Andrea Dosen

Andrea Dosen, MA, SEP, IMHP (she/her):  I am an experienced somatic therapist who is passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment for clients of all ages. I am deeply interested in the whole person and honor the connection between mind, body, emotions, and relationships throughout the therapeutic process. My approach is to work collaboratively with clients as they move toward greater self-understanding, healing, and growth.

Being a therapist is more than a career for me—it is a passion. As a second-life career path, it allows me to support people in a new, meaningful way. I integrate mind-body practices that help clients understand how stress, trauma, and life experiences affect both emotional and physical well-being, creating opportunities for deeper healing and lasting change.

As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) and Reiki practitioner, I often incorporate body-based approaches to help clients explore how stress and trauma may be held in the body, offer healing or introduce new experiences, and provide support. Touch-based practices are available when appropriate, but only if clients feel comfortable and choose this healing approach. Your sense of safety and choice always comes first. I also draw from attachment-focused work, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and CBT techniques to help clients better understand themselves, strengthen relationships, and develop new ways of responding to life’s challenges.

I have extensive experience supporting both children and families with life challenges, relationship needs, transitions, and trauma exposure.  This can include individual child therapy with parent inclusion, family therapy, or co- parenting sessions. I draw from a variety of techniques and tools that support healing, growth, connection, and emotional well-being. Depending on a child’s age and stage of development, this may include play-based approaches, strengthening attachment and relationships, building emotional regulation skills, and helping children work through experiences in ways that feel meaningful and empowering.

My education and work experience have also led me to work closely with adults of all ages. This includes individuals, first responders, and helping professionals. I understand the unique challenges of these roles and have partnered with many clients in these fields to foster greater balance, resilience, and well-being.

Whether you are just beginning to recognize the impact of stress and trauma in your life, or have been facing these challenges for some time, I would be honored to accompany you on your healing journey.

Education and Credentials

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice/Psychology from Indiana University
• Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology with specialization in child abuse/neglect from Chicago School of Professional Psychology
• Integrated Mental Health Provider
• Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP)
• Reiki I and II Practitioner

Please describe the therapeutic modalities you practice and any relevant certifications or specialized training you’ve completed.

I am a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) and have pursued additional training in using SE with family systems, as well as with perinatal and post-partum clients.

I also hold certifications in:

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Integrated Mental Health
• Reiki Levels I and II

I pursue specialized training intentionally to meet the evolving needs of my clients. Somatic Experiencing and Integrated Mental Health techniques support a holistic, mind-body approach to healing and well-being. These approaches help me recognize and explore physical, emotional, and behavioral patterns that may contribute to distress or challenges in daily life.

Trauma-Focused CBT and Reiki complement this work by supporting resilience, fostering new experiences of safety, interrupting patterns that may have been developed as early as birth, and helping clients develop healthier patterns of coping and responding. Together, these modalities create opportunities for meaningful healing and lasting change.

What are you excited about? What is your passion? What do you want to learn more about?

I am really excited to be joining CTC and returning to Chicago. Both are really where my heart resides. CTC allows me to be authentic both professionally and personally. My ancestors immigrated to Chicago from Croatia, and I have so many fond memories of my visits here.

I want to continually learn about the impact of ancient holistic practices paired with therapy techniques.

What do you like about being a therapist?  I love meeting people where they are in life and providing a non-judgmental and relational space for people to take a break from life. I find it rewarding to help clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.

What do you like to do when you are not working? What do you do for fun?

I have a cute dog, Ellie. She is quite social and likes to hike. I am her plus one. Therefore, we are hiking and walking a lot. I also like to spend time painting and rehabbing furniture. I am excited to be back in Chicago, where I can visit with family and friends. I do retreat to Montana to detach and reset.

What’s your “go to” creative or restorative outlet?   

Sound meditative therapy