Welcome! My name is Dylan Amlin and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) practicing in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois.

I developed Action-Oriented Therapy through my work with clients who were looking for a more active, challenging therapy relationship that encouraged them to grow and meet their goals. I specialize in sex and relationship concerns, but work with clients experiencing a range of mental health challenges. Please read more about my approach below, explore the rest of the site, and reach out for a consultation if you think we'd be a good fit!

The Action-Oriented Approach

Action creates change.

People often hope that therapists will somehow change them or suddenly make them feel better. I'm skeptical that insight I provide creates that much change in my client's lives. It's the actions that they take that create new experiences, which then build confidence, foster insight, and shift unhelpful patterns. My role is to help you set your pace of growth, manage setbacks, and continue to take action. On my best day, I am a very good catalyst to this change process.

Goals matter.

A sense of purpose and direction is a crucial component of happiness. It's also essential to effective therapy. Whether you are wanting to have better sex or find a life partner, we will work together to:

• map out where you want to be

• explore how to get there

• find out what might get in your way

• and identify manageable, weekly steps you can take to grow and make progress.

Therapy is a tool, not a religion.

I am trained in a number of evidence-based therapy modalities that can be helpful for understanding current challenges or exploring solutions. We can go deep into understanding relational patterns with psychodynamic, systems, or emotionally-focused, analyze thought patterns with cognitive behavioral, or problem solve with solution-focused strategies. We choose the tool that seems most useful, not the one I happen to think is the most interesting.

Sex should be fun!

One of my most important roles is to take my clients and their goals seriously. Sexual problems can often make people feel isolated and hopeless, or threaten the stability of long-term relationships. Yet I often find that many clients are stuck partly because they have trouble being playful and curious. With sexual issues in particular, shame or fear of failure can make it impossible to try new things and learn from mistakes. My hope is that we can work toward your goals without making sexual growth feel like work.

Therapy should be in-person.

Though I am able to offer virtual appointments in emergencies, I prioritize in-person work and generally only take on new clients who can commit to attending every session in-person. Much of my work with individuals and couples is about processing emotions in the moment, and my impression is that this crucial element of the work is often lost in virtual therapy. I work in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago.

Sex is not secondary.

Most therapists seeing individuals and couples receive little or no training in sex therapy and tend to be less comfortable addressing sexual issues. From erectile dysfunction to lack of desire in a relationship, resolving a sexual concern almost always requires that a therapist be open to a range of explanations and solutions to a problem. Sometimes we need to talk about your relationship with your mother, sometimes you need to see a urologist or try a new lube.

Qualifications

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois and Certified Sex Therapist. I received my Certificate in Sex Therapy from the University of Michigan School of Social Work and am certified as a sex therapist through the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). I obtained a Master's of Arts in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2021. I was a staff therapist at Transcend Counseling Chicago for 4 years before transitioning to my own private practice. Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked as a leadership development coach and mentor for nonprofit and political organizations.

Insurance and Fees

My session fees range from $175-200. I am in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Aetna PPO, Evernorth/Cigna PPO, and United Healthcare PPO.

Office Location

Address

1300 W Belmont Ave, Ste 207 Chicago, IL 60657

Public Transportation

My office is conveniently located a 10-minute walk from the Belmont Red/Brown/Purple Line stop. The 77 Belmont bus also stops in front of my office.

Parking

Pay parking is available on Belmont Ave and Lakewood Ave. Neighborhood streets are permit parking but usually available during my office hours. Please note that parking may be more difficult during Cubs games.