Katelyn O'Connell

Ease Psychotherapy is a Chicago-based therapy practice located in River North, specializing in anxiety, OCD, and stress-related challenges for adults, teens, and families.

I provide evidence-based, compassionate therapy to help you feel more grounded, in control, and aligned to your authentic self. Whether you’re navigating stressful life transitions, emotional overwhelm, or feeling stuck, our goal is to support meaningful, lasting change.

My style is person-centered, warm and compassionate, with an emphasis on supporting you in identifying your strengths and leaning into your values. I am passionate about working alongside clients as we delve into patterns that may no longer be serving you, uncover unconscious beliefs, and explore how past experiences may be impacting you. In addition, I provide a practical approach to building real tools for change. Whether you’re navigating intrusive thoughts, relationship conflict, parenting stress, or burnout, I offer goal-oriented therapy that balances insight with actionable strategies. As a relational therapist, I believe heavily in the power of the therapeutic relationship, and start with true curiosity in getting to know you or your child’s story.

utilize modalities including psychodynamic theory, ERP (Exposure Response & Prevention Therapy), CBT, DBT, ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems), Child-Centered Play Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). With an eclectic and holistic approach, I tailor each evidence-based intervention to your unique needs.

I bring experience as both a school social worker and a school-based therapist, supporting children, adolescents, and families within educational and outpatient settings. My work has focused on helping clients navigate social, emotional, and behavioral challenges while collaborating closely with families and communities to ensure best care. I often support adolescents and teens who are transitioning from higher levels of care (IOP/PHP) by partnering closely with schools, providing school-based therapy, risk assessments, and coordination of care with schools and hospitals.

A validating, explorative and supportive experience that helps you to feel safe enough to identify goals for therapy and ensure I am the right fit for you.