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.

Chris Akel
Chris Akel, M.S.W.
  • MBT Fellow
Types of Therapy:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Couple Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Meditation, Mindfulness & Behavior Therapies, Psychodynamic Therapy
Locations:
Teletherapy, Chicago, Evanston

Chris Akel is trained in a variety of 3rd wave theories including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and the Unified Protocol. Prior to his time at The Family Institute, Mr.

Meet Chris
Nikki Lively
Nikki Lively, M.A., LCSW
  • Clinical Director, Transitions to Parenthood Program
  • Therapist
Types of Therapy:
Couple Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Locations:
Teletherapy, Chicago
Ms. Lively is a certified Emotionally Focused couples Therapist ​and Supervisor (EFT), ​Certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International and ​trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Her main area of expertise is supporting women, men,…
Meet Nikki
tamara faulkner therapist chicago
Tamara Faulkner, LCSW, CADC
  • Therapist
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Types of Therapy:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Brief Consultation (1-6 Sessions), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Couple Therapy, Diagnostic Assessment, Integrative Systemic Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness & Behavior Therapies, Narrative Therapy, Premarital Counseling, Psychodynamic Therapy
Locations:
Teletherapy, Chicago, Northbrook

As a dual-careerist, Ms. Faulkner comes to therapy with an appreciation for the benefits and consequences of life as we live it. She works collaboratively with clients to identify strengths and goals using behavioral, cognitive, emotional and spiritual modalities.

Meet Tamara
Hayley Fivecoat
Hayley C. Fivecoat, Ph.D., CP
  • Clinical Research Psychologist
Types of Therapy:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Brief Consultation (1-6 Sessions), CBT-informed, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Couple Therapy, DBT-informed, Diagnostic Assessment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Discernment Counseling, Interpersonal Therapy, Meditation, Mindfulness & Behavior Therapies, Psychodynamic Therapy, Sex Therapy
Locations:
Teletherapy, Evanston, Northbrook

Dr. Hayley Fivecoat is a licensed clinical psychologist who treats individuals and couples for a wide range of clinical problems and psychosocial stressors.

Meet Hayley
Jay Lebow
Jay Lebow, Ph.D., ABPP, LCP, LMFT
  • Senior Scholar and Senior Therapist
  • Clinical Professor
Types of Therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Couple Therapy, Integrative Systemic Therapy
Locations:
Teletherapy, Evanston
Dr. Lebow is the editor of the journal Family Process, the editor of the Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy and the author or editor of 13 professional books. He is also the former president of the Academy of Couple and Family Psychology and former board member of three entities — the…
Meet Jay
paula young therapist chicago
Paula Young, Ph.D.
  • Therapist
Types of Therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Diagnostic Assessment, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Locations:
Teletherapy, Chicago, Evanston
Dr. Young has worked as a therapist on several treatment studies funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, including: treatment of adolescent depression (TADS), cognitive therapy for the prevention of suicide attempts, prevention of recurrence in chronic depression, stress in MS, and…
Meet Paula
Our Locations

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