The Family Institute Presents “In Session: A Conversation with Vienna Pharaon, MS, LMFT”

CHICAGO – April 2026 – The Family Institute at Northwestern University is proud to present In Session with The Family Institute, a new signature event series highlighting its leadership and expertise in the field of behavioral health. The inaugural event will take place on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at The Arts Club of Chicago. This intimate event will feature a conversation with Vienna Pharaon, MS, LMFT, bestselling author of The Origins of You, and alumna of The Family Institute. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Vienna for this In Session event because her work speaks to something deeply human. This conversation invites us to slow down, reflect, and lead with greater intention to connect with empathy and understanding. It is an opportunity not just to learn but to strengthen relationships that matter most in our families, communities, and work,” said Jana L. Jones, President and CEO of The Family Institute at Northwestern University.  

During the event, Nancy Burgoyne, Ph.D., Chief Clinical Officer at The Family Institute, will lead a compelling discussion with Vienna Pharaon focused on how family dynamics shape identity, relationships and behavior. Drawing from her clinical experience and writing, Pharaon will share insights on breaking family patterns to foster healthier ways of living and relating. 

“I am thrilled to be returning to The Family Institute,” said Vienna Pharaon, MS, LMFT. “It’s where I trained, but more importantly, it was where I was first invited to explore my own story and the profound impact of my earliest relationships on how I experience myself and others. This was not simply a traditional education—it was an education in healing, in cultivating secure relationships, and in meeting parts of myself I had not yet met.” 

Guests will enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of The Origins of You, and the evening will also include a raffle element. 

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Bette D. Harris Family & Child Clinic, which provides free mental and behavioral health therapy services for individuals, couples and families who could not otherwise afford care. 

Annually, The Family Institute at Northwestern University provides over 18,000 free therapy appointments to approximately 1,200 clients through the Bette D. Harris Family & Child Clinic. The organization is committed to making therapy available, affordable and accessible to everyone, and events like In Session help raise critical funds that allow them to reach those who need them most.  

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.family-institute.org/in-session. 

Media Contact: Crystal Reynolds creynolds@family-institute.org   

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ABOUT THE FAMILY INSTITUTE AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY    

Incorporated in 1969, The Family Institute at Northwestern University is committed to strengthening and healing families, couples, children and adults through the highest quality, relationship-based mental health services. As partners to see change, The Family Institute brings together research, education and clinical practice leading to growth for our clients, the next generation of therapists and the field of behavioral health.     

 Through the Bette D. Harris Family & Child Clinic, The Family Institute provides therapy services at no cost to clients who qualify. The Clinic is staffed by Northwestern University graduate level therapists-in-training from the Master of Arts in Counseling and Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy programs, who are educated and supervised by highly trained licensed therapists. Our therapists-in-training work closely with licensed therapists to create a collaborative, deeply impactful, affordable therapy experience.  

For more information, visit www.family-institute.org.