Pete Marlow
Therapeutic Orientation & Techniques
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Areas of Specialty
College Years & Emerging Adults
Grief & Loss
Adjusting to Physical Disability or Illness
Anxiety & Depression
Career Shift & Exploration
Spirituality & Religious Identity
Conflict Resolution
Sexuality & LGBTQIA+ Populations
Trauma & Post-Traumatic Growth
Anger Management
Work & Home Life Stress Management
Sex Addiction
Couples Work
Professional Background
Illinois LPC 178.017087
Supervising Clinician: Alexandra Hoerr, LCPC 180.010561
Master of Counseling, Spring Arbor University, Grand Rapids, MI
Bachelor of Business, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
Locations: Virtual Illinois, In-Office Chicago
Pronouns: He / Him / His
Nobody has a life free from pain.
No matter how many times you give yourself the pep talk that everyone struggles, you may still have the nagging sense that others have things “figured out” and you don’t. The narrative of “my struggles make me less of a person than others who seem to have it all together,” is a lie. This thought has the power to make you feel lonely, weak, hopeless, and rob you of your sense of self-worth. The truth is life presents all of us with challenges that can come out of nowhere and are often unwarranted.
Trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, interpersonal conflict, loss of direction in life, a broken relationship or something unidentifiable that maybe can’t be named right now can all be effects manifested from these types of beliefs.
In therapy, we work together to offer space to feel accepted, in control, and valued as we work toward turning your pain into meaning and purpose. You are the world’s foremost expert on yourself and through a collaborative process we combine your expertise with my therapy toolbox and knowledge of helping people examine and create the lives they want. When you feel seen and heard, mostly by your own self, powerful things can happen! This process will look different for every person based on your specific needs and interests. I’m here to show empathy, ask questions, encourage, challenge when needed, and listen intently as you go through the process of healing. Vulnerability is hard, especially for those culturally conditioned that vulnerability is weakness, but experiencing the discomfort of having a person join you in your pain is a way to grow.
I’m a person who has struggled with being truly vulnerable with people in my life. I thought I could protect myself if I kept everyone out. The change that occurred for me personally when I accepted the love and support from those I trust, allowing myself to be vulnerable with them, has been invaluable. I no longer feel isolated and hopeless. Knowing firsthand that change is possible is why making sure a client feels safe and in control is always at the forefront of mind. I want my clients to feel the freedom to be vulnerable, which allows true change to happen.
Reaching out for help from a counselor can feel daunting. Sharing your story with someone for the first or even the fourth time brings a level of exposure and vulnerability we naturally want to avoid. As difficult as it seems, the benefit is freeing. If you feel the desire to start meeting with a therapist, I would be privileged to combine our efforts and work towards meaningful change. Schedule a session and we can examine the past so we can look forward towards your future.”
Articles by Pete
Chronic Pain and Mental Illness
Written by therapist Pete MarlowChronic pain can have myriad causes, including migraines, arthritis, lower back pain, fibromyalgia, just to name a few. For...
How Haunted Houses Can Teach Us About The Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response
Written by therapist Pete MarlowI was watching video clips from an old talk show where the host would have their producer, a middle-aged man who HATED haunted...
Rise In Suicidal Ideation Among College-Age Population
Written by therapist Pete MarlowCollege-age students were one of the populations hit hardest by the seismic shifts that have happened due to the pandemic....