7 Best Couples Therapists in Chicago

At The Center for Modern Relationships, our Chicago couples therapists provide effective and supportive couples counseling and sex therapy services to the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs.

For over a decade, our team has helped hundreds of clients seeking couples therapy. We deeply understand how troubling it can feel to be disconnected in your marriage or relationship. It's why we work alongside you as your couples therapist to help you reconnect and build an unshakeable foundation that lasts.

As couples therapists, we have special training in the Gottman method, sex therapy, emotionally focused couples therapy, narrative therapy, family therapy, premarital therapy, mindfulness, and trauma.

We specialize in working with:

• Infidelity repair

• Sexual intimacy

• Premarital counseling

• Increase overall relationship satisfaction

• Transition to parenthood

• Communication issues

• Intentional separation

• Neurodivergence and relationships

The team at CMR are specially trained sex therapists, and also work with a variety of sex therapy issues. We work with couples in all relationship configurations and sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as folks who are polyamorous/non-monogamous. We also have years of experience working with couples who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you're seeking marriage therapy, relationship therapy while dating or engaged, or relationship guidance for your ENM relationship, we're here to support you with your relationship problems.

While all relationship struggles are valid, we aren't the best fit for all couples seeking therapy. We provide referrals for couples under these circumstances:

• Are unsure if they want to stay in their relationship

• One partner is actively misusing substances

• Emotional, physical, financial or psychological abuse is present

• Court ordered therapy

Because we aren't the right fit for everyone, and we don't want you to rely on overwhelming therapy directories like Psychology Today, we've put together a list of who we consider to be the best couples therapists in the Chicago area.

7 of the best Chicago couples therapists

1. Tony Peters, MFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in helping couples and individuals navigate complex relationship and sexuality issues. He has particular expertise in addressing infidelity, out-of-control sexual behavior, mismatched desire, and LGBTQIA+ relationships. Using Narrative Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy, Tony helps clients rewrite their stories and create sustainable change. With a Master's in Couple and Family Therapy and a Certificate in Sex Therapy from Adler University, he offers a unique, creative approach that combines direct feedback with gentle challenges. As a gay man, Tony is especially passionate about providing a safe, stigma-free space for LGBTQIA+ clients and men seeking support for sexual and mental health issues.

2. Allison Colaianni, ALMFT is an associate licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in couples therapy and sexual health. She focuses on improving communication, intimacy, and authenticity in relationships. Allison helps couples navigate desire discrepancies, explore sexual identities, and adapt to modern dating challenges. Using evidence-based approaches like Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy, she provides practical tools tailored to each couple's unique needs. With a Master's in Couple & Family Therapy from Adler University and additional training in sex therapy, Allison offers a sex-positive, non-judgmental space for couples to address vulnerable topics. She is an active member of AASECT and continues her education in alternative relationship styles to support diverse couples.

3. Michelle Herzog, LMFT, CST is a licensed marriage and family therapist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist who specializes in couples therapy and sexual health. She helps couples navigate issues such as mismatched desires, communication problems, and intimacy concerns. Michelle's expertise includes affair recovery, pre-marital counseling, and addressing sexual difficulties within relationships. With an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University and specialized training in sex therapy, she offers couples modern, practical solutions for strengthening their connections. Michelle is an active member of AASECT, mentors new sex therapists, and has been featured in publications like Glamour Magazine and The Chicago Tribune.

4. Corie Carson, LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in helping individuals and couples find freedom from restrictive societal norms and improve their relationships. She focuses on rebuilding connections, exploring sexual identity, and addressing issues around pleasure, body image, and life choices. Corie works from a queer-affirming, anti-oppressive lens and has expertise in ethical non-monogamy, LGBTQ+ and kink communities, and neurodivergence. With a compassionate yet direct approach, she utilizes her MS in Marriage and Family Therapy and specialized training in sex therapy, couples therapy, affair recovery, and trauma therapy to help clients achieve more satisfying relationships and authentic lives.

5. Theresa Herring, LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in discernment counseling. Discernment counseling is a structured therapy that helps couples determine if they'd like to stay in their relationship or move towards separation or divorce. Theresa is our go to referral resource for discernment counseling, and we trust that you'll be in good hands with her. In addition to her training as a discernment therapist, she is highly trained in the Gottman method and Emotionally Focused Therapy.

6. Jamie Kreiter, LCSW, PMH-C is a licensed clinical social worker and perinatal mental health certified professional, specializing in working with birth trauma, postpartum OCD and perinatal anxiety and depression. She is the owner of Nurture Therapy, a group practice specializing with working with maternal mental health. Jamie is our preferred provider for our clients who are seeking support in their relationship after experiencing a traumatic birth, or who are experiencing postnatal difficulties, like anxiety and OCD.

7. Vanessa Ford, LCSW, CADC, is a licensed clinical social worker and certified drug addictions counselor. Vanessa specializes in working with couples where active substance misuse is present. Substance use in relationships can be incredibly stressful, leading to varying life issues and relationship problems. Working with Vanessa means you'll experience meaningful change in your relationship, as well as an understanding of how substance use impacts the health of your relationship.

Couples counseling can help you and your partner build a happier, healthier relationship.

For over a decade, our practice has built wonderful relationships with other couples therapists in the Chicago community. These clinicians offer something we don't, and we fully trust them with your care.

If you're seeking sex therapy or general couples counseling, we'd love to work with you. We offer all prospective clients a free 30 minute phone consultation to see if we're a good fit to work together. You can request to book your consultation call with one of our couples therapists here.