Maddie Friedman, LCSW

Q&A

What inspired you to become a therapist?

I've always been drawn to help others, and to better understand why they think and feel the way they do. In college, I started to engage in activism in response to sexual assault and intimate partner violence on campus, which prompted me to seek out additional opportunities to support survivors. From there, I worked with victims and witnesses of violent crimes within the criminal justice system, which encouraged me to go to graduate school to enhance my skills, build my capacity, and expand my reach.

What do you feel are your greatest strengths?

I believe that I am warm, intuitive, quick on my feet, and adaptable. I pride myself on being skilled at bringing others together and building community. I enjoy solving complex problems and brainstorming solutions, and helping people feel more engaged in their everyday lives.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

I hope that clients will leave sessions with feeling more connected, grounded, and hopeful. No matter the gravity of our sessions, I aim to bring in levity and humor when appropriate. I aim to be a supportive guide toward healing, and feel grateful to be part of my clients' stories.

Background

• Certifications: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Family-Based Therapy (FBT)
• Graduate Education: University of Chicago