Ann Elise Taylor, MA
Starting to see a new therapist — or your very first therapist — can be a confusing, daunting process. I get how uncomfortable it feels to be vulnerable with someone you don’t know yet, and I’m committed to honoring the bravery it takes to do that. I’m all about approaching my clients from a genuinely accepting, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space. At the same time, I believe that truly caring about my clients means helping them see where change is necessary to live more fulfilling, values-driven lives.
Therapy with me is a collaborative process. I certainly don’t have this whole “life” thing figured out, but I can offer you new perspectives, ideas, and tools to improve your wellbeing. We’ll figure out what works for you together and hopefully have some fun in the process. As a white, cisgender, straight woman, I’m committed to understanding how my privilege contributes to systemic oppression, identifying my blind spots, and serving as an ally to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folks. I’m also a sex-positive therapist who is kink- and nonmonogamy-friendly. I’ve primarily treated those struggling with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and major life and relationship stressors.
I earned my Master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration and my Bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. My clinical training was completed at Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Stone Institute of Psychiatry, and prior to that, I worked with human trafficking survivors and refugees who endured torture before coming to the United States. My training has primarily focused on third-wave contextual behavioral therapies — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Pronouns
she/her/hers
Selected training and affiliation
Contextual Behavioral Practices Program of Study — University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Unified Protocol, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Trauma-Informed Care Certification Program — University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training — Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Psychodynamic Therapy Training — Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Key beliefs
People are usually doing the best they can with the tools they have.
Our brains are beautiful tools that have evolved to help us survive. Most of our thought processes are normal, natural, and adaptive, even when they create distress. I believe learning about the original function of some of those processes can help us accept and come to peace with the thoughts our brains offer us.
The idea that happiness should be our default state of being is harmful. Instead, we should savor happiness when it comes along, and strive to be comfortable and content with the range of emotions we experience.
More about me
I get way, way too excited when I see dogs walking down the street (and extra excited if I get to pet them).
I’m obsessed with houseplants and have more than I’d care to admit.
My favorite film genres are sci-fi, fantasy, and horror.