John Rutka, LPC

I firmly believe everyone is exceptionally unique. As a therapist, my ultimate goal is to allow my clients to know and accept themselves as competent, complete, and safe. Nothing is more satisfying to me than empowering people to find their own path toward self-love and helping my clients find healthy perceptions of themselves and their relationships. Through our sessions, we will work collaboratively to identify and create strategies and coping skills that you can bring with you outside of our sessions into the real world.

Whether you are challenged by self-esteem, depression, emotional connection, anxiety, sexuality, conflict management, (re)building intimacy, differing sexual desires, arousal concerns, or just navigating the world of dating; I'll support and guide your efforts to become more aware of intruding patterns to embrace more understanding and meaning in your life so you can become closer to the people you love.

Rather than focusing on a specific technique to use with all my clients, I believe the client's experience comes first! I use curiosity, honest feedback, and a non-directive/client-driven focus before using other techniques and concepts from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Gottman’s method, attachment theory, and multicultural psychology. I also work with clients by generally creating a holistic, mindful, and well-balanced lifestyle.

I hold a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from Roosevelt University and a specialized certificate in Psychology from Northwestern University. I have over 3 years of experience working in various environments in mental health counseling.

I offer both individual and couples therapy. My specialties include:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• LGBTQ-specific issues

• Relationship-based issues

• Life Transitions

• Relational Diversity (Nonmonogamy, polyamory, etc.)

I look forward to meeting you soon!

j.rutka@wellmanpsychology.com