Therapy for conscientious, high achieving adults in Chicago.

You may look capable and put-together on the outside, but internally find yourself overthinking, second-guessing, struggling in relationships, or feeling like you’re never quite doing enough.

I help adults work through relationship patterns, perfectionism, self-worth, and the lingering impact of difficult family or life experiences through relational therapy and EMDR.

Individual therapy, EMDR therapy, and EMDR intensives in Lincoln Park, Chicago and virtually throughout Illinois and Washington.

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Therapy that helps you understand— and shift— the patterns keeping you stuck

Maybe you grew up with a parent who was critical, emotionally unavailable, unpredictable, or difficult to please. Maybe relationships leave you anxious and unsure of yourself. Or maybe you’ve accomplished a lot, but still struggle to feel like you’re doing enough.

Therapy can help you understand where these patterns came from, process the experiences underneath them, and develop greater self-trust and emotional freedom.

Areas of Focus

Emotionally Immature Parents

Understand how early relationships continue to shape your self-worth, boundaries, and relationships today.

Perfectionism & Overachievement

Move beyond performance-based self-worth, over-functioning, and the feeling that you should always be doing more.

Relationships & People-Pleasing

Build greater security in relationships, trust your perceptions, and become clearer about your own needs.

Trauma & Recent Difficult Experiences

Process painful experiences that continue to feel emotionally charged, even when you know intellectually that they’re over.

Ways To Work Together

Individual Therapy

Weekly or biweekly therapy for insight, healing, and growth. A warm, relational space to feel supported, gain insight, tools and resources, and explore what’s no longer working.

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Individual Therapy + EMDR

Weekly therapy integrating EMDR, an evidence based method to help process difficult experiences, anxiety, or negative beliefs. Especially helpful when traditional talk therapy hasn’t brought relief.

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EMDR Intensive Therapy

Extended-format EMDR, typically 2–3 hours at a time. Ideal when you want less “talk therapy,” and there is a specific experience or issue you want to process in a shorter timeframe.

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Meet Alissa Mazzenga, LCPC

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I’m an EMDR Certified therapist offering in-person therapy in Lincoln Park, Chicago and virtual therapy throughout Illinois and Washington.

My approach is relational, attachment-based, and trauma-informed. I especially enjoy working with thoughtful, self-aware adults who already have a lot of insight, but want to actually feel different — more grounded, resilient, and at ease in their lives.

Why Ver?

The name Ver comes from the Spanish verb to see and shares roots with the Latin word for truth.

That idea is at the heart of my work: seeing yourself and your story more clearly, understanding the patterns that shaped you, and learning to trust your own experience with greater honesty and compassion.

Ready to Get Started? Here’s How:

Schedule a Consultation

Start with a complimentary 15-minute call to share what you’re looking for, ask questions, and see whether working together feels like a good fit.

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Clarify Your Goals

Together, we’ll identify what you’d like to change and determine whether individual therapy, EMDR, or an EMDR intensive is the best fit.

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Begin the Work

From there, we’ll create a thoughtful approach to help you understand what’s keeping you stuck and move toward meaningful change.

Choosing a therapist can feel like a daunting task. I would love to connect and learn more about what you are seeking, and together we will explore if we are a fit to engage this sacred work.

In-person therapy is available in Lincoln Park, Chicago, with virtual sessions throughout Illinois and Washington.