My Style
Clients often tell me that our work together is dynamic, immersive, and real. What does that look like? I’m in the room as an active participant, not as an observer. This is your space, but you don’t have to do this work alone.
I largely draw from parts work, EMDR, and attachment theory. At my core, I am a relational therapist – I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is a huge part of what makes therapy meaningful and worthwhile (and there is tons of evidence to support this!). In session, I invite clients to explore interpersonal dynamics that happen in their lives – feel yourself going into people-pleaser mode in therapy? Let’s (gently) confront that. Feel frustrated about something happening in therapy? Let’s make that part of the conversation. Therapy can offer a reparative interpersonal experience in a contained environment.
My Training and Background
I received my BA in psychology and sociology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and received my Master of Social Work with a specialization in Mental Health from the Jane Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Additionally, I have received post-graduate training from the EMDR Institute and I continue to seek specialized training and guidance to stay up-to-date on using EMDR for the treatment of complex trauma presentations.
In addition to drawing from lived experience, have sought out intensive training on polyamory and non-monogamy, kink and BDSM, and sex work. I have attended and led workshops on working with queer people, trans people, and fat people. Additionally, I have completed additional training and workshops including interventions for pelvic pain/ pain with sex for people with vulvas.
Community and non-academic forms of information sharing have fundamentally shaped my practice. I have learned and continue to learn about systemic oppression through community dialogue, workshops, and other community initiatives. I credit the work of Black people, Indigenous people, People of Color, Sex Workers, queer people, disabled people, asexual people, transgender people, fat people, and otherwise marginalized people that I hold community with for graciously sharing their ideas and lived experiences. The insight that I have gained through community allows me to show up as an identity affirming therapist.
Working Together
Let’s Do This!
Interested in working together? I currently provide individual and couples therapy services virtually to clients across Illinois and in-person in Chicago.
Mars Vallon, LCSW
Radically Authentic Therapy
Mars Vallon, LCSW 