TANYA KAVICKY-MELS, COUNSELOR FOR ANXIETY IN CHICAGO & MILWAUKEE.
I believe you have better days ahead.
If you’re a hardworking, creative woman in a constant state of stress, anxiety, worry, self-doubt, exhaustion, and tired…
You’re in the right place.
You’re sick and tired of being sick and tired.
You don’t want a cookie-cutter approach to your healing, and I’m not your run-of-the-mill-therapist. I will meet you where you are at and help you explore the fears that stop you from being real.
You deserve a space to process, feel held, and supported to make the changes you want. In our first session, we’ll understand what brought you to therapy and also what you want out of our time together. Your first appointment is also a place to see if we’re a good match for your needs. And most importantly, our first session is for you to interview me to see if I’m the therapist for you. I believe our match and your feeling respected and listened to by me are very important for your healing. If I’m not the best match, I will make sure to support you in finding the right therapist for you!
As your therapist, I’m here to walk alongside you.
Our time can look like talking about whatever is coming up for you, the annoying co-worker, the stress in your family, and the deeper uncomfortable things you tend to hide from others. I bring a sense of humor and understand laughing is good medicine, especially when you’re dealing with uncomfortable things. Sometimes, the somatic, mind-body approaches we’ll try will feel weird at first and that’s okay. You’re in control and are the leader of your healing.
I bring a sense of play and wonder into our sessions to help you get curious.
I work best with individuals motivated for change and willing to jump in and dig deeper into your experience. Therapy with me is not a quick fix. I’ll walk along your journey and help you gain the necessary skills to live a full life and experience more happiness, self-expression, and ultimately thrive!
Therapy with me isn’t all sitting & talking.
We’ll also work on real, practical skills that you can apply to your day-to-day life.
Clients describe me as warm, empathic, open, a great listener, and challenging. I wholeheartedly commit to showing up authentically. I am honest and genuine, admit my mistakes, and will validate the impact I have on you. I am comfortable with the uncomfortable parts and will discuss any topic with you, whether it be death, money, sex, or deep desires/longings. I do not shy away from being uncomfortable, especially if that means you can grow. I’m comfortable navigating the unknown.
As your therapist, I walk my talk.
I invest in my personal and professional growth.
I don’t think it is fair to ask you to trust and engage in your growth work if I don’t do the same.
I know firsthand how hard therapy can be and how amazingly rewarding the experience is.
I’m down to earth, swear a lot, and have had many hard life experiences that I overcame through creativity and would love to help you thrive.
I love what I do, and I’m good at it.
My core values
I strongly believe therapy should create a safe, creative space to let go of roles you felt that you had to play throughout the day and embrace the real you. I commit to my growth and learning in order to heal you grow and heal.
Compassion
I’m here with you as an equal. I'm not here to fix you, but support, and be with you through the hard stuff.
Connection
You deserve real and honest connection with yourself and others. I’m 100% transparent with you. Together, we will build strong trust and through our connection help you connect deeply with yourself and the world around you.
Empathy
Nurturing and understanding your unique perspectives. Embracing how you’d like to communicate what’s on your heart.
Training & Education
BA, Columbia College Chicago
LMFT, MA, John F. Kennedy University
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT WI #1086-124; IL #166.001453
Registered Expressive Arts Therapist REAT #2014
EMDR Trained
Gottman Couples Therapy Trained
Trauma Focused-CBT Certified
CHIMP- Certified Health Integrative Medicine Practitioner