Micki Burton

 At the heart of Micki’s approach is a belief that therapeutic change happens through a supportive, accepting, and genuine relationship in which therapist and client learn from each other. In every session, Micki strives to bring her authentic self with the hope of empowering clients to bring theirs. 

Micki utilizes a person-centered approach that draws from psychodynamic, feminist, multicultural, and relational-cultural theories and techniques. Bolstered by a safe and productive relationship, clients can expect to explore and connect the dots of their life: early childhood experiences and messages, relationships, values, unique intersecting identities, current stressors, and impacts of sociopolitical systems. Connecting the past and present helps guide a vision of the future.

She is passionate about working with those that find themselves at a crossroads, whether that’s navigating transitions of early adulthood, questioning a career path that no longer fits, or an experience that feels like a new chapter. She has worked with those struggling with mood disorders, low self-esteem, perfectionism, grief, chronic illness, and career changes. With couples, she focuses on identifying unproductive patterns of communication and building empathy through understanding.

Before becoming a therapist, Micki worked in nonprofit and higher education spaces, supporting individuals and projects at home and abroad. Those experiences built a respect and appreciation for difference. They afforded a front-row seat into the broken systems everyone navigates—some with more ease than others. As a white practitioner, Micki is committed to continuous examination of her privilege in and outside of the therapy space. She engages in training and self-evaluation to foster an anti-oppressive, anti-racist practice

Micki was also previously a frequent performer in Chicago’s improv scene. “Yes, and” still applies in supporting her clients wherever they are and want to go, and helping them uncover the emotional core. She harnesses the power that laughter and creativity can have to fostering connection, levity, and joy, even/especially in therapy!