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Our Therapists

When you work with one of us, you work with all of us. We are a diverse team of therapists who partner together. Our collaborative approach of sharing knowledge and skills ensures the best possible outcomes. 

Please note that not all listed therapists are taking new clients at this time.

  • Staff Therapist
Types of Therapy:
Couple Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Systemic Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness & Behavior Therapies, Premarital Counseling, Psychodynamic Therapy
Locations:
Teletherapy, Evanston
Dr. Brenna Moore is a staff therapist at The Family Institute. She has a particular interest in helping clients better understand their emotional worlds, strengthen communication, and develop more secure, fulfilling relationships. Dr. Moore works especially well with clients seeking an insight-…
  • Staff Therapist
Types of Therapy:
Couple Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT), Premarital Counseling
Locations:
Teletherapy

Amanda Kaplan, Ph.D., AMFT (she/her) is an associate licensed marriage and family therapist (ALMFT) in Illinois and a postdoctoral clinical scholar fellow transitioning to a staff clinician

  • Madigan Family Clinical Research Fellow
Types of Therapy:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), CBT-informed, Couple Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness & Behavior Therapies, Sex Therapy
Locations:
Teletherapy, Evanston

Alexis Pandelios, Ph.D. (she/her) is the Madigan Family Clinical Research Postdoctoral Fellow at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Dr. Pandelios completed her Ph.D. in counseling psychology at Indiana University Bloomington and her clinical internship at the George E.

  • Department Chair, Marriage & Family Therapy
Types of Therapy:
Couple Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Premarital Counseling
Locations:
Teletherapy, Evanston
  • Staff Therapist
Types of Therapy:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Couple Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy, Meditation, Mindfulness & Behavior Therapies, Psychodynamic Therapy
Locations:
Teletherapy, Chicago
Chris Akel, LCSW (he/him) is trained in a variety of theoretical modalities including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and psychodynamic theories of change. Prior to his time at The Family Institute, Mr. Akel worked on the Case Management team of a residential…
  • Adult Psychiatrist
  • Clinical Affiliate
Types of Therapy:
Medication Management, Psychiatric Evaluation
Locations:
Teletherapy, Northbrook

Dr. Michelle Gavin is a board certified psychiatrist who specializes in the outpatient treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. She is a graduate of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and received her training in adult Psychiatry at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

We have several satellite locations in addition to our four main facilities.