disorder • Men's Health Issues • Mindfulness • Mood Disorders • Occupational Difficulties • Relationship Issues • Sadness • Self Esteem • Social Anxiety • Stress/Worry • Suicidal Thoughts

Education and training

• University of Iowa, Master of Social Work

Languages spoken

• English

Pronouns

• he/him/his