Meet Dylan Saks
Dylan Saks, LPCC, CRC
Who I am, how I practice and what I believe…
I understand that when life feels like a ball of yarn, sometimes we need help finding a thread to grab. I try to create a warm, safe space to explore the parts of ourselves we have often felt shamed or unaccepted for in the past. Everyone deserves a space to safely unpack and explore their lives, their values and, prioritize their quality of life. This includes noticing that change is an ongoing process of learning, doing, committing, and recommitting.
I believe in the importance of taking an intentional and holistic approach to support people in living authentic, full lives. I believe in empowering you through connection and acceptance to live a personally fulfilling life.
On a personal note, some of my intersecting identities are:
he/him identifying · first generation immigrant born in South Africa · interracially married · individual living with a chronic illness · podcast enthusiast · photography nerd
I enjoy time exploring artistic outlets including rug making, perler beads art, cooking, traveling, spending time with my wife and dog, and exploring new Chicago neighborhoods.
Specialties
Chronic illness and other health conditions
As a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Dylan Saks has an extensive background in working with all aspects of chronic illness. CRCs are the only professional counselors educated and trained at the graduate-level who possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and attitudes to work collaboratively with individuals with disabilities. Dylan has experience helping people to adjust to the ripples of illness and health challenges across their life including the impact on employment, relationships, capacity, goals and outlook.
Anxiety, OCD and depression
Anxiety and OCD are often a response to trying to make sense of an uncertain world. This feeling of uncertainty can invade other parts of our lives leaving us feeling overwhelmed. Attempts to control the world in an uncertain time often leads to things feeling more out of control. Through therapy, clients are able to feel confident in their ability to tolerate discomfort and explore the functional aspects of their anxiety.
Depression can be this engulfing experience that is felt in the weighted, hopelessness it brings. Through therapy, we will work on building hope, resilience and a sense of a life worth living.
Relationship Issues
Dylan Saks is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. Dylan understands how to help people in building safe, loving and sustaining relationships. He has training that empowers couples to recognize and track their negative cycles when they happen. Negative cycles are often felt before they are understood in the “here we go again,” walking on eggshells feeling. By slowing down and learning to recognize the cycle through supportive therapy, partners can understand their underlying fears, longings and needs from their partner(s). Dylan is kink, poly, and LGBTQIA+ affirming.