John Fiene, LCSW
I offer 10 years of experience providing dedicated, person-centered psychodynamic therapy to the people of Chicago.
Individuals, couples, or families of all ages and backgrounds may benefit from an assessment and referral for psychotherapy. My office is a safe place to explore what's needed out of the process.
The main determining factor for therapy to be successful is the ability to form a trusting bond. Whether you are seeking therapy for the first time or reaching out again, I hope to offer a deeply meaningful treatment relationship. I aim to be deeply present in our experience together, offering care, curiosity, and gentle feedback.
Initially, people inquiring for psychotherapy may be seeking help with:
difficulty maintaining relationships
dysregulated affect and reactivity
issues with sleeping and eating
difficulty meeting deadlines
irritability, low motivation, and procrastination
loneliness, frequent sadness, or emotional withdrawal
dependency issues
feelings of emptiness, hollowness or meaninglessness
Individuals with previous psychiatric diagnosis and treatment and multiple negative treatment outcomes are welcome to inquire. Long-term psychodynamic therapy has been proven to yield moderate to substantial effects in reducing a wide range of symptoms and effecting personality changes that persist long after therapy has concluded.
My person-centered approach to therapy invites openness, play, deeper listening, and mutual empathetic feedback. A healthy therapy relationship offers a valuable developmental space to explore new possibilities. An encouraging open-ended style leaves room for elements of unconscious experience to become more visible.
Major life events can trigger upheaval in a family or relationship. Families and couples seek out therapy for a process of working together to develop authentic communication, accurate mutual understanding, and opportunities for healing and repair.
Group psychotherapy provides a context for change found nowhere else. My studies in psychoanalysis, social work, and sociology help shape my vision for groups. My 13 years of group facilitation experience in clinical, academic, and community settings has expanded my understanding of groups across class, culture, and the spectrum of identity. My own journey as a group member has been transformative, fueling numerous changes throughout my personal evolution and deeply informing my approach as a facilitator.
Education
2023 — Psychoanalytic Training Program, Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute.
2013 Master of Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago.
2011 Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Beloit College.
Licensure
2019 Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
2014 Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Illinois.
2013 Illinois Professional Educator License, School social worker endorsement.
Clinical Experience
2020 — Private practice, Chicago, IL.
2016 - 2021 Private practice, Oak Brook, IL.
2016 - 2018 Clinical therapist, Linden Oaks Hospital, Naperville, IL.
2014 - 2016 Psychotherapist, The Community House, Hinsdale, IL.
2015 - 2016 Wraparound Services Coordinator, School District 105, La Grange, IL.
2016 Wilderness therapy guide, Chicago Voyagers.
2013 - 2015 Group Facilitator, Partner abuse intervention, Sarah’s Inn, Oak Park, IL.
2012 - 2013 Social Work Intern, Hinsdale South High School, Darien, IL.
2011 - 2012 Social Work Intern, Perspectives Charter School, Chicago, IL.
2011 Group Facilitator, Family bereavement, Horizon Hospice, Oak Park, IL.
2009 - 2010 Applied behavioral analyst, Wisconsin Early Autism Project, Beloit, WI.
2010 Creative writing mentor, Hendricks Education Center, Beloit, WI.
2008 - 2009 Volunteer art group facilitator, Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha, WI.
Teaching Experience
2019 - 2020 Adjunct faculty, Master of Social Work Program, Aurora University.
2015 - 2016 Instructor, Youth Mental Health First Aid, Community-based training.
Continuing Education
2024 AKRI Dialogues on group relations conferences, Loyola University.
2023 IAPSP National Conference, Chicago, IL.
2023 Tavistock Group Relations Conference, Columbia University.
2022 Gottman Method Couples Therapy, University of Chicago.
Professional Associations
2023 — Chicago Psychoanalytic Society, Member.
2023 — International Association of Psychoanalytic Self-Psychology, Member.
2016 — National Association of Social Workers, Member.